Key facts for the media

IHC is New Zealand’s largest provider of services and advocacy to people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Its history reaches back more than 60 years to a group of families who set up an association to lobby for a better deal for their children.

IHC remains firmly committed to the values these early parents represented – the inclusion of all people with intellectual disabilities in their local communities.

IHC is a membership organisation.  Its direction is set by the Board of Governance, a group of volunteers from IHC’s membership.

IHC supports people with intellectual disabilities by:

• advocating for their rights

• providing a variety of housing and work options
• supporting families.

IHC has around 35 associations of members across New Zealand that help to connect IHC with communities.

IDEA Services Ltd and Timata Hou Ltd are the service arms of IHC. These services are funded by government through the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Development. They provide services to around 6000 people with intellectual disability.

IHC Programmes is IHC’s charitable arm, and it relies on donations for the work it does on behalf of the 35,000 people in New Zealand with intellectual disabilities.

Many IHC programmes are not funded by the government so donations are essential if IHC is to carry on its work in communities throughout the country. These activities include a volunteer programme, a small advocacy team and New Zealand’s most important library relating to intellectual disability.

Read the latest IHC Annual Report 2011

Media spokesperson

Any media enquiries should be directed to

Janine Stewart
Level 14, Willbank House
57 Willis Street
Wellington
P.O. Box 4155
Wellington 6140
Phone: 04 471 5750
Mobile: 027 249 2976
Email: janine.stewart@ihc.org.nz