Guidance On Our Symbols
Below tells you what we are looking for in your answers and what evidence we will be taking into account.
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In the form, there is a question which relates to each symbol.
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It is important that you provide full answers and as much evidence to back your answers up as possible.
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If we cannot link your answers to the medical information that you have provided and the evidence you submitted, we will not be able to confirm a symbol.
What The Symbols Mean
In the paragraphs below, we tell you what the symbols mean and what evidence you need to provide.
Please note – evidence we may not take into account as they provide little or no detail relating to an individual's specific needs:
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Confirmation of doctor's, or specialist's appointment letters
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Information provided by non-professionals (friends/family)
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KiwiAble Card, Total Mobility Card, Disabled Parking Scheme
Standing And Queuing
This symbol is awarded to people who find standing or queuing a substantial barrier to accessing services. This barrier may include individuals who physically cannot stand/queue for any significant amount of time or people that have an issue with understanding the concept of queuing.
Potential Evidence
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Copy of current benefit entitlement
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Letter from MSD, hospital providing treatment
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A detailed description of difficulties faced
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A Doctors letter providing specific detail of medical need
Wheelchair Access
This symbol is for people who require wheelchair accessible facilities or require level access as they are unable to do even a small number of steps. Focus here is given to people who are regular wheelchair users, not necessarily permanently, as we can indicate on your card that your need varies.
Potential Evidence
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Copy of current benefit entitlement
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Letter from MSD, hospital providing treatment
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Copy of correspondence with Wheelchair Services
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A detailed description of the problems faced
Distance
If you have difficulty moving more than short distances, this is the symbol for you. We have no strict definition of what distances are involved as it will be for you to discuss this with providers, and they will let you know how they might be able to meet your needs.
We do, however, need to see information which confirms you have a medical condition which has a significant impact on the distance you can move.
You might also get this symbol if you are a wheelchair user who is unable to self-propel distances. You would not get it if you are powered wheelchair user or if you are unable to self-propel at all – in this case, we would consider the +1 symbol as providing the solution for you.
Potential Evidence
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Copy of current benefit entitlement
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Letter from MSD, hospital providing treatment
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A detailed description of the problems faced
Urgent Toilet Needs
For people with continence issues, we have the W.C. Symbol. Providers on board are made aware that this means urgent access to any toilet without question. This toilet may or may not be an accessible toilet.
If you only need the use of an accessible toilet this need is covered with the other symbols or the award of an Access Card itself.
Potential Evidence
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Copy of current benefit entitlement–
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Letter from MSD, hospital providing treatment
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Confirmation of continence issues
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A detailed description of the problems faced
Assistance Dogs
If you require the support of an assistance dog, then let us know about it in your form.
Potential Evidence
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Copy of Assistance Dog ID from one of the following organisations:
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Assistance Dogs NZ Trust.
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Blind Low Vision NZ.
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Hearing Dogs NZ.
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NZ Epilepsy Assist Dog Trust.
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Mobility Dogs.
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Perfect Partners Assistance Dogs Trust.
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Copy of current benefit entitlement
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A detailed description of the problems faced
Essential Companion
This symbol is awarded to people for whom it would be significantly difficult for them to access services without support from another person.
You must be able to show that the support you need is substantial, significant or frequent. It must directly related to your needs as a disabled person, and without it, you would receive a lesser service.
It may mean an essential companion ticket, or it may mean a provider will offer additional support from their own staff.
Potential Evidence
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Copy of current benefit entitlement
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Letter from MSD, hospital providing treatment
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A letter confirming the level of need from an appropriate professional
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A detailed description of support needed from another person
Visual Information
This symbol is for people who find accessing visual information a barrier. This need may include people with visual impairments who require alternative formats/guidance. It may also include people with Learning Difficulties who have difficulty accessing written information.
Potential Evidence
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Copy of current benefit entitlement
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Letter from MSD, hospital providing treatment
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Local Authority Blind Register details
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A detailed description of the difficulty you have accessing visual information
Audible Information
This symbol relates to people who have difficulty accessing or processing audible information. It may be relevant to Deaf people, those with hearing impairments, or to people who have difficulty with understanding spoken instructions.
Potential Evidence
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Copy of current benefit entitlement
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Letter from MSD, hospital providing treatment
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Hearing Aid Battery Book
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A copy of hearing charts
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A detailed description of the problems faced
Hidden Disabilities
This category is for everything else, and providers are encouraged to seek more information directly from you about how they might be able to support specific needs not otherwise identified on the card. An example may be, photosensitive epilepsy.
This symbol will prompt a provider to ask for specific information from you about how you will access their service.
Potential Evidence
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Copy of current benefit entitlement
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Letter from MSD, hospital providing treatment
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A detailed description of the problems faced
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Any other supporting information you feel is appropriate
