These links will connect you to some of the best sources of practical information.

Parent to Parent - A support and information network for parents of children with special needs.

Carers New Zealand - Information and support for those caring for a sick, frail or disabled family member.

SAMS - the Standards and Monitoring Services Trust - provides free training workshops for those caring for a disabled family member.

Skylight - is a grief and loss counselling and information service for young people and their families. Their online links provide useful information on grief and loss for people of all ages.

TalkLink provides assistance to people who have difficulty communicating through speech, gesture or writing by making recommendations for assistive communication technology.

NZORD's network of support groups - where you will find access to people affected by the same or similar conditions - for one to one support or to meet a wider group. Several of these groups also have field staff to provide you with detailed advice and assistance, and some of them are funded by the government to provide information or support services.

Special libraries at:
Starship Children's Health
IHC
CCS
where you will find access to a wide range of health and disability information, and some of the best sources of reading material on aspects of health and disability.
 
Consumer Medicine Information is a database of links to detailed descriptions of medicines, including what it is used for, how it should be taken, and possible side effects. This information is written for consumers by the pharmaceutical manufacturer, following guidelines set by Medsafe, the Medicines Safety Authority. Medsafe also maintain the database of Medicine Datasheets - medicine information for pharmacists and health professionals - containing information on dose forms, strength, indication, contra-indications, etc, for all medicines approved for release in New Zealand.
 
The Cochrane Collaboration is an international not-for-profit organisation. Its aim is to make up-to-date, accurate information about the effects of healthcare readily available worldwide. It provides two series of information - Reviews of clinical trials written for professionals, and a separate information site for consumers.
 
Needs Assessment and Service Co-ordination agencies. These agencies are contracted by the Ministry of Health to assess your eligibility for disability support services that are funded by the Ministry. Services include home help, carer relief, housing modifications, and vehicle modifications. There are numerous agencies covering different regions. An on-line list can be viewed on the support pages of WEKA the disability information website, using the keyword "needs assessment", or phone WEKA at Enable Information freephone 0800 171981.

The Department of Work and Income administers a number of income support programmes.  Some of these such as Community Services cards and High User cards for subsidies on health and prescription charges, Disability allowances, Invalids and Sickness benefits and Child disability allowances, may be of particular relevance to you. If you meet the criteria, you have a legal entitlement to this support.