CCS Disability Action courses

Module Overview

“Ka whiti te rā, ka tau te rangimārie.”

When the sun shines, peace will settle. Advocacy is central to upholding the rights, mana, and leadership of disabled people and whānau hauā. This module empowers support staff to understand, apply, and reflect on advocacy practices that are rights‑based, culturally responsive, and directed by the person at the centre. Through stories, examples, and reflective learning, you will explore how to promote choice, voice, and equitable outcomes in your daily practice.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Explain what advocacy is and describe the different types used.

Support a disabled person to speak up for themselves and make choices that work for them.

Work effectively with whānau and others by communicating respectfully and openly.

Record your advocacy actions clearly, accurately, and in line with ethical expectations.

A structured introduction to reviewing building plans for accessibility compliance, this module guides participants through interpreting architectural drawings, identifying key accessibility features, and assessing proposed designs against relevant standards and legislation. Learners are supported step‑by‑step in understanding plan sets, symbols, and annotations, enabling them to evaluate accessibility at key stages in the design process.

This module provides a structured, practical introduction to conducting accessibility audits and reviews within the built environment. Participants will learn how to assess buildings, facilities, and public spaces against relevant standards, legislation, and best‑practice guidance. The module emphasises observational skills, evidence‑based assessment, and clear documentation, enabling participants to identify barriers, evaluate compliance, conduct a GAP analysis and recommend meaningful improvements. Note module will entail completion of a specified number of audits.

The biases and stigma we hold can cause significant harm to disabled people.  This module is to support our learning to check our biases and recognise our role and our professional boundaries when supporting people. This course is designed for all people working with adults and young people with impairments. Completion time 30 minutes.

Module Overview

This foundation eLearning module introduces participants to the principles of disability awareness. It explores diversity and inclusion and empowers learners to improve outcomes for the communities we serve.

You will learn about the use of respectful language, Universal Design, how to uphold the rights of disabled people, and practical ways to make meaningful changes that support an inclusive society.

Throughout the module, you will hear from Disabled Leaders from across Aotearoa New Zealand as they share their personal experiences, insights, and perspectives. Co‑created with disabled leaders, this course includes:

Video content sharing lived‑experience perspectives and insights into common barriers Interactive activities designed to guide, support, and enhance your learning Built‑in accessibility features to ensure the module is inclusive for all learners.

Module Overview

This foundation module introduces the core principles of accessible public transport. You will learn how your role contributes to creating transport journeys that are welcoming and accessible for everyone in your community.

The module also supports you to build a culture of care and inclusion across all passenger interactions. You will explore disability as a natural part of human diversity, learn how to use respectful and inclusive language, and hear real stories about barriers faced by disabled New Zealanders.

Co‑created with disabled leaders, the module includes video insights and interactive activities to guide and reinforce your learning.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Describe your role in providing positive and inclusive transport experiences for all passengers.

Recognise attitudes and barriers encountered by passengers with impairments.

Identify key legislation relating to accessible transport and understand how it applies to your role. Use respectful language and apply inclusive practices when engaging with passengers.

An exploration of the functional requirements of people with different impairment types, using practical, scenario‑based examples to illustrate real‑world needs. Participants examine how conditions such as gradients, surface types, kerbs, and other environmental barriers influence mobility, navigation, and overall usability. The content is designed to challenge common assumptions and deepen understanding of how diverse users interact with the built environment.

A clear overview of how the Building Act 2004 and the New Zealand Building Code work together to support accessibility in the built environment. Participants explore the legislative intent behind these frameworks and develop an understanding of the specific provisions that relate to access for disabled people. The content establishes essential knowledge for anyone involved in design, assessment, or decision making within the regulatory system.

A clear and practical overview of the compliance pathways available under the New Zealand Building Code, with a focus on Acceptable Solutions (AS) and Verification Methods (VM). Participants learn how these documents support Code compliance, how they are structured, and how they are applied in design, assessment, and decision making.

This module provides a clear and practical introduction to New Zealand Standard 4121:2001 – Design for Access and Mobility, the key technical standard that guides accessible design in the built environment. Participants will explore the purpose, scope, and structure of NZS 4121, understand how it interfaces with the Building Code, and learn how to interpret and apply its requirements in real‑world design and assessment contexts. The module emphasises practical use of the standard to support consistent, accessibility decisions.

This module provides participants with a structured approach to preparing clear, accessible audit reports. It covers the essential components of audit documentation, including methodology, evidence collection, referencing standards, and presenting findings in a professional and actionable format. Learners will be guided through how to organise information, articulate barriers, and develop recommendations that are practical, client focused and aligned with relevant legislation and technical guidance.

A practical introduction to RTS 14: Guidelines for Facilities for Blind and Vision‑Impaired Pedestrians, this module examines how tactile indicators, surface treatments, crossing design, and wayfinding elements contribute to safe and independent navigation for people with vision impairments. Participants also explore broader pedestrian planning principles, gaining insight into how well‑designed environments enhance safety, accessibility, and overall user experience for all pedestrians.