Sensory Sam

New Zealand Disability Support Changes 2026: What You Need to Know

Since the disruption caused by the restrictive purchasing guidelines introduced in April 2024—and the strong pushback from the disability community—the Disability Support Services (DSS) has shifted direction. As of 1...

How to Get Sensory Products Approved: Writing a justification that works

Allanah Bazzard

The winning formula Every request should clearly show: Disability → Barrier → Impact → Solution → Why this (and not something else) If one of these is missing, it’s much...

Update on Disability Funding Changes 1st April 2026

Allanah Bazzard

Disability Funding Changes in NZ from 1 April 2026 – What Families Need to Know From 1 April 2026, some important changes are happening to Individualised Funding (IF) and other...

Sensory Sams Top 10 Christmas Gift Ideas

Allanah Bazzard

Stumped for decent pressies to get this Christmas? Here's some perfect present ideas as rated by our customers...Have a Sensory Sam Merry Christmas!

Update! IF Purchasing Guidelines Now Include Sensory Toys and Weighted Products

Allanah Bazzard

On April 24th, Whaikaha released clarifications on 'Purchasing Rules for Flexible Funding'.Here are the key updates:New Approved Items for Self-Management You can now purchase the following items for a disabled...

Blog 1 of 3 Pre diagnosis- The beginning of the Neurodiverse journey

Allanah Bazzard

Knowledge is power. Prepare before the diagnosis for the best and most accurate outcome. Here's how...

Blog 2 of 3. The 3 Steps- 1) Diagnosis to 2)Needs Assessment NASC/EGL Approval to 3)Support services provider

Allanah Bazzard

The 3 Steps to funding 1)Diagnosis to 2)Needs Assessment Approval (NASC /EGL) to 3) Support Service provider

Blog 3 of 3. The Final Step- Referral to a Support services host provider

Allanah Bazzard

You have a Needs assessment and approval, time to be referred to a Disability Support Provider Host (DSP)...What are they? Disability Support service Host Providers are Organisations that are contracted to Whaikaha...

Enabling Good Lives or NASC- Which region are you in? What is the difference?

Allanah Bazzard

Just check the map to see where you live. If you are in Waikato-Coromandel Region, Greater Manawatu region, or Christchurch Selwyn Region across to Cheviot you are in the regions...

How it works- Overview of Disability Funding Organisations

Allanah Bazzard

Specialist Diagnosis- To Apply for Disability Support funding, a Specialists Diagnosis is required, and the diagnosis must include any or all intellectual, physical disabilities, and Autism & sensory disabilities to...

A practical guide to making a counselling therapy room more sensory friendly

Allanah Bazzard

Hospitals and Public Health Organisations are tuning into the need for a calm and sensory friendly environment for their patients. Here's a practical list of our products that can make...