Auckland, 2 October — As cost-of-living pressures dominate headlines, data from Blind Low Vision NZ reveals how blind, deafblind, and low vision New Zealanders are disproportionately affected, facing not only higher costs but also the emotional strain of barriers most Kiwis never encounter.

According to the Stats NZ Household Disability Survey, 58% of disabled New Zealanders earn $30,000 or less annually, compared with 33% of non-disabled people. For those who are blind, deafblind, or low vision, these financial pressures are compounded by hidden expenses - from taxis that cost more than public transport, to adaptive technology priced in the thousands, to medical services that remain inaccessible.

Blind Low Vision NZ clients report skipping GP appointments because travel is unaffordable, and delaying treatment because forms and health information aren’t available in formats they can read.

The inequities extend into the workplace. While one in six New Zealanders identify as disabled, 60% are unemployed or underemployed. For Blind Low Vision NZ clients, 51% of working-age members are without a job, and 74% of youth clients have never had a part-time or summer job.

These figures reflect systemic barriers such as bias, inaccessible recruitment systems, and persistent myths about cost or productivity, despite the fact that 75% of working-age disabled New Zealanders require no additional support or equipment from their employer to do their job.

Beyond the financial pressure, the hidden costs are emotional. Relying on strangers to read personal mail or medical forms compromises privacy. Inaccessible transport and unsafe streets reduce independence. Social connection is lost when daily participation feels overwhelming or impossible.

The impact is growing. Census data shows the number of people reporting no or limited sight that affects daily activities has risen by about 8% since 2018, from just over 169,000 to nearly 183,000 in 2023. As prevalence rises, so too does demand for services and support.

Blind Low Vision NZ client Ethan says orientation and mobility training, Braille and being matched with his guide dog Jack have been “life-changing”, however despite the support from Blind Low Vision, his whānau and guide dog, Ethan still faces barriers.

These include inaccessible websites, confusing systems, verbal abuse and stray dogs running up to guide dog Jack. However, he doesn’t let these setbacks stop him, saying “No matter what happens, I’m still going to get out of the house. Don’t hide from the hard stuff- what some people see as a massive inconvenience, I see as opportunity”.

Blind Low Vision NZ currently supports more than 15,000 clients. In 2025 alone, over 64,000 books were borrowed from their accessible library, nearly 1,000 people took part in its adaptive technology webinars, and 1,400 volunteers contributed more than 1 million hours — the equivalent of 500 full-time staff.

Services include guide dog training, mobility support, skills for independence, emotional wellbeing programmes, youth employment readiness, deafblind services, and tailored support for Māori and Pasifika clients. Referrals are rising, with a 46% increase in specialist referrals in 2024 alone showing that demand for these services has never been greater.

This year, Blind Low Vision NZ has also introduced a White Cane Initiative, allowing eligible members to apply for one fully funded cane and up to two tips annually, an essential lifeline for safe mobility that many previously had to purchase at personal cost.

“With 80% of our income coming from donations, community support is critical,” says Bernadette Murphy, Head of Fundraising, Blind Low Vision NZ. “The cost-of-living crisis is hard for everyone, but when you add inaccessible services, higher transport costs, and the price of adaptive technology, New Zealanders who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision are unfairly disadvantaged. Donations help us reduce those inequities and ensure people can live with dignity, equity, and independence.”

Blind Low Vision NZ is calling on New Zealanders to support its Blind Low Vision Month appeal this October, aiming to raise $500,000 to fund essential services for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision.

Donate today by visiting blindlowvision.org.nz.

About Blind Low Vision NZ

Blind Low Vision NZ empowers New Zealanders who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision to live life on their terms. By breaking down financial and emotional barriers to accessibility, it ensures everyone can access life’s essentials, from mobility and technology to community connection and wellbeing.

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