NDSA Independent Membership form

Become an Independent Member of the National Disabled Students' Association
We’re thrilled you’re keen to be an Independent Member of the National Disabled Students’ Association (NDSA)! Independent Members play an important role in advising the NDSA — they also receive regular communications, and can attend NDSA events along with Members’ Council meetings, which are typically run once every month.

In this form, you'll be provided with four information pages about what it means to be an Independent Member and what this agreement means. You will then be asked some questions so that we can approve and record your membership, and keep in contact with you.

You can find our 2026 Independent Membership Agreement here [Google Docs] (blue background version [Google Docs])

Have any questions, or want to fill out this form in a different format? Feel free to contact the Co-Presidents: President@NDSA.org.nz

Can I be an Independent Member?

There's two types of Independent Membership — group Independent Members (such as a disabled students' association or club), and individual Independent Members.
- For individual Independent Members, if you are currently enrolled in a tertiary education provider, such as a polytechnic, Industry Training Organisation (ITO), Private Training Establishment (PTE), wānanga, or university, you can apply to join as an individual Independent Member! You can also join if you have been enrolled at one of these institutes within the last five (5) years.
- For group Independent Members, you can join if you're an association, club, or other kind of group representing disabled ākonga (learners). We also allow groups that cover a specific identity, such as a neurodivergent or Deaf club.
If you're applying as a group, this form should be filled out by the person who wishes to be the main contact for the NDSA. However, you are welcome to provide the names of other members of your team who would also like to be looped in on NDSA matters 😊

What does it mean to be an Independent Member?

Independent Members play an important role in the NDSA as a part of our community. Independent Members can —
- Receive communications from the NDSA on issues affecting disabled ākonga, and how you can inform local learners and be a part of change.
- Attend our monthly Members' Council, where we learn about what's happening in the NDSA, and help keep each other up-to-date on changes impacting ākonga.
- Attend NDSA online events and in-person events.
- Provide feedback and guidance on NDSA matters, and provide consultation on national issues.
- Join our Discord and Facebook group chat, accessing community and support from other learners.

What is the difference between Independent and Voting Members?

The NDSA currently has one (1) Voting Member — either a group or an individual representative — per tertiary provider. This helps us make sure different forms of tertiary education, particularly smaller schools, are fairly represented in decision-making at the NDSA. You can find out if you have a Voting Member at your place of learning here!

If you'd like to get in contact with your local Voting Member, let us know and we can provide them with your details to reach out. If there is no current Voting Member for your institution, and you would be interested in becoming a Voting Member, let our Co-Presidents know at President@NDSA.org.nz 😊

Our Voting Members have specific obligations to help represent learners at their institutes, such as being present at our Members' Council, and providing feedback on NDSA matters or issues affecting learners. Our Voting Members are strongly encouraged to consult with ākonga at their institute, and help provide information to learners on national issues.

About this Membership Agreement

By applying to join the NDSA through this form, you consent to membership and agree to our 2026 Membership Agreement [Google Docs] (blue background version [Google Docs]). We recommend taking your time to read this document, and in particular, understanding our Code of Conduct and other policies and rules of the NDSA.

The National Disabled Students' Association Incorporated (NDSA) is an incorporated society and registered charity (CC63884). This means we have to ask certain questions required under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022 and Charities Act 2005. Any questions not required under these Acts are optional.

Your information is only available to the National Disabled Students' Association, and we will not provide your information to other parties without your explicit permission.

Have any questions, or want to fill out this form in a different format? Feel free to contact the Co-Presidents: President@NDSA.org.nz

Membership application questions
Are you signing up as an individual (as one person), or on behalf of a group (such as a disabled students' association, or a club)?
What is the name of your group?
Such as 'Disabled Nurses' Students' Association of Nevermore Academy ('DNSANA') or 'Neurodivergent Club of Unseen University (NCUU)'.
Your name
If you are a group, this will be the main person who will be contacted by us.
Your contact person's title (such as president, executive)
Main email for contact
This may be your email, your student email, or your group's email
What institute are you enrolled in, or have been enrolled in within the last five (5) years?
Such as Careerforce, Media Design School, or the University of Waikato
What institute does your group cover?
Such as Careerforce, Media Design School, or the University of Waikato
Please provide us with a phone number
Please note we are required to ask for your phone number as an incorporated society, but we will not use it without your permission. If you are a group, you are welcome to use the phone number of (for example) your local students’ association, disability services staff, or another number from your institution as long as you have their permission.
Please provide names and emails of any other individuals in your group who would also like to be involved with the NDSA, join chats, and receive emails from us
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