It is difficult to comprehend the obstacles that Tangata Whaikaha and whanau hauā encounter, recent terms that have been used to describe peoples living with a disability and whanau that support a whanau member with a disability. The name Tangata Whaikaha was gifted by Maaka Tibble (Ngāti Porou) to shift from deficit negative labelling terms to more appreciative and enabling terms that focus on the strengths of disabled peoples. Such a history of naming can only remind us of the impact legislation, policies and institutions have had on our Tangata Whaikaha whānau.
The literature indicates that Tangata Whaikaha have been segregated from and marginalised by society since the closing of asylums (also known as mental or psychiatric hospitals) in the early 1990s. This marginalisation was primarily due to a lack of awareness of intellectual and other disabilities.

This research uses Kaupapa Māori methodology and a combination of qualitative and quantitative data methods, more commonly known as a mixed methods approach. It compares the knowledge, attitudes and experiences drawn from the participants as well as the literature and draws new insights and understandings that might inform policy and decision-making in the future. The study consists of three data collection methods: E Likert scale survey, semi-structured interviews, and case study.