Social media and disability activism – by Susan Seipel
There are both positive and negative aspects to using social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. A few of the problems reported include bullying, hacking, promoting risk-taking behaviours, and unrealistic expectations/pressures from comparisons, all of which can be detrimental to mental health. However, in this article I want to highlight some of the advantages of social media in terms of facilitating the exchanging of ideas/information, international community connection, and activism.
Why having the right support is crucial – by Tyrone Cook
As a person who has multiple co-occurring conditions, I require support staff with me almost all the time (except at work).
Independence vs Interdependence - by Kylee Black
I have been pondering the concept of “independence vs interdependence” for some time. Somewhere along the line we have become fixated on independence like it’s the ultimate aspiration. But I have to wonder — who is ever truly independent?
Discovering my neighbourhood at a snail's pace - by Bill Fuller
I am an ambulant wheelchair user having suffered negatively from two surgeries on my left hip. My right leg is still ‘workable’ and my doctor has requested I exercise my ‘good’ leg so it does not lose strength and movement as my left leg has.
Renting and disability - by Ferris Knight
I don’t need much. There’s only myself and my cat, Atlas. Just Pepsi Max, medication (yes, that is second to caffeine), pears, and cat food. If you asked him though, I’m sure he’d ask for a castle and then still wouldn't be happy. On the Disability Support Pension (DSP) though, castles are out of our budget.
Woodworking from my wheelchair – by Bill Fuller
I’ve always enjoyed working with wood, regardless of how rough some of my pieces would turn out. I expressed to my lovely wife that wood is a product of nature and as such having a wobbly table was quite within keeping with imperfections in nature. I’m not sure I’ve ever convinced her, however.
As we know, disability leads us to being creative and adapting everyday items to our situation. The ability to think outside the box and improvise is a common thread for those with disabilities and these traits were definitely required in making a working woodworking setup.
Starting a new life in a new city as a person with disabilities - by Alicia Kapa
Moving to Christchurch had been a journey, it is for able-bodied people but for people with a disability, it is more so. Before writing this blog I was thinking about what would be interesting for you, so I decided to write about the differences between my life in Auckland and Christchurch.
Organising events and getting out there again – by Lindsay Nott
After recently spending some time in the hospital supporting new patients a common question was about ‘attending events and functions with mates and family’ and whether it was possible.
The answer is yes, you can! Booking these events are a little different, more detailed and time-consuming.
The reality is you need prior preparation.
Preparation and spontaneity are the keys to life. Sporting grounds, movie theatres and major entertainment venues offer accessible viewing.
FINDING WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL – by Bill Fuller
When I was growing up I was sports-mad. Give me an opportunity and I’d have a go; tennis, squash, rugby, soccer, hockey and especially cricket which I played into my 50’s. One sport that had never piqued my interest was basketball. Since becoming disabled in 2015 I tried wheelchair table tennis however a nerve condition soon put a frustrating stop to that venture. Sport was not on my agenda at all from then on but through a chance comment, I found wheelchair basketball or did it find me?
NDIS is Changing Plan Dates without telling Participants - by Scott Taylor
As an NDIS participant since its very beginning when the Newcastle LGA became one of the first trial sites in 2013 before the national rollout, overall, I have had a positive experience. It has definitely changed my life for the better and allowed me to have experiences as well as achieve goals and dreams beyond my wildest imagination like living independently and gaining mainstream employment. However, since mid-October 2022, the level of admin work I have had to complete has been completely unnecessary. How has this all come about?