The power of role models - by Susan Seipel
A role model is someone whose behaviours serve as an example to others. Role models can provide ‘proof’ that it is possible to achieve one’s dreams by demonstrating that a potential goal is attainable. Role models are powerful because they can influence others, and many people with disability can be considered excellent role models.
People I like follow on social media who also have a disability – by Lindsay Nott
A new year brings new challenges, I'm not one to have a New Year's resolution.
I prefer to come across a challenge and or an activity and set a goal throughout the year.
One thing I have enjoyed over the past 4 to 5 years, is following people who either have a spinal cord injury or are in the disability field, via their social media platform.
Over the past five to seven years, I have found a couple of different people I follow on YouTube.
Para sports. The great equaliser – by Natasha Price
In a world that sometimes underestimates the capabilities of people with disabilities, there's something reshaping lives and challenging preconceived ideas – para sports. Para sports aren't just about competition; they're about rediscovering purpose, boosting physical and mental well-being, and finding a supportive community that truly understands the highs and lows of the unique journey each participant is on.
As a para athlete, this is the world I found myself in. A place where self-esteem gets charged, societal barriers are challenged, and community is built.
The inaccessibility of accessible housing – by Alicia Kapa.
Independent living: this can mean many things to different people including excitement, freedom, scariness and often challenges of finding an accessible house. For me, finding a house was a big challenge as we simply don’t have many available and if we do, they are taken quickly and not available for years because who would want to move if they have everything they need in the house?
Journey to a Wheelchair Part 3: One-Wheel Forwards, Two-Wheels Back - by Ferris Knight
By now I knew a little of what it was like to engage the world in a chair, after having gone to the zoo a few months earlier in a manual chair. It was like tasting chocolate for the first time – now I knew what it could be, and I definitely wanted to have some again, because who doesn’t want more chocolate?
THE SEARCH FOR A NEW GP – by Bill Fuller
Three and a bit years ago we made the move to a new town 60 kilometres away. As one does when moving we got the feel for the town and the businesses that we would frequent. That is apart from two businesses we just couldn’t leave – our GP and our car mechanic. While a 120-kilometre round trip is a decent drive, we considered it well worthwhile to “keep” these as our own.
Our mechanic still does a fine job of keeping our car tip top however the situation with our GP is now a little different.
The fine line between having a laugh and being Ableist, Racist or whatever - by Marlena Katene
Before I start this blog, I want to say I LOVE COMEDY so there may be some unintentional unconscious bias.
HOW IS THIS FAIR? – A blog about the NZ Government’s support for people who sustain Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) – by Ian Walker
Kia ora/hey everybody!
Nga mihi o Te Tau Hou/Happy New Year!
In this blog I would like to pose the question, how is this fair? The question is in relation to the trifecta of NZ Government departments that provide aid and support for those of us who have sustained a Spinal Cord Injury either through serious injury or illness. These three departments are the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Disabled Persons (MDP).
Returning to the Theatre after an Injury – by Daniel Kenna
The theatre is a magical place to escape and see your favourite performers, shows or musicals. However, it can be a daunting experience to navigate if you haven't been since your pre-wheelchair days. Logging on to Ticketmaster/Ticketek and being unable to sit where you want can be soul-crushing. Unfortunately, most venues have accessible seating with views you may not be accustomed to.
How to Avoid Xmas Burn-out by an Autistic Energy-Impaired Grinch - by Charlie Park
When it comes to Xmas, I am more of a “sleep in heavenly peace” reveller than someone who enjoys “rockin’ around the Xmas tree”. As an Autistic human living with energy-impairing chronic illnesses, participating in traditional Xmas festivities is a challenge that comes once a year.