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.
How to manage anxiety during the holidays – by Natasha Astill
As you know the holiday season is quickly coming up.
This year has flown by super quickly.
Your mental health is super important.
Some people can get a little anxious or stressed out during the holiday season.
I am sharing my strategies that have helped me in the past as I experience anxiety and these strategies have helped.
In no particular order, the strategies are:
When end of year work feels isolating – by Tyrone Cook
I have been working for my company now for about 3 years, and thankfully I am seen like my abled colleagues as a valued employee for 364 days of the year.
But ONE night a year, and not by fault of the company I work for but those of the restaurants and bars that host us…. I and many other disabled employees, miss out on enjoying ourselves with our fellow workmates.
What International Day of People with Disability means to me – by Susan Seipel
International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is celebrated annually on the 3rd of December. The day was first observed in 1992 by the United Nations, with the aim of raising awareness, understanding and acceptance of people living with disabilities throughout the world.
Why I am grateful - by Alicia Kapa
Life is full of lessons, some big, some small and some it’s up to us what we learn. For me, this year has been full of lessons that have made me stronger. One of these lessons that I have taken to heart is to live life to the fullest because you never know when it might be your last day.