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?
How do we move from segregation to true inclusion? – by Marlena Katene
The other day I received a message:
“Hi Marlena,
I wanted to see if I could pick your brain on something. I am managing a support provider team here in XXX. We have just set up a house that will have respite/day programs/our office. I wanted to chat with you about how I can make it as inclusive as possible. I have thoughts around connecting with clients on skills they already have and setting up a group market stall in the local markets and teaching and supporting on how to set margins and make money i.e. selling seedlings for our gardeners, artworks etc.
Tips on Giving Disability Items for Christmas – by Susan Seipel
The halls are decked, there is a tree inside the house, and carols play non-stop in every shopping centre… Christmas is in full swing! So here are a few tips to consider if you wish to give disability-related items or aids as Christmas gifts.
Firstly, has the receiver expressed a need/want for a particular item, for example, if they have said they wanted a portable ramp to take with them on trips? If yes, this is 100% an excellent gift idea!
The importance of Self Advocacy - by Tyrone Cook
Learning to advocate for yourself is a very important skill for people who are disabled, even more so for those who are non-speakers.
Many people believe those who are nonspeaking (and sadly some of these people are a part of the disabled community) are unable to represent themselves and should not be represented.
Communication First aimed to dispel this with the documentary LISTEN which was created by non-speakers to educate people about how this ignorance can be a bad thing.