I have been in a wheelchair ♿ since 2015. I had a fall and after 12 days in hospital 🏥 I was rushed to Dunedin by emergency helicopter for immediate surgery.

I had a massive slipped disk. Damage to level 4 and 5. I was at Burwood spinal injury for 4 months. I only could move my head and left arm.

I had to relearn everything again. I was at Bainfield Park Rest Home for 8 months before I moved to Mosgiel. It has been fantastic here. I can most days use a walker inside.

I have a manual wheelchair ♿ that I use a lot. For longer distances I use a power chair ♿.

I find that my manual chair is very useful as it is compact. However, my power chair is not able to get into many places. Either places have steps or is not able to fit into the doors or lifts.

I want new accessibility laws to make sure people with access needs, like me, are able to get in and out and around the built environment. Just like everyone else.

This is a story about the barriers many face. We're sharing it because we want a law that puts accessibility at the heart of an inclusive Aotearoa New Zealand.

What's your story?

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