I encountered an access barrier when I was going around the block in my mobility scooter.

I was almost at the end of my journey, near my house, when there was an unexpected construction site. The pathway wasn't accessible!

I had to use the closest driveway and go out onto the road. I used my hazard lights on my mobility scooter, and went slowly around the construction site, and then used the nearest curb - which was around the corner - to get back to safety on the footpath.

I feel frustrated that there wasn't any notice about the footpath being inaccessible due to construction works. I would have liked to have known about the footpath closure prior to it happening.

This was the first time I had experienced this sort of access barrier so close to home, but it has happened a few more times in the local area.

I want accessibility legislation to ensure notice is given in advance to the community, to let us know about what is going to happen in our neighbourhood, and any access issues that might be a problem. Also, when a construction site creates an access barrier, there should be a safe alternative route in place for those who need to use the footpath.

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.

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