#AccessDeniedDiaries by Natasha

I was trying to access the public transport system in my local area of East Auckland, so I could independently go to the shops, the doctors and the mall.

The closest bus stop to my house is across a busy main road. I am unable to cross the road by myself due to my visual problems and being unable to see three dimensionally. There is no pedestrian crossing available. I couldn't cross the road, so I couldn't catch the bus, so I couldn't travel to where I needed to go.

I was annoyed! And not for the first time. I have experienced these sorts of barriers quite a few times when trying to access public transport.

We should have accessibility laws that provide for pedestrian crossings on main roads, for people who are otherwise unable to access bus stops on the other side of the road. What is the point of having a fancy fully accessible public transport system if you can't cross the road to use it! There needs to be a legislated system in place, for those who have a disability, to be able to access public transport.

#AccessDeniedDiaries


 

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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