Barriers

Old EFTPOS terminals are being systematically replaced by new ones that look sleek and modern.

Unfortunately, whereas the older ones had quite large keys with very clear numbers and a green ‘enter’ key ...

When Dr Huhana Hickey needs to go to the hospital for treatment, she heads off in her wheelchair across the neighbouring park, along the footpath a few blocks and she's there in 10 minutes ... But if she needs to get there, urgently, at night the park is now impossible to get through because a new gate is locked at night, blocking her path.

“It’s over there.” This is a statement that continually both frustrates and amuses the blind and vision impaired community.

Kylie wants to be a mother help at her children’s school but the staff are hesitant to allow her to do this as she is visually impaired.

Jill has asthma and small airways disease. She also experiences frequent bouts of bronchitis. These affect her breathing and she is unable to go out in the wind or on cold days.

Caitlin is visually impaired and finds the lack of narration in various situations and the focus on print or subtitles on television programmes which she cannot see very difficult.

Disability is expensive. Special equipment, medicines, special foods, house renovations and transport add to the costs of an acquired or lifelong disability. Extra unaffordable expenses can be easily incurred in circumstances where the non-disabled can achieve a solution for themselves.

The organisation which controls bus routes and is responsible for the total mobility scheme in a large New Zealand city has included in their 10 year plan a submission to decrease the 50% subsidy for total mobility trips.

James is employed by a firm which meets socially at restaurants once a month on a Friday night. Unfortunately he is unable to take part in these gatherings.

Anzac day is one of national and personal importance and pride to all New Zealanders, including those with disabilities.