Stories

Julie Woods: Looking Back on 25 Years Blind

The Access Matters campaign team is a big fan of that blind woman, Julie Woods. And we are very grateful for her tireless support for the cause, to see accessibility legislation implemented in Aotearoa New Zealand. Here is her latest story.


Today I am 25 years blind! Yes, it's 25 years ago today I sat in the waiting room of the eye department at Dunedin Public Hospital, about to be told ...

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Enough is Enough: Jason

Jason talks about living - and working - with an invisible disability.

#EnoughIsEnough #AccessLawNow #AccessMattersNZ

 


Enough is Enough: Jasmine

Jasmine talks about inaccessible bus numbers.

#EnoughIsEnough #AccessLawNow #AccessMattersNZ

 


Enough is Enough: Tamati

Tamati talks about access issues caused by construction works downtown.

#EnoughIsEnough #AccessLawNow #AccessMattersNZ

 


Enough is Enough: Natasha

Natasha talks about the difficulties of navigating murals painted on footpaths and roads.

#EnoughIsEnough #AccessLawNow #AccessMattersNZ

 


Enough is Enough: Joseph

Joseph talks about interior spaces being narrow and hard to navigate with a cane.

#EnoughIsEnough #AccessLawNow #AccessMattersNZ

 


Enough is Enough: Tarewa


Enough is Enough: Lisa


Elder Discrimination - John’s Story

“Everyone with access needs – including disabled people, older people, Māori, migrants, people with English as a second language, and those with temporary injuries - must have an equal opportunity to live life without being hindered by barriers to participation.”

My name is John. I’m from Bluff. And I believe every word of this statement, so aptly expressed by the Access Alliance. People with access needs absolutely deserve an equal opportunity to live life without constantly having to try to overcome problems and difficulties on a daily basis.

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A Fair Go - Anamaria’s Story

My name is Anamaria, I am the carer for my 17-year-old grandson Razeal, and we live in Wanganui. Razeal suffers from a brain injury; we have spent the last 15 years battling ACC and the last five years in court trying to get Razeal the proper care he needs. In the process, we have been confronted with systemic barriers that have made it extremely difficult for Razeal to gain funding for services that are essential to his learning and long-term growth.

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