Stories

Cheryl, who uses a wheelchair, needed to use the toilet when out having lunch with a friend.

The number of people using public transport has increased dramatically over recent years. Unfortunately this has been at the detriment of guide dogs and their handlers. There are signs on many of the buses asking people to give up the designated disability seating if required but this is frequently ignored.

I am a regular church attendee. For many years my church has provided me with large print hymn and service booklets but I have recently been informed I will no longer receive this assistance.

I am a Somali refugee. I am deaf and use my native sign language as well as New Zealand sign language. I have huge difficulty communicating with staff in cafes, supermarkets, dairies, shopping malls and the settlement centre.

I have found many barriers to obtaining employment when I have applied for jobs. Despite having a Master’s degree in Politics and having applied for many positions I find employers focus on my vision impairment rather than acknowledging my education and abilities.

Tony’s daughter uses a wheelchair for mobility following two years of major medical treatment. Out visiting the local mall, she required the use of the accessible toilets.

Kiley lives in a rural area approximately an hour away from her nearest city. Visually impaired, she finds her life is very isolated.

Getting around in Auckland is difficult for able bodied people, but is very stressful when one is blind. I had to go to Orewa which required a lot of advanced planning.

Natalie uses a wheelchair for mobility but finds many of the places she wishes to visit are either inaccessible or require a convoluted journey. When she and her husband wished to attend a cat show which was part of the Auckland Easter Show she had to obtain the services of the security guard to take them up in a goods lift.

Judith is very concerned for her vision impaired daughter’s safety. Krystal has not received in-depth orientation and mobility training to assist her in safely crossing roads or other road safety techniques.