Stories

I have worked at my local supermarket for 20 years. Last year I gained my independence and moved into a rental house with a friend. I needed to earn more money to help with rent and utility bills.

I recently had to have an x-ray for a suspected broken wrist following a fall. I am vision impaired and use a guide dog for mobility.

I live in an apartment block which is gated and has shared common areas. It is managed by a committee and body corporate.

I was born with very little vision and am also colour blind. Several years ago I returned to Christchurch, where I lived when I was growing up, on a holiday with my family. I decided to take my children on a trip to Cathedral Square and to visit the shops I remembered from my childhood.

Jonathan is autistic and often uses taxis. With the support of local total mobility representatives he recently approached the taxi companies where he lives requesting that he can nominate a driver of his choice.

For several years I have been asking Work and Income case managers for support in paying a gym membership so I can keep fit in a safe environment. Their reply is usually “go out and exercise on the roadside.”

My name is Jane and I live in Torbay. I use a mobility scooter and find travelling to the Albany shops has become a nightmare.

Karin had been invited to a wedding in Australia. Excited, she began to plan what she would wear to the black tie event.

Communications, especially those which are private and sensitive between bank staff and people with a sight impairment, continue to show a lack of sensitivity with simple everyday tasks.

I was aboard one of Auckland’s new electric ‘accessible’ trains when the electric wires came down in front of the train while it was travelling between stations.