In a world that sometimes underestimates the capabilities of people with disabilities, there's something reshaping lives and challenging preconceived ideas – para sports. Para sports aren't just about competition; they're about rediscovering purpose, boosting physical and mental well-being, and finding a supportive community that truly understands the highs and lows of the unique journey each participant is on.
As a para athlete, this is the world I found myself in. A place where self-esteem gets charged, societal barriers are challenged, and community is built.
scariness and often challenges of finding an accessible house. For me, finding a house was a big challenge as we simply don’t have many available and if we do, they are taken quickly and not available for years because who would want to move if they have everything they need in the house?
By now I knew a little of what it was like to engage the world in a chair, after having gone to the zoo a few months earlier in a manual chair. It was like tasting chocolate for the first time – now I knew what it could be, and I definitely wanted to have some again, because who doesn’t want more chocolate?
Three and a bit years ago we made the move to a new town 60 kilometres away. As one does when moving we got the feel for the town and the businesses that we would frequent. That is apart from two businesses we just couldn’t leave – our GP and our car mechanic. While a 120-kilometre round trip is a decent drive, we considered it well worthwhile to “keep” these as our own.
Our mechanic still does a fine job of keeping our car tip top however the situation with our GP is now a little different.
In this blog I would like to pose the question, how is this fair? The question is in relation to the trifecta of NZ Government departments that provide aid and support for those of us who have sustained a Spinal Cord Injury either through serious injury or illness. These three departments are the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Disabled Persons (MDP).
The theatre is a magical place to escape and see your favourite performers, shows or musicals. However, it can be a daunting experience to navigate if you haven't been since your pre-wheelchair days. Logging on to Ticketmaster/Ticketek and being unable to sit where you want can be soul-crushing. Unfortunately, most venues have accessible seating with views you may not be accustomed to.
When it comes to Xmas, I am more of a “sleep in heavenly peace” reveller than someone who enjoys “rockin’ around the Xmas tree”. As an Autistic human living with energy-impairing chronic illnesses, participating in traditional Xmas festivities is a challenge that comes once a year.
I have been working for my company now for about 3 years, and thankfully I am seen like my abled colleagues as a valued employee for 364 days of the year.
But ONE night a year, and not by fault of the company I work for but those of the restaurants and bars that host us…. I and many other disabled employees, miss out on enjoying ourselves with our fellow workmates.
Para sports: the great equaliser – by Natasha Price
In a world that sometimes underestimates the capabilities of people with disabilities, there's something reshaping lives and challenging preconceived ideas – para sports. Para sports aren't just about competition; they're about rediscovering purpose, boosting physical and mental well-being, and finding a supportive community that truly understands the highs and lows of the unique journey each participant is on.
As a para athlete, this is the world I found myself in. A place where self-esteem gets charged, societal barriers are challenged, and community is built.