Posts by Christine Peet

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  • Access: I'm not laughing,

    Also in a wheelchair with Spina bifida

    1. “I’m in a rush, I only parked there for a few minutes.” Tick

    2. “Do you know what’s his name? He’s in a wheelchair too!” Tick - commonly mistaken for another woman who apparently looks remarkably like me who lives where I am - although I suspect only because of the wheelchair.

    3. “Why are you in a wheelchair?” Tick

    4. “Can I pray for you?” Tick

    5. “It’s good to see you out and being productive.” Tick *rolls eyes*

    6. “I had to use a wheelchair once, so I identify with what you are going through.” Tick "yep, sure you do"

    7. “Everything happens for a reason.” haven't had this one - yet

    8. “You are good-looking for a person in a wheelchair.” or this one - although that did make me laugh

    9. “That’s great! You picked those things up so fast.” haven't had this one either - thank goodness. It's the legs that don't work, not the brain

    10. “Can you pop a wheelie?” Oh yes... many, many, many times

    11. “You are truly inspiring.” *puke* yes

    12. “How fast does your wheelchair go?” Mostly from kids but yes

    13. “Is your partner in a wheelchair too?” *groan* have had this one too

    14. “I’m so glad I’m not in a wheelchair.” Yep, thanks for that

    15. “I’m sure you will walk again, stay positive.” Um...no and I've come to terms with that.

    My all favourite (?!) would be "What would your (insert relationship to you) like to eat/drink. EVERYONE I know, will say "I don't know, ask her yourself"

    Following Emma’s link, the “can {disabled person} have sex” one I have actually seen. I was as stunned as the person being asked, and she was waay too nice to say anything rude. There’s got to be a snarky version of “first you’d have to talk to her rather than me, then you’d have to ask for consent”. “I think you just blew your chance”, perhaps?

    Have had this one too... also "Do you sleep in your wheelchair or in a bed?"

    I just had to put my two cents worth in here. Irresistible.

    New Zealand • Since May 2014 • 28 posts Report Reply

  • Access: Some aspects of New Zealand’s…, in reply to Rosemary McDonald,

    Thanks

    New Zealand • Since May 2014 • 28 posts Report Reply

  • Access: Some aspects of New Zealand’s…, in reply to Rosemary McDonald,

    Thinking of the at least 1/2 dozen other Miserly of Health: Disability Support Services clients of our acquaintance who are also living in blissfull sin with their opposite sex partner.

    Guess they knew not to fess up…

    I'm curious to know what you mean by this Rosemary?

    New Zealand • Since May 2014 • 28 posts Report Reply

  • Access: Feelgood Flicks,

    I watched this programme when it aired and watched it again last night. Such a great story. I agree with you Russell - it is a slog. I am in a wheelchair and had no luck through Workbridge or the CCS vocational support person. I was constantly being sent to places that had no accessibility for me. Certainly not enough work done on the environment. The skill matching was right on though for the most part. For me it was 'not what you know but who you know' and I've had a very successful 8 years at an accounting firm whose Director is a guy a few years ahead of me at school but a sister in my year. Awesome work by the way Jimmy.

    New Zealand • Since May 2014 • 28 posts Report Reply

  • Access: You Can Call Me Brave Now,

    Have you been given a time frame for when you might have your surgery? I know for me (also with Spina Bifida) stays in hospita/surgery never gets any easier. Best wishes.

    New Zealand • Since May 2014 • 28 posts Report Reply

  • Access: Respect, please,

    Or…..the carpark is wide enough to get into your chair…..but, there is no ramp up to the footpath without having to beetle behind ten parked cars…..dreading reversing lights coming on.

    Our supermarket was renovated some time ago, and someone put in concrete ramp where the mobility parks are. It got taken away when the renovations were done so I emailed the store owner saying it was a brilliant addition and much safer than wheeling behind cars where you're possibly not seen. His reply? Not going to put it back 'lots of people have to walk behind cars'. Supermarket now under new management and the ramp is back. Great for trolleys, even better for a wheelchair :)

    New Zealand • Since May 2014 • 28 posts Report Reply

  • Access: Respect, please, in reply to Angela Hart,

    I got given a book some years ago by a friend written by Alexia Pickering with her assessment of "accessible" accommodation. While very out of date, and an updated edition never published (to my knowledge) We use it time and time again, and have found it very accurate and useful. Again 'Accessible accommodation' is in the eye of the beholder, but unless feedback is given they don't know what they should change.

    New Zealand • Since May 2014 • 28 posts Report Reply

  • Access: Respect, please,

    I live in a street literally two corners from a little shopping centre, and the irony is that it's quicker and safer for me to take the time to put my wheelchair on my hoist and drive there than to push my chair. I have to cross the road sooner or later to get there, and while my driveway is manageable to move onto the road other driveways/curbs aren't. The city centre is a lot better than it used to be, and yes I find the bumps at pedestrian crossings annoying, but also realise that in order to be inclusive things like this need to be done. My biggest gripe is the council are so nice in putting mobility parks everywhere, but they're more often than not the same width as a regular car park. Someone's not following the regulations. The council was very obliging though, when my dad approached them to put in an extra curb outside the parking building I have to park in to get to work, and smooth out one on the opposite side of the road. They also fixed the rampway at the parking building to make it more wheelchair friendly. It'll never be perfect for everyone, but unless it's pointed out to people it's not going to change.

    New Zealand • Since May 2014 • 28 posts Report Reply

  • Access: Respect, please, in reply to Angela Hart,

    I was just telling my partner what you said and he agreed. He also said that if there was a magic cure and I could walk tomorrow, he reckons I would take it... the idea frightens me, but who knows.

    New Zealand • Since May 2014 • 28 posts Report Reply

  • Access: Respect, please, in reply to Christopher Dempsey,

    I concur with you totally Christopher - although I'm in a wheelchair, I don't think I'd want to swap my wheelchair for walking. I've lived my life this way and I'm happy.

    New Zealand • Since May 2014 • 28 posts Report Reply

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