The invisible people

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Rikkitic

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#288424 28-Jun-2021 11:02

From time to time disabled people get a mention here and in our media, but most of the time they seem to be 'invisible', with only token references. It strikes me that I almost never see someone in a wheelchair out in public. What also strikes me is how inaccessible most places are to wheelchair users. Coming from Holland, where much more effort is made to include the disabled in everyday life, and public buildings are required by law to have access for them, I am constantly surprised by this. It seems to be a case of 'out of sight, out of mind'. This is pretty discouraging and demeaning. I just wish our politicians had to spend a day in a wheelchair.

Anyway, this item on RNZ is what put the issue back into my mind. Hopefully if people are reminded of our invisible population often enough, they won't forget about it entirely.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

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MikeB4
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#2735674 28-Jun-2021 11:12

There are mental barriers as well such as....

People pushing in front as they think one will slow them down for a few seconds.

Speaking loudly and slowly to me because I am in a chair.

People who ask my wife.."does he want a drink too"

Buses not stopping

Drivers speeding up and barging through pedestrian crossing I guess seconds are more important to them.

Being harassed for using mobility parks.

Being refused the use of toilets in businesses.

I could go on for a very long time and I haven't even touched on accessibility issues.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

Ge0rge

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#2735686 28-Jun-2021 11:38

My wife was in a chair for a short period of time post having surgery. The way she was treated in public just astounded me - it was as if she'd suddenly become a deaf invalid with the comprehension of a two year old, despite the fact she'd just had operations on her feet.

I was under the impression that all new public buildings had to be built with accessibility in mind, since quite a while ago. I suppose though that this only affects new builds, and I am not sure if it also applies to non-public commercial buildings as well?

I do remember being told about the build of a new DoC hut, high up in the Taraura Range, by one of their maintenance planners. The hut had two steps leading up to the deck and entrance and when the plans were submitted they were rejected by the council as it was a public building and must be accessible. It was pointed out by the designers that, owing to the location, two steps were going to be the absolute least issue to accessibility however the council was adamant - no ramp, no hut. It makes me think that there are at least some public servants who take accessibility seriously but in saying that I have been to several other huts in other regions built recently that have no option other than stairs.

Bung

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#2735719 28-Jun-2021 12:38

Ge0rge:
I do remember being told about the build of a new DoC hut, high up in the Taraura Range, by one of their maintenance planners. The hut had two steps leading up to the deck and entrance and when the plans were submitted they were rejected by the council as it was a public building and must be accessible. It was pointed out by the designers that, owing to the location, two steps were going to be the absolute least issue to accessibility however the council was adamant - no ramp, no hut. It makes me think that there are at least some public servants who take accessibility seriously but in saying that I have been to several other huts in other regions built recently that have no option other than stairs.

MBIE have published an acceptable solution for DOC huts to thwart jobsworths like those public servants with little imagination.

"Department of Conservation (DOC) backcountry huts, as defined in the Acceptable Solution, have simplified Building Code requirements due to their special character.

The simplified requirements mean DOC’s backcountry huts do not need:

smoke alarms
emergency lighting
access and sanitary facilities for wheelchair users
a drinkable water supply
artificial lighting"

MikeB4

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#2735732 28-Jun-2021 13:00

I cannot remember the name of the building, not important, I went to find the mobility toilet and followed the signs to find that said mobility toilet was down a flight of stairs. I asked a passerby if they could check if there was an alternative way too it, there wasn't. He did however take me to his office and I used their mobility toilet. There are good people out there.

Before my ex employer set up a home office for me I was told by my manager at the time that it should be no problem for me to travel four floors each time I needed to avail myself of the toilet. He didn't seem to understand the needs of the disabled and if one needs to use the toilet timeframes are vital. It was good that the CEO had far greater understanding and shared that understanding with my manager, forcefully. Kudos to the employer for setting me up at home allowing me to work for another 5 years before I decided I could no longer give the job what I felt I should.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

Batman

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#2735736 28-Jun-2021 13:03

Rikkitic:

From time to time disabled people get a mention here and in our media

lol media. media is there to sell ideology for the bosses and make money for their owners.

disabled people do nothing on these 2 fronts - that's why they don't get a mention.

MikeB4

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#2735790 28-Jun-2021 13:16

Batman:

lol media. media is there to sell ideology for the bosses and make money for their owners.

disabled people do nothing on these 2 fronts - that's why they don't get a mention.

@Batman apologies if I misunderstand your post but it reads to me that disabled folk don't make money for businesses or employer.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

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Rikkitic

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#2735792 28-Jun-2021 13:21

Disabled people watch ads and buy stuff. Many also hold productive jobs and pay taxes. It is not like they don't contribute to the economy.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

MikeB4

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#2735800 28-Jun-2021 13:42

I would like to remind folk that not all disabilities are immediately apparent. Not all disabilities are constant, there are many that have diminished mobility today but next week or month are able to get around unaided. These disabilities can come back overnight.

Another consideration there are disabled athletes and they achieve amazing things that leave me in awe but that does not mean that all disabled folk folk can achieve this but we are often expected to be able to do so.

Remember if I am grumpy or withdrawn it wont be you it is I am in pain, I am depressed, I simply have had enough, I am very very tried. Yet disabled are expected to be happy and grateful 24/7.

Some pleas...

Don't use the mobility park for "just a "few minutes" (NZ Couriers) as this can mean the disabled person that has just come into the car park will have to go back home.

Don't park the car over the foot path. It is no fun playing touch with cars, trucks and buses in a wheelchair or other aids on the road.

Don't leave the trolley in the supermarket aisle and supermarkets lower the height of your shelves and Whitcoulls get all the crap off the floor you muppets.

Don't creep forward in the car while disabled are crossing this can result in attempting to rush and cause injury.

Finally there is a special place reserved in hell for shops and businesses that have advertising signs on the footpath.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

Batman

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#2735801 28-Jun-2021 13:42

MikeB4:

Batman:

lol media. media is there to sell ideology for the bosses and make money for their owners.

disabled people do nothing on these 2 fronts - that's why they don't get a mention.

Batman apologies if I misunderstand your post but it reads to me that disabled folk don't make money for businesses or employer.

I meant -

The media doesn't care about people. It cares about advancing the chief's ideas/ideology and the owners care about making money.

I did not mean "disabled folk don't make money for xxx".

MikeB4

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#2735807 28-Jun-2021 14:01

Batman:

I meant -

The media doesn't care about people. It cares about advancing the chief's ideas/ideology and the owners care about making money.

I did not mean "disabled folk don't make money for xxx".

Got you, all is well.

Some media are better than others. RNZ and TVNZ are better than most.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

Rikkitic

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#2735814 28-Jun-2021 14:06

MikeB4:

Some pleas...

Don't use the mobility park for "just a "few minutes" (NZ Couriers) as this can mean the disabled person that has just come into the car park will have to go back home.

Don't park the car over the foot path. It is no fun playing touch with cars, trucks and buses in a wheelchair or other aids on the road.

Don't leave the trolley in the supermarket aisle and supermarkets lower the height of your shelves and Whitcoulls get all the crap off the floor you muppets.

Don't creep forward in the car while disabled are crossing this can result in attempting to rush and cause injury.

Finally there is a special place reserved in hell for shops and businesses that have advertising signs on the footpath.

I sometimes fantasise about getting a group of mobility card holders to drive around supermarkets and other suitable sites, parking behind any vehicle without a mobility card they find occupying a disabled space. Just park, block traffic, lock your car and go for a coffee. Make sure there is a group of supporters to document reactions and prevent rage attacks on your vehicle. Refuse to pay any subsequent fines for blocking traffic and insist on taking it to court. Start a give-a-little page to cover expenses. Be a pain in the butt until the system can't ignore you anymore. I will be happy to be part of the support group.

Plesse igmore amd axxept applogies in adbance fir anu typos

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MikeB4

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#2735866 28-Jun-2021 14:13

I report incidents but unfortunately the offenders only get ticketed. They should be towed away.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

Handsomedan

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#2735875 28-Jun-2021 14:22

MikeB4:

I would like to remind folk that not all disabilities are immediately apparent.

This is so true.

Some disabilities do not stand out to the wider population, due to the nature of the disability - take for example my BiL. He's been deaf since birth. Often doesn't wear his hearing aids. They hurt his ears apparently - and don't really do a lot...he's deaf, after all.

When people hear him talk, or see him signing, they treat him like he's mentally impaired (which admittedly is easy to do based on some of the silly things he says). Comprehension is hard when you can't hear nuances in language. He gets by, but some people treat him quite poorly due to him being obviously completely mental.

People with life-altering disabilities that affect internal organs - no obvious outward sign of the disability - no reason for them to park in the mobility park, right? Apart from the fact that walking that extra 10-20m from the next available park might mean the difference between getting home with the groceries or not...or possibly spending the night in hospital. Never mind that they have the correct permit.

It's amazing how I have been treated differently when I have been on crutches - I have an ankle injury that flares up occasionally - broke it a few years ago and it's never really come right. Amazed at how differently people can treat someone when they appear to be "less capable"...yeah, I just have a sore ankle - get over yourself. I'm not suddenly senile or mentally ill. I have a physical injury, that's all.

Anyway - you're right: not all disabilities are immediately apparent. Nor are they all physical.

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Scott3

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#2735887 28-Jun-2021 15:18

Even just pushing a pram around is fairly eye opening.

Similar size as a wheel chair (except can eaisly go up or down a single step, and can be picked up where stick).

Most modern buildings do have accessible access, but it is frequently not readily usable. Either blocked by obstructions, elevator's out of order, or a side / back door that is often locked.

There was a prominent cafe in Parnell that had it's outdoor seating blocking the only accessible access to a fairly large office / retail building. I won't name as they have remedied the situation now.

The main beach restaurant complex in takapuna has the accessible access along the prime front side, where it is typically blocked by numerous tables & chairs.

The elevator at the westhaven motorway footbridge seems constantly broken.

And Auckland seems to have a serious problem with people parking on the footpath, to the point where it doesn't seem to be enforced unless somebody phones up to complain, and many people aren't aware that they are not allowed to park on the footpath.

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#2735897 28-Jun-2021 16:09

MikeB4:

I report incidents but unfortunately the offenders only get ticketed. They should be towed away.

Disabled spots should have trebuchets mounted at the front. If you don't swipe your disability card when you park, it should yeet your car into another suburb.

Very few of life's problems are unable to be solved, or at least made significantly more entertaining, by the use of trebuchet.

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