Resources

How to “Get Thru” an Earthquake:

For those of us with mobility impairments or disabilities, the right response will help you “get thru” any obstacle, even an earthquake.

The Beaches for Everyone Project

A plastic beach mat was trialled on Mount Main Beach and Pilot Bay last year and it gave a chance to the local wheelchair-bound people to visit the beach, feel the sand, and experience the waves

Gardening from a wheelchair

Man in a wheelchair working with his plants at a raised potting bench

From physical exercise to mental wellbeing, the love of maintaining an aesthetically beautiful outdoor space to the joy in nurturing new plant life and perhaps even growing wholesome food for your cupboards, there are countless reasons that humans have always been drawn to gardening. For some it is a necessity, others a hobby, and others it is a form of therapy. Often it’s all of the above. While your wheelchair may present certain challenges that able bodied gardeners are unaffected by, there are steps you can take to design or adapt your space and create a user-friendly garden and toolkit that takes your personal needs into account.

Sport opportunities for people with disabilities

Today, across New Zealand and worldwide, there are countless opportunities for aspiring athletes and sports enthusiasts with disabilities, and a wealth of agencies and organisations who can support you in achieving your personal goals.

Disability equipment showroom in Auckland now open!

We have a new showroom for a wide range of our disability equipment now open within the Tile Depot store on Rosebank Road in Avondale, Auckland.

Emergency Preparedness When Living with a Disability

Most individuals living in New Zealand may never have to face a life-threatening emergency. However, it is pragmatic to prepare your home and your car for large and small incidences. Small emergencies can include losing power, a loss of heating, or your car breaking down. Larger emergencies may include floods, fires, and pandemics. Stocking up on supplies and taking the right steps to adapt your home can make all the difference to your quality of life during emergencies. Find out more.

Enjoying Cooking when you have a Disability

Cooking is one of life’s greatest and most simple pleasures. If you enjoy it, you are engaging in an activity that is creative and healthy. When you have a permanent or temporary disability, cooking can become challenging. Few standard kitchens have the right access levels, and may even have the wrong depth. No two disabilities are the same, but there are some general ways to make sure you continue cooking as a disabled person, while still being able to enjoy the process.

What You Need to Know About Health Screening in New Zealand

In 2010, a study published in the Journal of Women’s Health1 revealed that women who have a disability are less likely to present for routine mammograms. Health screening in New Zealand is central to catching cancer early. Read this article to find out the routine procedures offered by New Zealand’s National Screening Unit.

Understanding the Ministry of Healths Home Modification Funding

Modifying your home so that it meets the needs of your disability is not as expensive as you think. The Ministry of Health (MoH) provides financial assistance to many New Zealand residents who may need to make home modifications for themselves or their disabled children. If it is difficult for you to get around your home and perform everyday tasks because of your disability, it is worth checking out the MoH’s guidelines to see if you are eligible for financial assistance.

Preventing Accidents in the Bathroom

preventing accidents in disabled bathroom

While bathrooms are relaxing, they can often become hazardous. Not taking the right steps to make your bathroom safe for you or your child when you have a disability can lead to accidents. Learn few simple ways to reduce the chances of accidents in the bathroom.

Exercising at Home When you Have a Disability

The majority of the exercise industry focuses on those who do not have a disability, which often makes engaging in routines at home challenging. While the scope of out-of-the-home facilities continues to grow, home-based commitments and other challenges may mean you want to spend time exercising within your own home. Find out how to adapt disability friendly exercises within your home.

What you need to know about Disability Benefits in New Zealand

A large portion of our Government budget goes to the health sector but due to our ‘she’ll be right’ attitude do we always seek and obtain the benefits we need? Disability benefits in NZ are there for Kiwis that need them but do you know what disability assistance is available to you?

Choosing a Disability Toilet and Bathroom for the Home

The number of people in New Zealand with disability and mobility issues is increasing and this is a growing concern for Kiwis. The NZ Government has been compelled to act accordingly and pass laws that will help ease the burden of disabled Kiwis. These laws include home modifications for families with disabled members. Creating an accessible environment for a disabled family member benefits not only the disabled person but the whole family as well. That’s why it’s important to have home modifications that will fit a disabled person’s needs. What are these modifications and how can these improve lives? Read all about it here.

Wheelchair Accessible Travel Ideas In New Zealand

When you think of touring New Zealand, cities like Wellington and Auckland may be on your list but you probably want to see the natural wonders and journey to Middle Earth. Travelling is exciting but can be challenging for those of us in wheelchairs. There are agencies in NZ that are devoted to providing wheelchair bound and mature travellers with as many opportunities for adventure and discovery in NZ as possible. Read more about this here.

Benefits of Including Disability Equipment in the Workplace

Benefits of Including Disability Equipment like a Hand Basin in your Organisation

Organisations could take a closer look at disability equipment when planning and refurbishing their premises. A seemingly ordinary fixture such a disability hand basin can speak volumes about how you value your employees, your customers and the community you serve. People who live with mobility issues have sharpened their practical problem solving skills and this can be applied to the workplace. Companies looking for talent can invest in simple disability-friendly facilities like hand basins as a way to attract a new skills pool. Read more about this issue here.

Guidelines to get a Disabled Parking Permit in New Zealand

Guidelines in Acquiring a Disabled Parking Permit in New Zealand

New Zealand is clamping down on motorists who are taking advantage of the mobility-parking scheme. The mobility parking scheme allows people with mobility issues to park on metered or time-restricted parking areas, regular parking spaces, or mobility parking spaces for a longer period of time. Disability parking permits have been a hot issue lately because of the many complaints received by CSS Disability Action regarding the use of designated spaces by people who are not eligible and who do not have the permit. Read more about the story here.

How a Disabled Access Bathroom Creates a Sustainable Business

Create a Sustainable Business-by-Providing a Disabled Access Bathroom

One challenge for many businesses is creating a safer environment for people with disabilities. Here is how a disabled access bathroom can help. Read more about this issue here.

Empowering Disabled People through Disability Laws in New Zealand

New Zealand is at the forefront of pushing for the rights of disabled people through our many different disability laws. Thus protecting people against discrimination and recognising their contribution to society. Disability strategies have been strongly enforced in New Zealand so that people with disabilities can integrate more easily. To gain a better understanding of the laws protecting their rights, go here.

Adjustable Kitchen Benches: A Great Way to Nurture Creativity

Father helping disabled son with work in the kitchen

Adjustable kitchen benches provide a creative family environment where you all can spend time together and learn. Find out more…

Installing a Disability Access Ramp in Your Home

Disability access ramps provide convenience to those who use wheelchairs. They can be installed in your home and are especially useful for entranceways. Are you thinking about installing a disability access ramp in your home? There are some considerations you should make before you get going. Read more here.