Disability Support
Gardening from a wheelchair
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
How safe is your Shower – When Should You Invest in a Disabled Shower?
Maintaining independence within the comfort of your own home for yourself or a loved one with disabilities is essential. There comes a time when you need to think about investing in a disabled shower. We guide you through this process. Read this article to find out when and why you should make this decision.