Taking action on burdensome muscle spasms - by Ian Walker
Hey everybody!
For a fair portion of wheelchair users due to sustaining a spinal cord injury (SCI), especially the 67% or so whose SCI is determined ‘incomplete’, muscle spasms are a constant. The only things that are not are the severity, the consistency, and the painfulness of said spasms. So, what causes these spasms?
What’s in a word? – by Marlena Katene
We have all heard the saying: “Sticks and stones may break our bones but words may never hurt us”, but I think that saying is a little outdated.
As a woman with a disability, I am resilient and can handle a little political incorrectness when it comes to words but words truly can hurt. While I care more about the person’s attitude behind the words there are still many times I don’t know how to respond when people throw some words around.
Here are just a few words thrown around the disability community and my thoughts on them:
Social media and disability activism – by Susan Seipel
There are both positive and negative aspects to using social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. A few of the problems reported include bullying, hacking, promoting risk-taking behaviours, and unrealistic expectations/pressures from comparisons, all of which can be detrimental to mental health. However, in this article I want to highlight some of the advantages of social media in terms of facilitating the exchanging of ideas/information, international community connection, and activism.
Why having the right support is crucial – by Tyrone Cook
As a person who has multiple co-occurring conditions, I require support staff with me almost all the time (except at work).
Independence vs Interdependence - by Kylee Black
I have been pondering the concept of “independence vs interdependence” for some time. Somewhere along the line we have become fixated on independence like it’s the ultimate aspiration. But I have to wonder — who is ever truly independent?
Discovering my neighbourhood at a snail’s pace - by Bill Fuller
I am an ambulant wheelchair user having suffered negatively from two surgeries on my left hip. My right leg is still ‘workable’ and my doctor has requested I exercise my ‘good’ leg so it does not lose strength and movement as my left leg has.
Renting and disability - by Ferris Knight
I don’t need much. There’s only myself and my cat, Atlas. Just Pepsi Max, medication (yes, that is second to caffeine), pears, and cat food. If you asked him though, I’m sure he’d ask for a castle and then still wouldn't be happy. On the Disability Support Pension (DSP) though, castles are out of our budget.
Woodworking from my wheelchair – by Bill Fuller
I’ve always enjoyed working with wood, regardless of how rough some of my pieces would turn out. I expressed to my lovely wife that wood is a product of nature and as such having a wobbly table was quite within keeping with imperfections in nature. I’m not sure I’ve ever convinced her, however.
As we know, disability leads us to being creative and adapting everyday items to our situation. The ability to think outside the box and improvise is a common thread for those with disabilities and these traits were definitely required in making a working woodworking setup.
Starting a new life in a new city as a person with disabilities - by Alicia Kapa
Moving to Christchurch had been a journey, it is for able-bodied people but for people with a disability, it is more so. Before writing this blog I was thinking about what would be interesting for you, so I decided to write about the differences between my life in Auckland and Christchurch.
Organising events and getting out there again – by Lindsay Nott
After recently spending some time in the hospital supporting new patients a common question was about ‘attending events and functions with mates and family’ and whether it was possible.
The answer is yes, you can! Booking these events are a little different, more detailed and time-consuming.
The reality is you need prior preparation.
Preparation and spontaneity are the keys to life. Sporting grounds, movie theatres and major entertainment venues offer accessible viewing.