walking . is . overrated

nz disability news, views, and reviews

walking . is . overrated - nz disability news, views, and reviews

walkingisoverrated.com on CloseUp tonight!

October 17th, 2007 · 21 Comments

CloseUp - TVOneUpdate: Hey everyone, thanks for checking out the site! It doesn’t matter where you are in the country, if you’d like to contribute an “accessible” review, send it through to me at: red@walkingisoverrated.com and I’ll publish it on the blog! If you’d like to chat some more, head on over to the forums!

With a bit of effort I reckon we can make this site the best disability site in the country :D

Mark Sainsbury and I went for a wander around Auckland City today, filming a segment for TV One’s CloseUp show. The slot discusses various access issues around the CBD, as well as focussing on my reasons for creating walkingisoverrated.com!

Make sure you tune in at 7pm NZT tonight, or click the link above to check out the live web stream, and leave your comments below!

Tags: Exciting times · Public Facilities · Site News

21 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Richie - AlmostFamous // Oct 17, 2007 at 5:27 pm

    Great Job!

    I Cannot wait to view this tonight!

    Due to it being on Close Up, I Bet this site will get tonnes of views!

    Good Luck Again,

    God Bless,
    Richie.

    ;DD

  • 2 KiwiJenn // Oct 17, 2007 at 5:52 pm

    Neat, I’ll be checking it out tonight.

  • 3 cam // Oct 17, 2007 at 6:12 pm

    awesome news Red! Will be watching.

  • 4 Brad // Oct 17, 2007 at 7:30 pm

    hey, great segment on Close Up. Good on you!

  • 5 Richie - AlmostFamous // Oct 17, 2007 at 7:32 pm

    That was great Red!

    As I Said Before, and I’ll say it again,

    Very Inspirational.

    Hope you get heaps of hits!

    ;DD

    Nice Job Red.

  • 6 Lee // Oct 17, 2007 at 7:36 pm

    Just saw your spot on CloseUp and was most impressed! Keep up the good work, you make a great advocate for the rights that you should have and that we able bodied take for granted - we need a jolt now and then and by the sound of it you gave one to Starbucks. Good on them too for following up on your comments, hope that goes somewhere. Cheers.

  • 7 Rodger Ashton-Smith // Oct 17, 2007 at 7:37 pm

    A good session on CloseUp. You have done a great job for all who have mobility problems. I have MS and one of the lucker ones that I’m not in a chair yet, but access is still important to me. To often we’re ignored and this can be fustrating. So thank you for the work you have done .

  • 8 Karl A // Oct 17, 2007 at 7:39 pm

    Redmond there is money in this for you as a consultant!

  • 9 Lynda // Oct 17, 2007 at 7:41 pm

    Just saw you on Close Up and I totally agree that able bodied people take alot for granted but I have found that as in your case if you point out to them how difficult it is for us most are very accommodating. Keep up the good work and I hope Wellington takes note.

  • 10 Glenis // Oct 17, 2007 at 7:41 pm

    An excellent story on Close up. Good on you - keep up the good work. My brother was disabled and I know how difficult going to town can be - able bodied people just don’t realise the difficulties awaiting people especially in chairs. You can make such a difference - big ups to you.

  • 11 Col // Oct 17, 2007 at 7:44 pm

    Great focus on access that should be equal to all. I have recently had to spend 3 weeks in a wheel chair and am appalled at the lack of access and barriers to simple things like reaching a hand drier in a disabled toilet - accessing shops, and even access in my place of work and not just around work, but getting a cup of coffee (I like to make it myself!) You have my support and encouragement. I would support a disability awareness week.

  • 12 Chris // Oct 17, 2007 at 7:47 pm

    As an Architectural Designer I work with the requirements of the act most days. Often faced with owners who don’t want to spend the money, or are very parsimonious in what they do provide, so long as it complies: just!!!
    Query: When it comes to disabled ablution facilities is a Sliding Door easier to operate than a hinged door?

  • 13 anna_banana // Oct 17, 2007 at 7:48 pm

    Just wanted to say you did a brilliant job on close up. My family and I were watching the show and we realised we recognised your face. After discussing it we figured out we saw you at Sarah’s 21st birthday in march. I am her cousin, so it was really cool to see someone she knew on tv. Once again you did a great job and I think many people will be very thank ful for your bravery.

    Keep up the good work!

  • 14 Mait // Oct 17, 2007 at 7:56 pm

    Good stuff, as a para who is out and about heaps your site has the potential to become a must see before visiting unfamiliar territory. Hope I can help add to the knowledge base.

  • 15 Miss Anna N // Oct 17, 2007 at 7:59 pm

    Very awesome and inspiring! Wicked advocacy for all with mobility difficulties.
    You’re going to go along way with this Red!

  • 16 Red // Oct 17, 2007 at 8:39 pm

    Thanks all for the encouragement! However I can’t cover the whole country by myself (but gosh, I wish I could!) so please consider writing, or encouraging someone you know to write, a review of practically anything, as long as it has some “accessible” component!

    Check out the Contact page, send me something, and I’ll publish it on the front page!

    Thanks again guys :)

  • 17 Rachel // Oct 18, 2007 at 9:44 am

    Hey Red - Awesome stuff and just a note for Chris the architect guy. From my perspective (CP Powerchair user) Sliding doors are ABSOLUTELY easier!

    I also think that in order to sell this accessibility stuff to clients its great to focus on how the inclusive designs actually make it better for EVERYBODY - not just disabled people. However I know this is easier said then done!

    Of course we could always go for increasing the minimum standards……

  • 18 Dianne // Oct 18, 2007 at 10:11 am

    Hi Red, I remember you from Starjam. Great website and great interview last night. Have you been involved with the Barrier Free Auditors at all? As you demonstrated, doors are a real pain! I had a friend with the use of only her left arm. How are you supposed to open a door AND propel your wheelchair at the same time?!

  • 19 Grey // Oct 22, 2007 at 10:55 am

    Hi Red, good job on tv.What I hate is cars on footpaths.Keep up the good work,you will have a lot behind you.

  • 20 An update on the Starbucks saga // Nov 16, 2007 at 12:36 pm

    […] may remember, if you saw the CloseUp piece on this site, that Starbucks were going to get in touch with me regarding the accessibility of their stores. […]

  • 21 KeaPundit // Nov 29, 2007 at 8:00 am

    Hi,

    You’re lucky to get on their good side. A TVNZ reporter accused me (falsely) of Plagiarism. Seeings as I am a writer, even being accused of Plagiarism is a HUGE deal.

    He did have to apologise to me (I complained to the Broadcasting Standards Authority, but the more I think of it, the more I feel he got off too lightly.

    BTW, goto my blog at http://jwatson.kol.co.nz

Leave a Comment