Walking is Overrated :: disability news, opinion, reviews, and a passion for accessibility » Arts

Is it true? Is “walking again” the holy grail of being a wheelchair user?

Red — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 04:22:38 +0000

Look, I’m really not sure what to think about the TVC you’ll see below.

I just really resent any primetime imagery (and it was played in primetime) depicting wheelchair users “longing to walk again”. I understand that some would love to return to their lives pre-accident. But as someone that is hugely proud of his contribution to the world’s levels of diversity, and is grateful for the perspective on the world that being a wheelchair user has brought him, watching ads like this makes me cringe.

Like Philip Patston said, “it sets the disability rights movement back 20 years”.

[UPDATE]: Oh yeah, and the music makes me want to throw up.

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Attitude Award Winners Announced

Red — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 05:33:50 +0000

The 3rd annual Attitude Awards took place at a black tie event on Wednesday 1st December, where some incredible people were recognised for their contribution to the disability community.

The winners were:

Alex Snedden (Youth Award)
Jayne Parsons (Courage in Sport)
Adam Hall (Sport Performer)
Celeste Strewe (Artistic Achievement)
Don McKenzie (Hall of Fame Inductee)
Melrose Kiwi Concept Chairs (Employer Award)
ACC Supreme award and Spirit award: Melanie Sloan

[video] Incredible opening to Sins Invalid: a must-watch

Red — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 05:32:10 +0000

I shan’t labour the point any further: you must watch this clip. It’s a fantastic piece of drama/dance featuring Rodney Bell and Seeley Quest from the opening of 2008′s Sins Invalid. The whole clip is fantastic, but if you want to skip to the juicy bit, jump to 4:30. Wow.

[video] Wheelchair chick rocks out to Madonna

Red — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 22:18:25 +0000

A girl from the states shares her tips for “awakening your mind and body”. Check out the must-see video below! (Caution: contains swearing). I guess it takes all sorts…

[video] Sign language interpreter at a Pearl Jam show? Oh hell yes.

Red — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 22:12:51 +0000

File this under “effing awesome”. I’ve never seen a sign language interpreter at a gig before, but what an awesome example this is! I love how she doesn’t just stand there signing in a ‘sterile’ fashion, but really gets her groove on. Great viewing, so check out the YouTube clip below!

Professing my love for Kiruna Stamell

Red — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 03:13:57 +0000

Ah, the internet. Enabling professions of love for women on the other side of the world who you’re unlikely to ever meet. Nonetheless, this is a woman who I think deserves all the accolades in the world. Perhaps she’s lucky, living in the UK amongst a thriving disability community, but nonetheless deserves our attention.

Her name is Kiruna Stamell, and she’s an Australian actress who is now based in the UK. She’s appeared on Eastenders, Cast Offs, and the Baz Luhrmann’s masterpiece, Moulin Rouge. She’s shorter than some, but her achievements are totally inspiring. Now, I hate it when the word “inspiring” is used to describe someone who has experienced disability, but this is an exception, because I damn well mean it! Check out her latest video blog below, and tell me you’re not amped to start something similar in your neck of the woods.

Kiruna, I LOVE YOU!

Wheelchair users asked to pay 4x more than everyone else for U2 tickets

Red — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:59:42 +0000

An open letter to Ticketek and the promoters of the U2/Jay-Z concert being held at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland in November:

Dear Sir/Madam,

I recently rang Ticketek to purchase tickets to the U2 show in Auckland on November 25th, which I’m really excited about. I heard prices of $40 being advertised on the news which was great, and I would’ve happily stumped up $100 for a ticket. So imagine my disappointment when I was told that the minimum cost of a ticket, for a disabled person using a wheelchair, was $179!! Given that I have to bring a support person with me most places I go, and when you add on the booking fee, that brings the total cost of admission to almost $380.

Honestly, I find that borderline offensive. Having recently spent time in Europe, LiveNation and other promoters often subsidise a disabled person’s entry fee to concerts, or that of their support person’s, because they appreciate this exact quandry. I understand you can’t have designated disabled seating in every price bracket, but it’d be great if this was acknowledged by reduced admission like they consistently do overseas!

Why should regular able-bodied folk be able to choose to buy cheap tickets, but people with disabilities are asked to pay through the nose?

I’d appreciate your thoughts on this, as I’m sure the media would, and any changes to this pricing structure would be gratefully received.

Kind regards,

Red Nicholson

But you know, this is nothing new. I’m constantly frustrated at the complete disregard for disabled patrons by concert promoters here. Many disabled people are unemployed or on a benefit, yet they’re consistently being asked to fork out top dollar to see a band?!

[EDIT] There are tickets to this concert on sale for $39.90, which are unavailable to wheelchair users. The cheapest ticket for a wheelchair user is $179.90. That is more than four times the minimum ticket price offered to able-bodied concert-goers.

Unbelievable.

Theatre + Cerebral Palsy = success?

Red — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 02:00:50 +0000

Come on now, really? Cerebral palsy and theatre don’t mix! And yet, Bats Theatre in Wellington is challenging that notion by staging ‘KatyDid’, the lead character of which does indeed have cerebral palsy. It’s almost worth a trip down to the capital to see it!

The play is proving so popular that they’re adding extra shows this weekend to cope with the demand. So if you live in Wellington, and fancy a bit of spice with your theatre, grab your tickets now!

Although I’m told, somewhat ironically, that the theatre itself is inaccessible to wheelchair users… sigh!

Beautiful disabled dancers strut their stuff in India

Red — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 01:34:32 +0000

Isn’t this just a gorgeous image? Captured by the fine folk at Reuters, it shows a group of people in India, with various disabilities, participating in a traditional Indian dance routine. If you’re keen to see some mixed-ability dance back here in New Zealand, maybe it’s time to check out Touch Compass’ upcoming performances.

“Disabled and sexy”: Yes we are!

Red — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 11:32:17 +0000

This is just so exciting. A group of young people from the UK are organising a beauty pageant for people with disabilities called “Disabled and Sexy”, and I’m not gonna lie – these girls look hot! The pageant is supporting a great cause too, the Jennifer Trust for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

I find it so so frustrating that disabled people are often seen as asexual beings, thanks in part to the media’s tragic portrayal of us the eternal sufferer. So I’m raising my glass to this lot – I’d love to do something similar down under!

Check out their website for more information.