walking . is . overrated

nz disability news, views, and reviews - and now live 2008 Beijing Paralympics news!

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

Entries Tagged as 'Exciting times'

Oscar gets a shot at Olympic dream

May 21st, 2008 · 1 Comment

Well, whaddya know. It seems the Gods, or at least the IAAF, are smiling upon South African double-amputee Oscar Pistorius, overturning his ban on competing in the Beijing Olympics. So this means that Oscar, complete with carbon fibre blades for feet, has the opportunity to qualify for the Olympics - note, not the Paras - […]

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Tags: Exciting times · News · Sport · World

Miss Iowa 2008 has cerebral palsy, who would’ve thought?

May 2nd, 2008 · No Comments

And they disabled people aren’t sexy…
Check out the YouTube clip below for a montage of shots of Miss Iowa (USA), 2008, Abbey Curran. There’s an interview with her towards the end of the clip, too. Cute girl!

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Tags: Arts · Events · Exciting times · News · World

Wheelchair + lasers + robots = magical car?

May 2nd, 2008 · No Comments

Well I’ll be, have all my Christmases come at once? If I had a spare $50,000, maybe. Researchers in Pennsylvania, USA, have developed a new laser-guided robotic wheelchair which - all by itself - attaches itself to your vehicle’s hoist after transferring into your car. That’s right, it’ll attach itself. That is, you hop in […]

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Tags: Exciting times · News · Transport

NSW Government do the right thing by disabled people

April 21st, 2008 · 1 Comment

How’s this for a fantastic initiative? The NSW Govt has announced the ‘Companion Card‘, enabling disabled people to take a carer with them to sporting matches, movie theatres, and even aboard public transport for the price of a single ticket. So now whenever Aussies with disabilities are out and about and want to go to […]

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Tags: Disability Awareness · Exciting times · News · Politics · World

Have you got a question for Ruth Dyson?

March 28th, 2008 · 13 Comments

Well - have you?!
I’m pleased to announce I’ve scooped an interview with the Minister for Disability Affairs, Hon. Ruth Dyson, at the end of next week, and I’d love to know what you’d like me to ask her!
Leave your questions for the Minister in the comments below, and I’ll try to squeeze them […]

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Tags: Exciting times · Politics · Site News

Govt finally gets their ass into gear, and Ryan can go to Uni!

March 8th, 2008 · 2 Comments

Well in case you were worried that we were still living in a country where disabled people weren’t expected to go to Uni until they were 21, you can now rest easy again. Thanks to a hasty Cabinet meeting to correct an archaic funding anomaly which prevented Ryan Leitch going to Uni, Ryan can now […]

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Tags: Education · Exciting times · Support services

Been to Wellington? Talk to us!

March 7th, 2008 · 2 Comments

I’ve been contacted by a research manager from a Polytechnic in Greymouth, who is making a presentation to the Wellington City Council, and wants to know the answer to the following question:
What’s it like to journey through Wellington with a disability?
We’re talking hotels, motels, footpaths, public facilities (art galleries, movie theatres, etc.), tourist attractions (cable […]

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Tags: Disability Awareness · Exciting times · Ramblings

CCS Disability Action building new Auckland premises, setting new standard

January 22nd, 2008 · No Comments

It seems the quaint old villa that the Royal Oak branch of CCS Disability Action has been operating out of for so long is finally due for the chop. While the article over at stuff.co.nz isn’t clear on what will happen to the old building that I’m sure many of you are familiar with, what […]

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Tags: Exciting times · News

Snowplanet launches ‘Adaptive Snowsports Programme’

January 21st, 2008 · 2 Comments

How cool is this? Snowplanet is launching a snowsport coaching programme designed specifically for those with physical, sensory, and cognitive impairments! Snowplanet say they’re launching these coaching sessions to “ensure there is no limit to enjoying the freedom of skiing and boarding with your family and friends”. In case you’re not familiar with Snowplanet, Auckland’s […]

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Tags: Exciting times · Public Facilities · Sport

Help a brother out #2: International comedian looking for accessible accommodation!

January 21st, 2008 · 1 Comment

In quite exciting news for anyone who wants to get in the good books of an internationally-acclaimed comedian and disabled leader Liz Carr, Liz is visiting NZ with her partner throughout March and April, and is looking for places to stay! If any of you out there know of anyone with an accessible home who’d […]

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Tags: Accommodation · Exciting times · Ramblings