I’ve blogged once or twice before about the foibles of the so-called ‘accessible’ Auckland public transport system, which in reality is anything but.

So imagine my delight when I visited Vancouver as part of my Wheely Big OE, and found automated, truly wheelchair friendly buses and bus drivers! It might have helped that their former mayor was a wheelchair user himself, but nonetheless Vancouver currently stands as the most accessible city I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.

Click the ‘read more’ link to check out the video!

Howdy folks! It’s been a while. Listen, I’m finally fulfilling my long-standing travel dream. I’m heading off on a “Wheely Big OE”, through Canada, Europe, and Hong Kong! To see where I’m going, what I’m doing, and to view updates throughout my trip, make sure you pop on over to rednz.com. It’ll be … interesting – Red

So I’m on my way to University in the rain this morning, and I’m thinking, “Oh great, I’ll park right outside the AUT tower so I won’t get too wet”. Well, bugger me when I see four disabled/mobility parks cordoned off, emblazoned with massive Telecom NZ logos, in preparation for their big XT brand launch this evening. That’s right – and check out the picture on the right if you don’t believe me, Telecom had effectively roped off four of

Interesting piece this. Taken from The Aucklander “Sorry lass, we can’t pull up outside. We’ve had to park 200m that way,” says the driver to the woman in the wheelchair. Pushing and pulling the wheelchair over kerbs past the disabled parking spots, the driver manages to help his disabled customer to the van. It happens all the time and it is frustrating, says the only specialist mobility taxi company in Auckland, Re-li-on-us. Because mobility parking cards are issued only to

Here’s an interesting conundrum that a lot of able-bodied people struggle with. How “helpful” should one be towards a disabled person, without appearing to be condescending, or patronising? Every now and then you might see a wheelchair user struggling up a curb or a step. Do you offer to help, and risk offending him/her, or do you leave them be, confident that they know what they’re doing? It’s a tricky situation, for sure. But how about a blind person? A

Cassi sent me this sweet little poem from the perspective of someone who is deafblind, and I thought I’d post it up here Cheers Cass! TALKING HANDS Graceful movements expressions are relayed many languages are involved Hand on hand, block letter, braille sign Deaf, Deafblind and Hearing alike Mothers, Fathers, Interpreters Sign Language, Talking Hands

Ah, if only all mobility parks were put to such practical uses, this sort of discussion would be completely unnecessary! Ha. Cheers to Matt from CCS Disability Action for the great pic!

Following on from the discussion regarding the overzealous clamping of cars displaying mobility parking permits, Matt sent me a few pics detailing his latest encounter. While Matt admits his permit had expired, he says he had no idea, and was never sent a reminder notice, despite CCS Disability Action finding it within themselves to send him various newsletters and pamphlets throughout the year. Here are his pictures below, featuring: Matt’s clamped car, with mobility parking permit (albeit expired) displayed in

Lately I’ve been getting all kinds of reports regarding overzealous parking wardens clamping/towing cars showing a valid mobility permit for almost no reason at all, or because the permit was “partially obscured”. Have you any experiences you wish to share? Also, have a read of the story below (and note the way the reporter describes the woman as a “pregnant paraplegic” – is she not also a person?!): A heavily pregnant paraplegic has had her car clamped at Christchurch’s Eastgate

I’ve written about Auckland’s Re-Li-On-Us Mobility Taxis before, who are – in my humble opinion – the best mobility taxi option around, but as part of our latest iPod competition, here are Saphiya’s thoughts… They have a toll-free number – 0800 025 999 I especially liked the service as it was appreciating and was naturally friendly. ARTA’s Total Mobility swipe card is accepted. Easy to get in and out of vehicle. Saw that there was a first aid pack and