14 July 2008

I knew it!

Red, over at walkingisoverrated.com  (I've wanted to say that "over at" thing for ages) says in a recent post that it was a "shock to me [that] more than half of the respondents of a recent online poll said they’d rather be dead than severely disabled."

I commented that they are "great stats to have, backs up what I’ve been saying for at least two years. Over half of people fear functional change/loss more than death. That says a lot about the emotionally created mindset behind why we make it so difficult to be disabled. We’d have to change things quite a bit to make it easier than dying, wouldn’t we?"

1000 visits and a great TradeMe experience


Yay, this blog has reached 1000 visits - a private goal achieved, for what its worth.

Even a daily research journal hasn't increased my posting frequency or consistency -- sporadic is as sporadic does.

But here's a good news story: a great experience of customer service from TradeMe prompted this feedback from me:
Possibly the best TradeMe experience I've had to date. Allyse and Paul, you have a great business - excellent service and, in particular, timely and professional communication. Even when I had a concern, you expressed support and gave me factual information. An incredibly reassuring mix that alleviated all stress - and turned out for the best. So bravo, keep up the honesty and openness, thank you and hope you don't mind me popping this on my blog with a link to your profile (is that allowed)?

01 July 2008

Living in Auckland


Yesterday I started keeping a daily journal for some research I'm involved in about being disabled and living in Auckland. As I'm far more motivated to do things (in the short term) for others than for myself, it'll be interesting to see if I keep it up for the two weeks. I thought it would be a good opportunity to leverage it and do some regular blogging too, so here's the first entry:
Another day at home in my lovely house, for which I feel grateful on a daily basis. Two visitors commented on what a lovely place it is (a regular occurrence), and I’m reminded of feeling embarrassed to have people visit in the past, in this place before the renovations and previous dwellings.

I was going to go out this evening to a seminar at McLaurin Chapel in Princes St, but ended up not going, partly to finish AMP Scholarship application but also because the thought of going out put me off! It means finding a park, getting someone to bump me down steps or through the ridiculously long accessible path through trees and up and down hills. Then it’s often cold and the toilets are not accessible so it’s a matter of struggling through three doors. And then sitting there thinking about getting out again!

I called two people today about access to a restaurant where a dinner is being held on Friday. The second person, who’s responsible for the event, didn’t return my call. These people have known me for 18 mths yet I still have to check up on this stuff. The first person said they’d thought about access but wasn’t sure, and I’ve been to the place years ago and it was hopeless – split levels (steps) and dodgy toilets if I remember rightly (the restaurant is in Cornwall Park).
Anyway, I’ve done my bit. I’m not going to pursue it and if they don’t respond, I won’t go.
© 2008 Philip Patston & Diversity New Zealand Ltd (unless quoted or otherwise attributed). All rights reserved.