Understanding disability
Awareness course aims to explain to others
Awell-known woman in the Paraparaumu community is running a disability awareness course. Trish McQueen, who has been living in the community since 1999, is often seen out and about.
She lives a busy lifestyle and has something planned every day whether it’s yoga, swimming, going to the shops, catching up with people, planning stuff, church work, and lots more.
Trish, 52, also has had cerebral palsy since birth which has made life challenging at times.
The condition affects her speech, balance, and hearing.
She’s been in institutions from an early age but has been thriving in the community for a long time now.
Trish lives independently but has a strong support network including daily check-ins by Community Connections, which is a supported living agency.
Judgment from people, especially
not being understood, was one of the biggest things she faced when in the public domain.
To help with that she’s spearheading a disability awareness course.
“I want people to be aware of various disabilities and to know that we’re human and part of the local community.
“Get to know me before you get to know my disability.”
The disability awareness course will cover things like her life, achievements (she has a Bowen therapy level 2 certificate), Community Connections, Kāpiti Kiwis, PowerPoint presentations, videos from Everyday Connections, Q&As, people’s experiences with disabilities, where to go for help.
Some of the course will feature guest speakers including Kāpiti Mayor Janet Holborow, Julie Klein from the Capital and Coast District Health Board, and Shelley Ashton and Kay Nicholls from the Coastlands Aquatic Centre.