A Dunedin disabilities support centre offers some praise for the city’s bus service.
Connections Centre is a place right up the top of the hill in Corstorphine that supports people with disabilities to get the most out of their lives.
People come every day from 9am to 4pm and we do a whole range of activities that we enjoy but that also benefit the community. For example, we run a recycled clothes shop, we make Boom Boom Extremo freecycled T-shirt shopping bags, we run a worm farm at the local community garden.
We also like to venture into South Dunedin, and Dunedin Central to visit our art studio on Cargills Corner, take our latest radio show into Otago Access Radio, shop for our favourite fruit teas at the supermarket and visit places everyone else likes to go to such as the museums and art gallery.
This used to be a bit of a mission and rather expensive. There are not many wheelchair parks for our van and not all of our staff have a full driver’s licence.
We were very excited when we discovered that the local buses were all wheelchair accessible and the bus stops were an easy walk from Connections Centre. The buses have quickly become our favourite form of transport. We catch the bus several times a week to go to town or South Dunedin. Sometimes we go for a bus ride just because it is such a fun thing to do.
The drivers are always pleased to see us and very helpful with getting the wheelchairs on the bus and positioned safely. People really enjoy the experience of riding in a big bus. It is not something they have been able to do in the past because of their disability and that makes it very special. Other passengers enjoy the experience as well. And we often meet people we know, which is an added bonus.
Connections Centre started 26 years ago when Cherry Farm closed. For those who weren’t around then, Cherry Farm was a big institution a long way out of town. People with disabilities moved into Dunedin to live in small homes in the community. There are still a few people who lived in Cherry Farm using Connections Centre and that makes being included in everyday things like being able to use public transport especially meaningful. We remember a time when people with disabilities were not included in the community as of right.
We are aware that it takes a little longer to lower the ramp and secure the wheelchairs.
Very occasionally we encounter a passenger who doesn’t understand that disabled people, the elderly and people with young children need to get out and about just like everyone else. That is always sad. But attitudes are changing. Most people realise that an inclusive community is better for everyone and diversity is our greatest strength, even if it does require a little more patience and tolerance.
Thank you to the groups and individuals who campaigned hard to get accessible buses. Thank you to the Otago Regional Council and Dunedin City Council for listening to them and honouring your commitment to make Dunedin a truly inclusive city. Thank you to the bus drivers who make it work for us and thank you to fellow passengers for welcoming the change.
- Connections Centre is a Dunedin support centre for people with disabilities.
