Accomobility

After more than thirty-one years in the New Zealand police, Peter Kalivati medically retired in November 2006 after being disagnosed with a progressive, debilitating and terminal disease (motor neuron disease).   The average life expectancy of individuals who suffer from this disease is between two and five years.  Peter has now lost the ability to use his arms and relies on the use of a wheelchair to maintain a level of mobility and independence.  He is now totally reliant on a caregiver (usually his wife Lianne) in order to meet his daily needs.  

In preparation for travelling around New Zealand last year to watch their son compete in track and field events, Lianne spent hours on the internet searching for accessible accommodation that was going to be suitable for Peter’s specific requirements.  Lianne discovered that information was difficult to find and fragmented.  This prompted her to discuss the feasibility of creating her own website with close friends Richard Laing and Lynda Beckham.  Lynda and Richard, graphic designers and web-site creators, shared Lianne and Peter’s enthusiasm.

Their recently launched website www.accomobility.co.nz is intended as a comprehensive resource for those seeking accessible holiday accommodation in New Zealand. Only accommodation with accessible facilities for the disabled or the infirm are included. The site which includes hotels, motels and private bed and breakfast establishments offering basic to superior facilities, is being added to on a daily basis and improvements are constantly being made in an effort to make the website as user-friendly as possible.  Feedback already received from members of the disability community has been positive and affirming.  To quote one traveller, “finally somebody is doing something.”  The team are about to include information about accessible attractions and activities around New Zealand.

Lianne’s role has been to gain the support of proprietors and advertise the site’s existence to disabled travelers. Richard and Lynda have employed their artistic flair to fashion an appealing site while Peter has created a database which will allow the team to keep track of the influx of information they are having to deal with.  While all this is happening Richard continues to work freelance as a graphic designer, while Lianne and Lynda work together as Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour supporting teachers in Wainuiomata, Wellington manage the learning and behaviour needs of students in their classes.

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