Birds of Paradise: The thread about disabiltiy.

[Ragged Robin]

I have for some time been promising (?threating?) to start a thread to highlight and express those problems with living in North Cyprus , particularly in connection with (and often caused by) the British Community and hopefully get some suggested solutions, However so far real life, plus taking part in a peripherally connected thread here has left no time.

Part of what I want to get over is that most disabled people do not want ostentatious help, nor to climb mountains or win the Paralympics, but simply to be allowed a normal life: this was expressed on a recent Radio 4 blurb.

However I recently saw BBC 2 programme which was definitely inspirational and brought out some of the aspects of serious disablement, without being "in your face", and as a bonus has some fascinating wildlife photography which was what drew my attention to the programme. At also touches on the conservation of wildlife habitat , a subject dear to my heart. One of the documentaries which show that the is life in "Aunty " yet. Basically, the story of two men to join forces to trek through the rain forests and mountains of Papua New Guineas, one a disabled radio reported in search of the Birds of Paradise - the other an explorer revisiting a tribe he used to live with- fascinating if the tribal initiation was a bit gruesome. Available on- BBC I Player LIsten Again for 13 days. It seems a very good introduction to the thread, and anyway worth watching in its own right.d

Meanwhile, I do hope that any disabled people on this thread and or their carers will feel free to put their feelings on here I

[Ragged Robin]

This thread will inevitably appear to be critical of what I call "Sacred cows", organisations which some posters feel bound to support by way of a verbal attack on anyone who dares to query their policies or actions. Nothing I say below is intended to be critical of any individual: and any apparent criticism of Sacred Cows or other organisations or groups of people is meant to be purely constructive and to point out where they may have overlooked or not understood, the needs of the disabled, or indeed, other vulnerable groups. I hope they will be taken in the spirit they are intended and those posters who enjoy "winding up" people will understand it is a sensitive subject, and respect it.

There are many types of disability, many causes, and many degrees. I can only speak from my own experience and observation of those of friends colleagues and family, as well as the disabled charity of which I am a member.

I apologise in advance to anyone whose needs I have overlooked . I hope they will join this thread and explain their problems and sugges solutions

[Ragged Robin]

At one time Northern Cyprus was seen as a good location for disabled people because of its clean air, quiet roads, peaceful and relaxed attitudes and friendly and helpful people, and that making it a centre for disabled tourism was under serious consideration. Sadly no more, it is fast becoming a concrete playground for the rich and the Government has other priorities.

There is nothing it seems that the British expat can do to influence the Government, nor much about the hilly terrain, nor the variable and often inadequate infrastructure. What they can do is set an example by showing consideration and respect for disabled and vulnerable people, . Apart from the most serious, most ambulant disabled are not looking for assistance: what they want is independence and to be able to enjoy a normal a life as possible.. For his they need the able-bodied not to grab facilities out of greed, not to place obstacles in the way, and to give thought to giving access and enabling the disabled to take part in the normal social life of the communities, including charitable functions for others.

to becontinued