Optimistic by nature, cynical by experience. People often ask me why I use the name “The Optimistic Cynic”. The simple answer is ‘the name picked me’ but here is what it really means for me: I’m a passionate believer that people basically want to do good. It’s not always easy but with the right support,Continue reading “Why “The Optimistic Cynic” ?”
Category Archives: Disability
YES !!
The Govt today announced that they will create a Ministry for Disabled People. No longer will disability be just an add on to Health. This should be a huge step forward and hopefully paves the way for a real focus on this significant part of our community. Here is a link to the official announcement https://lnkd.in/gXr2F-8dContinue reading “YES !!”
Positive change is the ‘why’ for your thoughts
Thought leaders must generate conversations. Conversations must generate action. Actions must generate positive change This seems simple but whether it’s in business, social services or even politics, it provides a basic rule of thumb for what “thought leaders” should be striving for. Ideas are great, action has to follow but positive change is what it’sContinue reading “Positive change is the ‘why’ for your thoughts”
Here we are !
Let’s thump the table about the positives that people with disability bring to our communities. Hard to believe that this was over three years ago when I first published this – but like so much about disability, things don’t change very quickly (if at all). It may only be a short post (one of theContinue reading “Here we are !”
When the system punishes – a never ending story
I don’t usually do a follow up post but in this case I really want to share the ongoing frustrations our systems put people through. So in the first post we got to the stage where a benefit was cut because someone with an intellectual disability hadn’t completed a form that was never sent toContinue reading “When the system punishes – a never ending story”
When the system punishes
This is disability in New Zealand today.
What’s hiding the bright future!
I have just flipped through the presentations made to the NZ Disability Support Network annual conference last month. Conferences talk about great things and that saddens me. I’m sad not because I don’t want to see great support, transformational change and awesome outcomes. Quite the opposite. I’m sad because the current environment can’t supply sufficientContinue reading “What’s hiding the bright future!”
Do you give a damn?
If you care at all about disability in NZ – or in fact if you care about people, please read Aaron Ure’s post on LinkedIn (and my response) https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/true-cost-community-involvement-aaron-ure/ Will you click the like button – or will you actually do something?
The Optimistic Cynic 