FROM BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

‘From Behind Closed Doors’, is an autobiographical book by local, clinical psychologist Olive Olive Olive Olive Webb Webb, that chronicles her fifty year journey alongside people who have intellectual disabilities. It was launched at the ‘Artist’s In’ in Hororata on June 23rd. A sizeable number of friends and colleagues and longtime workmates joined in the celebration. The previous night a similar group had celebrated the

Christchurch launch at Turanga, theChristchurchLibrary.

The story of people with intellectual disabilities in this country traverses their containment in prisons, their institutionalisation in large asylums, and the gradual recognition of their humanity, their citizenship and the vital contribution they make to our societyandtousall.

Butthepathwayforthis progress has been stony and erratic.

Olive’s account includes stories that are brutally honest and describe stories of abuse, discrimination,hope,success and workinprogress.

Miserly funding and discriminatory provision of basic servicesandsupportscontinueto dog the sector and ensures that people who are disabled by intellectual disability, and any additional conditions, are still only variously successful in what theydo.

Olive’s story is personal and readable and causes people to reflect on issues that we may not thinkaboutoften.

Olive is clear, ‘the journey is far fromover’.

Enquiries about the book can about book be directed to Olive at be owebbnz@gmail.com owebbnz@gmail.com

Wet Weather Driving Woes

No matter where you live in Aotearoa, there are always going to be wet and rainy days. It is important to plan ahead, stay alert,slowdownanddropback.

During winter, there isn’t as much sunlight and the frequency of rain usually increases, which makes driving di cult. Stopping distances nearly double on wet roads, and when combined with a decrease in visibility, it can be a recipe for disaster if motorists aren’tprepared.

Before the wetter season arrives, check the tyres on your vehicle are correctly inflated, have plenty of tread and are fitted appropriately to give your vehicle maximum grip on the road. Motorists should also see if their windscreen wipers need replacing.

It takes a lot longer to stop your vehicle in wet conditions, so increase your following distance betweenyourselfandthevehicle infront ofyou and reducespeed.

For example, the two-second ruleshouldbeafour-second rule whenwet.

Look out for any road signs warning of flooding and keep an eye on the road for excess surface water. It is also important to slow down when taking corners to avoid sliding into the other lane or o the road.

With more moisture in the air, if you need to defog your windscreen, make sure to use both the heater and air conditioner, and turn o air recirculation, to keep the air dry and prevent your windscreen fromfoggingupevenmore.

If it is raining, dip your headlights to make it easier for otherroaduserstoseeyou. Even though the weather is wet, it is still important to regularly clean your vehicle so water runs o thewindscreeneasier,to help improvevisibility.

For more information about information driving safe in winter visit: driving safe in winter visit: www.selwyn.govt.nz/ www.selwyn.govt.nz/ www.selwyn.govt.nz/ www.selwyn.govt.nz/ winterdriving winterdriving winterdriving winterdriving

Kieran Heenan kph@meareswilliams.co.nz

Anita Molloy-Roberts am@meareswilliams.co.nz

W: www.meareswilliams.co.nz

T: (03) 374 2547