Accessible Options NZ

Alexia Pickering was born with Spina-Bifida. Her entire life reflects her determination not to let her physical disability limit her activities and interests. She has raised four children with her first husband Neville whom she supported when a Member of Parliament and later as Mayor of Christchurch.  He passed away in 1988. She remarried in 1999.

Alexia is recognised as one of the leading “experts” on access for people with disabilities.  She has been prominent in administration, education and advocating improvements to the built environment for all members of society.  She has held many positions in the community, cultural and welfare organisation and has traveled widely representing these organisations at national and international conferences.

As a consumer with a disability Alexia knows how important it is to know in advance about the accessibility of facilities, in particular tourist attractions and accommodation.  After writing her book on accessible travel within New Zealand (currently out of print), Alexia has now developed an Appraisal for accommodation providers to complete and post on their websites.  This list provides the sort detailed information disabled travelers really appreciate knowing and the new challenge for Alexia is to have this list used widely around New Zealand.
Find out more about this Accommodation Accessibility Appraisal project.

To further assist the disabilities community, Alexia became a Justices of the Peace in 1990.

Alexia is also a sought after speaker using her own experiences as the base for her presentations.