One In Five for Sunday 28 February 2010

We've a sampling of disability issues as seen through a cross cultural lens. Later, I check out the benefits of Feldenkrais. But first, a glimpse of what it means to be a new migrant with both a refugee background and a physical impairment. I'm at the home of Natalie, a sixteen year old Iraqi woman still at at college. Natalie says she came to New Zealand with her family three years ago, after her policeman father was murdered. Natalie says it's not been easy adjusting to a new life here.

It's not quite Hawaii, the permanent home of Jerry Karzen, but out here by the Eastbourne esplanade is good enough. That's according to Jerry Karzen whose decamped to a spot overlooking a glistening blue Wellington Harbour. Here, he's spending a few weeks teaching the finer points of Feldenkrais to local exponents of the practice. Jerry Karzen says he spent many years with founder Moshe Feldenkrais and the locals are in no doubt as to his credentials as one of Feldenkrais's most experienced practitioners. Jerry Karzen says he's worked with disabled people of all ages. Described as way of helping you to feel more in tune with your body, I'm keen to check out how to get rid of a few aches and pains.

Feldenkrais Aotearoa New Zealand Wellington (04) 562 6321