FEATURED ARTICLE
Take a Hike – How to Access the Impossible When Every Mountain is a Boundary! by Andrew Liddawi
With a background in Engineering, Security Consulting and qualifications in Access Consulting, Andrew’s combination with a lived disability takes his skills to a whole new level. A passionate adventurer prior to his disability, Andrew was confronted with all the barriers and boundaries you can think of. Rather than accept that the rough terrain was out of bounds he went on a journey that has led to a growing team of volunteers that helps other people with disabilities break their own boundaries in life.
W
ith the introduction of progressive Australian Standards and Legislation in 1992, and subsequently 2010 to curb out discrimination and insufficient access to services and facilities for people with disabilities, you would think a developed country would have it right more than 10 years on. Premises standards have improved significantly over the years resulting in a growing awareness of minimum design and structural requirements amongst the community and professionals. But what happens when the minimum is not enough? What happens when we venture into areas not directly covered by design standards but could possibly be argued by the DDA? Do we need to redefine terms such as “reasonable” and “necessary” when it comes to assistive technology and people’s agency? Is it possible to access public areas where the terrain is challenging while maintaining dignity and independence? What happens when people with disabilities want exercise their right to live their fullest life?
10
THE BEGINNING Break the Boundary Inc. challenges all these notions; a rapidly growing Australian Charity and WA Association which started in Perth late 2012 as an online information hub for people with disabilities wanting to go beyond flat surfaces and access the outdoor trails. Run 100% by volunteers, Break the Boundary helps people with disabilities venture into areas not typically considered accessible. The goal hasn’t changed from the start: to improve people’s mental, physical, and social health and wellbeing. The kind of things that everyone deserves in life! The goals are achieved by combining support personnel and assistive technology suitable to the challenges of outdoor terrain.
THE GEAR In 2012, after taking his everyday wheelchair down a gravel off-road trail with friends in Brisbane (at night), Break the Boundary founder, Andrew returned home with the burning desire to find a chair suitable to the terrain that would improve his independence and reduce the need for friends to push. After a few days of research, he came across a variety of off-road wheelchairs and handcycles capable of tackling the mountain trails he used to conquer before acquiring his disability. With the help of Rebound WA (Wheelchair Sports WA), the equipment started to grow in
THE MAGAZINE FOR THE ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTANTS IN ACCESS AUSTRALIA
