Tim may be losing his eyesight, but he is embracing every opportunity along the way

Brisbane, April 4 (MCCQ Newsdesk, Press Release, from Carers Queensland)

“The retinitis pigmentosa starts from the outside and works its way in, as well as on the night vision,” Tim said. Macular degeneration starts from the inside and works its way out.”

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) partner in the community Carers

Queensland supported Tim to access the Scheme and find supports.

Tim’s plan supports him to engage with his community and to buy consumables such as canes and adaptive medical equipment.

“I’m getting primarily support work. So, someone to support me getting out and about in the community and accompany me in the gym, where I’m trying to maintain my levels of fitness and mobility,” Tim said.

“This allows me to have a bit more time throughout the day to go out and do the things I

enjoy.

“If I didn’t have the NDIS, I would never have gotten the opportunity to do the Riding Blind Project (a motorcycle riding program for people who are blind or have low vision). Blind golf, blind bowls, the table tennis, they’re all on during the weekdays. I wouldn’t have the support to be able to get there.”

Tim also remains an active member of the State Emergency Service (SES), having joined the Emergency Service Cadet program from the age of 12.

During this program, Tim did fire training and gained first aid skills. He continues to be an active SES member, going out on jobs for temporary repairs after storm damage.

“It feels quite good to be able to contribute back and get out and participate in the community, because I’m normally very limited in what I can do,” Tim said.

Around age 14, Tim took part in the PCYC state youth leadership program, successfully completing all 3 levels. This experience allowed him to become a youth coach. When he’s not spending his time days kayaking, Tim enjoys water sports, lawn bowls, rollerblading, hiking, climbing and abseiling.

Tim also volunteers at the Blind Vision Impaired

Association each week.

“I help out quite a few people with technology down at the club,” Tim said. Most of our members are older, 60, 70, 80, 90.”

“I’m teaching them how to use their technology and accessing that. I’ve taken them out to the technology places to go and help them find the appropriate technology that’s going to make a difference for them.

“So, microwaves that can be made easily accessible or ovens or air fryers.”

Tim says the volunteering has helped him develop his skillset, expand his social network by getting out in the community and maintaining that sense of purpose, whilst helping others along the way. He also recognises the importance of staying up to date with the latest in trends, to prepare himself for the future.

“Today’s technology is getting really good with optical character recognition and other different programs,” Tim said.

“I am teaching myself as many different tips and tricks for when that next jump is in my sight. I want to be able to be still quite independent, so it doesn’t put as much of a backstep as to what I can do.”

Tim films himself during outdoor sports adventures

and shares the videos on his YouTube channel (Visually Impaired Adventures with Tim).

His goal is to provide explanations and guidance on how other people with disabilities can take part in these activities.

One of Tim’s notable videos covers blind golf, where he demonstrates how people with visual impairments can play the sport. He discusses the role of support workers in assisting players to select the right clubs and aim accurately, making the game accessible to most.

Through his videos, Tim aims to raise awareness about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities.

He emphasises that while people with disability may require adjustments, most activities are achievable for people of all abilities. Carers Queensland can support you to find out more about the NDIS, to apply for funding and to help you get started with the NDIS.

If you have a disability but are not eligible for the NDIS, Carers Queensland can help you identify and link to options for support in your community.

You can also contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au, or sign up to our LAC Connect app here.

Good News in South Brisbane!

Men’s Shed Provides Inclusion for People with Autism

Brisbane, April 4 (MCCQ Newsdesk, Press Release, Carers Queensland)

As part of its Inclusive Volunteering project, Carers Queensland has been partnering with various organizations, including Men’s Sheds, to promote inclusivity and diversity in the volunteering sector. Men’s Sheds is a community-based organization that seeks to improve the mental health and well-being of men through social interaction and practical activities.

A shed that’s been making waves in the community through their inclusive practices and spaces for people with autism, is the South Brisbane Men’s Shed, led by President Phil Sharpe. What started as a small group of fathers coming together to support each other and their children on the spectrum,

has now grown into a thriving community of diverse members.

“Once we incorporated with the inauguration of the executive committee, the committee decided to have a role within the committee known as F.A.C.T. (Fathers of Autistic Children Together).

So that’s how the Men’s Shed was started, the beginnings of it,” Phil said.

The group then expanded to include not just fathers and grandfathers, but also other supporters of children with autism. A logo was developed with colours chosen over a spectrum to reflect the diverse range of individuals on the spectrum. This inclusive mindset is evident in their decision to open the shed to both male and female members.

As Sharpe notes, “We’ve always had female members, but they’re now full members. And I’m thinking that as we evolve as a group, that might be a whole new journey we can go on in terms of autism particularly, or people with difference,” Phil added.

But it’s not just about welcoming diverse members

into the shed, it’s also about creating a safe and supportive environment for them to work in.

As Sharpe puts it, “We just treat everybody like everybody else. And that’s not your disabled well… we do take care, though. We’re vigilant.”

The men’s shed has implemented an induction process for those who wish to work in the woodwork room, and even provide support workers for those who may need assistance. However, they also welcome individuals with disabilities to come without a support worker and are able to adapt their interactions to accommodate their needs.

Sharpe believes that this mindset of inclusion should be adopted by all men’s sheds.

“I think our sheds need to, and I’m certain all sheds do that, because we encourage all of us senior aged gentlemen to come in and do those sorts of things. But we need to look further. We need to look further at including all,” he said.

In addition to the benefits for individuals with disability, programs like these also enrich the experience of the

shed’s current members. It allows for a diverse range of perspectives and talents to be shared, creating a more vibrant and inclusive community.

“We currently have a lovely 40 plus year-old man with Downs Syndrome who comes in and plays piano accordion in the music group, and he’s blind and he has the best time. And it is just a wonderful experience,” Phil said.

“But you know who the winners are? We, the old men, are the winners,” Phil concludes.

“Many, many people in our group have probably never experienced people with disability on a regular ongoing basis. This man brings such joy to his life and our music playing that it’s just a wonderful experience. It’s he’s really enjoying it. And we are, too,” Phil said.

The work done by the South Brisbane Men’s Shed is truly commendable and serves as a shining example of creating inclusive spaces for people with autism. Not only do they provide a sense of community and support for individuals and families living with

autism, but they also promote awareness and understanding among their members. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed, as the South Brisbane Men’s Shed was awarded the Community Group of the Year at the 2021 Queensland Community Achievement Awards. This recognition further solidifies their impact and serves as an inspiration for others to follow suit in creating inclusive spaces for all.

By working with Men’s Sheds, Carers Queensland aims to create more inclusive volunteering opportunities for individuals of all abilities. We can all learn from the South Brisbane Men’s Shed and work towards a more inclusive and accepting society.

For more information about our Inclusive Volunteering programs, visit our website, carersqld.com.au. Carers Queensland can support you to find out more about the NDIS, to apply for funding and to help you get started with the NDIS. If you have a disability but are not eligible for the NDIS, Carers Queensland can help you identify and link to options for support in your community. You can also contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au, or sign up to our LAC Connect app here