Link Disability Magazine December 2020-January 2021

australia’s national disability magazine December/January 2021 linkonline.com.au $9.95AUD / $11.50NZ

Nas Campanella ampanella

Speaking Out – taking disability to a wider er audience

In this issue: NDIS updates / Travel, Leisure / Employment / Melanie Tran / Ben Tullipan

2021 M-Series Made for More

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Permobil customer and ambassador, Richard Tombs.

Inside 04

From the Editor

06-07

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Cover Story – Meet Nas Campanella – the ABC journalist breaking down disability employment barriers

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Inclusive Education – Holiday time is play time

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Natalie Wade – Know your disability rights

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Interview – Entrepreneur and activist Melanie Tran

16-23 NDIS news

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What’s Happening

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Travel & Leisure

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34-49

Feature - Employment

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Publisher

Simon Cooper

Editor

Kymberly Martin kymberly@intermedia.com.au

Advertising

Michelle Stevens mstevens@intermedia.com.au 0419 822 717

Design

Jim L Koh

Prepress

Tony Willson

Production Manager Jacqui Cooper

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From the Editor

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as Campanella, the Disability Affairs reporter on the ABC, who has been blind since she was six months old, is our cover story for this issue. I met Nas at our photo shoot and the barriers she encountered in achieving her ambition to be a journalist, and how she dealt with them, makes engaging reading.

She believes in the power of people with disability telling their own stories, and hers is just one of them.

For many people with disability finding employment is fraught. But there are some success stories and our Employment Feature covers several of them. Have your heard of The Sewing Basket? You have now because this NSW small business is another ‘happy piece’ especially when it comes to employing people with disability who are helped by a small army of volunteers.

I would also like to introduce you to Caitlin Maynard, our new contributor. Caitlin has a rare, neuro muscular condition, called Friedreich’s ataxia. Her visit to the Powerhouse Museum in her wheelchair is on Page 26. And Link has two tickets to give

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away to the exhibition. So all those guitar music fans out there here is your opportunity to see the biggest collection of guitars of a lifetime!

But be quick as the show closes on January 31.

Our final issue for 2020 and what a year this has been. The Link team would like to wish all our readers a Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year. And as we inch towards an effective Covid vaccine my wish for 2021 is that the dark Covid-19 cloud has lifted and is finally disappearing.

Photo of my grandson’s dog all ready for Father Christmas.

Kymberly Martin Editor kymberly@intermedia.com.au

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FOCUS ON ABILITY

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Link to...Cover Story

We are making strides but the people who are leading the way are the disability community

Nas Campanella

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December/January 2021

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Link to...Cover Story

Speaking Out –

Nas Campanella taking disability to a wider audience

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BC Disability Affairs journalist Nas Campanella believes the community is slowly starting to recognise the contribution people with disability are making but there are still hurdles to overcome. She spoke to Kymberly Martin.

Ask Nas Campanella how she can use her role in the media to strengthen the way forward for people with disability to overcome the barriers and her message is clear.

"Seek out people who don't often speak to the media and portray them in a way they have not been portrayed before. Encourage and support them to tell their stories. These are the stories people connect with because they come with lived experience that is a far more accurate representation of disability.

“People are sharing their experiences where so many people were once shut out from all aspects of public life,” she told Link.

"Finally things are starting to change and I am excited to be part of that but want more people to become part of that journey too.”

She acknowledged there has been significant changes and developments in the past few years and the advent of social media has allowed people to take control of their messaging and the way they communicate to elevate their own voice and the voices of others.

And there has been a definite shift.

"The change in perception, albeit slow, is evident and that could be from the NDIS giving more prominence to disability in the community, or the public hearing stories coming out of the Disability Royal Commission.

"We've heard of people with disability being discriminated against when it comes to work and education and in some cases their lives are not seen as having the same value as

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people in the general population when it comes to healthcare. I really believe in the power of people telling their own stories. The more the public read, hear and see from people with direct lived experience, that is when we will overcome the barriers," she said.

Campanella was firm in her advice for people with disability. "You are as deserving of opportunities like anyone else. You might think differently, approach work, play or education in a way that does not necessarily look like your neighbour, but it does not mean it is any less important. And don't be afraid to reach out for support because it is there for a reason."

And are we on the right path?

"I am the eternal optimist. We are making strides but the people who are leading the way are the disability community. We are reaching out and making our own way and society needs to start recognising this."

We are reaching out and making our own way and society needs to start recognising this

Nothing is off limits Campanella has been blind since she was six months old and also lives with Charcot-Marie-Tooth, a generic disease that leaves her with almost total lack of sensitivity in her fingertips and hands, so she is unable to read Braille. But nothing has held her back from a successful media career.

For a girl growing up in Western Sydney she never let disability become a barrier, regardless of stereotyping or social perceptions.

Speaking recently on her Grow Bold with Disability podcast she

admitted to always being interested in the media, “because it’s the way I learned about the world around me”.

She started doing community radio in her teens and while her drive and clear talent was evident, her enthusiasm wasn’t shared by everyone as her journey developed, with more “appropriate jobs”, suggested for her.

“I grew up with people telling me that a secretary, or receptionist or psychologist would be appropriate jobs… not knocking those jobs, but it’s just not what I wanted to do. I loved writing from an early age, but at university, when I was looking for work, people would say, ‘how could you tell a story if you don’t see what’s happening?’ those kinds of things.”

Using the lack of belief in her as motivation, it was “this is what I want, and I don’t care what people think”, which helped drive her ambitions.

Utilising Jaws screen reading software, a white cane, a phone for recording, apps and voiceover technology, disability has played no role in her ability as a journalist.

“I think there’s a concerted effort for workplaces to become more inclusive, but there’s a large portion of workplaces still paying lip service.”

She said the biggest barrier for disability employment is attitude, and the concerns today are really the ones that have been worrying people in the disability community for a long time. Technology is available and can be provided, so it’s about creating a space where everybody is welcome.

“It’s been wonderful to connect with so many amazing people in the disability community and to hear the kinds of issues they want on the agenda and give them a platform to do so.”

The Grow Bold with Disability podcast explores the lives of those with a disability, from the issues they face, to the funny and surprising side.

Created by Feros Care, a not-for-profit care provider and Local Area Coordinators for the NDIS, it is hosted by journalist and broadcaster Pete Timbs and Tristram Peters of disability services comparison website, Clickability, who lives with spinal muscular atrophy.

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Link to...Inclusion

Inclusion – Happy Holidays

By Olivia Kara olis

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arents often ask me, “What are the best toys for my child?

I usually respond with, “What do they like to do?”

No child is the same, and parents and caregivers often make the mistake of assuming that all children with autism, developmental trauma or sensory issues are going to be drawn to particular toys.

Wrong.

What I do suggest is providing children with a range of play experiences that foster their curiosity and support their emotional and social development.

The following toys are ones that I have found to be enjoyable and accessible for all children.

I recommend them for they encourage that magical back and forth engagement and play, with you or another partner.

Art and Craft Materials: Create a beautiful gift basket with age appropriate art materials. For younger children, this may include thick wax crayons and a selection of paper or a small easel.

Older children can explore paint and collage materials.

Clay: The sensory nature of clay allows children to release tension and provides them with a visual way to express their understanding. Some children may resist the texture and prefer play-doh. I have introduced children with sensory issue to clay by first placing bubble-wrap over the clay. It feels wonderful!

Dress up: Costumes, think capes, hats, tails, wings, or a magic wand to make a wish and items that will inspire movement and provide children with inspiration for dramatic play.

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Check the quality of the fabric to be sure that the material is going to be comfortable on the skin. Older children may like a full costume in their favourite animal, or character.

Puppets: Puppets are another wonderful way to extend your child’s dramatic play and foster their communication.

I always consider the child’s favourite animal or creature. Children who are shy may identify with a creature like a turtle. You can bring the turtle in and out of the shell to engage your child.

Again, choose quality. Folkmanis make beautiful puppets that appeal to the tactile preferences of many children and they feel beautiful.

Happy playing!

Olivia Karaolis MA (Special Education/Early Intervention) teaches at the University of Sydney Faculty of Education and Social Work. She was Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Early Childhood Education, Santa Monica College, California.

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daptive clothing company, EveryHuman has released its Tommy Hilfiger summer range of adaptive clothing with new T-shirts, polos, shorts, seated wear for people in wheelchairs.

Among the new releases are additions to the popular Billy Footwear range which the company said has been an outstanding performer, particularly for kids with special needs and mobility problems.

It’s a unique product, there is nothing like it on the market,” EveryHuman founder Matthew Skerritt told Link. “It is functional, fashionable and inclusive with a great range of colours and styles in canvas, faux leather and denim to suit not just kids, but also men and women.”

The shoes feature a flip-top design that easily zips open and closes allowing for unobstructed placement into the shoe bed.

Skerritt said being an onlineonly brand during the pandemic has contributed to a significant increase in sales.

Summer arrives with latest Tommy Hilfiger collection

For the first time EveryHuman took part in the Black Friday sale in November and celebrated its first birthday on December 3 with some special, once-only offers.

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Ease of Dressing •

Clothing For The Seated Position

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Easy On-Off Shoes

www.everyhuman.com.au

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Link to...News

Aruma

Susan & Erica

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Raising the bar higher I try and make sure people with a disability have human rights by talking to them. I like to help other people. I love this job, I really do.

– Erica, Human Rights Ambassador

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ruma – once the House with No Steps and The Tipping Foundation – is the disability service provider who is raising the bar higher for people with a disability.

Aruma makes this happen by being true to their Purpose: Supporting people with a disability to live a great life, the life they want, the life they choose. Aruma provides its customers with key NDIS services, but they strive to be so much more than just a disability service provider.

Aruma is a helper, mentor and a coach. And it’s the trusted partner of around 5300 people with a disability throughout the east coast of Australia.

A human rights warrior Aruma prides itself on being a human rights warrior – championing the rights of people with a disability by putting them front and centre.

One of the ways it does this is by appointing Human Rights Ambassadors. People like Erica who began working at Aruma (then known as House with No Steps) in the packaging business when she was 21.

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Over 25 years later, Erica is still part of the team and represents Aruma as a ambassador.

“A Human Rights Ambassadors is someone who stands up and talks about human rights and who helps out if you need help.”

Along with supporting other people with a disability, ambassadors are actively involved in decisionmaking processes about Aruma’s policies, advocacy and disability services and making sure the voices of people with disabilities are heard.

According to Erica, human rights are very important. “I try and make sure people with a disability have human rights by talking to them. I like to help other people. I get fun out of it seeing people happy and seeing people smile. I love this job, I really do.”

Now, back to those disability services …

Aruma’s services are never a onesize-fits-all approach and support both adults and children with a disability to live their best life.

Across NSW, Vic, Qld and the ACT they offer a wide range of disability services, such as Supported Employment, School Leaver Employment Supports and Independent Living (SIL).

Aruma’s SIL not only helps find a new home but can also support day-to-day tasks such as cleaning and laundry, nutrition and cooking, personal care and going to appointments. They have a wide range of shared properties including apartments, villas and houses available to check out and will work with you to find something that’s just right.

Aruma can also help someone meet new people (all socially distanced of course!), find new hobbies, or learn new skills with their Social and Community Participation and Daily Living Skills services.

Want to learn more? Full details of all Aruma disability services can be found on their website: www.aruma.com.au or you can reach them on: 1300 538 746 or enquiries@aruma.com.au

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Link to...Legal

The importance of knowing your disability rights.

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s a disability rights lawyer and advocate, I often talk about human rights in an everyday context. I will say things like “you have the right to an education on equal basis with others” or “you have the right to be treated fairly at work”. And legally speaking, I am absolutely correct. However, when I make these grand statements I am often met with a blank stare of a person with a disability or family member who has definitely not seen those rights in action.

We know statistically, that people with disabilities do not enjoy education on an equal basis with others, they are not given a fair go at work and they face disproportionate risks of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation compared to people without disabilities. Those blank stares in my office are often a reflection of confusion and disbelief.

I imagine the person faced with this enthusiastic and principled human rights lawyer is thinking “how can they be my rights? My lived experience is, for the most part, the complete opposite”. When I assure a person that that their rights are as plain as the right to live independently, the right to have a family or the right to

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Natalie Wade

Knowledge is an essential tool in protecting and promoting your disability rights in everyday life.

live free from abuse and neglect, the obvious and well-founded question is “why should I care? Because that is not remotely reflected in my lived experience?”. This article is about answering that last question, why it is important to know your rights.

There are two big reasons why knowing your rights is powerful: identification and implementation. If you know your rights, you are more able to identify when they are being breached or if they need to be upheld. For example, if you know that you have the right to be treated equally at school and suddenly you find yourself being excluded from classes or school activities, you will be better placed to self-identify that is not ok. You will also be well placed to educate others on what your rights, which is an important part of keeping safe.

With identifying your rights, you will also be better able to implement them. By implementation, I mean telling people that you should be treated fairly or ask someone to help you resolve the situation.

Calling out treatment that is inconsistent with your rights is critical and asking for help to do so can be

really helpful. Doing so can see the unfair treatment stop and ensure that your rights are upheld.

There is publicly available information on what disability rights are. For example, you can visit the Australian Human Rights Commission website or your local Equal Opportunity Commission website or office for more information. If you would like to speak to someone to learn more about your rights, you can contact your local disability rights advocate or a disability rights lawyer.

These articles are also a source of knowledge on your disability rights.

Knowledge is an essential tool in protecting and promoting your disability rights in everyday life.

If you have any questions for Natalie send to: hello@equalitylawyers.com.au

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Link to...News

LEGO Braille Bricks coming soon to

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EGO Braille Bricks will be launched in Australia in early 2021 by Vision Australia, in partnership with the LEGO Foundation. This education tool is designed to support children and young people who are blind or have low vision develop tactile skills and learn the Braille system.

The raised bumps on each LEGO Braille Brick have been modified to correspond to a letter or character of the braille alphabet. Each brick also has a printed letter or character to allow children who are blind or have low vision to learn and play alongside sighted classmates, family members and educators.

The bricks are intended as a playful introduction to braille for younger children, but do have proven learning opportunities and benefits older children. These are not suitable for children under the age of four.

Because the bricks also feature

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letters, numbers and symbols they can be used simultaneously with sighted classmates, family member and educators.

The LEGO Foundation is gifting the tool to schools and educators who work with children who are blind or have low vision. “Occupational therapists with pediatric clients learning braille as part of their service could also qualify,” Vision Australia product and promotions manager, Tony Wu told Link. He expects the Braille Bricks will be available in February 2021 with a date TBC. It is the first time the LEGO Foundation has addressed the needs of children with vision or sensory impairment.

Vision Australia is responsible for distribution and will liaise with state and territory education departments to ensure schools and other education organisations can facilitate access for eligible students. Vision Australia will

Australia

also provide training workshops for schools, educators and families who are utilising the product which is not available for sale to the public.

Schools and educators can register their interest about LEGO Braille Bricks with Vision Australia to learn more about accessing kits. Complete the online webform to register your interest today at www.visionaustralia. org/services/children/lego-braillebricks/expression-of-interest.

There is a wide range of supporting information and resources available on LEGO Braille Bricks website www.legobraillebricks.com.

Vision Australia’s Vision Store also offers a range of educational products, toys and aids for children who are blind or have low vision.

For more information visit the Vision Store website and chat live with the Vision Store team if you have any queries or contact the Vision Store Team on: 1300 84 74 66.

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Link to...Interview

Melanie Tran

and not shy away from challenges that are associated with my disability, but face them head-on and harness it to drive positive social change.

What next for you?

Melanie Tran

Social entrepreneur and activist shared with Link what her role as a User Experience designer means to her and the next step forward for people with disability.

If I was to answer this question as a UX Designer at Hireup, an online platform that enables Australians living with disability to find, hire and manage their own support workers, my goal would be to continue exploring the potential of technology and its role in enhancing the deep human connections we all need, while leveraging its power to drive social impact in the disability sector.

As a director at Children and Young People with Disability (CYDA) I want to continue to elevate and amplify the voices of young people with disability. One of the most recent initiatives hosted by CYDA was the National Youth Disability Summit which was a perfect example of how technology and creativity have the power to create a platform for the voices of young people with disability to be heard. The connections made and conversations sparked at this Summit mark the beginning of a culture that fosters co-design and collaboration. More importantly, it marks the beginning of bringing together the key ingredients that will enable voices of people with disability to be heard.

A message to people with disability: How has your role as a UX designer influenced people with disability?

It’s about bringing together the worlds of design and business, while maintaining one fundamental principle to develop products or services that are deeply driven by the needs of the people who use them. Education has redefined my perception of design and creativity and helped shape me as a designer. It has also taught me to harness design for social good and that design and technology together can drive positive social change.

Challenges you have faced?

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Our society was not built for inclusion - whether that be the physical environment, culture, attitude or perception. Individuals living with a disability have been fighting for equality and fundamental human rights for decades. It is a common challenge that exists everywhere.

What strikes me the most is that we are still expected to fit into what society defines as the ‘social norm’.

What exactly is ‘social norm’? While education helped shape me as a designer, my disability helped shape me as a person.

It has taught me to be innovative

Embrace your identity. Be brave.

The challenges that are associated with disability will teach you to see things from a unique perspective. And these unique perspectives are exactly what is needed to rebuild a society that is not only inclusive, but is flexible enough to adapt to different needs.

What do you think is the next step forward?

If we want to see change, we need to understand some of the levers we could pull to start creating an impact.

I have witnessed first-hand the power of storytelling. Let’s look at this from a holistic perspective.

When we talk about the disability

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Link to...Interview sector, we often hear a lot of statistics and data being thrown around on the number of people living with disability around the world, the number of NDIS participants in Australia or employment rates of people with disability just to name a few. But what we don’t often consciously think of is that behind every number and every statistic is someone with a story to tell.

Whilst data is important, real stories and real voices of those with lived experience are equally as important.

What we need to do is highlight more of these stories. Some stories will be inspiring, some will be surprising and some will be shocking.

These are the stories that need to be told, leading to empathy and knowledge, powerful levers to help drive the social change we all desire.

The NDIS is known to be the greatest nation building project, and I couldn’t agree more. On one hand, I’ve experienced the challenges that come with navigating through the system. But for a national insurance scheme known to be our largest social reform since Medicare to be launched, it is not out of the ordinary to experience challenges and flaws. I see this as a transformative journey that will allow us to fail, learn and grow.

It is also not all on the NDIS to improve the disability sector, the responsibility and accountability also lies with us as individuals, as businesses and as a community.

It is a collective effort, and then will we be able to move the dial and unite to work towards our shared vision.

What do you enjoy doing?

When I am not working or studying, I’m happiest when I get to read, write or travel! My childhood dream was to be an author. There is something about using the power of words and creativity that has drawn me to writing.

Travelling is a way to remind me of just how different, yet how similar each country is. The people and culture around the world are still drawn together by common challenges and visions. It teaches me to understand the challenges and opportunities, and most importantly, how I can take these learnings back home and share it with our community.

And the NDIS?

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Link to...NDIS

Novita president Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce, Novita Patron and SA Governor Hieu Van Le with Deanne Key

Tiffany Constable

New home for Novita’s technology and equipment unit

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full range of Novita’s innovative assistive technology solutions and equipment services for people living with disability is being delivered from a new base at Thebarton. The site for the Novitatech Assistive Technology Centre – Novita’s assistive technology and equipment unit – has been developed as a result of the decision to transition from Regency Park.

A Central Therapy hub has also been opened at Hindmarsh, a purpose-built hydrotherapy and gym facility at Welland, and Novita’s Day Options and community programs also have a new home at West Croydon.

Novita CEO Greg Ward said Novitatech’s origins date back to 1976, when the organisation created its first Orthotics Department.

“Today, Novitatech offers the latest in technology and equipment to support kids, young people and

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adults living with disability to live independently and achieve their life goals,” he said. “3D orthotics, high-tech communication devices, wheelchair and seating, and home modifications are among the services delivered by the Novitatech team, which works collaboratively with Novita’s therapists to make sure our clients and families are getting the best possible outcomes.”

Novitatech, which is a registered NDIS provider of disability services, also has a Test Laboratory, the only facility of its kind in Australia to be accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities that tests medical and disability products to Australian and international standards. A special feature of the new Novitatech site is the assistive technology showroom, which gives clients and their families a welcoming space to inspect and try out some of

the devices and equipment available through Novitatech.

For 13-year-old Deanne Key and eight-year-old Tiffany Constable, who are both Novita kids supported

by Novitatech to achieve their goals, assisted with the official opening.

Dee lives with cerebral palsy, and has received wheelchair and seating assessment services and ongoing orthotics support through Novitatech, while Tiffany has been a Novitatech orthotics client for many years and uses traditional and 3D designed braces to support her legs.

Tiffany’s mother Jessie Hortin said their family has been supported by Novita, and all of her needs have been met. “The adjustments to Tiffy’s braces that accommodate her active lifestyle has been amazing, and without her braces she would not be able to do her dream sport of cheerleading.”

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Link to...NDIS

Ben Tullipan

Ben Tullipan

:A survivor with a passion for golf

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olf changed disability advocate and inclusive golfer Ben Tullipan’s life and there was much to change. He cheated death in 2002 after being horrifically injured in the Bali bombings. And his injuries make grim reading: loss of both legs, most of his stomach muscles and 63 per cent full thickness burns to his body. He was not expected to survive, but survive he did, only to be told he would never walk again.

He told Link “Your balance comes from your big toes, your stomach and your hearing. I had no big toes, ankles or shins, half a stomach and I am completely deaf in one ear and have 60 per cent in the other. Needless to say my chances of walking again were not looking great.”

It took him two years to use his prosthetic legs with the aid of crutches and perseverance and focusing on the positive helped him back on the long road to recovery.

A chance meeting with James Gribble, one of the only quadriplegic golfers in the world you could say swung his life around … with a little help from the ParaGolfer, an interesting looking all-terrain wheelchair that takes even the most physically challenged in an upright position to fully swing a golf club.

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“I have met people who have never stood up before burst into tears when they use the ParaGolfer,” Tullipan said.

He is passionate about promoting sport, in particular golf, those with a disability, encouraging less able Australians of all ages and abilities to play the game as a viable form of rehabilitation and recreation.

Tullipan spends his time with Empower Golf Australia, running the Empower Golf Queensland division, which facilitates and promotes golf for quadriplegics and paraplegics, but also amputees, the deaf, the blind, those with cerebral palsy, brain injuries, vision impairments, etc into a standing position to replicate a full golfing experience.

If you are an inclusive golfer who is paralysed from the waist down but have only minimal upper body strength the ParaGolfer machine could be life changing if you have minimal or no torso rotation, he said. “If you are an amputee and a double leg amputee, like me, then you usually have phenomenal upper body strength. With the amount of time you rely on your upper body to get you through day to day life it will certainly play to your advantage when hitting the ball.

“If you are an arm amputee it is unlikely you would have as good

upper body strength. In saying this, while the muscle strengths of the core and arms play important roles in golf it certainly does not stop you from enjoying the game if you don’t have it. Regardless of our disability, we all have our individual strengths and weaknesses.”

He said while golf is still quite a male dominant sport, there is an increase in interest from women and young adults. More so now where there are the common culprits like diabetes, cancers, more motorbike and motor vehicle accidents and more children being born with special needs.

Empower is a registered NDIS organisation providing golf lessons, equipment and other support services to people with disability. There are currently 15 full inclusive golf facilities nationally. Pre-Covid, Tullipan travelled constantly armed with a ParaGolfer, sometimes two, and a trailer full of adaptive equipment.

His role with the NDIS Tullipan was approached by the NDIS two years ago to be a contributor at their monthly committee meetings. During meetings the board discuss ways to help those with special needs lead better lives.

“We organise things like getting them to meet at the Gold Coast University Hospital and provide options on the public transport available as many people with disability are unaware what services there are and how to use them. We are also in the process of organising a courtesy bus that will collect them from their home and take them to trial three different sports in a day.”

He has become an advocate for showing Australians that having a disability doesn’t have to stop people from having fun and making the most of opportunities.

He hit the road in 2019 with the Dometic Follow the Sun Relay, a collaborative effort between Dometic, Winnebago and Caravan Industry Association of Australia.

He travelled in the Follow the Sun Winnebago showing that a holiday in a motorhome is doable for people with disability.

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Link to...NDIS “I love showing people that having a disability doesn’t stop them from having fun and making the most of opportunities. On a recent trip to Cairns with my family, I made it known to airport check-in staff what my disability is for early pre-boarding.

I also phone ahead on tours sometimes to check if there are stairs, uneven ground, if the premises are wheelchair friendly or if there are other ways to enter their facility. This time last year I went on my first ever cruise and once I made it known to the staff that I had a disability they went out of their way to make my time on board as stress free and comfortable as possible. I find communication is key.”

Tullipan and his wife Kerrie live on the Gold Coast and have two children, a daughter Sheridan who is 13 and has a 2nd Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo and was a baton bearer in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and a 7 year old son Rory.

He plans to increase participation in more inclusive golf events, nationally and internationally.

“As much as I have a passion for helping people with disability becoming more active through sport, I have had to reduce the time I spend on my own golf so I would like to get back to doing more of that and hit the road in a caravan, campervan or tent and explore more of this great country

of ours and provide feedback to the disability communities.”

In 2011, Tullipan featured in a documentary on terrorism called ‘LOVE HATE LOVE’ produced by actor and humanitarian Sean Penn. The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City.

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December/January 2021

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GPs and NDIA collaborating on NDIS resources

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he Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the National Disability Insurance Agency have developed new resources to help GP patients with disability navigate the NDIS. RACGP spokesperson, Dr Lara Roeske said the new resources are a positive step forward to improve the experience for patients.

“We welcome this opportunity to engage with the NDIS,” she said.

“GPs play an important role in helping patients navigate the scheme and a GP is often the first place people turn to for healthcare and is also a key entry point for patients to the NDIS. “GPs are often involved in the crucial early stages of working through

a patient’s potential scheme eligibility.

We assist patients with information gathering, providing relevant documents and supports, and remain caring for our patients throughout their NDIS journey.”

As a mother and carer of a son living with disability, Roeske said that navigating the NDIS can be challenging. “GPs have found it difficult and we recognised there was great scope to improve the involvement of GPs, and in turn, the experience for patients.”

NDIA spokesperson, Shannon Rees said the NDIA was grateful to the RACGP for its feedback and support to ensure these new resources informed GPs about NDIS criteria, the process of eligibility and accessing the scheme.

“It was important that we developed resources that were practical, informative and useful.

These have been co-designed with GPs, for GPs – so they can more easily support their patients who might want to apply for the NDIS.”

The new GP resources include a suite of practical training videos, a checklist guide to considering a patient’s NDIS eligibility and a brochure with information on how other stakeholders, including NDIS partners, allied health professionals and practice nurses, can support patients to navigate the NDIS. The introduction of independent assessments, which will remove existing barriers to accessing the NDIS in addition to these resources, supports a more streamlined process for patients seeking NDIS access.

The resources are available online www.racgp.org.au/running-a-practice/ practice-resources/practice-tools/ resources-for-gps-support-patientsto-access-ndis

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Physical health is never just about our body. It’s our mind, feelings and ambitions. When something holds it back, it’s our whole life on hold.

We’re here to change that. To use technology to take the limits off living.

Then go on stronger inspired by a simple promise. Two words that bring together all we do.

Life unlimited To find out more about wound care supports on the NDIS visit

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Hesta Excellence Awards for Disability Services Sharon’s 24/7 Support Team

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aking out the outstanding organisation award was Synapse, recognised for providing a range of services for people who have been impacted by brain injury and disability. The organisation promotes quality of life, self-determination and choice through information, specialist housing and supports, services, advocacy and research. Their vision is to make Australia a more supportive, just and understanding place to live for the one in 45 Australians who experience brain injury.

In 2017 Synapse built Australia’s first and only purpose-built, culturally responsive housing for Indigenous Australians impacted by brain injury and complex disability, the Warner Street Community. Warner Street provides housing and support that is spiritually, socially, emotionally and physically safe – which is critical to appropriate disability service provision and social and emotional wellbeing for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Synapse national director strategy

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and engagement, Adam Schickerling said brain injury can be a ‘hidden’ disability, meaning people affected often don’t receive the supports, or even the understanding they need. “We want to build awareness and capacity across our systems and community, so challenges and behaviours that come with brain injury are triggers for support, not justification for exclusion.”

The Team Excellent award was won by Sharon’s 24/7 Interchange

Adam Schickerling

Support Team for their significant contribution to people living with disability, including providing support to start a new life at home and in the community after incarceration.

In Australia, approximately 10 per cent of soon-to-be released prisoners have an intellectual disability.

Sharon faced multiple challenges on her release, including trauma from negative experiences with a previous service provider. By building a relationship of trust and understanding, Sharon’s team helped her develop necessary life skills and independence and the team supported her by putting everyday routines into her life and home.

According to Interchange WA 24/7 Support Team Leader Ronel Ackermann, “Rather than trying to change them as a person, we change the environment they live in,” she said.

“They will be less involved with the justice system because they learn new skills around self-esteem and respect and gain knowledge that there are other ways of achieving their goals without reoffending.”

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Meet

O

Caitlin Maynard

ur new contributor, Caitlin Maynard, writes about living with Friedreich’s ataxia “I have a disability called Friedreich’s ataxia and use a wheelchair. Friedreich’s ataxia is a rare neuro muscular condition that is inherited. Both my parents are carriers of the FA gene, so each of their children had a 25% chance

of having FA. Since FA is a genetic condition, I have always had it, but serious symptoms didn’t start until I was 16. Two years later I had genetic testing and diagnosis was confirmed.

I am now 25 and have gone through many different mobility aids. I started with a single cane a few months after diagnosis, then moved to a cane with four feet, then

a walker and now have a standing frame and a manual wheelchair for places where I can push myself and an electric wheelchair for distances and independence.

One in every 30,000 people is affected with FA, and one in 90 are carriers. As of now, there are no treatments or cure. The term ataxia translates to a loss of coordination.

All of my symptoms such as loss of balance, trouble speaking and swallowing and difficulties with using my hands all stem from my muscles having a lack of coordination and not doing what my brain is telling them to do.

It’s easy to notice symptoms that happen to the legs or feet, but in reality FA affects all the muscles in the body: the muscles in my throat, heart, arms and hands.

It was difficult for me when I was first diagnosed because I “passed” and as an apparently able bodied person would be judged and questioned when I needed to rest or walked a bit oddly.

Even though using my wheelchair is difficult and makes me different from everyone else, moving to the wheelchair was the best decision for me. No one questions my disability anymore, except when they assume I just have a sprained ankle, and I am more independent than ever before.”

Read Caitlin’s story on her visit to The Powerhouse Museum on page 26.

Providing you with personalised and professional services to help you live Your Life, Your Way. Every day, Community Support Inc provides personalised, tailored support services to almost 1,000 people in South Australia of all ages living with a disability, mental illness and complex health conditions.

As a registered NDIS provider, we can help you plan and co-ordinate the services and supports you may need to help you live Your Life. Your Way.

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To find out more contact us today!

Telephone 08 8429 1200 Email hello@csisa.org.au Or via our website csisa.org.au

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Link to...News

B

y anyone’s standards, Oliver Mills is a high achiever. At just 32 years old, this creative powerhouse from Adelaide has written four books, is an artist, poet and speaker.

Oliver also lives with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and vision impairment.

He has been an artist for the last 10 years, had his first exhibition in 2019 at the Campbelltown ArtHouse and his work commissioned and featured on the front of magazines.

“I like being independent and expressing myself and finding new ways to show others how I see the world. Because I am non-verbal, art gives me another way to communicate how I feel or what I think about life.

I enjoy exhibiting artwork and selling my paintings or greeting cards and I like feeling successful,” Oliver said.

Adelaide artist Henry ‘Jock’ Walker has been mentoring Oliver in his artwork since January 2020 and helping him build on his skills and extend on what he already knows to explore and create new works.

“I love how many creative artworks Oliver can do independently and how excited he gets over the process, especially with the newest mediums using charcoal and the iPad art apps.

He just goes and goes and goes. I feel like we all get mesmerised by the things that he’s creating. I’m a real abstract art enthusiast so to see an artist who has the physical challenges that he does, create such interesting and beautiful artwork makes it even more special,” Walker said.

Oliver’s unique artistic talent has led him to the position of designing this year’s International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) lapel pin.

“The lapel pin artwork was my second and third session working with Jock and he was getting to know me and how I could paint independently with my different skills and special tools. He made this cool implement with brushes attached and then attached it to my finger that also had paint on it. This helped me paint a bigger area than what I could normally do – it was like, ‘let’s see what I can do.’ I feel like anything is possible with Jock.”

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Oliver Mills with Jock Walker

brush

Oliver Mills with creativity Oliver’s favourite colours include bright yellow, deep purple and metallic colours like gold, silver and bronze and he uses these and other colours in diverse ways to produce his original art.

One of his signature techniques is using his fingers to scratch or move paint on the canvas. He uses specially designed holders that attach to his hand to hold art brushes, charcoals and crayons.

Oliver’s creative achievements are nothing short of extraordinary given the personal challenges he has to overcome every day to pursue his dreams. Yet the impressive success Oliver has had as an artist hasn’t

stopped him from sometimes having days where he feels frustrated and mixed feelings about living with cerebral palsy.

“I have lots of up days and down days. I write about it a lot in my poetry.

Sometimes life can be a bit crappity crap; I feel like I’m always waiting, or my seizures get in the way of the things I want to achieve, but cerebral palsy is just a part of who I am.” For those with disability who would like to try something creative, Oliver has some wise advice: “Get a good support team behind you and keep striving for your dreams.”

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Say Cheese! And help children with disability

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Chris & Jack Duffy

T

asmanian gourmet cheese hamper business, Cheese Therapy has joined forces with the Just Like Jack charity, donating $15 from every Just Like Jack Pack unique box of cheeses sold.

Cheese Therapy co-founder, Sam Penny became an ambassador for the charity in November last year.

“Cheese brings people together to share a new experience regardless of whether they are five or 95,” Penny said. “Just Like Jack also brings people together, in particular families of all ages, to children with disability new experiences, something that’s deep in my heart,” he said.

Volunteers from the charity are helping children enjoy adventures such as fun runs, half marathons, marathons, treks and paddling on wild rivers.

“It’s about giving these special kids the confidence to step outside their comfort zone,” Penny said.

And Penny has a few adventures of his own to share. Last December he was the first person in the world to

attempt to swim the English Channel in winter. “Enduring the intense cold of that challenge was nothing compared to what these children endure each day, you can’t fathom what they go through, this is about making their lives better,” he said.

Little Jack Duffy has cerebral palsy spastic quadriplegia. His father Chris started the Just Like Jack charity three years ago and has shared many adventures with his son, including walking the 65km Overland Track in Tasmania carrying Jack on his back.

“This generous support from

Cheese Therapy is amazing for our not-for-profit organisation,” Chris Duffy said. “So far our focus has been on Tasmania but through this special partnership we’re hoping to spread the word and bring smiles to the faces of special needs kids throughout Australia.”

Throughout his adventures to date, Jack and his team have raised over $100,000 for Australian not-forprofit organisations.

Just Like Jack boxes are available here: www.cheesetherapy.com.au/ products/justlikejack-pack

“We seriously love the Dawn Clock. It’s quite amazing that a clock has completely changed her level of independence!” ~ Jen, Mother of Emily J Prior - ABC Me Star & Neurodiversity Advocate

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Link to...News

A of the Powerhouse Museum

Personal Tour

By Caitlin Maynard

“T

he Powerhouse is one of my favourite museums and is totally accessible which is essential for me in my wheelchair. Outside is a ramp that has been integrated into the stairs, so everyone goes in together and at the same place, gets the same view and the same initial excitement.

Many buildings, like museums, have a different entrance for people who have special entry requirements. The museum also accepts service animals.

I met with curator Damien McDonald, who is also a bass guitar player in a local band, who took me into the Maton exhibit that draws on 70 years of music. Seeing the wall of 130 guitars was a powerful experience, all from the collection of Wadih Hanna, an instrument and art collector who has been playing the guitar since he was twelve years old. ‘His passion for Maton instruments began when his wife Lucy gave him a Maton EM325C acoustic guitar for their wedding.’

(Quote from the pamphlet given at the Powerhouse).

The instruments are 100 per cent Australian from design to the timber and labour. Damien explained that when Bill May started Maton guitars in 1944 almost all the guitars where made from a North American timber, so to make a Maton guitar uniquely Australian he had to experiment with

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Damien McDonald in front of his favourite guitar the Maton Wedgetail

locally grown timber. One of the highlights is The Easybeats’ guitarist Harry Vanda’s Maton guitar which he used to write the song, Friday on My Mind. It is among some of the rarest guitars displayed with the instruments and amplifiers used in the heyday of Australian jazz, folk, rock and country.

According to Damien, curators worked with the designers from the beginning to make sure the exhibition realised the artist’s vision, that it be accessible and easy to navigate.

Before Covid-19 and the lockdown enforcements, the museum would have at least one group a week of people with disability visiting. This museum is one of the most inclusive museums which is why it’s the perfect outing for large groups.

Covid-19 also changed some components of the Maton exhibition.

The original idea was the have a stage in the centre of the exhibit with a

live band playing music with Maton guitars. But as this was no longer possible recorded music using guitars accompanies the exhibition.

A light component was added to the exhibit with each guitar lit by a single bulb behind the neck with lights flicking on and off in time with the music.

The final change to the exhibit was made with a Maton guitar on a special stand placed at the end of the display. The original idea was that this guitar could be touched and played by visitors. Rather like a visit to the zoo where you often find a small section for mingling with the animals.

The guitar was to be reachable for everyone, including children and people in wheelchairs.

However, because of current restrictions, a camera has been placed inside the guitar and along its strings so visitors can see what it would be like to play the guitar.”

Giveaway TICKETS TO MATON GUITAR EXHIBITION

Caitlin Maynard

The Powerhouse Museum in Sydney has two tickets to give away to the Maton Retrospective.

Tell us in 20 words why you would like to attend the exhibition and your favourite guitar player. Send your entry to: kymberly@intermedia.com.au – Ticket Giveaway Closing January 12, 2021

Carols by Candlelight

Link to...Happenings

– the show goes on without an audience this year

V

ision Australia’s annual Christmas Eve event and the organisation’s biggest fundraiser for children’s services is on December 24. But this traditional Christmas Eve event will look a little different with no audience on site due to public health considerations.

Vision Australia CEO Ron Hooton said having a healthy and Covid-free Christmas remains a top priority, as well as the safety of the public, staff and the volunteers who support the event.

"In our 83 years this is the only time we’ve had to do this so it’s with the utmost disappointment that we’ve had to make this decision," Hooton said. “While everyone involved would love to have a crowd at this year’s event we urge our loyal fans to still be part of the big night with family and friends at home or in their back yards.”

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Vision Australia is working closely with broadcast partner, Channel Nine, to produce the show from the Sidney Myer Music Bowl stage for the millions of people who tune in from around the country.

It will be broadcast, complete with audio description, across the Vision Australia Radio network in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, regional Victoria, Albury and Darwin.

Channel 9 will broadcast live from 8pm AEDT on Christmas Eve, as well as a replay on Christmas Day. 3AW will broadcast live from 6pm until midnight on Christmas Eve. Through an additional narration track, audio description succinctly paints an image of transitions, movements, gestures, neatly woven between on-stage dialogue, allowing people who are blind or have low

vision to enjoy the carols on a level footing with their sighted peers.

Vision Australia Radio and Audio Services manager, Conrad Browne is positive about this year’s broadcast.

“Each year we find new ways to celebrate the event by presenting creative content in the lead up to Christmas Eve and helping to paint that important picture for our audience during the evening’s simulcast with thanks to our dedicated audio description and presenting teams.

“In a year where the television broadcast will be a little different, we encourage our community to switch on their local Vision Australia Radio service to listen to alongside the Channel 9 broadcast,” he said.

Visit www.varadio.org.au to keep up to date and bookmark: carols.visionaustralia.org.

December/January 2021

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Hannah Dodd

Link to...Travel & Leisure

an adult I took so much stuff to heart at the time that wasn’t important,” she said.

Gaining access to resources and study assistance can be difficult to approach for young students with a disability and it was something Dodd had to confront head on throughout her studies.

It took her until mid-way through her Health Science degree to take advantage of the extra support that she required. “Be proactive about your needs, don’t back down from that.” And gave this advice for others going through similar experiences: “The world needs to be accessible regardless of whether it makes other people uncomfortable”.

Starting Out in the Wheelchair Sports Community

Hannah Dodd’s

journey to becoming a dual Paralympic athlete

P

aralympic athlete Hannah Dodd has achieved international success in multiple sports, representing Australia in Grade IV equestrian and 1.0-point wheelchair basketball.

Through the lens of her dualsporting ventures, Dodd gave Link her perspective on young athletes starting out in wheelchair sports, dealing with the NDIS and gaining access to her first wheelchair. She also delved into what it was like growing up with a disability.

The 28-year-old won silver at the 2015 Beijing Paralympic Games with the Australian Devils, under25 Australian women's wheelchair basketball team.

Despite being born with Sacral agenesis and Spina bifida, she never saw herself as having a disability and the impact of her disability only set in from around the age of 12.

“It wasn’t until I was in high school that I realised I was quite different to everyone else. I think looking back as

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In the world of wheelchair sports, gaining access to suitable equipment can prove difficult. Often young athletes with a disability either have to buy their own wheelchair or loan a chair provided by more experienced athletes.

Changes are currently being made to allow for faster and fairer access to NDIS support, providing a welcome respite for Australia’s disability community. With 100,000 new participants receiving assistance in the past 12 months, these reforms are aiming to provide easier access to funding.

When asked about receiving her first wheelchair, Dodd spoke highly of the comradery and culture of the wheelchair sports community.

“In my first two and a half years I played in other people’s old chairs. I had a loaned sports wheelchair which I paid $500 to have on loan. It was an All Court made by Quickie that was adjustable and was a good chair at the time.”

Now an ambassador for Sunrise Medical, Dodd uses an RGK Elite X basketball wheelchair with carbon fibre that provides her with extra speed and agility on the court.

In 2012, Dodd represented Australia at the London Paralympics, making her the youngest member of the Olympic team that year.

After the completion of the London 2012 games, Dodd was at a crossroads in her career facing the growing financial burden of competing in equestrian.

“When I came back from London, I couldn’t afford the horse I rode in London and it was the first time I didn’t have a horse in my life.”

The rapid deterioration of Hannah's legs led to her becoming predominantly a wheelchair user, making horse riding difficult and uncomfortable.

Dodd describes dealing with the health issues, that led to her not being able to participate in equestrian at Rio 2016, as the biggest challenge she’s faced in her career. “Basketball didn’t qualify for Rio 2016, which was pretty devastating, then I tried to go for equestrian and I ended up being too sick and not being able to go to Europe to qualify”.

Becoming a Dual-Sport Paralympic Athlete Dodd’s wheelchair basketball career began during the 2012 Paralympics when her family and coaching staff were watching the opening ceremony at a casino across the road from London’s Olympic Stadium. Gerry Hewson, former Australian women’s wheelchair basketball coach, happened to be at the same venue and begun chatting to Dodd’s family. This chance meeting, with Hewson, gave her the opportunity to try wheelchair basketball and she hasn’t looked back.

However, inspired by Hewson’s encouragement and seeking shelter from the stresses of elite sport training, she decided to give basketball a go. “I never saw myself doing anything other than horse riding, then I found myself in wheelchair basketball by pure accident and I loved it.”

Her competitive nature propelled her into the WNWBL in 2013, where she is currently playing for the Sydney University Flames. Her focus is solely on wheelchair basketball playing for the Gliders and she remains positive about the prospect of the 2021 games going ahead.

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Leisure Options – holiday with

A

confidence

s we reach the end of 2020 it is time to look forward and begin planning some amazing travel adventures for 2021 and, Leisure Options, a supported travel specialist, will help you do exactly that.

2020 has been a unique challenge for us all, affecting not only our day – to-day lives but also special occasions such as holidays and times away. But good news is ahead as restrictions ease and state borders reopen, paving the way for holiday travel to recommence.

Based in Port Melbourne, but catering to NDIS participants Australia wide, Leisure Options is a Covid-safe, supported travel provider that has been busily adjusting their holiday program to showcase the highlights of Australia whilst also supporting the local communities that keep our country connected.

Leisure Options owner Gary Elliott wants travellers to know that it is safe to travel as the company is putting in place the highest standards and

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stringent Covid-safe measures to ensure the wellbeing and safety of travellers at every point in the participant’s journey.

Group and Individual holidays recommenced in November 2020 supported by a host of updated or newly implemented protocols that aim to compliment the company’s unrivalled holiday experience whilst adhering to government Covid guidelines. Leisure Options adheres to all Covid-safe measures that are now in place in relation to transport, hotels and accommodation, activities and experiences. These measures ensure you can holiday with confidence as you return to travel.

At the heart of a Leisure Options holiday are the core values and unique benefits that the company instil into each of their holidays, be it a group getaway or an individually customised itinerary. Such qualities include small group sizes that enable a more personalised holiday experience, quality accommodation selections

J o rd a n

and Ad

am

that help promote a family atmosphere whilst on tour and high staff-to- traveller ratios. Key to each holiday is the dedicated, compassionate and fun loving Tour Crew. Part tour leaders, part support staff the Tour Crew are keen travellers themselves and all strive to ensure you have the best possible experience on your chosen holiday.

As the summer months approach there is no better time to get away and explore some amazing locations and attractions. To discuss the best travel or respite options available to suit your needs please contact Leisure Options on: 03 9646 0666 or email: mail@leisureoptions.com.au

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Link to...Travel & Leisure

Go Caravan,

Go!

I

f you are considering a caravan holiday read on! With interstate travel seemingly off the cards for the near future this seems to be the year of the road trip, particularly in the Sunshine State with a rising number of Queenslanders said to be hitting the road to give caravanning a spin.

Caravanning has seen a surge of popularity in recent months with Queensland holiday parks reporting a 40 per cent increase in occupancy rates between May and August.

Sunshine Coast family Jodie, John and their two sons are among the recent caravan converts – after finding it was the perfect solution to their family’s unique holiday needs. Having

Jodie & Ben

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By the Noosa River

two sons with special needs, the family had mixed results with holidays in the past, but decided to give caravanning a go after first trying a camper trailer and realizing that they needed to go bigger.

“We quickly found that the camper trailer was quite hard for our family situation. Plus it took so long to put up and pack away,” Jodie said. “We saw other people arrive in the park with caravans and how quick the setup was, so decided we needed to look at getting a caravan for ourselves. Within two weeks we had bought a new van.

“For our first time in the caravan, we decided to stay local and booked three nights at Ingenia Holidays Rivershore at Noosa and absolutely loved it. We ended up staying for a week – which is the first time we’ve ever extended a holiday. We have two teenage boys, Ben is 16-years-old and requires full care and Jack is 14-yearsold and has autism.

“The resort was so easy to get around as we could just pop Ben in his stroller, put our rescue pup Lily on a leash and get out and about. In the past, we’ve had to cut all of our

holidays short, so as soon as we knew that this type of holiday worked for our family we were thrilled. You can easily drop a few thousand dollars on holiday accommodation, so aside from the upfront cost of the caravan, it’s a really cost effective and flexible option,” she said.

Queensland has the largest number of registered RV’s in Australia with this number only expected to rise as more embrace the transient holiday trend.

Ingenia resort manager Shane Sutton said that he’s seen an influx of first-time caravanners as people embrace holiday destinations a little closer to home.

“So many Aussies had to cancel their interstate and overseas trips this year and have been looking for travel alternatives that don’t involve flights or crowds. That’s why caravans are such a great fit as they are affordable with the flexibility to pick up and move on to the next adventure whenever you’re ready.”

For information about an Ingenia Holidays park near you visit www.ingeniaholidays.com.au

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Taking accessibility to the next level in the Adelaide CBD

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eading not-for-profit organisation, Uniting Communities, is taking accessibility to a new level in the heart of Adelaide. The multi-awardwinning 20-storey U City building on Franklin Street has focused on supporting people living with disability, offering Specialist Disability Accommodation, Accessible Serviced Apartments and Function Centre and an adult changing facility.

The building is home to retirement living, commercial, retail and hospitality spaces and a range of Uniting Communities’ services including Lifeline Adelaide, disability services, personal and family counselling and youth health programs.

“U City is responding to the evolving needs of the community,’ Uniting Communities chief executive, Simon Schrapel said. “This project was bold and ambitious, and a celebration of the enormous commitment to building inclusive communities that has been a hallmark of Uniting Communities for decades now.”

U City provides specialist accommodation—short-stay and longer term—to support both physical needs and offer muchneeded choice in the market for a more independent and flexible lifestyle. These 39 apartments provide a range of accessible features that enable guests and residents to select accommodation to suit their needs and maximise independence, all in a fantastic location close to public transport, shopping, restaurants and entertainment.

Features include the latest assistive technology, to control lights, blinds, air conditioning and doors, and contact Concierge from the apartment. Built-in cameras allow guests to see visitors at the entrance and remotely grant them access.

The apartments have purposebuilt features such as wheel-under hot plates and kitchen sink, motorised doors and blinds, lifter tracks and functional beds, height-adjustable ensuite basins and kitchen benches, wide doors and passages, step-free

Link to...Travel & Leisure thresholds and shower cubicles.

U City is home to one of Adelaide’s first Changing Places facilities. These best-practice bathrooms include a hoist and other customised features, to provide dignified and purpose-built toileting and showering facilities.

The new Function Centre on the first level, has a hearing loop, step-free threshold entries, lifts with illuminated braille buttons, audible announcements and accessible toilets.

For more information about U City’s, visit www.ucity.com.au.

PURPOSE-BUILT ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE HEART OF THE CITY • Short Term Accommodation and Assistance (STAA) • Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) • Short-stay holiday apartments

SEE U SOON – now open!

ENQUIRE TODAY 1800 247 365 | apartments@ucity.com.au 43 Franklin Street, Adelaide SA 5000 ucity.com.au AN INNOVATION OF

UNITING COMMUNITIES

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December/January 2021

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Link to...Travel & Leisure

Experience New Zealand accessible travel with a personal touch

N

ew Zealand is a destination of experiences – from its unique nature and culture to the adrenaline pumping adventure activities. Each region brings a new set of experiences, with its own local flavour of culture, climate and wild places full of promise. It’s only when you start your journey that you realise how much more there is to do.

That’s why having someone experienced on the ground to help you plan your trip is important, like local travel guide Marina Hanger from Ability Adventures. Hanger knows the lay of the land and loves nothing better than sharing her favourite places with those looking for an experience of a lifetime. As a qualified occupational therapist, she set up her travel company to inspire people living with a disability to be more adventurous, tailoring itineraries

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and arranging equipment and other assistance to match the individual needs of each traveller.

She has arranged 3-5 day tandem cycling trips for groups of vision impaired travellers, wilderness walks and kayaking activities for a family – including Dad in a wheelchair, through to skydiving adventures.

“All the trips I plan start with a whole lot of questions about an individual’s needs, including daily routines and lifestyle, as well as confidence and fitness, strengths and potential challenges – all of which help inform me how far I can push the envelope and what might be needed to overcome a barrier,” she told Link.

On offer are fully guided trips or self-drive packages where all the details are taken care of just turn up and everything is in place. According to Hanger, New Zealand has a

landscape and wildness about it you have to immerse yourself in.

Some of the more accessible locations where one can take in the land and sea include Rotorua’s thermal valley and lake attractions, Tane Mahuta Kauri Walk in Northland or Lake Matheson forest walk and Punakaiki Pancake Rocks in the South.

Wildlife encounters like the Pukekura Blue Penguin Colony in Otago or the many guided coastal eco tours dotted around the country.

The same goes for the local culture that changes from place to place – art, food, history or adventure activities - whatever makes someone’s wish-list, it’s always better when you can get right in the mix and not just be a spectator. “There is so much that people can take part in – it just takes a bit more planning to make it work,” she said.

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Accessing holiday accommodation just got easier

C

hances are you have experienced just how difficult it is to find the right accessible holiday accommodation to suit your mobility needs, as Kerry Williams, founder of Accessible Accommodation did.

“People with mobility challenges love to travel and take a holiday just as much as everyone else however their needs are more complex. These needs are thoughtfully considered with Accessible Accommodation.”

A website dedicated to holiday and short term accommodation caters to people with physical disabilities.

Choose from resorts, hotel and motels, holiday houses, farm stay, retreats, glamping and houseboats.

The website provides factual information, with 50 frequently asked questions for every property. Video tours and photos demonstrate accessible features, including the allimportant accessible bathroom Williams set up the site when she realised there was a lack of reliable information for travellers with disabilities and carer/ support workers.

As a carer to her mother Barbara, Williams said it was arriving at a B&B in Tasmania that was the last straw.

Although she received confirmation in writing that “Yes, the shower is accessible”, it was simply not possible for a wheelchair to glide into with a large lip at the base.

After returning from Tasmania,

Link to...Travel & Leisure she set about building a holiday rental in Barwon Heads that was accessible without the clinical hospital feel that often comes with disability bathrooms. Fast forward four years, and after countless requests for something similar to her property in other parts of Australia, the Accessible Accommodation website was launched. The website quickly added over 120 properties around Australia.

In January, 2021 she is launching Accessible Experiences, rounding off the total travel needs for people with disabilities.

According to Williams everyone’s mobility challenges are unique. “There simply isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ rule, so the flexible search criteria make it easier to tailor accommodation to suit unique needs”.

Search by a particular characteristic, such as “hoist” or “electric bed”, or even by region or state.

Check out their Facebook Group, The Accessible Group to post questions and share your accessible travel experiences.

Because Everyone Deserves A Break!

Accessible Accommodation For Holiday, Respite & Short-Term Stays

HOUSEBOATS . RESORTS . HOLIDAY HOUSES . HOTELS . CABINS . FARMSTAYS

accessibleaccommodation.com.au

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Transition to work program gives graduates the UPPER-HAND

D

isability or not, entering the workforce can be daunting for any high school graduate.

Martin Wren recognised this fact years’ before his current role as CEO of NOVA Employment, a Sydney based Disability Employment Service.

“When I worked at TAFE, I was responsible for a group of young people with disability, preparing them for the workforce and they truly needed help,” Wren said. And 30 plus years ago the workforce was a far less accommodating place than it is today.

“High school may lay the foundation but there's still a lot of ground to cover to tackle the challenges of finding and maintaining employment,” he told Link.

NOVA Employment operates NDIS 'School Leaver Employment Service (SLES) programs where school leavers learn a range of helpful tools designed to ensure participants can identify their strengths and employment preferences.

For people looking for a similar program, it is a case of buyer beware:

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“You can't place a person from school into a job and hope for the best. It won't last. Often a young person will require some level of support to achieve longevity in the role.”

According to Wren it is not a matter of set and forget because given the tools and right support, it makes the working world seem a lot less frightening.

Already 66 young adults from across greater Sydney are due to graduate NOVA's Transition to Work program this December and 23 have already acquired employment. Based on more than a decade of outstanding success with NOVA's goal being 100% employed by program end.

“We've got a young man working at a cabinetry company and the employer is so impressed with him, they're looking to offer him an apprenticeship next year. And a young woman, who has started as an admin assistant in a local real estate agency.

“Both completed our Transition to Work program and I've no doubt that it's the skills and confidence that

they've developed during their time in our program that's assisted them in achieving these results,” Wren said.

“Aside from preparation skills and training these young adults undergo, the program provides a community where friendships are formed plus, there are the benefits of sharing their experiences. This combination has proven to give school leavers the upper-hand when it comes to employment longevity.”

And his advice: “Don't be afraid to ask questions of your potential provider and make sure they aim high as many don’t, which is to get the maximum wages for maximum work in challenging but achievable roles.”

He said 15 per cent of all NOVA's placements are in apprenticeships or traineeships and these build a lasting foundation for future careers.

Greater Sydney residents, who require assistance in gaining and/or maintaining employment in a competitive integrated role, can contact NOVA Employment on: 1300 ABILITY (1300 224 5489).

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Link to...Automotive

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Telstra unveils its FY21 Accessibility Action Plan

T

elstra is fine tuning its approach to its FY21 Accessibility Action Plan, with the ambition to embed accessibility across the company rather than treat it as a ‘silo’ or an ‘after-thought’.

In crafting the latest Action Plan, Telstra engaged with key internal stakeholders to pinpoint where it can have the greatest impact, with areas such as Digital and Human Resource practices a particular focus.

Telstra CEO, Andrew Penn said accessibility has expanded into all areas of Telstra’s business, from products and digital services to new recruitment practices and workplace adjustments for employees. Telstra recently joined The Valuable 500, a global campaign to ensure disability inclusion and accessibility are incorporated into the agendas of some of the world’s largest companies.

“Our commitment at Telstra is to never lose sight of the fact that “how” we do things is just as important as “why’ we do them.”

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Our commitment at Telstra is to never lose sight of the fact that ‘how’ we do things is just as important as ‘why’ we do them

According to Telstra the latest actions to improve accessibility have been designed to benefit “Our Customers, Our Candidates and Our Colleagues”: Our Customers: Many of our accessibility actions recognise digital accessibility is vital to ensure increased digitisation and new digital platforms do not create additional pain or complexity for our customers.

That is why a strong focus this year is on tackling digital accessibility, helping to bridge the digital divide for customers with disability.

Our Candidates: Telstra believes the best outcomes can be achieved by seeking different perspectives and listening in order to attract talent with a diverse set of experiences and backgrounds. The company attained Disability Confident Recruiter status from the Australian Network on Disability in December 2019.

It was crucial to find ways to make recruitment and application processes more accessible and inclusive.

Our Colleagues: Telstra is also simplifying and improving the employee experience, which is especially relevant to employees with disability, who may historically have encountered barriers or obstacles to being included. This will be addressed by providing tools for employees to better understand and apply accessibility principles in their work.

There will also be a testing program of digital products and assets with people with disability and establishing new benchmarks for introducing new devices to product catalogues.

To further enhance the customer experience Telstra will incorporate people with disability into user research and improving representation of people with disability in brand imagery, specifically using authentic and inclusive depictions of disability.

The new Action Plan also highlights Telstra’s Supported Workforce Program, which partners with 11 Australian Disability Enterprises to provide part-time or contract work to more than 500 individuals at over 5,500 network sites across six states.

According to Telstra national property maintenance manager, Steve Ryan, while some people still talk about this as charity work, since employing these teams, complaints from the local community have dropped significantly and the standard of work has kept going up.

“The expansion of the program has seen the initial scope of cleaning and gardening services grow,” he said.

Clean Force Property Services owner Jim Dinuccio said Telstra has changed the landscape for the company which has dozens of employees working at over 600 Telstra sites in Victoria and Tasmania. “Having a partner that has such a large volume of work and gets involved and cares how individual employees are going makes such a difference.”

For more information visit www.telstra.com.au/AAP or contact: AccessibilityAndInclusion@team. telstra.com

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Tackling

A

the accessible housing shortfall

s one of Australia’s oldest disability service providers, Endeavour Foundation has been making possibilities a reality for people with an intellectual disability since 1951.

Endeavour Foundation has set its sights on helping tackle the chronic shortage of suitable housing for people with disability by launching the My Home, My Life initiative.

Endeavour Foundation believes people with disability in Australia have the same right to the safety and comfort of having a permanent roof over their head as anyone else. My Home, My Life focuses on developing much-needed housing for Australians with disability.

Our investment Endeavour Foundation is committing $35 million over the next three years to build accessible homes and refurbish existing homes to bring them to the highest standards. It is the biggest investment in purposebuilt accessible housing in the Foundation’s 70-year history.

Endeavour will build 59 new dwellings and refurbish 26 existing dwellings in a diverse mix of houses, duplexes, and town homes so 252 residents will enjoy a full refurbishment of their current home or a brand new home.

It will also provide more than 100 people with intellectual disability, who may never before have had the opportunity or the choice to live more independently.

About our homes It builds fully accessible housing under the NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Design Standard, to ensure homes meet the needs of people with disability at every life stage in three distinct designs themes – Modern Contemporary, Coastal Hamptons and Country Rustic.

Homes are built for two to four residents with an additional room available for on-site overnight accommodation for support staff.

Locations are based on access to public transport, shops, amenities and services.

Link to...Employment Homes offer modern sustainability features including solar hot water systems and 6kW solar panel systems.

Privacy and safety All the homes include quiet spaces such as personal patios or larger bedrooms with private sitting spaces, alfresco areas and open plan living with breakout areas. Safety features include help buttons in each area of the home, zonal smoke alarms and fire suppression sprinklers. The homes meet the Platinum standard of Liveable Housing Australia guidelines and additional assistive technology may be fitted as required.

Choosing to live independently Russell Boll pictured, lives in one of Endeavour Foundation’s newest homes in Cairns. “If you want to move out of home, you don’t have to be scared there are new friends waiting for you,” he said. It was a good decision to leave home. “Everyone always says, ‘Russell, I’m so proud of you’.”

My Home My Life

At Endeavour Foundation, we know a home is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s a sanctuary and a symbol of our individuality and independence.

Thinking about moving out of home? We can help give you the choice and control you want, with 24/7 support when you need it.

To learn more visit

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EF1729.L.

MyHome MyLife

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endeavour.com.au/myhome-mylife

December/January 2021

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Link to...Employment

There’s no business like

sewing business

Liza Hanna

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December/January 2021

T

he Sewing Basket is a small business success story. Not only does it provide employment for people with disability it is expanding with a new shop and warehouse recently opened at Kincumber on the NSW Central Coast. This is in addition to three Sydney stores and the new outlet will help with stock management, pricing, packaging and sorting, as well as managing customer orders and requests.

“The expansion means we can offer more employment opportunities for people with disability to build new skills, receive on the job training, earn an income and meet new people in the community,” Achieve Australia CEO, Jo-Anne Hewitt told Link.

“At Kincumber we will have up to 25 new positions for NDIS employment for people with disability and up to 20 volunteers from the local area will be on hand to offer expert advice and mentoring in a supportive environment for the people we support.”

There was a silver lining to Covid19 as people started making things at home. “We had to close our shops for a short time but since reopening slowly during April and May, we’ve seen the highest ever sales for these months and have been growing in sales since,” she said.

“People are looking for more activities to do at home which has made sewing, needlecraft, quilting and embroidery all popular choices.

Beginners and enthusiasts are enjoying creating handmade wares more than ever before.”

The Sewing Basket runs special events and celebrated the opening of Kincumber with a wide range of fabrics on offer, including cut fabric and rolls, upholstery and furnishing fabrics. All items are donated and shoppers often find one-off pieces at very affordable prices, Hewitt said.

Growing numbers via social networking “We promote in a number of ways, including to a growing community on social media. We have a Facebook group called ‘Friends of The Sewing Basket’ with 1300+ members, an Instagram account with 2,000+ followers where people can share tagged posts of items they have made from their purchases. We also have a monthly email newsletter, ‘A Good Yarn’ with 2,000+ subscribers.”

The Sewing Basket is also wellknown among local sewing groups and enthusiasts as one of the best places to shop for fabrics and materials while supporting people with disability.

One of the employees is Liza Hanna, who works at the Newington shop but started at the Meadowbank outlet three years ago. She previously worked in a factory and applied for the job after seeing it advertised on the internet.

Liza told Link she enjoyed working with the volunteers because “they are helpful and give me advice and it is fun working with most of them.” Asked about challenges and Liza was candid: “Working with some of the other supported employees!”

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Luke Hewa’s life-changing work opportunity

T

his story highlights how finding the right job can truly change a life. Living with Aspergers, Luke Hewa never had the opportunity to work. This left the Melbourne job seeker low in confidence and experience. But he was determined not to let these barriers get in the way of living a full life.

With the support of MatchWorks and his mother Elizabeth, Luke secured a pick packer role at Sole Distribution in Cheltenham and 18 months on, he still loves the work.

According to his mother before going to MatchWorks, Luke battled to get interviews. “We struggled to find out what resources were available to help him get a job. My son lost a lot of confidence and became quite depressed and we were very worried about him.”

Needing tailored support, Elizabeth and Luke found an understanding team at MatchWorks willing to go above and beyond for him.

“Every person that we dealt with followed through with every request to help Luke,” she said. “The availability of someone to attend appointments and interviews with my son made such a difference. Previously, Luke was never given a chance to shine and now he is well on his way to a bright future.”

Elizabeth said Luke’s confidence and independence has grown in leaps and bounds since he started working.

“He has achieved many milestones in this short time like getting his licence, buying a car and now he is beginning to look at how he can purchase his first home.”

MatchWorks assistant site manager, Tumay Hamza said the team were proud to see how much Luke’s life had changed over the past year and a half.

“We are glad to see Luke happy and flourishing through his employment life and it really shines the spotlight on why we do what we do.”

Luke Hewa

Do you need assistance to find the right job? When you choose MatchWorks, it works in partnership with you to reach your job goals, help you overcome any obstacle standing in your way and connect you to supportive employers who want to see you reach your potential.

Visit: www.matchworks.com.au to find out more.

Believe today

Begin tomorrow

Every year, MatchWorks empowers thousands of Disability Employment Service (DES) job seekers to prepare for, find and keep a job.

When you choose MatchWorks as your DES provider, we work together to achieve your goals and tailor support to your individual circumstances and abilities.

Flexible service options available, via phone, video conference or online.

Change your tomorrow, today.

1300 13 23 63 matchworks.com.au

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Link to...Employment

Opportunity

knocks for all Providing the opportunity for people with disability to contribute to the success of an organisation, and ensuring that their input is heard and visible is vital to the ongoing work of our businesses

Hayden & Matthew

M

aking solid timber bedframes is just one example of the rewarding careers available with Minda and SA Group Enterprises’ Commercial Enterprises at Reynella, Adelaide.

Hayden and Matthew are two supported employees based in the manufacturing team at Commercial Enterprises. Both play a key role in ensuring the solid timber bedframes produced for Elite Bedding and Adriatic Slumber are a ‘top notch’ local product, and have been part of the team producing up to 30 bedframes a day for five years. “I love that it’s all hand-on,” Hayden said.

Matthew enjoys the camaraderie of the manufacturing team, but also that he learns about the safe use of tools. “I get to make something that’s useful for people, and I’ve learned so much since I’ve been here,” he said.

Commercial operations manager, Daryl Guidotto said Hayden and Matthew assist with supervising

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some of the work and their success is testimony to the rewarding careers the business can offer in supported employment.

“These guys do really well, helping to lead the group and teaching others how to do certain aspects of the bedframe making process,” Guidotto said.

With 11 different businesses within SA Group Enterprises, they focus on providing real work opportunities for people with disability, underpinned by the belief in a person’s choice about the work that they do.

From green thumbs to creatives, people can choose a job to suit their likes and interests, whether that is Facilities Services, Packaging and Manufacturing, grounds maintenance with Envirocare, Electronic Recycling Australia or graphic design with Blend Creative.

Commercial Enterprises executive manager, Andrew Wallace said every business has seen the benefits that

come with supporting people to fulfil their ambition of finding meaningful permanent employment.

“Providing the opportunity for people with disability to contribute to the success of an organisation, and ensuring that their input is heard and visible is vital to the ongoing work of our businesses,” he said.

For Hayden and Matthew, the possibilities don’t end there as both have goals they want to achieve in the next few years.

Matthew wants to undertake a Certificate III in Disability so he can become a supervisor, as well as get his forklift licence and his learner’s permit. Hayden wants to become a fire warden for his worksite and obtain his forklift licence too and a learner’s permit.

Anyone interested in finding out more information about supported employment opportunities can visit: www.sage.org.au

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Link to...Leisure and Travel

sagroup

enterprises

Discovering my options, working with purpose.

creative

REPACK customised packaging services

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Link to...Employment

U

niversity of Queensland (UQ) students on clinical placement at Autism Queensland have been instrumental in developing programs to help young people on the spectrum live independently and build their job seeking skills.

Lead occupational therapist and coordinator Adult & Adolescent Programs, Dr Caitlin Taggart said students have devised young adult programs that are run by young people for young people, in addition to completing their full-time clinical placements.

“UQ students get to facilitate these programs, working directly with the participants, alongside and under the guidance of Autism Queensland’s speech pathologists, occupational therapists, mentors and teachers,” she said.

Autism Queensland has been working with the university since February 2019 to provide clinical placement and practical, hands-on training for final year OT and Speech Pathology students.

With the introduction of the NDIS, the demand for young adult programs has increased rapidly.

Group programs like ‘Make a Meal of It’ and ‘EmployREADY’ are studentdeveloped programs run by students under supervision and guided by evidence-informed practice.

According to Taggart, the programs aim to help young people develop independence and daily living skills through activities including cooking, budgeting, shopping and social participation, or how to independently navigate successful job searches and ultimately access employment.

The students acquire valuable experience by working with people of different ages and support needs, along with allied health professionals from different disciplines.

“In Term four we hope to link OT and Speech Pathology students on placement, so they are running multidisciplinary sessions together, supporting and learning from each other,” she said.

UQ Clinical Education Liaison Manager Jodie Booth said she

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Dr Caitlin Taggart and Mohammad Riduan

University of Queensland students get on placement

creative

We want employers and employees out there to benefit from some truly fantastic and under utilised people connects with the students several times throughout their placement.

“We do this to monitor how students are progressing and to support links between the university curriculum and their service development, delivery and evaluation on placement.

"As the need for OT placements increases across the state, it is wonderful to be able to have our

students supported by Autism Queensland with these quality placement opportunities."

Clinical placements provide students with the opportunity to integrate theory and practice.

“At UQ we aim for our OT graduates to be critical thinkers and reflective practitioners, who are autonomous and innovative in their occupational therapy practice.

“We have also started conversations with Autism Queensland about involving all students in their programs, such as second year students completing a short placement through a course/ subject, to develop core OT skills like meaningful goal setting and education and coaching. Being able to undertake placements within an NDIS service provider, such as Autism Queensland is beneficial for our students, as many new graduates will find employment with NDIS services,” Booth said.

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Link to...Employment

Participant Daisy McConchie with student Olivia Fitzgerald

This year Autism Queensland will place 21 students in group programs at Sunnybank Hills and Brighton centres in Brisbane and Mackay.

Final year OT student, Jacqui Guiot said: “We want employers and employees out there to benefit from some truly fantastic and under utilised people. It may take greater awareness, understanding and perhaps some simple changes to the workplace environment or ways of

doing things. Everyone can benefit from a bit more awareness and an open, positive attitude in our society and in the workplace.”

Covid-related restrictions have proved no barrier for the students, who have been combining face-to-face with working from home and telehealth service delivery, as they learn vital skills they will need when they start working.

“This year, we have had to think creatively to ensure we can continue

Everyone can benefit from a bit more awareness and an open, positive attitude in our society and in the workplace

to offer student placements, being mindful of the number of staff onsite and with social distancing requirements,” Taggart said.

“While we have been able to continue some face-to-face placements, students have been learning how to effectively work from home and use telehealth which will be a valuable skill to have when they start working, as most organisations are now offering telehealth services.”

“Personable and inclusive service done in a respectable and super friendly manner.”- Jermaine, Jobnet participant, CBS Inc. survey results, August 2020

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Link to...Employment

T

he Gold Coast Health DisTinct Program in Queensland, which was piloted in 2019, has just started its third intake. The 16-week program gives people living with disabilities the opportunity to get into the workforce, gain new skills and more importantly the confidence to ask for modifications in the workplace to allow these valued employees to achieve their best.

David Franks is one of its many success stories, a program graduate who now works for the health services industry. He shared with Link how people like him can make a valuable contribution to the workforce and why employers should give more consideration to people with disability.

Franks was a school teacher when he had his first stroke in 2016. He was told he would never walk or talk again but taught himself to speak. He was living in Adelaide but moved to Queensland to be closer to his family, did his rehabilitation at Gold Coast Health, attending the Gold Coast University Hospital three times a week, the hospital where he now works.

Once rehabilitated, he started looking for work however impaired speech as a result of the stroke was a barrier for employers to give him an opportunity and the constant rejection started to take its toll on him mentally. ““I felt I was stupid.”

He applied for more than 850 job applications before finding an employer to give him a chance.

Eventually he joined the DisTinct Program through a local disability employment provider, completed his placement and was given contracts working in Allied Health administration where he welcomed and checked in patients for their appointments. He also studied for a certificate in this area.

Fortunately this stroke was not as severe as the previous one and he was able to get back to work quickly. “You just have to keep going.”

He now cycles to work and has spent the past few years continuing his education, gaining certificate qualifications, is qualified to do tax returns and has gained contracts in his administration role with Allied Health. Thanks to the support and encouragement he received through his rehabilitation he is considering physiotherapy as his next career move.

Gold Coast Health Diversity and Inclusion program coordinator, Jazmyn Brennan said the program isn't necessarily about permanent employment with the organisation it’s about cultural change for the organisation and personal growth for the placements.

“People who identify with disability assist us with that change and help us to learn the best way forward.

“The program gives people with disability the safe space and support they need to be able to ask for adjustments. We want the organisation to represent the community we serve.”

It partners with Help Employment and Training, the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training and Active Opportunities to support and recruit people in a barrier-free process, as well as providing long-term employment and training opportunities.

Brennan said seeing people gain employment either with Gold Coast Health, or externally thanks to the experience they got with the program, was a great measure of success for DisTinct.

And David Franks has a final message for employers to open their minds to employing people with disability. “They have to listen. They have to find out who the person is.”

moving

A DisTinctly story

But the story doesn’t end here… …Franks suffered a second stroke in May this year as he was about to start a new contract with Gold Coast Health. “I got the contract on Wednesday and had the stroke on Saturday,” he said.

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David Franks

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The vision splendid for employment

disability

Link to...Employment

Josh Wilson

M

eet Josh Wilson, 21, who recently graduated from Jigsaw’s unique employment pathway which prepares people with disability for work, through work.

“I’m working at this organisation called Nextt who offer support to people with disability,” Josh told Link.

I’m an admin assistant and help out with stationary orders, things they require for the office and do data entry. I’ve been at Nextt for nearly a

year and it’s been really good.”

“I was still at school in Year 12 when I entered Jigsaw doing one day a week as part of my school placement that led to different opportunities.”

Jigsaw has a very simple vision for the future: an Australia where people with disability are fully included in the workforce.

Trainees master 20 transferable, core work competencies, then progress to a paid 12-month traineeship at an award wage within Jigsaw’s commercial document and data management business before being placed into open employment.

Many trainees, like Josh, use School Leavers Employment Supports funding (SLES) to start a Jigsaw traineeship straight after school and can gain work experience with Jigsaw before that.

Other trainees have been unemployed, often long-term, before joining Jigsaw, which addresses a fundamental barrier to employment that is, it is very hard to get a job without experience.

Josh is a strong believer in the value of learning in the workplace.

“I was at Jigsaw for about two years and because it was my first job it showed me the key responsibilities that being a worker involved.

“I got the experience of what a work environment is like and this had a great impact on me both personally and on my work life.”

The goal of Jigsaw’s training pathway is for trainees to transition into open employment paid at an award wage. Graduates join an online talent pool allowing them to showcase their skills, interests and experience to employers searching for candidates.

Dedicated transitions coordinators support graduates like Josh with ongoing weekly check-ins and build relationships with their new managers.

For him the process of transitioning is a stepping stone.

“I like to keep in touch, but I’ve moved on a bit as well.”

Good on you, Josh. That’s the point, after all!

Ready to prepare for your dream job?

Join Jigsaw’s innovative employment pathway: Supported work experience Comprehensive work-based training A 12 month+ Award-wage job Graduate to open employment with ongoing job support

1300 166 734 jigsawaustralia.com.au

Prepare for work, through work.

SYDNEY

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BRISBANE

ADELAIDE & MELBOURNE - COMING SOON

October 2020

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Link to...Employment

child care

New model for being developed on the Gold Coast

I

t was once home to Commonwealth Games athletes but this Gold Coast site will soon become an integrated centre of excellence for children with special needs, paediatric health and education.

An Australian-first model, the Proxima centre will link paediatric specialists with experts and researchers from Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast Private Hospital and Griffith University.

On completion, Queensland childcare provider Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure will cater to 400 children, including 25 per cent with special needs from the centre.

“We will be creating partnerships with specialists who come on board at Proxima and those who work at the hospital and university.

These specialists will become part of our team and will, with parental permission, have the ability to work with children directly,” Sanctuary Early Learning Adventure co-founder, Damian Hall said.

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“We believe more needs be done to provide streamlined, accessible and timely support for families who may be struggling with a special needs child, and all families who are navigating early childhood development. The learnings from this project will help improve social outcomes for everyone and will hopefully spark a long-term change in the way early childhood educators, specialists and businesses work together,” he said.

Focus on research and innovation in childhood The model will focus on using technology to support vulnerable and special needs children and their families. Childhood-focused research and innovation across Griffith University and Gold Coast Health specialties will also be employed under the collaboration.

The research includes early learning and literacy, autism and developmental disorders, child psychology, allied health including

speech pathology, occupational therapy and disability services, as well as complex disorders such as foetal alcohol syndrome disorder and paediatric feeding disorders.

Property Council of Australia Queensland executive director, Chris Mountford said it was a vital major investment and development continued despite the pandemicinduced slow-down.

“It is positive to see continued interest in undertaking new development within the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, particularly given the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on business sentiment,” Mountford said.

Developed by Evans Long, Proxima is the first private commercial development within Lumina, the Queensland Government’s 9.5hectare development-ready space within the precinct.

Evans Long director, Dirk Long said Proxima was designed to foster collaboration among business, industry, the university and hospital.

“Our vision is for Proxima to be a one-stop location for paediatric health, childhood development and childcare, with a range of specialists under one roof who are able to work hand-in-hand with medical professionals within Lumina and the precinct to provide best-practice care,” Long said.

Proxima is based on the Great Ormond Street Hospital centre of excellence in child healthcare in London that links specialist health services for children with the UK’s only paediatric National Institute for Health Research and Biomedical Research Centre specialising in paediatric health.

The Gold Coast initiative will be led by Griffith University vice chancellor health, Professor Sheena Reilly while associate professor in speech pathology and deputy research director at The Hopkins Centre at Griffith’s Menzies Health Institute Queensland, David Trembath, will coordinate research.

Construction of the centre is scheduled to begin in early 2021.

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Link to...Employment

Brett has the Cutting Edge

“Having a disability isn’t as hard as you make it out to be yourself. Just because you have a disability, there’s no reason to think your options are limited, because they are not. That’s where EPIC helped me and found a job to suit my needs.”

EPIC prides itself on matching the job seeker with a suitable employment opportunity, which has been instrumental in Brett’s success at Cutting Edge Cabinets.

EPIC employment advisor Joshua Amos reflected on the change he has seen in Brett since he began the role with a severe stutter and low verbal communication skills.

“Brett has come a long way with communicating. Six months ago, he couldn’t talk to me or speak full sentences,” Amos said. “Now he completes full sentences and converse with me very clearly.”

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from EPIC’s employment services and ongoing support, contact us today.

Brett Wilson with Alan Bull

A

lot can change in six months when you’re in the right role in a supportive workplace.

Just ask Brett Wilson. Brett moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2018, looking for employment. His verbal communication skills were minimal and when he was able to speak, had a severe stutter and struggled to get his words out. Talking on the telephone was impossible.

Looking for Brett’s next role, local disability employment specialist EPIC Assist thought Cutting Edge Cabinets could be a good match. The company has been building kitchens on the Sunshine Coast since 2003. After moving into their new premises last

year, general manager Alan Bull was looking for a general hand.

“I said to EPIC, if they can do the role, the disability doesn’t worry me.”

Six months later, Brett is in charge of forklift operations, receiving orders from the trucks that come in and sorting them into separate jobs. His role also includes edging boards that form the structure for the kitchens.

He told Link EPIC has been great because they actively sought work for him and continue to support him.

And having an income is just one of the benefits of employment. “It’s important to have a job to make a living, to have something to do every day and keep your mind active.

Celebrating years

Your local disability employment specialist

CONTACT EPIC

CONNECT WITH US CELEBRATING

13 EPIC (13 3742) hello@epicassist.org epicassist.org

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YEARS

1990-2020

CELEBRATING

YEARS

1990-2020

December/January 2021

47

Link to...Employment

We are passionate about generating awareness and understanding of the many opportunities available to the almost one-in four Aussies living with a disability CEO Amanda Mather

Government grant delivers employment opportunities for Queenslanders with disability

B

risbane-based not-for-profit Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association has received a $1.1 million grant, raising the bar on the goals and achievements available to those living with a disability.

The grant will fund Sporting Wheelies new Raising the Bar – Peer Support Leadership Program, employing Queenslanders living with a disability as Peer Support Leaders (PSL) to create awareness and empowerment amongst the community.

In recent years, the technology, support and facilities available to those living with a disability has increased drastically, however exposure to these resources can be difficult for those not active in the community. The PSL will bring this crucial information and their own personal stories to Queenslanders living with a disability, so they can set goals higher and achieve more.

Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association CEO, Amanda Mather said the grant will help raise awareness about what’s possible for people living with disability.

“This grant from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will support our mission to make

48

December/January 2021

all active goals possible. We are passionate about generating awareness and understanding of the many opportunities available to the almost one-in four Aussies living with a disability.

“Sporting Wheelies support the variety of active goals people may have, from increasing mobility and independence, improving health, socialising, and participating recreationally through to professional sport,” she said.

“The program will employ Queenslanders with a disability in metro cities, as well as rural and remote regions, to inspire others and raise the bar for all people with disabilities.”

The program will also engage schools to educate children about disability, Paralympic sports and show students it is possible for everybody to achieve and set active goals.

Believing sport offers much more than an opportunity to represent a region, state, or country, Sporting Wheelies provide people with an opportunity to have fun, make new friends, and develop skills. All the while getting fit and raising awareness of what Australians with disabilities can achieve within a supportive environment.

Through increasing understanding and championing the importance and benefits of physical activity, Sporting Wheelies have inspired and enabled people with a disability to be active for over 40 years and are the peak sporting body for five Paralympic sports in Queensland.

For information visit: www.sportingwheelies.org.au

World champion boccia player, Jason Mayweather

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Scopious – Helping people with disability explore

career opportunities

S

copious Career Development Centre believes everyone has the right to paid employment.

Scopious assist people with disabilities to make informed decisions about their employment or further education goals, whether they are seeking mainstream employment, self-employment or wish to consider vocational education opportunities.

The team at Scopious focus on your interests, needs and strengths while helping identify the best employment or further education fit that matches your career goals.

With 25 years’ experience in providing career assessment and counselling, vocational guidance, work readiness and recruitment within the disability sector, the team at Scopious Career Development Centre is uniquely qualified when it comes to understanding the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

‘We are for people with disability, by people with disability – we understand the difficulties and barriers you may face in finding employment.

We are not just about helping you obtain or improve your skills to get and stay in a job, we want to help you maximise your talents in developing your career, to be confident and empowered in exploring your career opportunities!‘ Scopious Career Development Centre is a member of the Career Development Association of Australia and all staff are qualified career development coaches/mentors.

Scopious can assist with: - Career assessment and counselling - School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) - Customised employment opportunities - self-employment opportunities - Work experience / job sampling - Voluntary work opportunities - Further education assessment - Apprenticeship / traineeship consideration - One-to-one coaching - employer research / consultation - Employment support - return to work exploration.

Scopious Career Development Centre can also assist with Reasonable and Necessary justifications under Section 34 of the NDIS Act 2013 to have Employment Supports (Finding & Keeping a Job) included in your or your family members’ plan.

It provides appointments in its office in Toowoomba/Darling Downs or, depending on location, travel to the participant or provide video conferencing.

Contact Scopious on: 07 4580 1230 or for more information go to: admin@scopious.com.au

Scopious Career Development Centre believes everyone has the right to paid employment. ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Career assessment and counselling School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) One-to-one coaching Customised employment Self-employment consideration Work experience / Voluntary work opportunities Further education assessment Employer research / consultation Employment support Return to Work assistance

We want you to be confident and empowered in exploring your career opportunities!

(07) 4580 1230

linkonline.com.au

Scopious.com.au

December/January 2021

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Link to...Happenings a’s australinal natio y disabilit e magazin Volume 2020 | August $9.95AUD

/ $11.5

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.au

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So everyone can thrive We want to help every Australian build a connected future, including those who have difficulty using a standard home phone.

Telstra’s Disability Equipment Program offers a range of solutions to support customers who are older or have a disability.

Visit telstra.com/disability, or call our Hotline 1800 068 424 (Voice), 133 677 (TTY).

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Link to...News

We can help you move into your very own brand new built home, with the options you need, at a very affordable price!

An impressive minimum $25,000 government grant is currently available to all persons having a new home built. Let us coordinate everything for you so that you can move into your very own dream home !

0411 269 334

1300 561 955

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