Link Disability Magazine February-March 2023

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From the Editor

Welcome to 2023 and a new year. In this issue we cover a lot of disability territory…from education and sport to assistive technology and personal journeys.

While there are many challenges facing Australians as rising inflation and interest rates return, signs that the NDIS is finally getting back on track are encouraging. However, it is employment for people with disability that looks set to shape the disability sector in the year ahead.

It is difficult to do any future-gazing however more funding and new programs are a good start. The Federal Government recently signed off on a disability employment pilot with the Business Council of Australia tasked with finding solutions that offer greater opportunities to make it easier for people with disability to get into the workforce. The statistics for disability employment are an indication of the obstacles ahead and only time will tell if the next chapter in this saga sets the table for success.

Our cover story shows how one company is changing the playbook when it comes to employing people with disability. Read about Nick Hoare’s journey to “re-learn” his life on pages 8-9.

There is a school in regional Victoria that is taking an unorthodox approach to education for students with special needs. Read more on pages 12-13.

There is much happening on the sporting field…check out what the Wheelaroos got up to in London and their hopes for the World Cup on pages 60-61.

In this edition you will also find a book giveaway from disability advocate Dr Dinesh Palipana.

On a final note, Link wishes our readers a Happy New Year.

Kymberly Martin | Editor kymberly@intermedia.com.au

Live

Learn daily living skills

Clayton attends one of our Learning and Lifestyle hubs and he loves exploring and being a part of his community. “I love getting out and about with my friends,” Clayton said. “If you like going to the beach and kicking the footy then we’ll get along great.” Learn

‘Everything is rehab’ for Nick Hoare

said, with the memory in hindsight of two years’ of relearning, re-building his body, his confidence, and his house.

“ You needed to surmount that step, while you held open a security door and got the main door open, when these are both further away than a normal arm’s reach from a seated position. If someone else is there it’s easy but doing it independently from a wheelchair was a battle.”

Two years on, Nick is not only winning the battle, but prevailing in a long war. His home is a battleground of “small wins” with a rubberised ramp to clear that cursed front step, magnets to hold doors open and blocks to raise the living room furniture and his bed.

“The first thing was addressing all the little obstacles that stopped me getting around the house,” he said.

“As well as magnets that keep doors open, we’ve put the couch on blocks to make it easier to stand up from, blocks under the bed so I can get out of bed without help and a standing desk to avoid spending too long sitting down.

“It’s become important for me to do little things like getting into the house on my own, making a cup of tea and locking the back door.”

A vital sense of humour

ter five months in hospital, Nick Hoare wanted nothing more than to get home to his family. But just getting to the front door of his Melbourne house was a wake-up call to the long journey he’d embarked upon as an incomplete quadriplegic.

Af

Nick, 49, a business partner at Telstra, temporarily lost the use of his body below the shoulders when he broke his neck in a cycling accident in April 2020. Coming just a few weeks after

the advent of Covid, his tragedy was compounded by not being able to see his wife, Sarah, and teenage daughters for much of the time he was in hospital.

A longside regaining his functionality and independence, getting back home became his biggest goal.

“ We only have one step at the front of our house, but I remember considering that for the first time from the perspective of my wheelchair,” Nick

T he second step was rehab and through 12 hours of physio each week, he has relearned to walk with forearm crutches and a walker, progressing a little further each week. Two years on, he can cover about 300 metres on flat ground, aiming to reach a kilometre in 2023. It’s slow, frustrating work, but an iron will, and a self-deprecating sense of humour clearly help.

“If I don’t have my crutches, I need a sign around my neck saying, ‘Do not push – will fall over easily!’”

This positive thinker is persevering to get back on his own feet

Nick has a motto for his rehabilitation, “everything is rehab” and right now he welcomes every little challenge that makes him exercise a new strategy or a new muscle. He is lucky because he can feel the progress and celebrate the small wins.

“On my first day in hospital, I didn’t have the strength to take the lid off the yoghurt pot, but I kept trying, and after three weeks managed it. The more I stand up and don’t use my chair the better I am. I am continually trying to give up things that have been making my life easier with these aids and my goal is to give them all up.”

He is also rediscovering cooking (“I didn’t know chopping vegetables could be so exhausting!”), and eyeing off his daughter’s rowing machine. His right leg has recovered about 80 per cent of its original strength while his left leg remains a work in progress.

“ When I came home, I was in a wheelchair all the time, I could stand up with a walker, but I had to shower sitting down. Everything was about transferring to and from the wheelchair and initially I had to do that on my bum, then I reached the point where I could do it from a standing position. Now we have grabrails in the shower and I shower on my own.”

He reckons he was lucky that he had the guardrails of a loving family, an empathetic employer and a world waking up to the possibilities of virtual work. However, he doesn’t sugar-coat his accident describing it as being incredibly tough, and which he could not have done without his family.

“Sarah is amazing, and my NDIS personal assistant is my constant carer and although I am unable to help around the house much, I can still drive so at least be my daughters’ taxi!”

He spoke with emotion about his daughters, Charlotte, 17, and Jessica, 15. “They have been awesome to me, so supportive, so not self-conscious. Initially it was hard for them especially because of Covid, which meant they were unable to see me. Even with Sarah, we had to invent little missions

around her bringing me food, so we could meet at the hospital door, and I could see the girls waving from the car. It was awful.”

Award-winning kindness

O ne saving grace was his employer, which despite being a corporate behemoth, showed the care of a much smaller company. “We were worried about money, but straight away Telstra said: ‘we’ve got you, and your job is safe’. That was huge. Then the support from my teammates and managers, they were all amazing.”

Nick singles out his immediate manager at the time, who was “incredibly kind” who was nominated and won a Telstra Recognition Award for his compassion. His managers and colleagues since have been “an incredible support, every day”.

W hen it came to mobility, things were more challenging. While Nick works most days at home, he needs to go to the office regularly, so Telstra organised for him to have a parking space. The offices in Exhibition Street are fully accessible, with wheelchair accessible lifts and toilets. There is also an employee assistance program if he needs it, and according to Nick they manage to think of everything. “Our end-of-year function was held at a venue with an accessible lift, and it means a lot that they consider these small things.”

Soon after his accident, Niki Petousis, then co-lead of Telstra’s TelstrAbility employee resource group, reached out and introduced Nick to the group, which he’s been a proactive member of since.

He admitted there had been a few dark times, but the incredible team of people were always there. “If I was open and specific about what was going on, help was always available.”

Nick’s first piece of advice to anyone who may find themselves in similar circumstances is, “don’t ever be afraid to say what you need. Most people want to help you, they just don’t always know how. People with disability must

be specific about what they need, and never be afraid to ask for help.

“People notice me, but I’ve never had a negative reaction from anyone apart from a bit of awkwardness maybe, but that’s just because people don’t always know what to do.

“I always make the effort to say what I need, and people appreciate it. Besides, if you don’t say what you need, you will end up with a fridge full of lasagne!”

T his article was written by Ralph Johnstone in collaboration with the Telstra Sustainability team.

Door with magnets

Solutions to suit individual needs

Solutions to suit individual needs

As market leaders in special needs equipment in Australia, Astris PME carries an extensive range of hygiene and bathroom equipment that have been created to meet the needs and requirements of people with a disability. Overall, ensuring a user is comfortable and their complex seating needs are met are important factors when selecting hygiene equipment. Astris PME are specialists in modification and customisation of hygiene equipment for children and adults with complex needs. We have a huge range of trial equipment available so if you would like to make an appointment with one of our Specialist Consultants or enquire about any of the products and services we offer, please call us. We will be happy to help!

As market leaders in special needs equipment in Australia, Astris PME carries an extensive range of hygiene and bathroom equipment that have been created to meet the needs and requirements of people with a disability. Overall, ensuring a user is comfortable and their complex seating needs are met are important factors when selecting hygiene equipment. Astris PME are specialists in modification and customisation of hygiene equipment for children and adults with complex needs. We have a huge range of trial equipment available so if you would like to make an appointment with one of our Specialist Consultants or enquire about any of the products and

we offer, please call us. We will be happy to help!

The Good Life when it comes to specialist education

In Benalla, country Victoria you will find a school that is rather different to any school in Australia. The EdSpace Education and Training Centre was set up in 2008 when nurse Maggie Fanning, her GP husband David Rodgers and friend Jenny Wellard, decided to open a specialist school for children who were falling through the cracks. It was the logical answer to the challenges Fanning was facing with her son who has autism and developmental difficulties.

lot of relationship building and social skills combined with the curriculum,” Fanning told Link. “We work with them at their levels of interest which is important and contributes to their wellbeing.” Students are taught in small groups with visual instruction using IT, although individual programs are developed with a focus on particular strengths.

T he school has four teaching staff, and seven support workers and students are never left on their own.

“ We do everything together during the school day, because mentoring is highly valued and gets results and the relationship we have, the trust we have and the variety of experiences we try to involve students in with lots of handson activities,” Fanning said.

T hat includes work experience in businesses the EdSpace team have established in the local community.

A dog grooming service, a bike repair shop, an IT space and café are all open to the public. Local artists are invited to display their art in the café in return for doing workshops with the students.

It all started with a plan to create a therapeutic school that would take a holistic approach, combining health and education.

A nd while the school follows the Victorian curriculum it is individualised with all students taught at their own level.

T here are currently 22 students attending, aged from 11 to 18 years,

many are local, or come from nearby towns such as Wangaratta and a few have relocated from Melbourne, NSW and Queensland. Students may have emotional, developmental conditions or learning difficulties.

Some of the younger students arrive without the basics which have often been missed, others are high functioning and bright in some areas but not in others. “It comes down to a

“It helps to deliver small business training for the 14-and-15-year-old students, and they love it because they are part of the adult world. Working alongside adults or older students who act as teacher assistants, builds their self-esteem and takes them into the community. They pick up communication skills, learn to answer the phone and cover all the basics when it comes to starting up a business, giving them pride and confidence in what they are doing.”

T he school runs the Social Enterprise program through the Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship located in Beechworth. Students create a theme and develop products for sale for a charity of their choice. Students were part of the Social Enterprise in Schools marketplace recently.

T he benefits are numerous and cover planning, budgeting, creating product that can be sold.

B uying back the farm

Initially the school was funded when the property, owned by Dr Rodgers was used to open the school. Once the school was registered the capital was provided by the couple to cover costs until the funding stream allocations arrived.

“I did not get paid for two years, but we managed to stay afloat. We are in a nice position now and have sold properties back to Capability Building Incorporated, www.capabilitybuilding. org our registered charity. We now have some valuable assets supporting sustainability of the school. This is a low fee-paying independent special school, but we waive these in some situations.“

She said the main condition students struggle with is neurodiversity. Most are on the autism spectrum and have not succeeded in their mainstream schooling environment. Often autism is accompanied by co-morbidities such as language difficulties and learning difficulties, but do not meet the criteria for a government specialist setting in Victoria.

“Inclusive Education is fine if it works, however, although every situation is different, for the kids who come to us it has not been successful. Here they feel part of the community which is very different from mainstream school. Our success rate in terms of outcomes is positive and most students start and finish with us and some do re-enter mainstream education,” she said.

T he team is currently doing a series of workshops in Vision Mission and Values for its strategic plan. This involved getting feedback from all stakeholders, including students, past and present. “It is very heartwarming to know how safe and supported our students feel. It has been a worthwhile investment to have some time for us all to reflect on the work that we do and have its value confirmed by the kids.”

Workplace training is offered to students from age 15 years with schoolbased traineeships in Hospitality in the café, Sport and Recreation in the bike shop, Animal Studies in the dog grooming shop and Certificate II in creative industries. Certificate II is offered in Agriculture at the home farm, where students often visit for activities, including bush walking, camping and interactions with the animals.

Fanning loves it when the kids visit the farm. “We never have a problem with behaviour or stress in the wide-open spaces and nature-based learning. Junior students are creating their own space in an old hay shed which they are doing up, catch yabbies and explore the dams and fishing is very popular.”

A ll businesses started from staff and student interest. An example of this was a student road trip taking 30 bikes to the Coober Pedy health service for Indigenous children. Bike ed teacher, Glenn Clarke, a Commonwealth gold medalist and Olympian and the students were competing in a local bike riding competition at the time. Clarke stayed at the rear of the group, riding until nearing the finish. He then decided the kids were fine and couldn’t resist the urge to race ahead and win. His prize money was used to start the Wheelie Awesome bike shop.

EdSpace has been members of the Stephanie Alexander Shared Table for many years and grow and cook as much seasonal fresh produce as possible. All food is made on site in the kitchen and sold in the café.

Taryn grows her independence as a young adult in her own home

doors into the community for Taryn to lead a life of independence and purpose,” Ginny said.

Taryn doesn’t plan on slowing down either. She is progressing in all her goals and Ginny said she has a great quality of life. “Taryn is a valued friend to her housemates and is a bubbly, cheeky woman who enjoys life.”

Warren said the future doesn’t concern him anymore. “We know Taryn would be safe and cared for.”

Want to move into Supported Independent Living? Here’s what you need to do.

1. Set yourself a goal – Just like everything else under the NDIS, funding for Supported Independent Living (SIL) is connected to a goal. If it isn't in your NDIS goals, then the funding won't be in your plan.

For Taryn, moving out of her family home and into Supported Independent Living has been transformative. She has been ready to live independently for years so when the perfect opportunity came up, she grabbed it with both hands and has never looked back.

Taryn expresses her thoughts in her own way so Warren, Taryn’s dad, was eager to see whether Taryn would instantly feel comfortable in her new home.

“On the day of the move, we set up Taryn’s whole bedroom in her new home, so she could see all her things and know this was where she lived,” Warren said. “She sat down and took her shoes off, and that’s when you know that Taryn [feels at] home, that this was now home.”

Over the past five years, Taryn and

her support worker Ginny, have been building a wonderful connection. Ginny has seen Taryn through many milestones and said now she knows what the right support and the right home can do for people with disability.

“As a young woman, being in suitable accommodation has allowed Taryn to grow her independence. Taryn looks after her own room, makes her bed, and washes her own clothes,” Ginny said.

The changes in Taryn are obvious to her parents. Warren said Taryn has grown since moving out of the family home. “Her social life has improved, and she is well known at the clubs and shops around her home,” he said.

“Taryn used to be shy, but now she’s comfortable enough to be her own person. In a lot of ways, the right accommodation has opened many

2. Find a support coordinator – A support coordinator can help you determine the level and type of support you need to live more independently and then help you find a suitable service provider. There is paperwork involved in this, e.g., an occupational therapist assessment that determines the support you need. So, it really is worth your while getting a support coordinator to help you with this.

3. Find a suitable p rovider – Your support coordinator will help you find a suitable provider, based on your unique needs.

Endeavour Foundation has a number of vacancies. Like any home, it’s important that people get along. We do our best to match housemates based on similar ages and interests.

Learn more at: endeavour.com.au/SIL

More Choice, More Impact from Impact Institute Disability Expos

he Impact Institute has announced its 2023 season’s suite of seven disability expos occurring in key locations along the eastern seaboard of Australia. My Future, My Choice expos bring together more than 1000 locally based disability product and service providers

organisations in the disability space, applying their wealth of experience and insight to a program of premium events in an ever-expanding list of locations; including Melbourne, Sydney, Nepean, Hunter (Newcastle), Gold Coast, Brisbane and Canberra in 2023.

First held as a local event in Western Sydney in 2014, the organisers quickly recognised that people with disability needed accurate information from government agencies, local politicians and keynote speakers and to interact with exhibitors that could spark a picture of a healthier, more fulfilled future. People were keen to road-test the latest assistance technologies, compare products and services and discover new and life-enriching options.The program of events promotes community integration with a range of social, recreation and sporting activities. All-ability entertainers, children’s activities and café food providers add to the culture-rich, weekend atmosphere.

Impact Institute event director Kathryn Carey finds great satisfaction in playing a role in something that so positively impacts the disability community by not only helping people discover what real choice means, but for it to make a real difference in their lives.

they value these events. People come together in a uniquely collaborative environment, and we find that the conversations they have here spark greater understanding, imagination and partnership,” she said.

Nine years on, My Future, My Choice expos partner with, and promotes key

“Feedback from attendees tells us that

More than 45,000 people with disability, their family and carers and industry professionals registered to attend the expos over the last 12 months

Package pricing is available for all exhibitors and sponsors who book three or more expos in 2023.

Nepean Disability Expo is the first Expo of 2023 that is being held at the Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre, on March 31 to April 1, from 9am-3pm.

For more information visit: w ww.impactinstitute.com.au/ disability-expos/

MY FUTURE, MY CHOICE EXPO CALENDER 2023

31 MAR & 1 APR

The My Future, My Choice Disability Expo’s - with FREE entry for all, our Expo’s link people with a disability with hundreds of local providers and present a range of informative and interactive presentations delivered by industry experts.

Our Disability Expo’s are delivered using COVIDSafe practices, and showcase a range of all-ability performances, engaging guest speakers, kids entertainment, café facilities and breakout areas to create a festival atmosphere.

Check out our Disability Expo websites for more information

events@impactinstitute.com.au

hunterdisabilityexpo.com.au 4 & 5 AUG

brisbanedisabilityexpo.com.au

12 & 13 MAY 17 & 18 NOV

melbournedisabilityexpo.com.au canberradisabilityexpo.com.au melbournedisabilityexpo.com.au disabilityexpo.org.au

16 & 17 JUN

1 & 2 SEP

NEWS linkonline.com.au 15

A reflection on learnings from the AT community of practice

By Libby Callaway

captioned for those who could not attend, with over 370 people joining ARATA at the conference in person.

Below are my top four reflections on key learning from the workshops and conference:

In

At the close of 2022, ARATA hosted our biennial Australian Assistive Technology Conference1 in Adelaide, home of ARATA. The association was founded at the Regency Park Centre, now NovitaTech, in 1994 by Dr Barry Seeger and colleagues. It was thrilling to have many longstanding ARATA members, including Dr Seeger, in attendance at the conference.

ARATA’s conference brought together a broad and diverse assistive technology (AT) community of practice. Over 270 people attended a day of AT workshops, including topics such as complex seating, mobility and pressure mapping; home automation; and 3D printing of AT solutions. The workshops were followed by two full days of AT conference and exhibition content. Plenary sessions were recorded and

1. Nothing about us without us in AT research and practice2 : Koontz and colleagues recently noted that ‘While assistive technology (AT)research is motivated by the needs of people with disabilities, as members of the AT community we recognise that there remains an alarming lack of representation of people with disabilities in AT research and development roles’. One of our AATC keynote presenters, Dr Darryl Sellwood, challenged AT stakeholders to confront the potential for ableist views, and consider if they are truly being inclusive in both design and implementation of AT with people who use it.

2. We are better together3 : Drawing on the skills and knowledge of both the person using AT, and a range of other AT stakeholders (including health professionals, rehabilitation engineers, and service providers) can be important for good AT outcomes. We heard from a breadth of experts at the conference, including AT users, advisors, suppliers, developers, educators and researchers. As Smith and Boger highlight, ‘people from different backgrounds working together often result in innovative approaches – new ways of thinking and doing that support functional wellbeing’4.

3. Following the good practice steps of AT provision gets good AT outcomes5: Dr Guilia Barbareschi and Dr Ross Pinder provided keynote presentations demonstrating real-life application of the good practice steps of AT

provision across various practice settings; low, middle and high income countries; as well as elite Paralympics performance. These two presentations held central the good practice steps of AT, including focusing on the person and their goals, rather than a product, as the starting point; using evidence-informed AT practice; and ensuring ethical and sustainable solutions.

4. Assistive Technology changes lives 6: The interactive AT exhibition brought into focus the impact AT can have across both activity and participation. This ability for ‘hands-on’ demonstration – when coupled with a range of education and research workshops and short presentations – demonstrated the World Health Organization’s hashtag #ATChangesLives.

Big thanks to our excellent conference co-convenors, program subcommittee and ARATA board members who volunteered their time to deliver such a great event. Thanks also to the range of AT stakeholders who joined us for this wonderful celebration of our AT Community of Practice.

Associate Professor Libby Callaway is president of the Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association (ARATA) and occupational therapist at Monash University, Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living Research Centre and Occupational Therapy Department.

1https://www.arata.org.au/aatc/aatc-2022/ 2https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/104 00435.2022.2117524

3https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/104 00435.2022.2047397

4https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/104 00435.2022.2117524

5https://www.arata.org.au/public/33/files/ Publications/ARATA_StatementOnGoodPractice.pdf 6https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/05/1118212

Dr Darryl Sellwood, Flinders University lecturer, delivering a keynote.

examining the interview, ableist attitudes from other were seen to be rife throughout

Have your say on South Australia’s first Autism Strategy

What is happening?

The autistic and autism communities have long advocated for greater community knowledge, understanding and support for autistic people.

The State Government has listened to the calls of autistic people and families and will be working with the autistic and autism communities to co-design the state’s first Autism Strategy (the Strategy) and Charter (the Charter).

The Strategy will support a dedicated whole-of-government approach to create a fairer and more inclusive society and focus on key priority areas which autistic individuals have repeatedly raised as involving particular challenges and barriers.

The Strategy will also align to the State

Disability Inclusion Plan (Inclusive SA) and play an important role in shaping future State Government policies. The Strategy will be developed to complement the work undertaken in relation to the Federal Government’s National Autism Strategy.

Be part of shaping the state’s First Autism Strategy and Discussion Paper and YourSAy Survey.

The autistic and autism communities are invited to respond to South Australia’s First Autism Strategy – Discussion Paper by sharing their words, stories and experiences to help shape the Autism Strategy and Autism Charter.

V iew online via YourSAy.gov.au, with consultation open until February 20, 2023.

Future Consultation

You will have further opportunities to contribute once the draft Autism Strategy and Charter have been developed, and we will share for further consultation throughout 2023. Learn more and have YourSAy online at: autismstrategy.sa.gov.au.

Have on the state’s first Autism Strategy

The State Government invites the autistic and autism communities to participate in co-designing the state’s first Autism Strategy and Charter through a public consultation.

Together we can create meaningful cultural change for a fairer and more inclusive South Australia.

autismstrategy.sa.gov.au

Enjoy the outdoors without limits with Push's new innovative product.

'The SEA CREATURE' is equipped with a fully adjustable seat that is securely fastened, this allows users to experience and enjoy the thrill of paddleboarding!

Sit Down Paddleboarding provides the opportunity to enjoy water sports.

This is something that wheelchair users and others living with disabilities might have thought they’d never experience.

"It was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Now is your chance to give it a go."

Shane Hryhorec

Call for Entries – for the 2023 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival

disability, and the goal of bringing that belief to the world through the medium of film.

He recognised the power of film to challenge people’s fixed beliefs and perceptions about the lives and abilities of people with disability around the world.

The 2023 Focus on Ability Short Film

For the 15th consecutive year NOVA Employment presents the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival (FOA).

T his festival asks film makers to "Focus on the Ability" of people with a disability and tell a story on film for the world to view.

T he 2022 festival saw 281 finalists from across 19 countries.

The 2023 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival is set to be the biggest yet, and our generous sponsors have donated

over $100,000 worth of cash and prizes to encourage film makers and people with disability to tell their stories.

To be a part of the festival, entrants must simply make a short film or documentary that is less than five minutes long, has a disability theme or has people with disability as the main actors. Entries close July 21, 2023.

How it began...

..In 2009, NOVA Employment CEO Martin Wren began the festival with a belief in the ability of people with

NOVA, together with Paula Duncan, known for both her success in the Australian film and television industry and passion for supporting people with disability, have worked tirelessly to bring this festival to the world.

The Focus on Ability Film Festival is for people of all talent levels with many firsttime film makers taking out major prizes.

Previous years films have been both educational and inspirational. Feedback from people who have viewed the films has shown that these entries have the power to change attitudes and challenge perceptions.

T he audience capacity is well over 1,500,000 people and continuing to grow, providing unmatched exposure for up-and-coming film makers and for people with disability to bring their message to the world. Films are judged by a professional judging panel and subject to an online voting process, with separate prizes for each category.

After a triumphant return to live events last year, FOA will be screening across even more locations in 2023.

For full festival details and to view the over 2,500 films from years past head to: www.focusonability.com.au

Festival set to be the biggest yet

Best Documentary 2022

Best Screen Writer 2022

“I have found purpose in my life”

Health and Wellbeing professional who helped:

• O vercome her fear of getting a job and then losing it

• Step outside her comfort zone

• Reframed persistent negative thoughts to gain a positive outlook.

T he employment team also helped Cheryl produce an effective resume; found an opportunity with a supportive employer; and coached her through the interview process. Today, Cheryl is a cleaner for childcare centres and takes great pride in her work and the self-confessed perfectionist has impressed management with her high standards.

T he MatchWorks team continues to support Cheryl by helping her confidently communicate with her employer and set achievable standards of work.

“ We have helped her to identify that she is doing well and support her to reframe her thinking so she can better manage her anxiety and self-belief,” Erin Merkel from MatchWorks Ongoing Support said. “The growth she has shown is fantastic.

According to Cheryl it is comforting to know she has a sounding board and someone to talk to. “I feel that I can keep my job because of the ongoing support from MatchWorks. I don’t believe I could keep it if I was on my own.”

The Norwood job seeker had been unemployed for 18 years when she first came to MatchWorks in 2021. Depression, anxiety, diabetes and lower limb deficiencies were all barriers to work for the single mother of one. Cheryl’s confidence had hit rock bottom.

“I was looking for work and getting knock-back after knock-back,” she said. “I had years and years of rejection.”

Cheryl began volunteering 30 hours a week to help manage her mental health over this time. And eventually, she found a team who would help turn her life around. As a leader in Disability Employment Services, MatchWorks 20 years of experience and well-established suite of support was a perfect complement to Cheryl’s high-level needs.

MatchWorks connected Cheryl to their

Stable employment has also given her more than renewed confidence. It has enabled the single mum to purchase her first car and find financial independence and freedom.

“I feel satisfied that I have earned money and can pay rent and bills, pay for my car and take responsibility,” she said. “I can now give back to my community and be a good role model for my daughter who is proud of me and now working herself. I have found purpose in my life.”

Cheryl Winter and Erin Merkel

Cheryl Winter has found a life-changing job after almost two decades of looking for paid work.

We help you prepare, find and keep a job

An invisible disability is not such a superpower

sees shortfalls in our society that fail to support individual differences. This shortfall is more complex where the disability itself is not clearly visible to others,” he said.

“An international movement has been growing over recent years that has seen some people with invisible disabilities, such as autism, claim their place in community by proudly wearing name tag badges communicating their needs to others. Taking ownership of a disability, rather than accepting continued discrimination, is both a public affirmation of diversity and an invitation to community members, businesses and governments to cater to the needs of all, regardless of ability.”

L averty said not everyone with an invisible disability will or should be comfortable with having to disclose their needs.

“The human rights framework that informs our anti-discrimination laws means there should be no need to make an invisible disability so visible unless this choice is made willingly,” he said.

According to Martin Laverty people with invisible disabilities can experience two levels of discrimination.

“Some people with disability are lucky to have people in their lives who support them to fulfil their goals. Not out of charity, but because they’re commitment to fulfilling a person with disabilities human rights,” he told Link. “Yet many people with disability encounter discrimination and barriers to achieving their objectives. This is despite anti-discrimination laws and programs like the NDIS.

“ Where existence of a disability may

not be visible to others, the first level of discrimination is when people don’t adjust their behaviour, communication style or environment factors to support the person with a disability’s needs. The second level of discrimination occurs when a disabled person then faces no choice but to disclose their disability, so their everyday needs can be met.”

Martin refers to Sociologist Judy Singer who was one of the first people to term the phrase “neurodiversity” in 1998.

“Judy Singer believes neurodiversity doesn’t see neurological differences themselves as shortfalls, but instead

“I encourage our community to do better by making every effort to cater for different needs of different people. If we make sure our public places, workplaces and institutions for education and health are set up for people of diverse ability needs, people with an invisible disability won’t need to wear labels.

“Until then, when you see a person proudly wearing their invisible disability identity card, say hello. You will likely discover they know exactly what they need to succeed in their goals.”

L averty is a former NDIA board director.

Aruma CEO Dr Martin Laverty is highlighting the importance of recognising and including people with all types of disabilities, especially those we can’t see.

Probe into Disability Employment Services Star Ratings

There will be an investigation into the Disability Employment Services Star Ratings system following a coding error that impacts the application of the system.

Formal Performance Assessments based on Star Ratings and the publication of Star Ratings for the DES program have been suspended until the coding error has been resolved

The Star Ratings system measures the relative rate at which DES providers achieve employment and other outcomes, taking into account economic and labour market conditions.

Based on the information the Department of Social Services has to date, the coding error means that historical data outside the two-year assessment period was incorrectly retained in the calculation of Star

Ratings, resulting in the scope for inclusion in the Formal Performance Assessment being incorrect in a small number of cases. However, there is no impact on the provision of any current services to participants.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth said she was “deeply concerned” about what has occurred. “The Star Ratings are an important part of monitoring performance of DES providers and I have been clear that broad reform to the DES program is required. We need a more highly specialised employment service to deliver good outcomes,” she said.

The minister announced immediate adjustments will be made to the DES program to improve quality, while the government conducts the detailed reform work to implement a new system.

DES criticism “much deserved” DES has received significant criticism, and much is deserved, according to Nova Employment CEO Martin Wren. “This latest issues with the performance of the Star Ratings measurement system means people with disability will be even less able to identify effective and efficient providers,” he said.

“Greed is at the base of the problem, coupled with a lack of faith in the ability of people with disability to hold down work that is anything other than token roles with minimum hours, minimum or supported wages. A system that those with disability might find useful when choosing an employment service provider is not available.

“They should be able to access feedback from other job seekers on the program they are considering trusting their careers to,” he said.

Some

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people with

disability use a wheelchair. Some are like me.

Meet Ian Mortimer — an assistive technology pioneer

The 1970s were a time of major advancements in technology.

Portable cassette players, personal computers, cell phones and floppy disks were released onto the market. These new types of consumer technology started to change the world.

Innovations were being made in the assistive technology industry (AT) at the same time.

In the 1970s, the AT industry was in its infancy and made up mostly of small family-owned businesses. Funding was a challenge, as were limited product ranges that varied in quality.

Fortunately, there were forwardthinking problem-solvers who were making an early difference to AT. They saw abundant opportunities to create

new things to help clients live more independently.

O ne of those early innovators is Ian Mortimer, an orthotics specialist who helped pave the way for a wide array of assistive technologies we have today.

I nnovation as a solution

W hen Ian Mortimer began working for the Crippled Children’s Association (CCA) 49 years ago, he found himself in uncharted territory. Not a lot of specialised orthotic appliances or components existed for people with disabilities, so the team and Mortimer had to be creative with their solutions. But as someone with an inventive mind and a taste for problem-solving, this was right up his alley.

“A lot of specialised appliances just

weren’t available commercially back then, so we used to make them,” he said. “We were buying wheelchairs from a local manufacturer and customising those for the children. And we became very good at that, customising the frames and seating to suit the individuals we had.”

Mortimer’s work started out in a bare-bones orthotic workshop at the back of the CCA head office in Franklin Street, Adelaide. They didn’t have the most high-tech equipment or the best materials to work with. But what they did have was a dedicated and skilled team willing to go the extra mile to create customised solutions for their customers.

In 1975 the orthotics workshop moved from the city to the newly built Regency Park Centre. Where, with an updated workshop they designed and

Chris Sparks, Rob Hogan, Terry Gallagher and Ian Mortimer

developed innovative products and tools that changed the game in AT.

Mortimer moved from Regency Park Centre to Rollerchair (a local powered and manual wheelchair manufacturer) in 1997.

Along with the M1 and Roller RAD, one of Ian’s proudest achievements is the Navigator, among the first centre-wheel drive powered wheelchairs in the world.

“The marketplace had a load of frontwheel drive powered wheelchairs. They shifted the front wheels back and put outriggers in front, with fixed direction casters that used to sit off the ground to stop them from rocking forward. These were referred to as midwheel drive. We were the first ones to

position the drive wheel directly under the person in the wheelchair, with swiveling casters on both the front and back.”

Today, centre-wheel drive power wheelchairs are a familiar sight at most AT retailers. But it all started with the vision and ingenuity of the Rollerchair team.

Looking back at his legacy

Over the course of his career, Mortimer has seen the AT industry grow and change dramatically. As technology has become more sophisticated, so has the range of AT products available. There are now products to meet just about any need, and the options continue to grow.

“The advancement of electronics over the years has probably been the single biggest advantage for people with disabilities. There’s just so much available now,” he said.

A s he enters his retirement, he looks back with pride at what his teams accomplished. Their work developing customised wheelchairs transformed the industry, helping countless people enjoy greater comfort and independence. He is grateful to have been a part of the industry from its earliest days, and to have been on teams that played such a pivotal role in its development. And he knows many others who feel the same way.

“It’s never just been my job. It’s more about helping people than it is about a job, and that’s true for most of the people in the industry. The faces don’t change, it’s just the shirts they wear. They might be working for a different company, but the faces have been there for the last 20 to 30 years or more.”

T he AT industry join ATSA in wishing ‘Morty’ a long and happy retirement and thank him for all he contributed to the AT world.

See for yourself how far we’ve come

Since Mortimer and his team designed their first centre-wheel drive powered wheelchair, there have been so many advances in AT. It can be hard to keep up with the latest developments. That’s why an ATSA Independent Living Expo is the perfect opportunity to see everything that’s new and exciting in the world of AT and to meet the brilliant minds behind them. While technology has moved forward in leaps and bounds, one thing remains unchanged, the dedication of the people working in the field. It is this passion that ensures AT will continue to evolve and meet the needs of those who rely on it.

ATSA Independent Living Expo’s will be held in Melbourne, May 24-25; Perth, May 31 – June 1 and Canberra November 7-8, 2023. All expos are free to attend, and registrations are now open. Visit: www. atsaindependentlivingexpo.com.au

Regency Park Rehab Engineering management team (mid 1990s)

Mark Hartridge, Ian Mortimer, Barry Seeger and Rob Garrett

Quantum Rehab launches the all-new TRU-Balance 4

Quantum Rehab is dedicated to being the premier global innovator of consumer-inspired complex rehab mobility technologies that not only deliver medical comfort, but also the features needed toward overall well-being, serving the entirety of users’ activities of daily living.

A common challenge for most power wheelchair users is finding a safe way to tilt their bodies forward when trying to reach something.

Q uantum Rehab have crafted a solution!

I ntroducing the all-new TRU-Balance 4 Power Positioning Systems with anterior tilt. TRU-Balance 4 Power Positioning provides a choice of 0 - 10 degrees, or 0 - 30 degrees of power anterior tilt. This provides optimal access and consumers may find it easier to perform activities of daily living, such as accessing sinks, grooming, reaching

items in cupboards, doing laundry and more.

“There is a lot of excitement around our launch of TRU-Balance 4, especially power anterior tilt, because it can help users with functional activities,” Quantum Rehab national business development manager, Andrew Gannan s aid.

movement for each seat function.

“This makes TRU-Balance 4 seating truly customisable to serve patients with a variety of needs,” he said.

In addition, a dual actuator Articulating Foot Platform (AFP) lowers to assist with transfers. The dual actuator AFP has an articulation range of 0-7.25 inches. It is only available on TRUBalance 4 Power Positioning.

TRU-Balance 4 requires the selection of power adjustable seat height, power anterior tilt, power posterior tilt, power recline and a dual actuator power articulating foot platform as a package.

TRU-Balance 4 includes up to eight customisable memory seating positions.

T his feature utilises feedback to recognise positioning and recalls the saved position of all actuators. It offers the choice of sequential or synced

TRU-Balance 4 is available on the Stretto, Edge 3, and 4Front 2 power chairs.

For more information on TRU-Balance 4 Visit, www.quantumrehab.com/ quantum-seating-and-positioningsystems/tru-balance-4.asp

TRU-Balance 4 includes up to eight customisable memory seating positions

When Your World is Full of Tight Spaces... Make Sure Your Mobility

Device Fits!

Mobility devices give individuals opportunity to move beyond their beds and access the world beyond their bedroom to improve their quality of life.

There are a lot of things that should be considered when choosing the right mobility device to ensure the prescription is client centred. Understanding the accessibility of the environments most frequently interacted with is an important assessment process which looks closely at the indoor/ outdoor terrains, width of access points, circulation space, accessibility to tables/benches/sinks… the list goes on!

W hen choosing a powered wheelchair as the preferred mobility device, the overall width of the base and drive wheel location plays a pivotal role in assisting individuals to access their tight spaces.

Choosing a powered wheelchair over a manual configuration can be of benefit in some tight spaces, especially when width of access is of concern. Compromising on the width of the base for access should not compromise performance on uneven terrains.

Enter the Amylior Amysystem M3 Slim option

W ith a 53cm base width and 51cm turning radius, it is easily one of the most compact powered mobility aids on the market, with the benefit of not compromising the sophisticated suspension system that has allowed its big brother, the M3 to be so successful on the Australian market.

the quality of ride in outdoor settings.

Postural displacement from repetitive vibration and seat movement and shift, can have detrimental impacts on the end users’ comfort, pressure injury risk, postural alignment and pain. When choosing a powered wheelchair mobility base, it is important to understand the key features of that base and how it will improve the quality of life for the end user.

Rehabilitation seating options remain available on the M3 Slim, with the choice to add powered tilt (50degrees) and recline (160-degrees) with seat elevation. Available with both independent elevating leg rests and power centre mount foot platform.

W ith the M3 Slim, there is no compromise on functionality.

It’s fully independent 6-wheel interactive suspension with vertical shock absorption allows the end user to have accessibility in tight spaces indoors and

Is your world tight? Contact Linds Rehabilitation Equipment for your nearest supplier of the Amysystems Alltrack range and try the Slim today.

...the overall width of the base and drive wheel location plays a pivotal role in assisting individuals to access tight spaces

WHILL power chairs for living an active life

Aidacare are the exclusive distributors of WHILL, which focuses on innovative design and s tate-of-the-art technology, allowing you to express your confidence, style, and independence, empowering you to be you. With WHILL live a life without boundaries, these products are built to challenge the perception of what mobility devices can be.

Connect your smartphone and use the WHILL app to check essential device information, check s ettings or remotely operate the chair's movements. Stay engaged in activities and embrace your s urroundings, knowing the WHILL will keep you safe whilst you ride with peace of mind. Drive in style, choose from eight different arm colour options for Model C2 and five different arm colour options for Model F to match your style. You can purchase a smart key, cane holder or lap belt for more convenience and personalisation.

WHILL Model C2

T he WHILL Model C2 is a revolutionary

approach to power mobility, evoking an active, can-do lifestyle. Its premium performance and superior engineering provide versatility and reliability to experience all-day adventures.

Simple to operate and can make tight turns with a 45 per cent tighter turning radius than tiller-operated mobility devices to get you wherever you need to go. Whether you’re driving around town or manoeuvring indoors. It effortlessly climbs over obstacles up to 5cm in height with two powerful motors, and large front patented Omni wheels. The rear wheel suspension absorbs the impact when driving over bumpy roads or obstacles, and an antisway system keeps you driving straight on side slopes. The electromagnetic brakes provide safe stopping, even on inclines.

T he Model C2 can be disassembled for easy transportation in the boot of any car. Whether shopping on the weekend or travelling with your family, the Model C2 allows you to live life to the fullest.

View configuration video: https://youtu.be/-6IxGqvlqI8.

WHILL Model F

Lightweight, foldable, and manoeuvrable the WHILL Model F allows you to explore your world with greater mobility and independence. A compact solution weighing only 24kg (without battery) it can be easily transported on buses, trains and in car boots. When not in use, the Model F can be conveniently stored in a closet or out-of-the-way in the corner of the room. Seating width can also be increased by 50mm, simply by swapping controls from one side to the other.

W hat are the differences between the Model C2 and Model F?

T he C2 is a pull-apart power chair, whilst the F is a folding chair. The Model F retains a lot of the same styling and technology as the C2 with the exception of the patented front Omni wheels, which are only available on the C2. To know more about the WHILL, visit: www.aidacare.com.au

Spinal Cord Injury Australia launches resource hub

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia’s (SCIA) Resource Hub was funded in 2019 with a grant from the Department of Social Services. The hub was developed to fill an information gap for people with spinal cord injury and other neurological conditions, who were looking for advice, education and information about their disability.

This project has given SCIA an opportunity to connect with its community, providing them with advice, with content developed and curated ‘by people with disabilities for people with disabilities.’

The feedback during the co-production process was overwhelmingly for practical advice and advocacy-related information. They wanted people with lived experience of spinal cord injury to share their knowledge such as teaching

wheelchair skills, transfer skills, car modifications and their experiences with the NDIS.

experiences’ after a spinal cord injury, psychosexual exploration and disability, and neuroplasticity and the human body, to name a few.

SCIA wanted content to be relatable and reliable, so people would get the best from the information to feel empowered to be independent, whatever that means to them.

Since starting the project, SCIA have added more videos and articles and also launched a podcast, ‘Have The Nerve: A Podcast About Disability’, with a focus on episodes about real life experiences that explore issues that take an in-depth approach.

The episodes include subjects such as: How disabled you need to be for the NDIS, what are the real ‘first

And the first step is by the power of story sharing to help grow a more informed community.

Whether you are someone who has just had a spinal cord injury, are years into the journey, a family member, friend or a researcher who wants to know more about disability, visit our resource hub today at: scia.org.au/resource-hubto see what we have to show you!

This project has given SCIA an opportunity to connect with its community

The hub has been designed by people with disability for people with disability

Cerebral palsy launches Australian-first education initiative

Ac ampaign to make education and employment systems in NSW more inclusive for young people with cerebral palsy and disability is now underway. The CPActive Blaze the Trail Campaign is taking its message to policy and decision makers in the run-up to the NSW Election in March 2023.

Disability and youth advocate and ParaMatildas player Tahlia Blanshard said young people with cerebral palsy from the CPActive community have been meeting virtually and face-toface to talk about issues for young people with cerebral palsy. “We are making our voices loud and clear at this election to major parties and independents that it is time to improve our schooling and employment systems

in NSW to make them more inclusive for young people with cerebral palsy and people with disability.”

Cerebral Palsy Alliance head of advocacy, Bronya Metherall said the Australian-first initiative being led by the voice of young people with disability is unprecedented. “What they would like to do is blaze a trail for the next generation of young people, so they don’t need to kick down the doors if the system is there to support them,” she told Link

I n the lead-up to the election the group will hold briefings with private and corporate sectors and government to co-design a strategy that is underpinned by three key objectives. These are: clear, consistent and enforceable guidelines for support

around assessments at school and university for students living with disability; pathways for people living with disability to enter the teaching workforce; and state-wide initiative s supporting the development of pathways for students living with disability into large business, government departments and community organisations.

T here will be a virtual event to update supporters on the campaign at the end of the month. Details here: https:// cpactive.org.au/events/youre-invitedblaze-the-trail-virtual-launch/

To join the campaign, go to: cpactive. org.au or sign the petition at: cpactive. org.au/nsw-election or share on social media: #CPActive

When a small car won’t do

Fr eedom Motors is the go-to company when you are looking for a modifier that goes that extra mile with quality and workmanship both in the lowered floor vehicles and the larger vans with hoist modifications. Our Van modifications are extremely popular with community transport organisations, taxi's, group homes, private users and other organisations. You can always recognise the Freedom modification from its competitors.

O ur larger van modifications, like our lowered floor modifications, are highly customisable taking you and your requirements into consideration. We modify a huge range of large vans to accommodate for multiple wheelchair positions anywhere from one up to five wheelchairs.

O ur Autolift Onda wheelchair hoist range is a fantastic new lift on the market that is taking the industry by storm. It boasts a 400 kg maximum

loading capacity, which we all know is great as power chairs are only getting heavier these days. It also has two points of illumination which gives you the confidence to travel even at night knowing that you can see clearly where the wheelchair is on the hoist.

Safety is our biggest priority with our products and if Freedom installs it, you can be assured that it adheres to our highest standards.

We do not just specialise in full wheelchair modifications for larger vans. We offer a huge range of other aids that assist people to enter the vehicle other than by the wheelchair hoist. We also supply and install several types of steps, handrails and seating configurations to suit any requirement that you may have.

W hy not give Freedom Motors Australia a call on 1800 672 437 for more information on this exciting new

option or one of our other amazing modifications. We deliver Freedom you choose the destination.

A love of life that is well-lived for Grant Allen

“My name is Grant. I am an incomplete paraplegic with an injury level at T12/ L1. I sustained a spinal cord injury in April 2011 riding my MTB. I guess I've always been a driven and strong-willed person and fair to say someone that does things that a lot of other people might not or likely don't see as "normal".

After having my accident, I quickly worked things out for myself in that I had two options. I could sit around and be a sad sack and mope about what had happened, or I could simply get on with things and make the most of what I had.

I had been involved with bikes all my life and my life and have continued doing what I love in an adapted form. I was very fortunate that the bike company, Trek, purchased a hand bike for me to ride on the road immediately after my accident. From there I began to pursue a different direction with bikes with riding and racing a hand bike on the road.

I guess I've continued to push on with that direction and have now been

racing reasonably successfully on the road for several years at the highest level of international competition which included racing at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

Something I'm incredibly passionate about now is getting back to proper MTB riding which I am able to do with the amazing Bowhead bikes that come out of Canada. Push Mobility are now the exclusive Australian supplier s. These bikes mean so much to me as I get a lot of enjoyment out of riding them and also sharing the buzz with customers.

My life is busy these days and I am very active, with two children that I love dearly to take care of.

I wake up early every day to train and stay fit and healthy and hold myself in the best possible shape and condition to be able to race my bike at the highest level. I really want to do another Paralympic Games and place higher than I did last time round. Most days will see me on the road or on the indoor

trainer for between 2-3 hours before I go to work as manager at Push Mobility, Port Adelaide five days a week.

I like to try and ride after work, ride to work and really, as much as I can. Time for me is the most precious thing and there are simply not enough hours in the day.

I live a great life and these days are honestly even better than before I was a chair user. Some of the greatest moments of my life would not have taken place if I didn't live with a disability. There is always a way to do things and enjoy them, having a disability is no excuse for not being able to live an amazing life and I love the feeling of "Cheating the system" and getting the most out of every moment I can.

... having a disability is no excuse for not being able to live an amazing life...

Exercising made easy

Everyone who can to access NDIS, NDIA and Aged Care support can start their journey with Easy Exercising, that allow participants to exercise with ease and enjoy a closeknit community.

T here’s no pain, instead, laughter and a friendly chat as you exercise.

How? The answer is in its unique, power-assisted machines. They do the exercise for you so that your individual, gentle program safely gets you to your goals – without any need for exerting exercise.

W hen you experience Easy Exercising, you will find integrity, courage, respect and understanding.

You can rely on our service, knowledge and experience. At Easy Exercising, we really listen and want to get to know you. We are here to help you plan your future and are passionate about helping to create a brighter future.

Easy Exercise supervise each participant to make sure they are exercising the muscles without putting pressure on the joints.

You won’t be forced into any program, just offered solutions with guaranteed results.

Easy Exercise have a number of locations in Brisbane/South-east Queensland and plan to open more across Australia.

Find your nearest location at our website.

Visit easyexercising.com.au to book a free trial session at your nearest clinic.

NOTE: we also provide opportunities for respite care with a difference, via our weekends away with participants.

Register your interest in those trips at: https://easycommunityservices.com/

Exercise with ease and enjoy a close-knit community.

Scan the QR and mention code: EASY to book your free trial session now!

NDIA REGISTERED

Tommy JacksonandTrout

Take the easy ride over rough terrain

New travel mobility products are popping up all the time. Freerider of Luggie fame has four high-end models of their trusty scooter, in addition to a Luggie power chair. Each features soft-ride tyres and suspension, while keeping the lightweight frame and large carrying capacity.

T he design of the Luggies is intended to address a common issue: bumpy terrain means a bumpy ride, but new tyres and suspension mitigate this problem. Two of the scooters are genuine 4-wheelers, with a widened wheelbase. This is for those who prefer the added stability at the expense of a little manoeuvrability.

Robin, from the New South Wales Central Coast, was one of the first in Australia to get her hands on the Super Deluxe 4-wheel model. She travelled to Europe and Israel on her old Luggie and shared some of those common complaints.

“Everything about the scooter was perfect, except it didn't do so well in cities with iffy footpaths, and I never felt completely comfortable around Paris. The new one is much better”, she said.

Scott Sanderson, braved Monument Valley in the US some years back and the Blue Train in South Africa and the northern lights in Norway are among other feathers in his cap. For him, however, the narrow wheelbase was a problem with the old Luggie.

“The scooter rocks too much whenever you take a bump at an angle,” he said.

Peter Fraser, managing director of Scooters Australia and importer of the Luggie, was glad to hear the feedback.

“It gives us a lot of trust in the manufacturer. They improved an already great product, responding to the genuine concerns of customers that we passed on to them. It's extremely gratifying to see some old Luggie users come in and get excited about the new versions”, he said.

T he Luggie TravelChair is Freerider's foray in to the powerchair market. Its design resembles that of its scooter cousin, and it

too can be folded for transportation in a car or plane.

It comes with a carrying capacity of 160kg, sturdy frame, li-ion battery and dual motor,

More information can be found at www. luggieaustralia.com.au

Dinesh Palipana – taking life to the limit

Dinesh Palipana reckons he has done more with his life with a spinal cord injury than he would have done otherwise. He spoke to Kymberly Martin.

At the Australian Disability Services Conference

Sp eaking at the Australian Disability Services Conference where he delivered a keynote, lawyer, doctor and disability advocate, Dinesh Palipana, told the audience the purpose for all in the room was because “we believe we are doing things to make lives better”.

“In the beginning I did not have a purpose, so I decided to become a lawyer,” which drew laughter from the crowd.

In law school depression took over, an experience he described as “isolating” and worse than having a disability. “It can create high level change but there is a middle area where it all stops.” But he was lucky to have support from people who took the journey out of the darkness with him.

“After depression, I wanted to change the world, so I decided to become a doctor. Although today, I’ve come to understand how powerful the law is to change the world too.”

T hat was in 2008 and “life was good”. But one night in 2010, driving home after visiting his family, his car slid out of control and the life he knew was gone in seconds.

“There was doctor in the ambulance on my way to hospital who gave me a lecture who told me I would find a way to get my life back and at that moment I remember feeling safe and cared for.

“In the work we do patients don’t always remember what we did for them, but they do remember how we make them feel which they will carry for the rest of their lives. And this applies to everyone in this room because the work that we do is about people.”

Living in a changing world

He graduated in 2016, the first doctor in a wheelchair to do so in Queensland.

Palipana spoke about a senior surgeon very much from the ‘old school’ who “terrified me”. It was after giving me a performance report he said: “When you first came to me, I did not know how this was going to work and had

reservations about you but today my idea of what a doctor should be like has changed through this experience.”

“Here was proof that visibility changes minds!” He has been working for six years as a doctor at Australia’s busiest emergency department, the Gold Coast University Hospital.

“Our voice as a community matters, with 500,000 people on the NDIS. We need to do it together and think outside the box.

We live in a changing world and together we can create a better future for people with disability. But we need stronger laws covering areas such as airline travel, health, education and employment.

4 Quick Questions:

Favourite Book: The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday

Favourite TV show: The Simpsons

Personal Hero: My mother

The biggest challenge facing the disability sector?

Unity. We have to be united for our voices to be powerful.

“I have done more with my life since my spinal injury, that I have done before. A doctor, a lawyer even a runway model at Australian Fashion Week, and now training to be a pilot. There really are no limits.”

He recently sky-dived for the first time and has a friend who promises to put him into space. No limits indeed.

He admitted there were unique challenges that come with a disability and finds there are too many judgements about people including children with disability about what they can and cannot do.

“Despite this there are many talented people out there and the disability community is a passionate one and together we are changing the world, but the carrots need more sticks.”

A mong his achievements you can add writer to his list. His book Stronger is the story of his life. And Link has a signed copy to give away to one of our readers.

See the details on Page 70.

“I am who I am because of people who fought for me and were there when I needed them”

At Australian Fashion Week

Why you should become a Simply Helping support worker

Are you looking for a flexible, rewarding, and engaging career, with stability and plenty of opportunities for growth? You’ve come to the right place. Here are a few of the reasons why becoming a Simply Helping support worker could be for you.

Ma ke a real difference

A s a Simply Helping support worker, you will be making a real difference to the lives of older adults and people living with disability. You will be a friendly, comforting face during your daily, weekly, or monthly visits. You offer compassion when times are tough and celebrate the little things with each person you support and care for. Plus, there really is no greater reward than knowing you have contributed to someone’s health, comfort, and happiness.

No two days are the same

There aren’t many careers as flexible and engaging as home care and support work. As a Simply Helping support worker, you will travel to the homes of the

people you care for and provide valuable assistance. Everyone is unique, so the support you provide will be unique, too. You might offer help with meal prep and medications in the morning and take a trip to the local café for social support in the afternoon. Plus, you will learn from people from all walks of life, and hear a heap of interesting stories along the way.

G row in a growing industry

T he Australian Government predicts very strong growth, around 30 per cent, in the disability and aged care industry over the next five years. Demand for dedicated care and support staff will continue to grow into the future, as long as we continue to age. So, if you are looking for a career that comes with stability, and plenty of opportunities for growth, look no further.

Join Simply Helping

Simply Helping is one of Australia’s leading home care and disability support providers. We have been offering valuable support to people from all walks of life since 1998. So, we really know our stuff. Plus, when you become part of the Simply Helping family, you receive ongoing support, training, and professional development, as well as access to our exclusive rewards programs.

A re you ready to build your career by making a difference? Simply Helping is now hiring kind, compassionate support workers just like you.

Visit our website: simplyhelping.com.au

Innovative e-prescribing software... enhances patient safety

Electronic medication management solution, Medi-Map, has extended its reach into the disability sector. Significantly safer for patients, reducing risk of errors and providing an efficient process for staff.

Disability provider, SACARE, has undertaken a successful pilot program during which Medi-Map completely eliminated medication incidents.

SACARE Clinical Therapy Services, general manager, Klade Thomas, said Medi-Map has radically transformed its medication management processes.

“The greatest outcome of the pilot is the reduction in errors. By reducing errors, we reduce the risk of harm to people in our care,” she said.

Medication management is a major issue for the disability sector, accounting for around 250,000 hospital admissions a year at a cost of around $1.4 billion, according to

the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.

Clients previously had multiple hand-written charts that included medication information, but these can be impossible to read and understand, raising a safety risk, Thomas said.

“Medi-Map instead provides a clear and easy to read dispensing process and even provides staff tips and helpful information. It has in-built reporting mechanisms allowing for greater oversight and clarity of the clients’ medication information. It can also be used offline, which is integral if there is a power outage,” she said.

T he positive pilot prompted SACARE to roll out Medi-Map across its other accommodation sites and

community clients which will occur in the coming months.

“Medi-Map makes medication management easy and if something does go wrong, you can see it immediately and initiate risk management processes.”

Medi-Map chief executive officer, Greg Garratt said the digital system was specifically designed for the healthcare sector where medications were administered or where oversight was necessary to improve health outcomes.

For more information about the MediMap medication management solution, contact general manager Christelle Ucinek at: office@medimap.com.au or PH: 1800 431 420.

The difference between a good builder and a great builder

When it comes to selecting a builder, or any trade for that matter, there is a whole spectrum of range of quality.

W hen you are next looking for a builder, especially if you have a disability modification to be done, keep these qualities in mind.

A quality builder will be competitive in pricing, but there is more to a build than the price. Whilst no one should pay above market price, the cheapest is not always the best as you may discover you get what you pay for. Be sure to check out the business/builder online, check out reviews and if there are any negative comments or articles about the builder.

Have a really good look at their track record; what they have done, how they have done it and what the experience was like for their other customers.

Always show respect. Being a builder that specialises in disability and aged care works, at VIP Access we believe that respect is important to be shown to customers. No builder, or anyone, should make you feel dumb, be snappish or treat you - the customerwith anything but respect.

A great builder will always be happy to answer your questions and will be very responsive to your calls, emails or

enquiries, not just at the beginning but during the entire process.

VIP Access have been helping people with their home modifications for over 14 years and believe we have some great qualities to offer.

If you require home modifications in South-East Queensland, give us a call on: 07 3807 4309 or email: enquiries@vipaccess.net.au

enquires@vipaccess.net.au

www.vipaccess.net.au

The ‘eyes’ have it

An inspiration for all abilities

First the first time in Victoria, an art exhibition contributed by young adults with autism spectrum disorder was organised by Rosie’s Love and Care.

T he artworks were displayed at the Melbourne Disability Expo, held at the Convention and Exhibition Centre.

T he differences in style and materials reflected the uniqueness in abilities and interests of the individual.

T he works included paintings, crayon art and cut and paste artworks and paintings that created a diverse and lively art corner.

T he exhibition impressed hundreds of visitors and inspired many parents and carers in their journeys, Rosie’s director, Rosie Nguyen said.

“It was a remarkable inspiration to look at ASD as a ‘different ability’, a motivation for families and carers on the journey of helping their loved ones. It raised awareness of mental issues in the community, and empowered participants to believe in themselves.”

“I’ve never seen this before they are beautiful,” was a comment from a visitor.

“Our participants passion inspired us, and we wanted to share these beautiful inspirations with the community, ”Nguyen said.

Living life my way ... with support from Mable

For 36-year-old Samantha Prior, moving into her own home in August 2022 marked a major personal milestone and the blossoming of rewarding new relationships with her team of support workers. She shared her story and advice with Link, on the journey to independent living and the importance of support from Mable along the way.

independent living had been on the radar for some time.

“I was adamant about wanting to live on my own, having my own space and not wanting to be pushed into living with someone simply because I have a disability,” she said. “I am also an aunty to eight amazing nieces and nephews, and I wanted to be able to have them come over to my house to hang out.”

After working with an occupational therapist, Samantha moved into her own home in August. “I was fortunate enough to move into a fully accessible SDA property in Nundah. I love my new place, it’s big enough for me and my faithful feline, Enzo. I have a cute little courtyard to do my art activities or sit in the sun while I work, and a great kitchen to cook up a storm in, which I love to do.

“Due to the staggered roll-out of the NDIS where I live, I had a lot of time to research and a friend working in the support work industry recommended looking at Mable.”

O nce she discovered Mable, there was no turning back. “I jumped on the website and really loved what I saw. Participants like me create profiles and support workers do the same. You read through the profiles after you put in some filtered criteria, find the people you have most compatibility with and set up a meet and greet.

For Samantha, who works as the Queensland Relationship Manager for Empowered Liveability, a Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) provider, planning her move to

“It was super simple and took so much of the anxiety out of the whole process because straight up, I was able to deliver my personality and sense of humour in my profile. And I could see how that was received when I was getting reach-out from support workers.”

T ips for finding the right support on Mable

Samantha recommends clarity as being key to building a good support team.

“My advice when writing your profile for Mable is to be open and honest. If you like to have a laugh, don’t forget to write that down. Finding support workers with whom you get along can make everything run so much better. Be detailed about what you need and about the things that are nonnegotiable. It’s so important to say what you need and what won’t work for you, upfront. Don’t be afraid of the process of looking for someone. I firmly believe there is someone for everyone out there in the support/participant world.”

She found that breaking her support team into two distinct working groups is the best way to manage her busy life and time. “The way I built my support team was very deliberate in the beginning.

“I chose two people who I wanted to achieve specific tasks, achieved without one for the social, community-access things that I love to do, and one for the therapy and more everyday tasks I needed help with.

“I went in with the idea that I wanted to be able to compartmentalise all the boring things I had to do into one or two days, and then the fun stuff for the other days.”

L ike many others, following her passions with support from Mable continues to be a wonderful and empowering journey for Samantha.

If you’re looking to begin your own pathway to independent living, visit: mable.com.au

Samantha Prior

Assisted Living by Hafele

As humans, we long for connection, inclusiveness and for independence and freedom of choice: The Assisted Living Range by Häfele supports exactly that. It is to assist in helping people live an independent life whilst also creating spaces that everyone can enjoy and work in together.

Discreet, effortless, and ergonomic Häfele’s FlexiElectric Bench is a solution for projects that require adjustable working heights like aged care, training facilities, education and specialist disability accommodation. The benchtop is a discreet solution that provides 300mm range of motion to adjust working height from 720mm – 1020mm at the touch of a button, meeting SDA guidelines and offers designers complete choice of benchtop material. It is easily integrated into any interior design scheme as installation details, legs and hardware are cleverly hidden whilst the user adjusts the worktop via simple button control.

A s well as benchtop options Hafele provides wall cabinet fittings such as the Verti Electric, Verti Inside and Verti diagonal, all controlled with the touch of a button. All electronic driven fittings are supplied with safety functionality as standard inclusions, not optional extras. For overheads, stop plates are included to avoid the risk of trapping. For bench systems, safety strips ensure benchtops don’t just stop but reverse their movement immediately when the safety strip is activated.

T he Assisted Living range also includes electric wardrobe hanging systems, kitchen storage accessories, pull out corner units and pantries, integrated waste bins, soft close and opening drawers, appliances, sinks and taps, ergonomic furniture handles and LOOX LED lighting systems for intelligent and wireless light control.

Hafele’s auto door solutions for accessibility, prevent the door from being a hindrance. Swing door systems

make it easier to pass through a door whenever manual operation is too cumbersome or exhausting, in a clear modern design line. Additional products provide ease of use for wardrobes, bathrooms and sliding doors for education and the workplace.

Hafele provides project services to specifiers, planners, consultants and specialists in architectural hardware, furniture design and access control. Services include detailed planning manuals, seminars for planners addressing special topics, tendering texts, application examples and suggestions, CAD files and other planning support such as the Hafele TEC service for standards and instructions.

Sales consultants also provide specifiers with a wide range of functional and design options. For more information go to: www.hafeleassistedliving.com.au or PH: 1300 659 728 or visit: www.hafele.com.au

Freedom and confidence to be independent

Assisted Living by Häfele

Häfele provides products that are recognised and appreciated around the world for their high quality, flexibility and accessibility as well as suitably under the SDA standards.

Häfele’s extensive range of products makes the dream of living a free and independent life, a reality.

For more information please visit Assisted Living by Häfele and download a brochure today.

Where innovation works well

For over 25 years Throne Accessories has been providing a range of toilet rail systems that improves access and safety during toileting.

Throne Accessories toileting solutions are for those with special needs including children and the elderly. Throne rails attach directly to the toilet rather than being affixed to walls or frames which are ‘rolled over’ the toilet. The benefit in this design is that the rails feel part of the toilet, making it more secure for use. The Throne rails are designed both for children and children’s sized toilets as well as adult sized toilets.

“Throne Rails remove the need to attach support rails to walls. This can be less desirable as they are often further away from the body or are attached to walls which are not weight secure. For example, if the wall is plaster rather than brick,” Throne Accessories managing director James Ross said. “Rails are also easily removed which is beneficial if a property is going onto the market.”

A nother but less known advantage of the rails is they can be used in conjunction with retro fitted over toilet bidets. Bidets are particularly helpful for people with difficulties cleaning, due to injuries or old age.

Throne receives numerous enquiries from occupational therapists regarding the rails and what is most suitable for the client’s needs. “OTs are familiar with our products and are real champions when it comes to recommending them to clients.” he said.

Currently Throne rails are predominately sold into residential homes, infant schools or held as needed at retirement homes so they can be added and removed as required by the facilities managers. As the business grows, Throne hopes to sell rails into hospitals and larger retirement complexes.

The most popular Throne products are the 3-in-1 Powder Coated Rail and the 80mm Spacer. The extra 80mm provided by the Spacer raising the height of the toilet can often make all the difference in the ease of raising and lowering the body on the toilet. The Bariatric support rail is another product that is also increasing in popularity. It is weight tested to 250kg with adjustable legs and rubber-capped feet, that is positioned on the side of the toilet. The metal legs make the rail almost indestructible.

“OTs are familiar with our products and are real champions when it comes to recommending them to clients.”

James Ross Child toilet rail

Contact: www.throne.com.au or 02 6280 6851

3-in-1 Rail

DIGNITY, INDEPENDENCE AND CONFIDENCE FOR EVERYONE

THRONE SPACER

THE ULTIMATE AND MOST VERSATILE TOILET SEAT RAISER

The Throne Spacer has been developed to add height without changing the appearance of a standard toilet and toilet seat, and offers comfort and safety.

Two sizes! 50mm & 80mm heights

The best option OT’s could hope for!

The functions of the ‘Standard’, ‘Splayed’ and ‘Fold Down’ rails have been incorporated into the ‘3-in-1’, making it the most convenient toilet support system on the market.

The benefits of the Throne Accessories ‘3-in-1’ Rail System include: This rail replaces the previous three models Simplified ordering... etc

The new Throne Accessories ‘3-in-1’ Rail System will be of great advantage for: Equipment loan departments in hospitals, schools, respite care and hospice facilities

Nursing homes and retirement villages

Hotels, motels, hostels, residential and other accommodation outlets

Use with or without Throne Rails

The Throne Spacer fits under the toilet seat Unobtrusively integrates with the bathroom decor Raises the height of toilet seats and electronic bidets Easily installed and conveniently transportable Spacers and rails are available from reputable healthcare suppliers

BARIATRIC TOILET SUPPORT RAIL

This particular Bariatric Rail model meets the needs of the larger built person. The handgrips are supported by adjustable legs that are firmly positioned to the side of the toilet by rubber-capped feet to prevent tripping. The Bariatric model comes in polished stainless steel.

Why do we talk about accommodation...when we should talk about housing?

By Natalie Wade

Accommodation is a familiar word in the disability sector. It is the traditional language, used to describe how people with disability access a home or housing support, that has survived generations.

T he Collins Dictionary defines “accommodation” as: “a space in buildings that is available for certain things, people or activities”.

Connotations of clinical settings and places offered, not homes occupied spring to mind when people mention accommodation for people with disability. In my view, there is a sense of othering in the language of accommodation.

In a time where the rights of people with disabilities are not yet fully realised in Australia, language is important. We need to talk about housing, not accommodation.

Article 28 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) provides the right for people with disabilities to an adequate standard of living, including adequate housing.

To realise this right, we need to adopt rights-based language. We need to use the language of the UN CRPD on this topic. When drafting laws, public policy and strategic directions it is important to be clear that people with disabilities have the right to housing

and live in homes they choose, not in accommodation placements or with accommodation funding.

W hen our laws, public policies and funding models are written for housing, we will all start talking about our right to live in housing, not accommodation. With this approach, law makers, policy thinkers and people with disability will have the opportunity to consider how to realise housing in a disability context which is important in creating a fair, equal and justice future for all.

Natalie Wade is founder and principal lawyer at Equity Lawyers.

PH: 08 7084 1190 or E: natalie@equalitylawyers.com.au Your Life. Your Independence. Your Choice.

Enjoy the freedom and peace of mind that comes from living as independently as possible in your home, with as little or as much support with daily tasks as you require.

By choosing Minda Home & Living Supports (previously known as SIL) you can kickstart your personal lifestyle goals and start living your best life!

Vacancies are available in metropolitan Adelaide, Limestone Coast and Minlaton, all conveniently located near public transport and shops. Keen to discover more?

Visit mindainc.com.au to see all vacancies. Alternatively, call 1800 164 632 or email intake@minda.asn.au for more information.

mindainc.com.au

Support Coordination services from Community Support

Community Support Inc has been providing home care services for people living with disability, mental health or aged care related needs for over 30 years.

The organisation offers a range of professional, flexible services for children, young people and adults requiring home or community support across all metropolitan and most regional areas of South Australia.

Qualified staff support clients across the state, providing individuals with everything they need to help them ‘live their life, their way’.

A key service offering is Support Coordination, a NDIS funded support designed to assist individuals to make the most out of their NDIS funds.

“A support coordinator is a key person who works closely with the client and other service providers to balance funding arrangements, support needs and ensure goals are met,” Community Support Inc CEO Sue Krake said.

“Support Connection allows you to start your plan, connecting you with other providers and monitoring your plan’s progress. We also provide ‘Assist Life Stages and Transitions’ services to

prepare you for the challenges you may face when undergoing life changes,” she said.

Coordination of Support involves helping you start your NDIS plan and monitor and address any issues or barriers that may arise regarding the delivery of supports in accordance with the plan.

Specialist Support Coordination uses a specialist framework to assist in reducing barriers and build capacity around NDIS plan implementation required by high-level needs.

Capacity Building and Training provides assistance with capacity building and training in plan administration and management with you, to strengthen your ability to undertake tasks

associated with the management of your supports.

“We also provide Psychosocial Recovery Coaching, and this service type has certainly grown over the last six months,” Krake said. “Our skilled coaches work collaboratively with clients and their carers or families to help clients implement a daily living plan. They will assist them with their NDIS supports and link clients to other providers as required to allow them to manage their everyday needs. It is rewarding to see the benefits that Support Coordination provides for clients.”

To find out more contact Community Support on: 08 8429 1200, email: hello@csisa.org.au or visit: csisa.org.au

www.csisa.org.au www.csisa.org.au hello@csisa.org.au

Travel is back!

Leisure Options has been exploring the world providing supported travel to people with disabilities since 1994. For the last 22 years the company has been committed to providing safe, friendly and most importantly fun holidays for its travellers.

With bookings and inquiries surging it is clear that people are once again ready to dust off their passport and suitcase and head away on an adventure. Leisure Options new travel brochure is due for release in March 2023 and celebrates the return of a full range of tours locally, nationally and internationally.

So, if you are looking for inspiration for your next trip you will find over 50 destinations with detailed itineraries and colour photos to help you decide. Some new offerings to tempt travellers include a 14-day Scandinavian festive season tour, an Elvis inspired Blue Suede Cruise or a once in a lifetime experience

cruising through the glaciers, national parks and untamed beauty of Alaska.

Of course, all of the old favorites will still feature with plenty of opportunities to visit the Gold Coast over winter, Women’s Pampering trips, Home and Away tours and the much-loved Tamworth and Queenscliff music festivals.

So, whether you are looking for an action-packed trip or a more relaxing vacation there is a holiday in the Leisure Options brochure to suit every traveller. And, if you can’t find something you like then company can plan your very own bespoke dream holiday.

To pre order a copy of the new holiday brochure, or book your next dream holiday, contact Leisure Options on: 03 9646 0666 or mail@leisureoptions.com.au

Great holidays and travel for people with disabilities

With more than 30 years’ experience in both the travel and disability industries, Leisure Options is Australia’s only national award-winning, accredited travel agent specialising in supported travel for the disability sector.

Focus on providing holidays that allow maximum choice, loads of fun, high staffing ratios, commitment to individual needs, and a supportive holiday environment

• Choice of either group or individualised touring

• Respite care offered in a stimulating and fun-filled environment

• Over 80 departures annually to local, national and international destinations

Passionate, energetic, and professional tour leaders with extensive qualifications and a world of experience

• Registered service provider with the NDIS

For more information call 1300 363 713 or visit our website www.leisureoptions.com.au

entered the world with challenges - but decided to ignore them”

and Chris said yes (although at the time Chris didn’t know just how big an Ironman triathlon was!). For over two years, Chris and Dan trained for the Ironman. Getting 1 per cent better every day.

T hen the day of the race arrived.

These are the words of Chris Nikic, the first person with Down Syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon. Not a ‘special’ Ironman either. For the uninitiated - an Ironman is a triathlon consisting of three events that are done back-toback on the same day. It begins with a 3.8km ocean swim, followed by a 180km cycle finishing with a leisurely 42.2km run. No, there are no typos here! Ironman events are brutal, and break most of the people ambitious enough to even try. So how did Chris Nikic, who only three years earlier was overweight and not exercising, achieve this? He got Ironman ready by getting 1 per cent better every day.

Nothing has been easy for Chris; he was born with two holes in his heart and inner ear issues that had him in multiple surgeries over the first years of his life. On top of that, he also had a

problem that a lot of children born with disability receive - low expectations. Something his father Nik was informed of by the doctors after he was born, and like his son he chose to ignore it. However, by age 18 Chris was overweight, isolated and excluded. To combat this, with his family’s support, Chris joined a Special Olympics Florida triathlon club, the first step on his road to Ironman.

So how did he do in his first ‘sprint’ (mini) triathlon with the club? He came dead last. By 20 minutes. Chris persisted and soon met his triathlon coach ‘Uncle’ Dan Grieb, a veteran of multiple Ironman triathlons. They clicked. They trained together and slowly Chris improved. He went from 50 metre swims to a 1,000-metre swim which prompted his Dad to ask Dan and Chris – ‘do you think Chris could complete an Ironman’? Dan said yes

Swimming in the ocean can be hard with waves and currents moving you about so imagine doing it in a crowd of over 100 people. Chris persevered with his guide and was able to complete the first leg in good time. He suited up for the bike and was off. Halfway through the cycle he stopped for a break, and something to eat when he felt a burning sensation on his legs. He had accidentally stepped onto a nest of fire ants who made their way up to his waist, but he kept going, covered in fire ant bites. Later, his bike hit a snag and crashed at a top speed. His reaction? Laughter. He got back on the bike, completing the cycle covered in ant bites and now a large gash from the asphalt. The final leg Chris wanted to quit, but family and friends got him moving until he could hear the noise of the finish line. The announcer calling his name, beckoning him ‘home’. Chris took off and completed the Ironman triathlon in 16 hours and 46 minutes, beating the cut off time of 17 hours.

Chris Nikic was now an Ironman.

Since then, Chris has become a speaker and spokesperson, raising awareness for disability inclusion, a shining a light for people with Down Syndrome to see what is possible when you ignore those low expectations. If Chris can go from coach potato to Ironman in three years, then any of us can achieve our goals when we put our minds to it and work towards it, improving consistently a little over a long time.

Together WeFlex. PH: 1300 933 539 or hello@weflex.com.au or weflex.com.au

“I

Chris Nikic

Tenpin Bowling – A sport for ALL

The Australian Disabilities Tenpin Incorporated (ADTI) is a not-forprofit organisation that promotes and develops tenpin bowling as a sport for persons with a disability throughout Australia.

In partnership with Tenpin Bowling Australia (TBA), ADTI facilitates an annual National Tenpin Bowling Championship for people with disability.

This is one of the strongest attended championships on the tenpin bowling annual calendar and one of the largest single sporting events for people with a disability in Australia with 285 participants competing last year.

The National Championships is a graded competition providing events for beginners to the elite. The highlight of the championships is the prestigious State V State Challenge. All bowlers need to be registered with TBA and may represent their state, region, league, club, or register individually.

This year, it is anticipated there will be an increase of bowlers registering post-Covid and with more diversity.

The championships is a selection stage in the TBA National Training Squad

Inclusion and an exciting pathway for elite bowlers to then have an opportunity to represent Australia.

The 2023 National Championships will be held at Zone Bowling, Noarlunga, South Australia.

The 10-day competition commences on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, with squads

of singles, doubles and team events and concludes with the carers’ challenge and medal presentations on Saturday, June 17, 2023.

ENTRIES OPEN NOW.

For more information visit: https://www.tenpin.org.au/ or email: nttba.allabilities@gmail.com

Wheelaroos taking wheelchair rugby to the world

By Thomas Law*

“The aim is to bring the disability and rugby league communities together to build wheelchair sports. We want to grow this sport to the same level as the men’s and women’s teams. It’s a good spectator sport, and good for the community.”

Brad Grove, captain of the Australian wheelchair rugby league team and NRL Wheelchair representative, has had time to ponder on his and the side’s time in England at last year’s World Cup. And after record crowds, millions in TV viewership, royal approval and, for the ‘Wheelaroos’, a run to the semi-finals in their first run out as a team for three years, there is plenty of excitement about what the future of the game can bring.

For the uninitiated, wheelchair rugby league is, simply, “rugby league in a

wheelchair”. Everything from the ovalshaped ball, six sets, corner markings, big hits, offloads, and even the goal posts all serve as identifiers of this game as unmistakably rugby league. Even the terminology borrows from the running game, with ‘kicks’ carried out by a clenched fist à la volleyball.

It was purposely designed to emulate as many features of the original game as possible; what a new audience discovered is that rather than hindering the product, the use of wheelchairs only enhances the spectacle. The skills involved in being able to control speed and direction, take and receive passes, tackle, react to the unfolding game and deal with the heavy clashed that often leave players floored is something to be seen to be believed.

This was the first wheelchair World Cup to be held concurrently with the men’s

and women’s, with athletes across all three tournaments receiving equal participation fees. Being part of that wider tournament umbrella secured free-to-air coverage across the BBC and unprecedented levels of interest. For the opening clash between England and Australia at London’s Olympic Park, a then world record-crowd of 3,033 cheered on the home side.

A s Grove told Link, “We played at some fantastic facilities, we don’t get to do that often. We did play Origin at the Q Centre in Sydney Olympic Park in 2019, but the difference was we’ve never had anything near the 3,000 mark never had anything like that before. Usually, it’s a struggle for a few hundred. A couple of our blokes were in awe, and I think that affected the performance against England. But I can’t thank the fans enough, it was something that really added to the atmosphere.”

After an opening 38-8 loss to the hosts, Australia put in two dominant displays against Ireland and Spain to qualify for a crunch semi-final against France, one of the two pre-tournament favourites along with England.

T he French showed just where the marker is, racing into a 54-10 lead by half time. But Grove was philosophically reflective of the experience, pointing to the fact that “it was also the first time most of us had played France. We were happy with how it turned out in the second half, as we scored the same number of points as them. You’ve got to look at the positives”.

W hilst the Wheelaroos could not match the achievements of Australia’s triumphant men’s and women’s sides, they certainly showed they deserved to be at the big stage, ranking as the ‘best of the rest’ behind England and France. Both the team and the sport have a solid platform to build upon.

England ultimately triumphed over the French, scoring a winning try in the dying seconds in front of 4,526 in Manchester and a combined peak audience of 1.3 million. Wheelchair clubs have seen a rapid increase in participation in England, and the Princess of Wales approved, with International Rugby League chair Troy Grant telling the press “Her Royal Highness told me how much she enjoyed the wheelchair match between England and the Australian Wheelaroos”.

The World Cup beckons

So, what does the future hold, for the sport, for Australia, and for captain Grove? France hosts the next World Cup in 2025, laying down the gauntlet for challengers like Australia, but with a potential split of opinions as how best to take the game forward.

Unlike its union counterpart, AKA ‘murderball’, or indeed most wheelchair-based sports, non-disabled athletes are allowed to take part at the highest level. That gives rise to stories like Australia’s father and son pairing of Craig and Corey Cannane, the latter taking up the sport to take

part with his father, who lost his legs in a motorbike accident.

Some have questioned with sporting opportunities for people with disability already limited, such a policy is fair, and whether striving for inclusivity results in exclusion for athletes with disability. The French have been the most vociferous in this regard, and although there are a maximum of two non-disabled players per team allowed onto the field at any one time, there are concerns that the physicality of the sport, combined with the reality of many disabilities, means that the playing field becomes uneven.

According to Grove discussions like this always come up. “The purpose of classification is to try and create some level playing field. I’m a complete paraplegic, so it is a disadvantage for me, it makes it a bit harder. But I like the system we’ve got. If it weren’t for able-bodied players, we wouldn’t have a sport. I know that if they weren’t allowed to compete at international level, they wouldn’t put the effort in at lower levels,” he said.

Nonetheless, there are improvements that can be made to the classification system and to equalise conditions, players are strapped into wheelchairs to reduce lower body movement. “I’ve seen incidents of some players where their straps come loose. I would concentrate on some way of equalising a bit more, instead of cutting down able bodied players.”

France 2025 will ultimately be the focal point for the next few years, and with Australia having automatically secured qualification for the expanded 16-team tournament, questions remain as to how the intervening time will be filled.

The world’s governing body, IRL, invited expressions of interest for participation at the 2025 World Cup but only New Zealand, Fiji and the Philippines put themselves forward from the AsiaPacific region, none of whom have any history of playing the sport.

W hilst State of Origin clashes between Queensland and New South Wales will offer some intra-state competition,

Australia needs regular competition against the world’s best to improve. That means either inviting or travelling to face European opposition.

“After the tournament, there was a lot of talk about the calendar. A few European nations want to come here, we could possibly head over to US, or have some sort of Pacific nations tournament. At end of day, it all comes down to money.”

A s for the chances of Grove leading Australia out in three years’ time? “I’ve had so many issues through the World Cup. I’m 34 now but seeing some of the other full-time wheelchair users in their 40s and 50s at that level, gives me a bit of motivation to try and get to the next World Cup. I’ve been playing since 2008, I want a World Cup, I want a medal to finish the career off.”

*Law was in London for the event.

Victoria Square and Church Town Hall

View from Hilltop to Akaroa

Postcards from Christchurch

Stay in one place, see many ... make Christchurch your home away from home

If the idea of travelling from place to place on a touring holiday seems daunting, then you might want to consider a trip to Christchurch with Ability Adventures, specialists in tailored New Zealand holidays to match your interests and abilities.

As New Zealand’s largest South Island city, Christchurch provides the perfect base to take in a whole raft of different experiences; be it art and culture or adventure activities you seek, and easy access to many incredible natural settings from the mountains to the sea.

You can fly in direct from Australia and be set up in your accommodation where you will spend every night of your trip in comfortable and familiar surroundings.

Christchurch has much to see and do. The Antarctic Centre is well worth a look, or you could visit the new Earthquake Museum and take a tour around the city’s Red Zone.

No trip to Christchurch is complete without stopping in at the Riverside Market, with locally produced clothing, crafts, food and drink to enjoy. Grab something tasty and head across the Avon River to the Botanical Gardens for a picnic.

When you are ready to venture out of Christchurch, the TranzAlpine scenic train journey takes you through the Southern Alps at Arthurs Pass across to the West Coast and back in a day.

If you want to get creative, Ability Adventures can organise a road trip to suit your interests; a winery tour in the Waipara region, whale watching in

Kaikoura, shopping in Akaroa, or how about a day trip to Hanmer Springs where you can soak in the mineral pools and browse the galleries of the resident artists.

Whether it’s the wildlife or a chance at a wild shopping spree you seek, make Christchurch your home away from home with a tailored holiday from Ability Adventures.

Beech Forest

Avon River Central Christchurch

Vision Australia Radio celebrates 40 years... of turning print into sound

In now has a network of seven stations across Victoria, plus stations in Perth and Adelaide, 600 volunteers, 24-hour broadcasting and a small, dedicated staff team.

V ision Australia also offers online streaming service for all broadcast regions, it airs on AM and FM frequencies and DAB+ (in selected areas) along with a strong and rapidly growing podcast service.

Survey results

Feedback from the network’s recent survey has confirmed an engaged an appreciative listening audience across all regions.

This year Vision Australia Radio celebrates 40 landmark years providing vital information for people who are blind or have low vision.

Beginning in 1982 with just a handful of dedicated volunteers, and a small studio, the station began broadcasting eight hours a week reading national newspapers.

V ision Australia Radio network manager, Conrad Browne, said while the network has grown and moved with the times, its purpose has remined constant.

“The purpose of Vision Australia Radio remains of relevant: providing access to information and a platform to elevate the voices of people who are blind and have low vision.”

“The positive feedback ranges from the variety of content we provide, the excellent presentation, the inclusion and diversity of our presenters and in our content and the emphasis on providing information and access for people who are blind or low vision to be heard, plus for many they just like what we do and they enjoy listening to us,” Browne told Link

“Listeners also offered some interesting and thoughtful suggestions for improvement but great to see many of them are more than happy with what we are doing and very encouraging that we continue and thrive.”

Never too old: how thousands of seniors are discovering the “joy” of the internet

each year, learning about everything from texting and emails to online browsing, cyber-safety, shopping, social media, translation services and video chats. “During Covid, I started attending yoga and meditation classes online. I was speaking with my brothers and sisters in India every week. I found new restaurants in my neighbourhood. I don’t do online banking yet, that’s still a bit scary, but it’s next on my list.”

For the trainers of Telstra’s Tech Savvy Seniors program, the golden rule is that you’re never too old to learn new online skills. Since the program began in 2014, they have delivered their unique blend of patient, personal, hands-on tuition to almost 200,000 participants in 16 different languages at libraries and community colleges across NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.

Seniors aren’t the only cohort who experience a digital divide.

Australians with disability are less digitally included than the national average. Lack of internet access, the high cost of assistive technology, digital ability and socio-economic factors may impact the ability of a person with disability to get online.

We are here to help you build your digital skills through our Learning Digital program, so you can be better connected.

Suvarna Patel cannot remember life before WhatsApp, FaceTime and Zoom. It may only have been a few years ago, but for the 80-yearold widow, the social apps has been a “complete lifesaver” particularly during the Covid lockdowns.

“I live with two adult grandchildren so I’m lucky that I’m not alone,” Suvarna

said. “But they don’t always have time to explain to me how things work online, or they go so fast, I have to ask them to repeat themselves three times.”

In 2015, she discovered one of the first Telstra Tech Savvy Seniors programs delivered in Hindi at Sydney’s Wentworth Library. She has since done “at least one course” of eight sessions

If you want to learn the basics at your own pace, or with a training session with our team, you can find more information on our digital learning hub at: www.telstra.com.au/learning-digital

No matter what your skill level, Telstra can help you further build your digital know-how to become better connected in the digital world.

Suvarna Patel during an online session with Tech Savvy seniors trainer Patricia Vaz.

More disability services on the Gold Coast

Lutheran Services has six disability services across its network that supports community based onsite activities. “This new hub is our largest site catering to all age groups that is a day support service for people in the Southport community,” CEO Nick Ryan told Link

O ther sites are located in regional centres including Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Biloela and Kingaroy,

each with a different focus. The Keystone Centre in Logan connects with special schools and other disability services with new social, sport and music programs added recently.

A s well as its residential aged care, retirement living and home care operations, Lutheran Services provides support to people with mental illness and those experiencing domestic violence with a significant mental health

facility for young people in Nambour. Karawatha community centre was established to assist parents of those with disability entering aged care.

“Programs have expanded to include more activities since we moved into this site, which is a great improvement on the previous space behind the local cheesecake shop,” service manager

Carolyn Nicholas told Link “Clients can choose from sewing and painting

Queensland based Lutheran Services has expanded its disability service offering, opening a community hub at its new Southport premises.

to crafts such as collage work and weaving,” she said. Music programs are popular, and percussions has been a big hit. “Self-expression helps to build confidence and also gives clients the ability to connect with other groups in the community.” Each group is led by skills they want to improve on, to learn and have fun

Classes are held weekly, the youngest client is 15 and the oldest is 76, with around 35 people currently attending. Longer programs run over several months and include sessions about relationships. A social program in the evening takes clients to restaurants where they learn skills about money and ordering food.

The driving philosophy is around enablement.

According to Ryan, the growth of Lutheran Services came from local congregations, building on this model to become part of bigger system.

“Our focus is on building local networks that draws on a network of volunteers who assist with disability, broader community services and aged care. Our success is measured on how clients can improve their lives. We do not have a uniform approach and there is no template that we roll out. Each has grown organically based on the needs of their clients where lots of people do lots of interesting things.”

He said challenges facing the disability sector come down to funding service models for people with complex requirements and attracting and retaining good staff.

“Understanding and seeking the right regulatory intervention is also important. There needs to be a better community understanding around what it means to be a citizen of society. Citizenship is often reduced to the capacity to buy products and services and having a voice on who you are can be lost,” he said.

“There is a different anthropology about what constitutes a healthy society and the messages around worth, who you are, where you come from, what you contribute, your experiences and relationships are essential.

“Unfortunately, the Covid lockdown led to a lot of people losing the development gains they had because they were restricted to staying at home.”

W hen asked about the NDIS, he said the scheme has “resulted in things that are exceptionally better however you have to be careful what you wish for”. He believes there are a lot of side effects from a new marketplace which are still being ironed out. Where previously it was a strong sector where people worked together, they are now competing in the same arena.

“ While funding should be individualised, the flipside to this is we need a health sector where people can develop skills and capabilities that work to provide diversity of needs. With a major review of the disability sector following the Disability Royal Commission we await with interest and optimism about what will come next.”

R yan said the aged care sector, where Lutheran Services has been operating for nearly 90 years, could benefit immensely from the approaches that apply to disability services. “The aged care sector is two decades behind the disability sector in some ways and the recent 15 per cent wage increase to aged care workers barely touches the surface. As an employer of 1,750 I think what we pay should be based on the benefits the staff provide to society, based on skills and abilities.

“Aged care needs to be part of a network and sector that does not just deliver services but the extent to which they have meaningful relationships and purpose.”

He said human services have in the past been established on what people “cannot do” and the aged care sector is not enamored with this strategy. “What we want is for people to live a life that explores opportunities that have a purpose.”

Performers from Korea and Australia in dance piece

Dancers from Seoul’s 29Dong Dance Theatre and musicians from the K-Music Makers joined the Restless Dance Theatre in a collaboration for International Day of People with Disability as part of an international project, Counterpoise that celebrates diversity and inclusion. Pictured are Charlie Wilkins and Myeongji Lee.

Madame Tussauds welcomes another Dylan Alcott

Disability advocate Dylan Alcott comes face-to-face with his wax replica at Madame Tussauds. Visitors can test their tennis serving skills from Alcott’s tournament wheelchair in a ‘Serve Like Dylan’ interactive experience at the museum.

Sydney Modern Art Gallery opens with a bunker

The new gallery has emerged complete with a subterranean art space, The Tank, within a WW2 oil bunker with the largest collection of Indigenous Art displayed throughout the gallery. Pictured are NSW Arts Minister Ben Franklin, Art Gallery director Michael Brand and NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.

Howzat! For a community blind cricket match

e Central Coast Community All-Stars cricket team batted it out with NDIS partner Social Futures, promoting inclusive sport with NSW Blind Cricket player Scott Jones delivering blind cricket sessions to Central Coast schools.

ArtScreen hosts disability film premiere

T he world premiere of two short

Places I Go and FA(C)TS

Advocate celebrates with Human Rights Award

Hotel Etico has won the 2022 Human Rights Community Award for its innovative employment program for people with disability. Hotel co-founder Andrea Comastri pictured with Age Discrimination Commissioner, Kay Patterson.

SDA with special design elements

Go od Housing co-founders Samuel Graiche and Antony Anisse with tenant Tracey at the new Specialist Disability Housing site in Hornsby, Sydney, with key design elements that minimise potential triggers.

New day facility campus with a difference

A s tate-of-the-art day centre complete with café and sensory room, has opened in Western Sydney. The Junction Works caters for up to 120 participants, offering a range of support services and programs.

films,

created by ArtScreen artists Dani Pearce and Demon Derriere, pictured, was held at the Sydney’s Museum of Contemporary Art in celebration of the International Day of People with Disability.

Doctor, lawyer and disability advocate Dinesh Palipana is no stranger to adversity. His book, Stronger, takes the reader through his life from growing up in Sri Lanka, moving to Australia, riding the depression road until an accident changed the course of his life. As another disability advocate, Kurt Fearnley wrote: “His contribution to Australia will be felt for generations”.

Link has a signed copy of his book to give away:

TO ENTER: Tell us in 20 words or fewer why you would like to win this book. Entries close March 6, 2023. Send entries to: kymberly@intermedia.com.au

BOOK GIVEAWAY Book List

Come Over to My House by Eliza Hull and Sally Rippen

Co -written by disability advocate Eliza Hull and children’s author Sally Rippen, it explores families with disability and how their homes have been adapted to be more accessible and fun. It includes a family with dwarfism, an autistic father and child, a mother who is blind and more, accompanied by rhyming text and illustrations by Daniel GrayBarnett that follows each child through their home.

Available from Amazon and Bookopia.

What's On Calendar

FEBRUARY: February 25-26: Source Kids Disability Expo

Adelaide Convention Centre https://www.sourcekids.com.au/ disability-expo/

MARCH

March 3-4: Disability Connection Expo Brisbane Exhibition & Convention Centre www.devolpingcommunities.com.au

March 16-17: Australian Inclusive School Digital Conference www.inclusiveschoolingconference.com. au/

March 26: All Abilities Expo Netball Stadium, Marrara, Darwin www.idainc.org.au/all-abilities-expo

March 25-26: Source Kids Disability Expo

Sydney Exhibition & Convention Centre www.sourcekids.com.au/disability -expo/

March 31-April 1: Nepean Disability Expo

Penrith Valley Regional Sports Centre www.disabilityexpo.org.au/

APRIL: April 21-22: Melbourne Disability Connection Expo Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre www.dacexpo.com.au/melb

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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