Link Magazine October November 2025

Advocating for the disability sector for 45 years October-November 2025 | Volume 35 Issue 5

Romance Scams

Mundi Mundi Bash

Cover Story – MP Emma Vulin

How services dog Bixby transformed Milly Harts life

Sensory Room opens at Perth Airport

Rock legends with disability at the Mundi Mundi Bash

Publisher

Simon Cooper

Editor

Kymberly Martin

kymberly@intermedia.com.au

Advertising

Michelle Stevens

mstevens@intermedia.com.au 0419 822 717

Design Sarah Vella

Prepress

Tony Willson

Production Manager

Jacqui Cooper

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From the Editor

Autism has gathered momentum since Health Minister Mark Butler’s speech at the National Press Club and the move to draft children with autism from the NDIS pool into a new foundation – Thriving Kids…which seems to have already taken a deep dive into more controversy.

This leads me to the Asia Pacific Autism Conference, being held in Perth from November 13-15 with a focus on research, education and innovation.

The theme is Creating and Inspiring the Future Together with a stellar lineup of international and local speakers including Professor of Cognitive NeuroScience at King’s College London, Francesca Happe; University of California Professor of Psychiatry David Amaral and Professor Andrew Waterhouse from Telethon Kids.

An important date on the disability calendar is December 3, International Day for People with Disability, and Link magazine has been invited to be part of it. The Australian Government will support IDPwD on its Facebook and Instagram social media channels with our cover story from the August issue on Alex Harrison. As this issue of Link went to press details about the official theme for IDPwD were still to be announced and will be available on

the IDPwD website from late October or early November, with information kits to help schools, community groups and workplaces plan their events for this special day.

Our cover story in this edition is with Victorian MP Emma Vulin who has motor neurone disease and is campaigning for the disability sector on a number of fronts, including getting more support for people over 65 with MND into the NDIS.

Inclusive and accessible education in universities and schools gets an airing too, on pages 54-57.

Finally, go to freedom2live.com.au every Wednesday and to linkonline.com.au every Tuesday and Thursday – your online destinations for the latest disability news.

December/January 2026

• Employment: Inclusive Workplaces

• Disability & the Arts

• Christmas Events

Advertising booking date: October 24, 2025

Advertising material deadline: October 29, 2025

Publication date: December 1, 2025

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For advertising, contact the Advertising Manager: Michelle Stevens 0419 822 717 mstevens@intermedia.com.au

October/November 2025

Having a diverse workforce really creates an opportunity for everyone to collaborate their unique set of skills and experience that they bring into the team. NOVA have been fantastic.

Sarah

- Head of People & Culture – Custom Denning

‘Good days and bad days’

Emma Vulin’s life as a MP with MND

By Danielle Kutchel

How do you confront a life-changing, progressive, terminal condition as a public figure? It’s a journey Emma Vulin, state member for Pakenham in Victoria’s South-East, has had to navigate.

Last year, she was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) – a condition that damages the body’s motor neurons, which carry messages from the brain to the muscles.

At the moment, there is no cure.

“I have good days and bad days. And today I’m alright… but as the weeks go by, my body struggles a little bit more, which is confronting and disappointing,” Vulin explained.

Telling her extended family about the diagnosis was the hardest part – but

being a public figure, she also had to tell her constituents and her boss, the Premier of Victoria.

People from around the state rallied to Vulin’s side after the official announcement, sending messages of support.

“I didn’t think that this would gain so much attention. But to see people, not just Victorians, people from all over Australia and even globally who have lived a journey with either themselves or they’ve lost a loved one – that was a real surprise,” she said. And she never once considered stepping down from her role. “I knew that I still had things I wanted to achieve for my community and I still had things to do.”

THE ISSUES THAT MATTER Her diagnosis has sparked her

interest in campaigning for broader accessibility and disability issues.

The Victorian Parliament is set to debate the five-year review of its voluntary assisted dying laws later this year, and Vulin is keen to be involved.

“The review came back saying... it was not as easily accessible as it should be. We have some work to do to bring us up to the same standards as other jurisdictions in the country, and I’m very passionate about that,” she said.

She’s in the midst of campaigning to colleagues and political opponents and said she’s trying to educate them on the barriers to accessing assisted dying for those who want it.

She’s also written to the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing and Disability and the NDIS, Mark Butler, to ask him about the differences in provisions under My Aged Care and the NDIS for people with

With dog Maisie

MND, and asking him to provide more support for people with MND over 65.

In her community in Pakenham, a growth corridor, she’s pushing for new infrastructure to keep up with the booming population and said she doesn’t want to leave her community “stranded”.

Vulin said she’s found herself educating people about MND and what it is.

“There are a lot of people that don’t understand what it is and say, are you getting better yet? And I have to explain that you actually don’t get better. It’s difficult for me to hear that,” she admitted. “I think people don’t realise how debilitating it can be and how it progresses differently for different people.”

The life expectancy for someone with MND after diagnosis varies but is usually between one and five years.

After her diagnosis, Vulin said her practicality took over. She got her will in order, and cleared the house of things she didn’t want. Then she turned to the more emotional jobs that needed doing.

“The other thing – which was really hard to do – was I wrote greeting cards to my children for their 18th and 21st birthdays, and weddings. I can’t handwrite anymore – so it’s thinking about things like that, leaving things for my kids,” she said.

CONFRONTING CHANGE

Despite progress being made in awareness of disability, chronic conditions and reasonable adjustments and supports, stigmas still exist and many people with disability or chronic conditions feel ashamed of needing to use those supports.

When it came time for Vulin to begin using a wheelchair at work, she said she had been “a bit apprehensive”. She hadn’t told anyone she would need one so soon.

“I wasn’t sure whether people might start saying, why is she still working? Why is she not with her family? I thought there were plenty of people who would say ‘she can’t do her job anymore’,” she said.

But the reaction she received at a community event soon set her mind at ease – no one mentioned the change.

Having always been conscious of the challenges faced by people with disability, Vulin said that awareness was dialled up after her diagnosis.

As Pakenham’s MP, she is required to attend Parliament regularly. At first glance Victoria’s Parliament House, a 170-year-old building set atop a steep flight of stairs, doesn’t look accessible. However, Vulin said staff have gone above and beyond to make the building more accessible for her so she can keep working there for as long as possible.

Automatic doors have been installed in her office and on the disabled toilets, and there are also now grab rails in the chamber itself.

“I was worried because I thought it was such an old building, I was worried that they might ruin the aesthetics of the chamber. And they reminded me that it’s important for me to be able to continue my job, and that I wasn’t [just] me in that room, I was the representative for my community, so if [the member for] Pakenham couldn’t get to their seat, then they didn’t have a voice in the Parliament,” Vulin said.

“Everybody has stepped up and said ‘Emma, if you want to keep going, we’re going to make this as easy as we can for you’.”

The best part, she added, is that those accessibility changes also make the building more inclusive for other people with disability or mobility challenges.

She’ll also soon have an eye gaze machine, which will enable her to do longer debates in Parliament –something she said she’s really looking forward to.

On a personal level Vulin said she has had to learn to pace herself, to adapt to her changing energy levels while thinking “two steps ahead” about the sort of adjustments and technologies she’ll need in future as the disease progresses. Before her diagnosis, she said she might work five weeks straight; that’s no longer an option. She adjusts her hours on certain days and takes breaks when she needs to, and no longer attends as many community events.

She believes employers, business and schools should work with people with disability to make their premises more accessible.

“People that have disabilities know best what they need, and just because someone has a disability doesn’t mean that they’re not capable of being a wonderful employee. Just because you have some sort of disability doesn’t make you any less than any other person. Society as a whole has to understand that we’re all people, and our lives are little bit tougher than some,” she said.

“We’ve got a long way to go – I think there’s a lot to be done.”

Vulin said her motivation to keep working through that to-do list comes from the community around her.

“I’ve always been passionate about helping others and volunteering for my community. But this job has given me this real opportunity to meet so many different groups and so many individuals that care about other people. That’s what I think gives me the drive to keep going, because you just meet so many amazing people,” she said.

She also paid tribute to her partner, Matt, and her children and family, who help her get through the barriers her illness throws up each day.

“I think the reason why I’m positive and I can work and keep going is because I have [my family],” Vulin said.

With MP Jordan Crugnale

Five key benefits of plan management

Navigating the NDIS can be complex, especially when it comes to managing your plan budget to make sure your supports are working for you. One option available to you is plan management, a service that offers flexibility and experienced support with your NDIS funding. Almost 7 out of 10 NDIS participants choose plan management for their funding. So, what makes having a plan manager so popular and what do they actually do for you?

Here are five key benefits of choosing plan management:

YOU CHOOSE YOUR PROVIDERS

One of the biggest advantages of plan management is the freedom to choose from both NDIS-registered and unregistered providers. This flexibility allows you to select the people and organisations that best align with your values, needs, and goals, whether they’re a local business, a trusted therapist, or a community-based support worker. A plan manager can also assist in ensuring that your chosen providers meet NDIS requirements and are eligible for payment.

SUPPORT WITH INVOICES AND ADMIN

Plan management reduces the administrative burden of managing your NDIS plan. Your plan manager handles provider payments, invoice processing, and financial reporting in line with NDIS requirements. They also help ensure your claims are processed correctly, so you can spend less time on paperwork and more time focussing on your goals.

HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT

Understanding how to use your NDIS plan can sometimes feel overwhelming. Plan managers can

guide you through your budget, answer questions, and offer advice to help you make informed decisions, ensuring your plan works as effectively as possible.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FUNDING

With regular budget tracking and reporting, plan management helps you stay informed and in control. You’ll know where your funds are going and can adjust your spending as needed to avoid underspending or running short near the end of your plan.

Importantly, the NDIS will

the costs of your plan manager. This is separate funding from other services and supports in your budget, meaning you can access experienced financial management at no personal cost.

Plan management can be a smart and empowering choice for many NDIS participants. If you’re considering your options or want to know more, Instacare Plan Management offers friendly, experienced support to help you navigate your NDIS journey with confidence.

Empowering Families with Mobility and Independence

At Astris PME, we believe every family should enjoy life’s adventures without limits. Our innovative range of Assistive Technology supports mobility, independence, and inclusion for people of all ages. Working alongside therapists, we tailor solutions to meet each individual’s unique needs, helping families create more moments of joy and freedom. With one of Australia’s widest ranges of trial equipment, finding the right fit has never been easier.

Contact Astris PME today and take the first step toward greater mobility and independence.

Graduating with honours!

Milly Hart, who has been legally blind since birth, often found herself on the sidelines of the independence her peers enjoyed, relying on family and friends to get around. But her life changed when she was matched last year with Bixby, a See Differently Guide Dog.

By Kymberly Martin

The 17-year-old will graduate high school this year, and start university in 2026, with Bixby by her side. And she has set her graduation cap on becoming a vet.

Bixby has totally changed her life, allowing Milly to attend school, travel independently and follow her sporting dreams. She shared her experiences with Link that she hopes will help steer others through some of the barriers she has encountered along the way to a more accessible and inclusive world.

When it came to booking an airline flight, she found Virgin to be helpful, getting Bixby a free seat by the window where she curls up comfortably on

the cabin floor. And arranging hotel accommodation is usually easy too. “Although it is best to let them know beforehand. I provide the hotel with ID from Seeing Differently with our pics and once these are presented, they are happy to go from there.”

And her advice for travelling – “I think it comes down to advocating for yourself and be upfront from the beginning to get the help you need.”

However, she admitted to having more issues with Uber and taxis than organising flights and hotel stays.

“Education is where the problem probably lies as these ride sharing

services are not aware of guide and service dogs and the rules around them. “My encounters have been good and bad, with an Uber taking off when the driver spotted Bixby and another occasion when I was about to get into a taxi, it drove away. But there are times when drivers are helpful, putting the seat back for me and assisting with bags. If you are making a booking it is a good idea to let them know beforehand that extra assistance is needed.”

It’s a different story when it comes to public transport as Milly gets the bus everywhere and it’s generally stressfree travelling. “It is rare for a bus not to stop if they see the dog, and when the bus arrives the driver will tell me

Graduation Day

the number of the bus and ask if I am waiting for another bus.”

Attending school went smoothly too, apart from Bixby initially being distracted by some students, “but after a few days everyone calms down and adjusted to having a dog around – so no patting or speaking to confuse her. The school has been very good with Bixby as there are other students with disability on the campus, including one who uses a wheelchair, but I am the only student with a vision impairment.”

TRAINING TO SEE DIFFERENTLY

Milly’s training program with Bixby began formally over several weeks with introductions at the South Australian provider, See Differently, before Bixby was taken home to meet the other household dog that turned out well. Along with a trainer, Milly and Bixby began a four-week schedule to get

them both settled into their new home working environment. It ended with the trainer ticking them off as a good team, an arrangement that ended formally in July with the graduation.

Milly has no peripheral vision and 6/90 for reading up to six metres away. She is also colour blind with red, green and orange appearing yellow, is sensitive to light and eye shake, that makes her vision blurry. Her assistive technology includes a phone, iPad and a laptop, with screen readers for the phone and laptop that makes reading easier and assists with the colour issue. She receives NDIS funding that covers vet visits and maintenance, that includes training for the lifetime of the dog.

Milly has been a member of the Australian Blind Cricket team since 2022, winning silver at the 2023 World Championships in Birmingham in the

UK. She is also in the Australian team for another popular and growing sport for the visual impaired, Paralympic Goalball, that won silver in a recent world championship match. She likes painting and drawing, “working in a studio in our back shed, painting lot of birds because I am attracted to their movement.”

See Differently keeps in regular contact with Milly, maintaining a partnership that can last up to 10 years. She then has the option of either herself or her parents keeping Bixby or returning her to See Differently.

“I love Bixby and if you think having a Guide Dog is right for you it is worth considering, being mindful as it involves a lot of work and responsibility, but the benefits far outweigh being woken up at 6am! The ability to be able to experience this deep and lifelong bond with your dog - there really is nothing else like it in the world.”

Her final comments were about See Differently, a business that provides services to help people live their life as best they can “and for me that was achieved with Bixby”.

See Differently with the Royal Society for the Blind was founded in 1884 and is one of South Australia’s oldest charities and the largest provider of low vision services in the state.

Feelix Library: Developing literacy through the sense of touch

By Olivia Karaolis*

Did you know that Puggles, baby echidnas, are born blind? As they mature, they may develop some vision, however, they rely on their acute sense of smell and hearing for their survival.

The echidna is the perfect mascot for the Feelix Library, Vision Australia’s children’s library, which is dedicated to ensuring all children, including those who are blind or have low vision, are supported to become literate and enjoy the magic of stories.

The library is inclusive, accessible, and embraces the principles of Universal Design for Learning. Families have over 800 book kits to choose from, including popular classics such as ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ and ‘The Gruffalo’ as well as newly published works. There are books for babies, young children and children attending school,

Book kits include the featured picture book with a braille overlay, an audio version, a tactile book, and a toy that connects to the subject of the book. All these items support children to make meaning through the senses, either by listening to the story or by touching and exploring objects that connect to

an audio version, giving children an additional way to engage with the story. Books are not offered one at a time and come as a set.

One of the most exciting resources, are the LEGO Braille kits, an educational tool designed by the LEGO Foundation to encourage children and young people who are blind or have low vision, to learn braille. The raised bumps on each LEGO Braille Brick have been modified to correspond to a letter or character of the braille alphabet.

the ideas in the tactile book and toy. For example, Jetty Jumping a picture book by Australian authors Andrea Rowe and Hannah Sommerville, winner of the Australian Council Book of the Year 2022, includes a tactile book with a miniature wooden jetty. Children could feel the shape of the structure and build their meaning without having to “see” the man-made promontory, so much a part of the Australian summer.

SCHOOLS AND EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS CAN ACCESS KITS, AT NO CHARGE FROM AUSTRALIA POST

Each brick also has a printed letter or character to allow children who are blind or have low vision to learn and play alongside sighted classmates, family members and educators. The sets come with an activity book that is filled with ideas to develop numeracy and literacy, as well as everything you need to complete each of these experiences. Everything is provided and, in some cases, as with the tactile books, made by a group of dedicated volunteers.

Schools, including early childhood programs, can also access these kits, also at no charge from Australia Post. For older children, the library offers additional resources.

Families with children with a print disability, including dyslexia, can join the library and borrow decodable readers, books designed for children learning to read which use a systematic approach to learning phonics – as children progress through the books, they are introduced to new letter groups and their sounds, learning how to ‘decode’ printed text. The series of books also comes with

I learned about this organisation after inviting them to take our early childhood students in initial teacher education at the University of Sydney on a virtual tour. Like me, our students were inspired and have had their understanding of literacy expanded. There are many ways of being literate, and the Feelix Library is a beautiful example of acknowledging and celebrating the diverse ways we can all engage with stories.

For more information visit: visionaustralia.org/services/library/ feelix-childrens-library

*Dr Olivia Karaolis, senior lecturer, University of Notre Dame.

Collaborating for inclusion

Aspect’s satellite class program is reshaping inclusive education by offering autism-specific learning and support within mainstream public and Catholic schools, creating nurturing environments for students while strengthening community inclusion.

With 113 satellite classes integrated into 49 schools across NSW and South Australia, the program delivers the national curriculum in a structured, individualised way by Aspect-trained teachers and aides. Students benefit from structured supports, familiar routines and opportunities to engage with the broader school environment over time.

For many families, it’s a transformative experience.

Peter Jones, whose son attends Aspect said, “Before starting at an Aspect satellite class, our son was overwhelmed in mainstream settings.

Since joining, he’s grown in confidence and feels safe enough to learn and be himself. It’s been life-changing.”

Each satellite class is part of a wider inclusion journey. Teachers work collaboratively with host schools, often participating in joint planning and professional development. Mainstream peers learn and socialise side-by-side with Aspect students wearing the same uniform and participating in positive experiences together.

Maryanne Gosling, Aspect’s Director of Education said, “For families, the model provides the best of both worlds, autism-specific teaching expertise within a local, inclusive school setting. For communities, it builds the knowledge and confidence to support diverse learners and promote acceptance.”

The ripple effects are wide-reaching. Schools gain new perspectives and

A place where you belong

Support that respects you. A community that welcomes you. Opportunities that grow with you.

At Aspect Adult Community Services in Melbourne, our experienced team works alongside you with:

• Individualised support plans based on your strengths and interests

• Choice and control over your day

• A welcoming space to build friendships and life skills

Now enrolling NDIS-funded Autistic participants at aspect.org.au/acs

benefit from Aspect’s 57 years of expertise to develop inclusive teaching skills and school culture.

The program also reflects the goals of Australia’s National Autism Strategy, particularly around social inclusion and empowering autistic people to thrive in all aspects of life.

Importantly, the program is not static. Every year, significant numbers of Aspect students join satellite classes from other settings and in turn satellite students successfully transition to mainstream classrooms, supported by careful planning, skill-building and the strong foundations laid by Aspect’s satellite team.

By blending support with opportunity, Aspect’s satellite program helps students build skills, friendships and confidence to take their next steps in learning and life.

Konnekt Captioning Videophone

Bridging the communication gap for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Australians

Telstra’s sustainability strategy is centred on building a connected future where everyone can thrive. By promoting digital inclusion and supporting vulnerable communities, Telstra is harnessing technology to create a more inclusive and sustainable world. A key example of this commitment is our collaboration with innovative Australian company Konnekt to deliver a purpose-built Captioning Videophone that enhances accessibility for customers who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

The Konnekt Captioning Videophone empowers users with hearing loss

to connect with family, friends, and essential services through a dualmodality approach that combines real-time captioning and large-screen video calling. By supporting solutions like Konnekt, Telstra reinforces its commitment to doing business responsibly and delivering inclusive technology that makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

A PURPOSE-BUILT SOLUTION FOR REAL-WORLD NEEDS

Developed with support from Telstra and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, the

Konnekt Captioning Videophone is designed to make conversations more accessible—even for those with profound hearing loss. Its features include:

• Capable of both regular phone calls as well as video calls (for reading lips and faces)

• One-touch calling and flashing screen alerts for incoming calls

• Optional auto-answer for trusted contacts

• A simple graphical interface tailored for older adults and those with cognitive impairments

• Photo-based contact buttons for easy recognition

• Remote support and plug-and-play setup, eliminating the need for on-site installation in 98 per cent of cases.

RECENT TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES

Recent upgrades to the Konnekt Captioning Videophone platform have significantly enhanced both usability and performance, reinforcing its role as a leading accessibility solution for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Australians.

A new architecture and software upgrade has improved video resolution, call reliability and simplified the user experience. The latest devices feature 15-inch touchscreens with high-definition cameras, Intel Celeron processors, and upgraded SSD and RAM configurations. The software upgrade has also provided improved monitoring and logging capabilities for the Konnekt Support Hub, allowing technicians to remotely diagnose issues and apply updates without user intervention. This is especially valuable for users in remote or aged care settings.

The attached diagram outlines the full stack of hardware, software, and cloud services powering the solution.

IMPACT AND REACH

Telstra’s collaboration with Konnekt is supporting over 400 current

active users. The solution has been successfully deployed in independentliving as well as aged-care settings, restoring independence and social connection for residents who previously struggled to communicate.

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AND SUPPORT

With an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 from over 130 reviews, customer satisfaction is high. Konnekt’s support hub allows remote personalisation and updates, ensuring users receive tailored assistance without technical complexity.

TELSTRA’S ENDORSEMENT AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

Senior Contract Specialist Jenny Wardan, who manages Telstra’s relationship with Konnekt, notes:

“Konnekt have developed an innovative Australian technology solution with real empathy for the needs of hard-ofhearing people. It’s a great example of how broadband communications can improve accessibility and help people stay connected to family, friends and essential services.”

LEARN MORE

Telstra customers interested in Konnekt solutions can visit: konnekt.com.au/ captioning-video-phone

Impact Institute ramps up expo events

The Impact Institute is set to launch its most ambitious Disability Expo program in 2026, building on a decade of success and community engagement.

With over 45,000 attendees and 1,000 plus exhibitors annually, the “My Future, My Choice” expos have become a cornerstone of Australia’s disability support landscape — and next year’s expansion promises even more impact, connection and opportunity.

The 2026 program will feature 10 major expos across the country, including three new locations being added to the calendar – South-East Melbourne, Adelaide and Illawarra. These events bring together people with disability, their families, carers, and support networks with service providers, government agencies, and employers who are committed to accessibility and inclusion.

Speaking about the program, Impact Institute head of events, Kathryn Carey said: “People are hungry for information that they may not have so that they can enact choice and control. It’s not a setand-forget model. You don’t get your funding and then you’re set for years, it’s a daily contest of adjusting services to meet changing needs.”

The expos are designed to be more than just information hubs — they’re vibrant community events. Attendees can explore everything from mobility aids and modified housing to leisure programs, travel services, and employment pathways.

Feedback from past expos has been overwhelmingly positive. “We had a carer burst into tears because she was so happy we could provide support,” said a representative from Tender Loving Care at the Sydney Disability Expo.

Another exhibitor from the Hunter Expo noted, “We met and engaged with so many participants and had positive outcomes in the form of participants signing up for service and improved networking together.”

The expos also foster collaboration among providers. “Being able to get people in the same room, to show who they are and what they do, and to ask questions face-to-face is vital,” said Sarah, a training advisor at the Gold Coast Expo.

With the 2026 program, Impact Institute continues to champion choice, connection, and community.

Whether you’re seeking services, employment, or simply inspiration, these expos offer a welcoming space where possibilities are explored, and lives are changed.

My Future, My Choice Calendar Disability Expo

Get ready for an unforgettable year of connection, empowerment, and opportunity as ImpactInstitute proudly presents the 2026 My Future, My Choice Disability Expo seriesnow bigger and better than ever!

We’re expanding to two exciting new locations: South East Melbourne (Cranbourne) and Adelaide - joining our established expo destinations in South West Sydney (Liverpool), Hunter, Gold Coast, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

These vibrant, community-driven events bring together leading disability product and service providers with thousands of attendees, creating a space where choice, independence, and brighter futures take centre stage.

Whether you’re seeking support, exploring new technologies, or simply connecting with others in the community, this is your chance to be inspired and informed.

Exhibitor spots are filling fast - don’t miss your chance to be part of it!

Secure your space today and showcase your services to a highly engaged audience.

Smart Home Revolution

Zimi’s Senoa switches are breaking down barriers and bringing smart home control to every Australian household.

For decades, home automation remained out of reach for most Australians. Traditional systems required specialised wiring, expensive programming and ongoing maintenance, making them inaccessible to those who could benefit most.

That’s changing with the smart home revolution. Tech giants Google, Apple, Amazon and Samsung have sparked a movement transforming home automation through voice assistants and affordable devices. For people with mobility limitations or vision impairment, controlling your environment with voice commands transforms independence from aspiration to reality.

”Smart home technology benefits everyone, but for people with accessibility needs, it’s often essential rather than optional,” said Jordan Tentori, CEO of Zimi, the Gold Coast company behind the innovative Senoa smart switch range.

The game-changer has been Matter, the global smart home standard backed by over 800 member companies through the Connectivity Standards Alliance. ”Matter has made

it incredibly simple,” Tentori said, and ”Instead of wondering whether your switch will work with your voice assistant, you know it will.”

Modern smart switches work with Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa through smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices. These systems enable family members, carers, and support workers to share control from anywhere.

Innovative solutions are coming from Australia and Zimi has emerged as a global player with their Senoa switches. ”We’re incredibly proud to be an Australian company with products built to Australian standards and compliance,” he added.

The Senoa switches represent a fundamental shift. Rather than requiring rewiring, it’s simply swapping a standard switch to a smart switch that can do much more. Complete home automation can be achieved for typically $1,500 to $2,500, with any electrician able to install them. ”The affordability factor versus the value proposition is incredible. You’re just replacing a switch with a smart switch that can be retrofitted into any home,” Tentori said.

The switches offer simple features anyone can benefit from: auto-off timers for safety, scheduling, and remote access, with Tentori recently experiencing cutting-edge accessibility

integration. ”I tried the eye tracking feature on iPhone and controlled lights and fans using nothing but eye movements. No speech, no touch, just the smart switch and iPhone. This isn’t science fiction – this is today, and it’s affordable for everyone.”

Smart home technology is designed for everyone. Eye tracking control, voice commands, and remote monitoring benefit everyone, but they’re particularly transformative for people with accessibility needs.

Home automation that was once complex is now simple, affordable, and embraced by tech giants whose platforms will be in every home. Smart switches like Senoa are making that future accessible today.

The technology is here, the price is right, and any electrician can install it. Whether you’re seeking independence, safety, or convenience, smart home control has never been more achievable. Why not start today? Your more accessible home is just a few switches away.

Learn more about Zimi’s accessibility features at zimi.life/accessibility

Link Magazine readers can receive 20 per cent off a simple starter pack at the Zimi shop with code ACCESS20.

Redefining comfort and mobility in bed

For many people with disability, something as simple as turning over or moving in bed can be a daily challenge and that’s where the Wonder Sheet from Neeki Designs makes a real difference.

At its core, the Wonder Sheet features a 90cm satin panel beneath the shoulders, back, and hips, nestled between soft yet durable cotton-poly sheeting. This clever combination reduces friction and allows users to glide with minimal effort, perfect for those who find pivoting, turning over, or getting out of bed challenging.

But the benefits extend beyond smooth movement. This design encourages greater independence and comfort, enabling users to manage bed transitions with dignity and fewer physical hurdles. Meanwhile, carers also enjoy its

advantages: repositioning becomes easier and safer, reducing strain and risk of injury.

Neeki Designs built the Wonder Sheet not just on innovation, but on real-life need. Inspired by the designer’s father living with Parkinson’s disease, who struggled with friction-laden cotton sheets, the Wonder Sheet was born from compassion and creative problem-solving.

Practicality is also key. The elasticated edges secure a snug fit, accommodating for different mattress depths and care instructions are simple, just a normal wash, with no fancy treatments required.

From enhancing safety and comfort to promoting independence, the Wonder Sheet proves that the simplest solutions often make the most meaningful difference by making life in bed easier for so many.

VIP Access - your partner in Personal Care & Home Accessibility

When it comes to personal care, having the right equipment and home modifications can make all the difference.

VIP Access specialises in creating safe, functional, and accessible spaces that support independence and dignity for the elderly and people with disabilities.

From customised bathroom and kitchen upgrades to the installation of assistive technology, VIP Access ensures every solution is tailored to individual needs. Our expertise extends beyond modifications – we also provide short and long-term equipment hire, including portable accessible bathrooms and ramps, giving families flexibility when they need it most.

Understanding that personal care requirements often evolve over time,

VIP Access works closely with clients, therapists, and support networks to design solutions that not only meet current needs but also adapt to future changes. This collaborative approach ensures every project enhances comfort, usability, and peace of mind.

Our team at VIP Access is passionate about removing barriers and improving quality of life. By combining innovative solutions with a personalised approach,

we help clients stay safe, comfortable, and confident in their own homes.

As a trusted NDIS provider and Master Builders Queensland member, VIP Access delivers reliable service and high-quality outcomes that truly make a difference.

If you’re considering home modifications, contact us for a site consultation.

We’ll discuss your needs, set priorities, and provide guidance on the best modifications for your specific needs.

Operating in South East Queensland, from the Gold Coast to the Brisbane River call us at: 07 3807 4309 to start making your home safer and more accessible.

Enhance your personal care environment with VIP Access - vipaccess.net.au

Creating Independence at Home – with Experience You Can Trust

For over 15 years, VIP Access has been helping people live more freely and safely in their own homes. From major renovations to small changes, we specialise in home modifications that make a real difference.

We also offer flexible rental options for essential equipment, including accessible bathrooms, ramps & more – delivered and set up with care.

Led by Scott, who brings personal insight into every project, we focus on practical, tailored solutions that remove barriers and empower independence.

Control your bed - with YourVoice

Designed in Australia by the team behind Smart Home AT group Silverback Digital - YourVoice allows users to adjust their bed with simple spoken commands.

It’s ideal for people with hand pain, low dexterity, vision impairment or any of the many conditions that make traditional bed remotes difficult to use.

YourVoice has been designed to respond seamlessly with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, allowing users to adjust their bed with simple spoken commands. Want to watch TV? Just say “OK Google, chair position”. Time to sleep? “Alexa, sleep position”.

This simple solution gives instant, hands-free control over the functions of the physical remote, as well as pre-set comfort modes. And it doesn’t replace the existing remote, it works seamlessly with it, allowing the user choice and control.

Because it runs through established smart assistants, YourVoice benefits from advanced voice recognition that eliminates false activations from background or ambient conversation — making it reliable even in busy household environments.

The benefits are immediate and tangible. Users can sit up to eat, elevate their legs to reduce swelling, or lower themselves into a sleep position without lifting a finger.

It reduces the need to call for help, supports independence, and restores personal dignity, especially for those who spend extended periods in bed.

For carers and family members, YourVoice can also reduce physical strain and make repositioning simpler and safer.

The system is quick to install is noninvasive and compatible with a wide range of leading adjustable bed brands. It can be fitted to new beds or retrofitted to existing ones, making it a flexible option for home and care environments.

By bringing voice technology into the bedroom, YourVoice closes the gap between what’s possible in the rest of the home and what’s possible where comfort matters most.

To see YourVoice in action or book a demo, visit yourvoicecontrol.com/demo or call 1300 165 357.

Struggling with your bed remote?

YourVoice makes it simple to control your bed using your voice.

Just say “Alexa, back up” or “Hey Google, Legs Up”

Anything you can do with the remote, YourVoice can do with your voice.

Home Care Package and NDIS approved. Your Bed. Your Life. YourVoice. Scan now to see the video and

1300 165 357

Sensory Room opens at Perth Airport

Perth Airport has opened Australia’s first Sensory Room at its International Departure Lounge to assist neurodivergent travellers before they take off.

The facility provides a calming environment with reduced noise levels and soft lighting. It features seating nooks for small travelling groups, two private areas, sensory-seeking accessories, device charging stations and small cubby spaces. There are soft furnishings and colour treatments and a flight information display screen, enabling passengers to receive boarding updates.

Perth Airport Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer Kate Holsgrove said: “We understand that travelling can be a highly stressful situation, especially for neurodivergent travellers. We’ve recognised this and wanted to provide a space that will make the process easier. With a focus on removing barriers for neurodivergent people, the room caters to all ages, with an emphasis on supporting decompression, in a busy airport environment.”

Working with Perth Airport’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Group, Plus Architecture led a design process centred on community consultation, that involved engaging with nearly 600 survey respondents, including individuals with lived experience.

“What makes the Sensory Room unique is its consideration not only of neurodivergent travellers of all ages, but also of their families and carers,” Plus Architecture director Patric Przeradzki said. “Many sensory rooms are unintentionally childfocused, but we deliberately created a space that serves everyone and their diverse needs.”

Plus Architecture also consulted with organisations that have opened

sensory rooms at international airports as well as sports stadiums and other public venues, with input from engineers, specialist lighting and sound architects, and accessibility specialists.

The room is available to passengers traveling through Terminal 1 International and must be pre-booked online at: perthairport.com.au/at-theairport/accessibility-at-perth-airport/ Sensory-Room.

10 reasons to cruise with Leisure Options in 2026

For supported, accessible, unforgettable holidays at sea

If you’re dreaming of a holiday that’s fun, easy, and fully supportedcruising with Leisure Options is the perfect choice. Whether you want to spot dolphins at Tangalooma, relax on a beach, or explore stunning landscapes on our Ultimate New Zealand Cruise, there’s something for everyone.

1. Everything in one place: Accommodation, meals, activities and entertainment are all on boardno packing required.

2. Built for accessibility: Modern cruise ships have ramps, elevators, accessible rooms, and wide-open spaces.

3. Unpack once, visit many places: Cruise holidays let you explore multiple destinations without the hassle.

4. Delicious meals, every day: From casual bites to restaurant dining, our cruises cater to all dietary needs - dessert included!

5. Entertainment at sea: Enjoy the spa, bingo, and nightly live shows with your group.

6. Travel with friends: Our cruises are a great way to connect, with plenty

of shared experiences.

7. 24/7 support: Our experienced tour leaders are with you every step of the way.

8. Great value: One price covers travel, accommodation, meals, and entertainment.

9. Tailored to you: Choose from a variety of cruises based on your interests and support needs.

10. Guaranteed departures: Thanks to our Holiday Guarantee, your cruise will go ahead - even if you’re the only traveller.

Popular options include the Ultimate New Zealand Cruise (Feb 2026), Moreton Island Cruise (May 2026), and Barrier Reef Discovery (July 2026). Spots are filling fast - discover more at 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

Crescent Healthcare

Empowering accessible travel through innovation

At Crescent Healthcare, we partner with clinicians and care providers to deliver tailored equipment solutions that support independence and dignity for patients. Our commitment is to make everyday life, and extraordinary experiences like travel, more accessible for people living with disability. This case study shares the story of a patient with paraplegia who, through the support of Crescent Healthcare, regained the confidence to travel freely.

THE CHALLENGE: MORE BARRIERS THAN MEMORIES

For the patient, their paraplegia made the simple act of travelling an overwhelming challenge. Limited access to toileting and showering facilities meant every trip required meticulous planning and carried a constant sense of anxiety, often discouraging travel altogether. Instead of enjoying meaningful experiences with family and friends, travel became a source of stress and restriction.

THE SOLUTION: JUVO SELFPROPELLED FOLDING SHOWER COMMODE & AIRLINE-READY TRAVEL BAG

Travelling had previously been a source of stress for the patient, largely due to limited access to toileting and showering facilities. In collaboration with the patient’s care team, we introduced the Folding Shower Commode and the airline-ready travel bag with wheels for dignity and ease. To ensure a precise fit, we selected the most suitable frame width and customised the commode with accessories that addressed individual care requirements.

Importantly, this solution ensured that the patient’s toileting and showering needs could be met reliably while away from home. This meant freedom from constant planning and anxiety, and the confidence to travel safely, comfortably and with dignity. What had once felt impossible became achievableturning avoided trips into opportunities

to reconnect, celebrate and create lasting memories.

KEY FEATURES

• Compact & Foldable: The frame folds down quickly, making it easy to transport and store when not in use.

• Airline-Ready: Supplied with an optional wheeled travel bag designed for dignity and ease.

• Customisable Design: Available in multiple frame widths and adaptable with a full range of accessories to meet individual needs.

• Comfort & Safety: Built for stability and support, ensuring dignity and confidence during use.

• Independence Anywhere: Specifically designed to make toileting and showering accessible wherever life takes you.

THE RESULTS: RENEWED CONFIDENCE AND INDEPENDENCE

For the patient, this solution proved truly life-changing. Free from the constant worries of travelling, it made important holidays and cherished memories possible once again. The equipment delivered not only practicality but also freedom, empowering the patient to travel with confidence, comfort and dignity.

“Before, I felt limited in where I could go. Now with the commode and travel bag, I can travel with confidence and independence, even on airlines.”

SUPPORTING ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL FOR ALL

At Crescent Healthcare, we believe that disability should never limit freedom or the ability to create lasting memories. Discover the benefits of the Juvo Folding Shower Commode firsthand through our on-site demonstrations.

To book a demo or find out more call 1300 04 05 06 or visit crescenthealthcare.com.au.

OUTBACK NSW ROCKS AT THE MUNDI MUNDI BASH

Australia’s biggest outback music festival was held in August with Headliners, a newly formed band composed entirely of musicians with disability, taking to the stage.

The sold-out festival was a powerhouse lineup of Australian rock, pop and country, among the performers were Shannon Noll, Kasey Chambers, Rose Tattoo, Missie Higgins, the Hoodoo Gurus and the Chantoozies. There was a moving performance from the Far West Subtext Choir, a 54-student group that travelled from across the Far West.

James Sayers, Geelong based drummer in super-group Headliners said:

“Coming back to the Mundi Mundi Bash for a second year honestly feels unreal. What I love most about this festival is how it celebrates everyone, on and off the stage. To be part of that, surrounded by so much support from the crowd, is something I’ll never forget”.

Band members include vocalist Sonnet Cure who is deaf in one ear, singer and guitarist Aimee who has a prosthetic leg, WC Wheels who lives with muscular atrophy, guitarists

Kayleb and Mikky, bassist Prairie, and drummer James who has Tourette’s.

As festival founder, Greg Donovan said: “Where else in the world do you get 15,000 people camping under the stars, dancing on red dirt, raising money for causes like Beyond Blue and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, all while singing along to the biggest Aussie anthems of all time? The setting is spectacular, but it’s the people who bring this event to life.

”This is the biggest event ever staged in Outback Australia and we feel privileged to be able to give our festival goers such a unique experience, and grateful that they embrace all we do,” he said.

People with disability were well looked after with disability camping areas, drop-off and parking areas with hard floor runs from parking to a dedicated disability seating area. There was an electric wheelchair charging station and sensory tents too.

Three days of uninterrupted blue skies framed a program that blended headline acts with dusty singalongs, a wild Mad Max Gathering, spontaneous campfire jams and the kind of outback spectacle that has become synonymous with the Mundi Mundi Bash. There was morning yoga, camel and helicopter rides, and an outdoor cinema at the dog-friendly event.

Industry legend - Leo Sayer, who has performed with Tina Turner, hit the stage just hours after a new Nutbush Dance World Record was set, raising over $100,000 for the Royal Flying Doctors Service.

Sayer brought the crowd to their feet with hits like Feel Like Dancing and Moon Landing - which was released 50 years ago. Sayer took to the stage saying, “This is my first time at Mundi Mundi Bash and it’s so cool. I’d love to come back next year!!”

The most Australian festival in the world was also treated to Kate Ceberano’s Australian Made show, with a catalogue of iconic Oz Rock hits such as Pash, Boys In Town and Brave. Other giants of Aussie rock, blues and pop who took the stage were Dragon and the Hoodoo Gurus, who played a set packed with iconic Aussie anthems.

The Mundi Mundi Bash will return in 2026, carrying forward its growing reputation as one of the nation’s most iconic and quintessentially Australian events. This unique mix of music, outback magic and charity also raised over $250,000 for Beyond Blue.

Kate Ceberano

50 Years of David Bowie

Rae Thistlethwayte and Phil Stack from Thirsty Merc

Inclusion and access – bringing the 6 F’s to life

Fitness, Functioning, Friends, Family, Fun, and Future. These are the six “F-Words” of childhood disability—a powerful framework that highlights what really matters in a child’s life.

Built on the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), this approach encourages us to shift our focus from just body function to broader life participation. It’s about recognising how physical, social, and environmental factors combine to shape how a child grows, connects, and experiences the world.

Recreational activities play a big part in this. Whether or not a child can physically complete a task, the

opportunity to be involved—to participate—can have profound impacts on their development and well-being.

Of course, sometimes recreation is about being physically active—building endurance and motor skills. But often, it’s also about simply being included. Sharing a moment with family on a walking trail, joining friends on a school camp, or just being out in nature can be just as valuable as the physical act of movement itself.

And when a child’s physical ability makes full participation difficult, that’s where assistive technology (AT) comes in. Off-road powerchairs, add-ons for manual wheelchairs, adaptive bikes and trikes—they all have their place.

But one solution that often flies under the radar is the all-terrain stroller, particularly the kind that can be customised for both postural support and community access.

The xRover is a standout in this space. It’s a robust, all-terrain stroller built for adventure—equipped with a sturdy frame and larger tyre options, including beach wheels, so families can enjoy everything from trails to sand and snow.

What sets the xRover apart is its clever combination of comfort and support. With a recumbent seating position, postural inserts, adjustable headrests, and a standard 5-point safety harness, it provides a secure and supportive ride—even on rough terrain. And for children with more complex needs, additional accessories are available to ensure optimal alignment and comfort.

A recent addition to the xRover range is a power assist unit—ideal for heavier users or carers who need help pushing over long distances or uneven surfaces. It attaches quickly and easily, removing one more barrier to inclusion.

So where does this all fit with the F-Words?

• Fitness – Even the act of transferring into the xRover supports movement and physical effort.

• Functioning – Being part of activities that matter, like walking trails with family.

• Friends – Getting on those bike trails and participating in school camps with peers, even when a wheelchair won’t cut it.

• Family – Everyone enjoying the great outdoors, removing the barrier of access and now powered support of movement.

• Fun – From the bush to the beach to the snow, it’s about joy and freedom.

• Future – Building a life of participation, community access, and inclusion.

At APEX Mobility, we believe inclusion should be real, practical, and joyful. With the xRover, the future is wide open. To learn more about the xRover or to book a trial, contact sales@apexmobility.com.au or call 1300 212 192.

Bridging innovation and impact

An interview with Quantum Rehab Australia Clinical Educator, Kathleen Sodder

In the fast-evolving world of assistive technology, one thing remains constant: the need for meaningful, practical education. Behind every life-changing mobility device is a team of professionals working to ensure that the technology meets real-world needs. At Quantum Rehab Australia, clinical education plays a vital role in making that happen — and at the heart of it is Kathleen Sodder.

A seasoned occupational therapist with deep industry experience and a personal connection to the world of mobility, Sodder is passionate about making sure innovation truly serves the individual. She spoke about the importance of clinical education, how Quantum’s team delivers it, and what it means for clients, clinicians, and the future of mobility.

WHY IS CLINICAL EDUCATION SO IMPORTANT IN AT?

Clinical education bridges the gap between innovation and real-life outcomes. It ensures that therapists, clinicians, and dealers not only understand the technical capabilities of mobility solutions but also feel confident applying them in everyday contexts. Without this knowledge, even the most advanced products risk being underutilised or mismatched to a client’s needs.

TELL US ABOUT THE QUANTUM EDUCATION TEAM.

Our team is led by two experienced OTs, myself and Andrew Lopez — both of us have worked with multiple brands in the industry. We know from experience that to truly serve clients, you must understand the equipment you work with — inside and out — including both the pros and the limitations.

I also bring a deeply personal perspective, having grown up with a sibling who used a wheelchair. This lived experience offers invaluable insight into the day-to-day realities of mobility, accessibility, and the importance of solutions that truly fit the individual.

Our strength lies in combining extensive industry knowledge with realworld understanding. We’re passionate about education because we know it’s the key to bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and the people it’s designed to serve.

HOW DOES A DEDICATED CLINICAL EDUCATION TEAM BENEFIT PRIDE MOBILITY AND QUANTUM REHAB?

A dedicated team means:

• Deep product knowledge — raining clinicians and dealers to confidently select and configure the right solutions.

• Authentic insight — offering guidance grounded in lived and professional experience.

• Information sharing — keeping our partners informed on the latest research, innovation, and industry trends.

• Fresh delivery — presenting education in a modern, interactive way that is engaging and memorable.

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR EDUCATION RELEVANT?

We know the world is changing quickly. Innovation in assistive technology is constant and so are shifts in how people access education. We’re committed to providing learning that is not only up to date with the latest research and product developments, but also delivered in ways that are fresh, flexible, and interactive. We aim to be different: to move beyond the “traditional” presentation and instead create a learning experience that connects, inspires, and empowers.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE END USER?

When clinicians and dealers are educated, clients benefit directly. Products are matched more accurately to needs, configured for maximum independence, and supported over the long term. Education ensures that every solution — whether for daily

living, travel, or personal care — is practical, safe, and life-enhancing.

WHAT DOES YOUR WORK LOOK LIKE IN PRACTICE?

Our education delivery is diverse and adaptable:

• Speaking at major expos and conferences to share expertise on a national stage.

• Providing education to smaller clinical and therapy teams, ensuring tailored, interactive learning.

• Hosting webinars for remote learning across Australia and New Zealand.

• Offering ongoing support and mentoring for clinicians in the field.

• Assisting with the review of NDIS reports for Quantum Rehab power chair applications, helping ensure the right solution is approved for the right person.

No matter the setting a large audience or a one-on-one mentoring session our focus is the same: making education relevant, practical, and impactful.

HOW DOES THIS ALIGN WITH PRIDE AND QUANTUM’S MISSION?

Our mission is to enhance lives. For the Quantum Education team, that means sharing knowledge, fostering understanding, and making sure innovation reaches the people who need it in a way that works for them. We see ourselves as a bridge — between real life and the latest technology, between research and practice, between possibility and reality.

The Quantum Education team brings together extensive professional expertise, personal insight, and a commitment to fresh and engaging learning!

To learn more about Pride Mobility, Quantum Rehab, and their range of innovative mobility solutions, visit their websites or explore the PQ-365 app for easy access to product information, resources, and support.

Certified AT technician training and assessments

As demand for assistive technology (AT) continues to grow, through the ability to fund AT in a NDIS package and soon via the Support at Home Aged Care reforms, our industry at times struggles to find qualified and skilled technicians to employ to meet this growing need.

Employees often come from other industries (mechanics, electrical engineers, etc) and whilst they bring a certain set of skills with them, they rarely enter with an understanding of the AT products they will work on, which can be highly specialised and vary greatly to the area in which technicians gained their initial qualification.

“It really tested my ability. I got to work on problems and equipment I haven’t encountered before. It was super challenging at times but an allround rewarding day and nice to have a certificate to show for it.” (participant, Perth 2025)

There are two components to the training, with technicians firstly completing online training modules and a theoretical exam. Once these have been completed successfully, they can then undertake the practical (face-toface) assessments to finalise their qualification.

• high end rigid manual wheelchairs

• styles of powerchair seating actuators

• complex rehab powerchair programming

Practical assessments for each level are delivered face to face at various locations across Australia (to meet demand) and involve ‘on the tools’ problem-solving tasks that demonstrate capability. Each level’s practical assessment takes a half day and both Levels 1 and 2 can be completed in the same day.

COURSE COSTS:

• Level 1 online training and theory exam ONLY - $950.00 AUD ex GST.

Since late 2024 ATSA has addressed this and offered internationally accredited AT technician training and assessments across Australia (in partnership with ATLAS FIOS and MySkill NZ) and demand has been unprecedented. Those who have already completed the course include ATSA members as well as those from the broader AT industry, with feedback indicating the training both met industry need and was enjoyable to undertake.

“I recently completed the ATSA Technical Certification, and it was an incredible experience! The course was both fun and challenging, providing an exciting way to test my skills hands on. It was refreshing to finally have a certification course specifically tailored to the assistive technology (AT) industry. The practical approach and real-life scenarios made the learning process engaging and highly relevant. I highly recommend this certification to anyone looking to advance their career in the AT field.” (participant, Sydney 2024)

There are also two levels to the course as explained in detail below. Level 1 can be undertaken by anyone wanting to move into the AT Technician space (though having six months hands on experience may assist with the practical assessment). Level 2 is aimed at technicians with 1-2 years’ experience, and deals with more complex equipment, programming and positioning.

COURSE CONTENT

The Level 1 eLearning course provides the basic skills for new technicians and takes 10-20 hours to complete. The 12 modules and theory exam cover repairs and adjustments to basic disability equipment including:

• walking aids

• manual wheelchairs

• hospital beds

• scooters

• standard power wheelchairs

The Level 2 eLearning course is aimed at technicians with some experience and takes 10-20 hours to complete. The eight modules and theory exam cover the following:

• seating and positioning basics for technicians

• Level 1 online training and theory exam and practical assessment$1900.00 AUD ex GST.

• Level 2 online training and theory exam ONLY - $950.00 AUD ex GST.

• Level 2 online training and theory exam and practical assessment$1900.00 AUD ex GST.

(ATSA members receive a 20% discount on the above prices)

Note: A ‘certificate of completion’ is provided upon successful completion of the online exam. In order to gain full international qualification, the participant must also complete the practical assessment and provide evidence of 2000hrs of industry experience (Level 1) or 4000hrs (Level 2) – such as a letter from their employer.

All training and assessments can be undertaken prior to meeting the hourly requirements, however final certification cannot be provided until the hours have been met.

For further information about the courses and assessment visit the Education Resources tab on atsa.org.au or contact the ATSA team at: info@atsa.org.au

Strathcona Girls Grammar

Enhances hearing support program with state-of-the-art technology

Strathcona Girls Grammar has upgraded to its hearing support program with a hearing augmentation and speech enhancement system. It covers every classroom from Prep to Year 12. with additional integration in large collaborative learning spaces.

also amplified via classroom speakers, creating a more inclusive learning environment that benefits all students.

“TRUE INCLUSION MEANS DESIGNING FOR DIFFERENCE, NOT EXCEPTION”

The investment significantly enhances the Melbourne’s school’s capacity to support students with hearing loss.

The Frontrow Elevate Soundfield Systems includes ceiling-mounted amplifiers, wireless microphones for both teachers and students, and direct connectivity to personal hearing devices via Roger technology. Audio is

The system distributes sound evenly throughout the classroom, helping students hear clearly regardless of where they’re seated, especially during group discussions or when teachers move around the room. It reduces listening fatigue, improves engagement, and minimises misunderstandings that can arise from missed instructions.

“When you have hearing loss, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference, like being able to hear your teacher clearly in a noisy classroom or not having to pretend you caught

what someone said. This new system helps take away that pressure and it means I can just focus on learning, like everyone else,” Year 10 student Blair said.

Principal Lorna Beegan said: “True inclusion means designing for difference, not exception. this upgrade ensures all students, regardless of how they hear, have access to the full richness of classroom learning and discussion. We are incredibly grateful to the Beth MacLaren Smallwood Foundation for supporting this vision.”

The school offers the Beth MacLaren Smallwood Scholarship to girls with significant hearing impairment who would benefit from a Strathcona education.

Tax concessions - an option for live-in supporters?

The introduction of a concessionary tax treatment for Live-In Supporters would make host and home share arrangements more attractive to live-in supporters and providers wanting to offer these types of arrangements.

Auditing firm KPMG Australia has worked with NFP group Summer Foundation to look at how it can better support Individualised Living Arrangements (ILAs) arrangements through Australia’s tax and transfer system. ILAs are a contemporary model of disability support where a person with disability lives with an unrelated supporter.

These arrangements help individuals live as independently as possible, and can accommodate a variety of support needs, from assisting with daily tasks to companionship.

However, the blending of the live-in supporters’ activities and home environment, combined with the fact that supporters need to keep and maintain detailed records to substantiate tax deduction claims, means that navigating the existing tax rules is challenging.

“A concession should be provided to simplify things, along the lines of a successful UK approach,” KPMG partner and tax policy lead, Alia Lum said.

rather than in group homes, a Summer Foundation report showed.

Despite this, ILAs are an underutilised form of housing and living support for people with disability in Australia.

As NDIS costs continue to escalate, and government and stakeholders acknowledge that the NDIS needs to be more sustainable, we consider that the growth of ILAs should be supported, Lum added.

However, a key barrier to the scaling up of ILAs lies with the uncertainty and complexity of the tax consequences for the Live-In Supporter. The report found that the Live-in Supporter’s unique circumstances, where their support activities and home environment are blended, give rise to tax complexities and increased tax compliance.

“A CONCESSION SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO SIMPLIFY THINGS...

Where a live-in supporter’s income from an ILA is equal to or less than the fixed relief amount, no tax would be payable. Where the live-in supporter’s income from the ILA exceeds the fixed relief amount, the difference would be treated as taxable income. This concession would only be available to specified ‘qualifying’ live-in supporters.

“This would remove the compliance burden placed on live-in supporters, by relieving them from the complexity of determining their tax-deductible expenses, including partial tax deductions, and allowing live-In supporters to keep much simpler records,” she said.

MAKING THE NDIS MORE SUSTAINABLE

The government could save about $260 million over five years if 500 more people each year live in ILAs,

There is precedent for concessionary tax treatment for Live-In Supporters in other jurisdictions, with the UK and the US all providing concessionary treatment such as a full or partial tax exemption for payments received from these arrangements.

The concessional treatment provided by these foreign jurisdictions equally applies to both foster care and ILA type arrangements in recognition of their similar objectives. In Australia, an Australian Taxation Office public ruling confirms that certain payments to foster carers are not assessable for tax purposes, but this ruling does not cover ILAs.

KPMG Australia is recommending the implementation of a specific tax concession, that would allow Live-In Supporters the choice to adopt a simplified tax treatment using a safe harbour dollar amount of Live-In Supporter payment that is tax exempt.

Credit:istock_djvstock\sommart

The future of Assistive Technology

By Carl Thompson*

The Australian Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology Association (ARATA) is the national peak body for rehabilitation and assistive technology (AT) stakeholders. Our mission is to build and sustain an inclusive AT community of practice in Australia and internationally. To fulfil this mission, we're not just looking at the state of AT now; we are looking at where it can take people in the future. This is why we are excited to announce our plan to launch a forward-thinking educational webinar series later this year designed to up skill and prepare the AT community for the next wave of AT innovation.

For allied health professionals, the world of AT is constantly evolving. ARATA’s plans are focused on providing dynamic professional development that goes beyond current best practices to anticipate what's next. It’s about future-proofing skills and empowering clinicians to lead the charge in adopting groundbreaking technologies. By staying ahead of the curve, practitioners can then offer more innovative, effective, and personalised support through their work, ensuring clients benefit from up-to-date AT solutions.

real world. This fosters true choice and control, enabling people to be active participants in the conversation about their own AT and to advocate confidently for solutions that will genuinely enhance their independence and quality of life.

Other planned topics include a session on Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and batteries, addressing the critical need for reliability and safety when providing power to other AT and home automation devices. Further, we are especially excited to showcase the future of Recreational Assistive Technology and are planning multiple webinars to highlight the innovations that promote joy, health, and community connection.

Being part of the ARATA community provides unique opportunities to engage with these developments and shape our future curriculum. ARATA membership connects you with a network of likeminded assistive technology professionals and users, creating a space for collaboration and shared learning. ARATA members also benefit from reduced costs for webinars and education offerings, making it easier to stay at the forefront of the field while also having opportunities for continuing professional development.

This vision is equally crucial for people with disability. As technology becomes more integrated into our lives, being an informed consumer is more important than ever. Our planned webinars aim to empower people with disability by providing clear insights into emerging trends and complex technologies while also breaking down how these technologies can be useful in the

We will aim for our future curriculum to be both aspirational and practical. For example, ARATA plans to cover new and emerging topics such as Artificial Intelligence, which is beginning to have a profound impact on AT. We will also deep dive into the expanding role of Telehealth as a core AT solution, looking at how remote platforms will continue to shape service delivery and make it easier for people with disability to access services, regardless of where they live.

To stay informed about our upcoming events and join the conversation on the future of AT, we encourage you to visit the ARATA website and follow us on our social media channels. If you are passionate about shaping the future of AT in Australia, please consider becoming a member and joining our dedicated community of practice.

*Carl Thompson, Education and Communication Support Officer, ARATA. For information PH: 03 9586 6075 or email: office@arata.org.au or the ARATA website: arata.org.au

Folding powered wheelchairs

Finally living up to the expectations!

To be really useful, a folding power wheelchair must be lightweight, easy to fold and robust enough to withstand the forces associated with a powered mobility device.

This has inspired the latest innovation in power wheelchair technology: the Quickie Q50R Carbon wheelchair offering a solution for people who want to go further and faster while saving energy for the activities they enjoy.

Want to attend a concert at an expo centre but can’t walk the corridors without pain? Want to explore on your holiday or make trips to shops easier?

The QUICKIE Q50 R Carbon is a great partner. Its lithium battery offers 12km range or on longer travel days, an additional battery will double the available distance! Weighing a mere 14.5kgs and fabricated from premium

Flying with the Q50 R Carbon is possible too; it has received International Air Transport Association (IATA) travel approval. Always check with your airline before travelling

The Q50 R Carbon is easily driven with a joystick or assistance can be provided from a care giver when needed.

carbon fibre, this powerchair can be lifted easily. The Q50 R Carbon, foldable in seconds and a compact (30.2” length x 22.4” width x 14.6”), it stores snugly away in the tightest of places it can fit just about anywhere!

Visiting family, taking a vacation, or just enjoying a day out, the Q50 R Carbon offers unmatched portability without compromising performance. The Q50 R Carbon could be the perfect solution for road trips, flights and spontaneous adventures.

For more information on the Quickie Q50R Carbon, visit the Sunrise Medical website.

The Q50 R Carbon known for its lightweight folding carbon fibre frame is the perfect solution for daily excursions, road trips, flights, and spontaneous adventures. Going to the shops, visiting family, taking a vacation, or just enjoying a day out, the Q50 R Carbon offers unmatched portability without compromising performance. The Q50R Carbon also has 3 new accessories that make using your Q50 R Carbon better than ever.

NEW Q50 R CARBON ACCESSORIES

Bringing your battery inside or need to store during travel? Our new battery bag makes it simple.

Add the Low Zone Switch or Low Zone Gel Switch cushion for added comfort.

Simply move the joystick to attendant control position when required.

JAY LOWZONE CUSHIONS

BATTERY BAG

Choosing the right donor vehicle

For many wheelchair users, accessible transportation isn’t just a convenience — it’s a lifeline to independence, employment, and social connection. But behind every accessible vehicle lies a complex journey of design and engineering that begins long before a ramp is fitted, or a floor is lowered. In fact, the very first - and perhaps most important - step in the process is selecting the right donor vehicle.

This often-overlooked stage in research and development (R&D) is critical. The donor vehicle must be structurally, mechanically, and legally suitable for modification. From chassis layout and drivetrain configuration to interior dimensions and ramp integration, every aspect of the vehicle must be evaluated before any physical changes can begin.

We’re often asked, “Can you modify any vehicle?” The simple answer is no, and here’s why:

• Some vehicles are too small to safely accommodate a wheelchair and passengers.

• The floor can’t be lowered due to the location of structural components, fuel systems, or exhaust routing.

• Modifying certain vehicles could compromise safety, making them unstable.

• Some vehicles simply can’t meet the legal standards for road use after modification.

At Freedom Motors Australia, our R&D process is designed to ensure every vehicle we modify is safe, compliant, and functional for the end user. Here’s how we do it:

UNDERSTANDING THE MARKET AND USER NEEDS

Wheelchair accessible vehicles are used by a wide range of people — from individuals and families to transport companies and taxi fleets. That means we must consider a broad set of needs. The vehicle must offer enough interior space to fit a wheelchair user and other passengers comfortably. Entry points -

whether side or rear-entry - must be easy to access, with appropriate ramp angles, door heights, and internal clearances to suit a variety of mobility levels.

REGULATORY AND COMPLIANCE RESEARCH

Every modification must comply with Australian Design Rules (ADRs), which cover vehicle safety, emissions, and structural integrity. We also refer to relevant ISO standards, such as ISO 10542 for wheelchair tie-down and occupant restraint systems. The donor vehicle must be suitable for these modifications without breaching any legal or structural limits. Ensuring compliance from the outset not only protects the user, but also makes the vehicle legal for registration, insurance, and use on public roads.

CAD MODELLING AND PROTOTYPING

Once a suitable vehicle is identified, our engineers begin with CAD (Computer-Aided Design). Digital models allow us to simulate modifications, such as floor lowering, ramp installation, and layout of seats and restraints. This helps us identify challenges early and optimise the design before any physical work begins.

Once the digital model is approved, we create a physical prototype - either a full or partial conversion - to test everything in real-world conditions. This includes checking clearances, user comfort, and component fitment.

PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY TESTING

After the prototype is built, it undergoes a range of performance and safety tests. We examine how the modifications affect the vehicle’s handling, braking, and overall stability. Ramps are tested for durability and strength, doors are cycle-tested for long-term reliability, and wheelchair restraint systems are validated against both ADR and ISO standards. Every modified vehicle must still meet all crashworthiness and safety requirements — even after structural changes.

COST AND PRODUCTION VIABILITY

Not every technically suitable vehicle is practical to convert. We also need to ensure each modification is costeffective and scalable. Our team reviews material costs, labour time, part availability, and conversion complexity to ensure we can produce high-quality accessible vehicles at a sustainable price point — both for our business and our customers.

CERTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION

Finally, once testing is complete, the vehicle must be certified by an accredited engineer and comply with all relevant ADRs and state-level guidelines. We also produce detailed documentation, including compliance certificates, modification manuals, and user guides — essential for registration, insurance, maintenance, and peace of mind for our customers.

Choosing the right donor vehicle is the foundation of any successful wheelchair-accessible conversion. At Freedom Motors Australia, we take that foundation seriously — ensuring every modification starts with a platform that is safe, legal, and built to meet the real needs of the people who rely on it.

Mobility and autism: key considerations

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that influences how an individual interacts with their environment. While autism is most often associated with differences in social communication, sensory processing, and emotional regulation, mobility challenges can also play a significant role in daily life.

For some individuals on the spectrum, difficulties with muscle tone, motor planning, or coordination between the left and right sides of the body can impact their ability to walk long distances. In other cases, co-occurring physical or neurological disabilities may mean a wheelchair becomes essential for safe and functional mobility.

Beyond physical considerations, sensory needs are often central to the decisionmaking process. Busy, unpredictable environments can overwhelm some people with autism, making walking unsafe or distressing. In such scenarios, a wheelchair can provide both safety and security, allowing the individual to engage with their surroundings at a pace that feels manageable. Similarly, when travelling or navigating unfamiliar spaces, the right wheelchair can reduce fatigue, prevent sensory overload, and encourage participation without fear of getting lost or overwhelmed.

In more complex presentations, such as severe motor planning deficits or

catatonia, mobility devices become even more crucial. For some, it is easier to move a joystick on a powerchair than to coordinate the intricate movements required for walking. In cases of severe catatonia, a wheelchair may be the only means of mobility.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RIGHT WHEELCHAIR

A wheelchair must do more than provide mobility—it should support participation, comfort, and wellbeing. For individuals with diagnosed or undiagnosed sensory processing differences, a poorly matched chair can quickly become a source of restriction, frustration, or even harm. Rocking, tucking, or other sensory-seeking or avoiding behaviours are natural coping strategies, but when confined in a rigid seating system, they can result in equipment damage or user injury.

This is where innovation in wheelchair design has transformed outcomes. Modern solutions, such as dynamic seating systems, allow safe and controlled movement within the chair.

HOW DYNAMIC SEATING HELPS

Seating Dynamics has developed specialised wheelchair components designed to move with the user, rather than against them. These dynamic elements integrate into the wheelchair frame or seating system, flexing in response to force and then gently guiding the user back into position.

Dynamic seating serves three main purposes:

1. Diffusing force – ideal for individuals with high muscle tone, as it absorbs extension forces that would otherwise cause injury, equipment breakage, or fatigue.

2. Allowing movement – supports those who actively seek movement by providing safe, repetitive input that can calm agitation, increase alertness and satisfy vestibular needs.

3. Improving posture and stability – encourages better alignment, comfort, and overall function through controlled mobility.

Importantly, Seating Dynamics hardware is custom-made to fit a wide variety of wheelchair models, making it a flexible retrofit solution. This ensures that individuals with autism and mobility needs can access a system tailored to them—supporting freedom, safety, and participation without compromising durability.

At Linds, we offer an extensive range of customised solutions tailored to meet everyone’s needs. We pride ourselves on providing professional service and outstanding engineering knowledge in our workshop, ensuring you get the best out of your order. Contact us to find your nearest stockist 1800 501 601

Diffusing Force

Allowing movement

Suppor ts those who actively seek movement by providing safe, repetitive input that can calm agitation, increase aler tness, and satisfy vestibular needs.

Improving posture and stability

Encourages better alignment, comfor t, and overall function through controlled mobility.

Ideal for individuals with high muscle tone, as it absorbs extension forces that would other wise cause injur y, equipment breakage or fatigue Featured here Combination Dynamic Footrest,

Rocker Back and Headrest

Talking travel

Not so easy for people with disability.

The government needs to pick up on assisting people with disability, especially when it comes to the airline industry.

Taking this further was disability advocate Shane Hryhorec who gave an example of this to Link following a recent flight from Hobart to Melbourne. “Hobart Airport is getting a significant upgrade that includes doubling in size, but no plans to improve the experience for people with disability who are boarding a flight. There are accessible ramps for getting on and off the aircraft, but you cannot use your own chair because it is not DVA compliant, which poses another problem. It involves the passenger getting out of their wheelchair into a powered wheelchair, driven by someone potentially not competent in driving it, or who may have compromised strength, then getting into yet another wheelchair to get to their seats. The government is not proactive in enforcing the airport or crews about airport accessibility,” he said.

“Another issue is with airlines that are making so much profit, is why does a major city like Hobart not have aerobridges, leaving people with disability to be transferred from one chair to another or craned into the plane.”

He said this is quite common although it does vary from state to state adding that not all terminals at Melbourne Airport have aerobridges either.

Asked whether booking travel arrangements early is good advice he believes a person with disability should not have to book a hotel a year ahead with no guarantee they will get what they booked. “For starters, there are not enough accessible rooms in hotels. Also, a lot of people who don’t have a disability book the accessible room just to have the extra space without paying extra. There are issues throughout the entire process. I don’t book in advance but book the same way as anyone else, which is how it should be.”

As for any positives he reckons things are improving with more hotels being built that are better suited to the disability traveller. The voices of people with disability are louder, demanding that tourism operators become more aware of accessible and inclusive travel, which is gradually becoming more of a reality.

“There are so many touch points to begin with for a person with disability, from research, booking flights and hotels, packing, getting to the airport, getting on and off the flight, batteries

and equipment, all this before you get to the airport!

“There are systemic issues with every aspect of the travel experience for us,” Hryhorec added.

MOBILITY HUBS LAND AT MELBOURNE AIRPORT

There is some good news. A network of mobility hubs that offer buggies and powered wheelchairs to assist people with disability, were being rolled out at Melbourne Airport in September. The hubs, which operate daily from 6am to 10pm, are located at car parks, checkin areas, baggage halls and pick-up and drop-off zones.

An online mobility hub is now live and features step-by-step videos created by people with lived experience, with tips and insights to help passengers navigate the airport;

accessible parking and transportation information; accessible amenities and details on the Hidden Disability Program that support passengers with hidden disabilities.

Read about Australia’s first airport Sensory Room that has opened in Perth on page 26.

Mid-Wheel Drive Power Wheelchairs

Built to perform – designed to last

The Alltrack M3 Power Wheelchair is the trusted choice for users seeking unmatched reliability, stability and versatility.

Perfectly balancing tight indoor maneuverability with confident outdoor performance, the M3 is built for everyday life – from tight quarters indoors to unpredictable urban and outdoor terrain.

Its patented Dual-Action suspension effectively absorbs shocks and vibration while keeping all six wheels on the ground, delivering a smooth, comfortable and stable ride.

With a fully modular design and a wide range of positioning and electronic options, the Alltrack M3 adapts effortlessly to individual needs and lifestyles.

The Alltrack M3 Power Wheelchair is the trusted choice for users seeking unmatched reliability stability and versatility. Perfectly balancing tight indoor maneuverability with confident outdoor performance the M3 is built for everyday life—from tight quarters indoors to unpredictable urban and outdoor terrain. Its patented Dual-Action Suspension effectively absorbs shock and vibration while keeping all six wheels on the ground delivering a smooth comfortable and stable ride. With a fully modular design and a wide range of positioning and electronic options the Alltrack M3 adapts effortlessly to individual needs and lifestyles.

Whether you need tilt-in-space, height-adjustable, or fully custom-moulded seating, we deliver bathroom mobility solutions with precision and compassion.

For over 35 years, we’ve specialised in complex rehab and high care needs across NSW & QLD. Spinal injury and neuro care focused, pressure relief and postural support, NDIS and therapist preferred. Tailored commode wheelchair fittings.

We take on the jobs others won’t.

AI-enabled systems

The University of Sydney held a Disability Studies Symposium with a keynote from Professor Alistair McEwan on Accessible Intelligence: AI Tools for Communication, Cognition and Mobility Inclusion. The symposium focused on technology, AI and research and how tools like Generative AI are becoming increasingly integrated into the research process. Kymberly Martin reports.

Artificial Intelligence is offering new opportunities for people with disability to become more involved in university research and study courses. How to amplify this new potential and bring more people with different cognitive disabilities onto the campus was a question posed by Alistair McEwan, Cerebral Palsy Chair of Technology and Engineering.

“It is not so much about AI, but Accessible Intelligence, and its ability to assist us with our research that will make it easier for people with intellectual disability, or different cognitive abilities, to access information and education, to put forward their views and be included in tertiary education and research – in particular involving disability following the principle of ‘nothing about us without us ‘,” McEwan said.

The university is currently running a Rehabilitation Engineering course with four tutors with lived experience of disability on the team, some of them graduate students, and he would like to see more students including undergraduates involved in developing engineering tools to help deliver accessible and inclusive technology for the future.

McEwan, together with a student graduate, showed an example of this concept, wearing an EEG headset that communicates brain signals via electrodes that are placed on the scalp, opening up the possibility of their brains talking to each other through these electrodes, without either having to speak or type. This is an example of a BCI or Brain Computer Interface.

He also addressed how the user experience has been developed for disability purposes that benefit many

others in the communities, and wellillustrated by the ‘curb effect.’ This allows wheelchair users to easily access footpaths, and where people with strollers, shopping trolleys and bags with wheels all found the ‘curb-cut’ a real benefit. Other equipment with even bigger transformations, such as keyboards and touchscreens, captions and phones were designed for people with disability first too – “a fact no one mentions often enough”. As one member of the audience said: “for some people it makes things easier, for others it makes things possible”.

AI makes communication feasible in many ways and to give the audience an idea of this was a young teenager with cerebral palsy who was unable to go online on his own.

“Because of his mobility he needed help but wanted to explore the online experience in privacy without someone looking over his shoulder. This was one of the motivations behind the development of Eye Gaze with BCI for Microsoft smart glasses for typing, that enabled him to use his eyes as a mouse or curser to type on the screen, on his own,” McEwan said.

“We showed this device to Microsoft, but they could not tell us what they were working on which turned out to be the next version of their device. We were also using BCI, machine vision and predictive text to take those words into a sentence. We tested this with a group of people with communication disorder difficulties and one of the interesting things was that people with disability found the device acceptable while the engineers testing it thought it would be too bulky. We think this is because people with disability are used to using larger more difficult technology such as Eye Gaze.

McEwan shared details too of a project by a researcher with cerebral palsy and communication disability designing his own AI disability model to translate human speech into text, but it came with a caution, because he said it may be hard for people with disability to train many different AI voice recognition agents like Siri, Alexa and Google. “We are developing datasets of voices that can be shared with research groups and companies called My Voice Library for children with cerebral palsy with Dr Petra Karlson, an occupational therapist and leader of the technology team at Cerebral Palsy Alliance and Jasper for people with dementia.

His work with Cerebral Palsy Alliance and their venture arm Remarkable as well as researchers at CPA research institute, at the university, the largest funder of research in the world for cerebral palsy, involves working with technology to assist with early detection, intervention, lifelong support with AT and possible causes of the disability, which is the most common physical disability in children.

A trial is also underway with GPs at Sydney’s Westmead Hospital with an AI skeleton to help children with cerebral palsy improve their gait by using a mobile phone to record the way they walk. This removes families having to take their child to visit the GP and wait for data to be assessed.

Future directions include federated learning, using a 3D simulated baby to communicate the outcomes of different treatments to parents and to help with general movements assessment, an early indicator of cerebral palsy that can be detected in babies as early as three months.

New award-winning user-friendly app

Make It Easy is a new user-friendly app that translates complex language into an easy-tounderstand language called EasySnaps. It is designed for people with intellectual disability, those who have limited literacy skills or who prefer simpler language and want to understand information quickly and easily.

Make It Easy can take a photo of a document, sign, or menu and get an easy-to-read version; upload a file, or copy and paste text from emails, websites, or apps; three levels of simplification to match specific needs; text can be read aloud for people who prefer to listen; or share results with friends, family, or support workers using email, text, or messaging apps. The app will open in a phone’s language, or the user can choose what language they require for translation.

The app was developed by people with disability that included Sam

Paior, a member of the NDIS Advisory Council, who is neurodivergent and has a hearing impairment, her son Ben Paior-Smith who has Down syndrome and is autistic, a friend Zac Colton who has an intellectual and physical disability and her brother Jon Paior who is autistic.

“We are in the process of awaiting our final audit processing for NDIS registration, which is nearly complete,” Sam Paior told Link . “However, in the meantime if a participant has communication access needs due to intellectual disability, autism, other cognitive disability, and have core funds, it should be able to be claimed by their plan manager, or self-managers to do themselves, with the annual subscription option,” she said.

“I made a commitment at the Global Disability Summit in Melbourne, to get this app into the hands of as many disabled people as possible I have seen

the dangers and lack of inclusion that poor information access brings.”

The device took out the overall Champion award, as well as the Tech for Good Award at the recent National Tech Diversity Awards in Melbourne.

The app is available on a free Basic Plan with 10 free EasySnaps monthly, using camera only, designed as an information emergency without a subscription. A Light Plan ($15/month) gives 30 EasySnaps monthly and The Pro Plan ($30/month) includes 300 EasySnaps. Both are renewed monthly and can be cancelled at any time. A NDIS Plan, ($300/year), includes a discounted 12month subscription, with 300 EasySnaps every month for a year, with an invoice for the appropriate Core funding line item included for easy claiming for self or plan managers. Access to camera, photos, ask a question and paste words, document upload and weblink will be available soon on all plans, except the Basic Plan.

From left Sam Paior, Zac Colton, Ben Paior-Smith, Soozey Johnstone –TechDiversity co-founder and director, Dr Annie McAuley, director Talkiplay and Jon Paior.

Romance scams on the rise

By Dr Kate Gould* and Dr Jao Carminati*

HOW COMMON ARE THESE SCAMS?

Based on a report published by the ACCC (2025), in 2024, people with disability reported a combined $4.8m in losses to romance scams. Romance scams are the most reported scam type with financial losses by people with disability. However, due to the shame and denial associated with romance scams, they are likely under-reported and romance scams are likely to be more common than this. Although reporting rates can fluctuate, from 2023 to 2024, reports of romance scams by people with disability increased by 16.1% (ACCC, 2025).

WHY IS THIS GROUP SO VULNERABLE?

Romance scam victimisation is complex, with a range of lifestyle and disability-related factors likely contributing to risk. In prior research by our Monash University group, participants with brain injury reported feeling bored and lonely, seeking social and romantic connection online. Their increased engagement in social networking and online dating opens more opportunities to be contacted by scammers. While anyone can be scammed, people with brain injury have reported being highly trusting and generous, and susceptible to emotional grooming and social engineering techniques used by scammers. Reduced awareness of romance scams and warning signs are barriers to scam detection and helpseeking. People with disability rely more on online sites and technologies but have reported reduced financial and scam literacy.

ARE WOMEN AND MEN EQUALLY VULNERABLE?

Research suggests that men and women are both vulnerable to being scammed but potentially have higher vulnerability to different types of scams. Further research is required to better understand gender differences in scam risk.

ANY PARTICULAR BRAIN INJURY

THAT IS IMPLICATED IN THIS?

Our work has focused on acquired brain injury, including traumatic brain injury, stroke, and brain tumor, and including people with mild to very severe brain injury. The challenges people face following a brain injury are highly varied and individualised, and therefore anyone can be at risk.

WHAT, IF ANY, ARE THE OBVIOUS SIGNALS OF A SCAM?

There are many “red flags”, or warning signs, of cyberscams. The sophistication of scams means red flags may not always be obvious. Previous red flags of spelling mistakes and inconsistences have been reduced by the use of AI and technological supports. Key red flags include scammers asking for money, and in particular asking for funds to be sent via unusual means such as gift cards, cryptocurrency, or to overseas bank accounts. They may make unreasonable requests, such as asking for personal information or to buy or send goods. In romance scams, scammers often make false and broken promises, such as last-minute excuses for why they cannot meet you. It can be hard to stay up to date with all the latest scammer techniques, so it can help to be generally suspicious about any unsolicited contact where someone wants your personal information or to sell something.

THE FIRST THING TO DO?

It is important to immediately stop contacting the scammer. Speak to someone you trust. Stop sending money and quickly contact your bank or financial institution – they may be able to stop transactions if it is not too late. Update privacy settings, such as changing passwords. It is important to seek emotional support by talking with trusted people and formal supports, such as counselling or with your GP.

SUPPORT PROGRAMS

Scamwatch can be a first point of contact to guide people to relevant support. In 2023 with funding from

the Transport Accident Commission, the Monash University CyberAbility group co-designed ‘Smooth Sailing After Scams’ a cyberscam psychosocial adjustment program with cyberscam survivors with brain injury, carers, family members, and clinicians. This 10-session small group program is delivered by clinicians and people with lived experience of scams and covers topics around improving cybersafety and adjusting emotionally to the impacts of being scammed. The program is currently being piloted at The Turner Clinics, Monash University, with a larger national trial commencing in 2026 with new funding from auDA who also provide brief mental health support.

Our team has co-developed “CyberAbility”, an online cybersafety education program designed by and for people with disability. This free online and self-directed program covers eight topics of what is a scam, scams and brain injury, red flags, romance scams, gaining access scams, tips for increasing cyberability, stopping a scam, and finding the silver lining.

OTHER RELEVANT PROGRAMS IN THE PIPELINE?

Monash University is partnering with the National Anti-Scam Centre, Westpac, Queensland University of Technology, and Brain Injury Matters on a recently awarded grant from the auDA Foundation. The project will strengthen frontline responses for scam victims, conduct a national trial of a psychological support program for victims, and co-design free education resources for people with disability.

RESOURCES AND HOW TO ACCESS (cyberability.org.au). scamwatch.gov.au. (lifeline.org.au).

*Dr Kate Gould, Senior Research Fellow and clinical neuropsychologist, and Dr Jao Carminati, Research Fellow and psychologist, from MonashEpworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Monash University.

Your Life. Your Learning. Your Community.

Do you believe learning should be exciting, accessible and centred around you?

We do too. That is why Endeavour Foundation Learning and Lifestyle Hubs are buzzing with opportunities for people with disability to build skills and confidence – all while having fun.

LEARNING WITH PURPOSE

Learn daily life skills or prepare your work-ready superpowers, with programs personally designed for you.

Boost your confidence through epic activities in the community or dive into arts, crafts and cooking. You will grasp your goals in no time. Each program is designed to build on your potential, grow with you and keep your future front and centre.

THRIVE WITH TECHNOLOGY

Check out innovative tools like Thrive Learning.

A unique program with more than 230 different learning modules to help you on your quest toward independence. Pick and choose with our friendly team, who are right beside you.

Ready for something even more exciting? Virtual Reality lets you safely explore adventures like learning to drive, barista-level coffee making or hopping on a train, interactive-style.

UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL

If you are looking to make new friends, learn skills for independence or to simply try something different, Endeavour Foundation’s Learning and Lifestyle Hubs are here.

More Friends. More Skills. More Opportunities.

Ready to find new friends, sharpen your skills and tinker with technology?

Your local Endeavour Foundation Learning and Lifestyle Hub is ready to unlock your next level of independence.

With personally designed programs, you can build on your potential, grow with your goals and focus on your future. Plus, did we mention we have Virtual Reality?

Join the fun. Scan the QR code to find a Hub near you.

With Hubs across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, you can reach your goals, your way.

Scan the QR code and try something bold today.

A blind cattle judge and a legendary career

A World War 1 blind farmer who became an award-winning breeder and cattle judge in Queensland.

By Jayne Keogh

The world of blind and vision impaired people has changed rapidly since WW1 with them now able to live their best life with new inventions and outstanding philanthropists like Sir Arthur Pearson, who was born unsighted. In 1915 he founded and funded St Dunstan’s Hospice in London, achieving extraordinary results in rehabilitation and training for many including those who were blinded by mustard gas, gunfire and shell explosions. Pearson’s primary goal was for blinded servicemen “to be led to look upon blindness, not as an affliction, but as a handicap; not merely as a calamity, but an opportunity”. Blinded servicemen were taught Braille by specialist teachers and learned new trades such as poultry farming, type writing, mat making, piano

tuning, massaging, boot making, joinery, telephony and basket making, skills and occupations, which would help provide future employment and a greater sense of independence. One of their poster boys was a Queensland veteran and farmer Jim Scrymgeor.

A flash from a sniper’s gun in the Jordan Valley during World War 1 was the last physical sight Jim Scrymgeor of the 2nd Light Horse would see with his own eyes. He was shot dragging a wounded mate to the safety of a rock. The bullet severed a nerve, and he was sent home to Warwick, Queensland on a troopship of wounded men.

He was met at the railway station by his fiancé Marjorie Brown, a country girl on horseback leading a second

mount. He told her that the marriage was off due to his permanent disability, but she was said to have replied: “Why spoil two lives?” and led him home on horseback.

So began a lifelong partnership between two strong, determined people who would not allow a disability to interfere with their marriage, careers and community service.

Hearing about the work at St Dunstan’s, they returned to the United Kingdom to attend the hospice. Scrymgeor learned to ‘see’ with his hands, relying on touch, smell, and hearing to prepare him for his former life as a farmer with Marjorie.

They visited cattle breeders in Scotland and England, learning about the best

Jim Scrymgeor with Mark Twain

strains for the beef industry to suit the Queensland climate and pastures.

“Relying on his remaining senses to assess cattle, Scrymgeor became an award-winning Shorthorn breeder and a judge at the Royal National Show in Brisbane, known as the ‘Ekka’, where his ability to judge despite being blind earned him fame across Australia. It was said he could tell an animal’s color by feeling the coarseness of its coat – red hair being harsher and white softer. He would run his hands over the animal’s body, feeling its muscles and fat depth, down the legs, hear its breathing, judge its height, girth and all aspects a cattle judge knows to select the winning beast.

JimScrymgeor and NurseFilleul at S t

He used his knowledge and experience with cattle combined with the heightened alternate senses that the blind or deaf people develop. Crowds would gather to watch him judge the cattle as he led his own cows in the Grand Parade.

A 1920s Sydney newspaper article described him as having a photographic memory: “He’ll handle perhaps a dozen beasts in one class, storing in his memory the name of each, its pedigree, virtues, defects and a year after should the animal again pass under his remembering hands he knows and can recite off its history!”

A WINNING TEAM

He and Marjorie won countless show ribbons with their Netherby Shorthorn and Poll Shorthorn cattle, introduced to Australia from Scotland by Jim’s father, before they retired to Warwick. Marjorie was supportive but still had her own career as a champion horsewoman and breeder and was the first licensed woman taxi driver in Queensland.

His grandson, cattle judge and rural journalist, Phillip Bate told Link at several shows mischievous stewards or grooms would try to trick him by moving animals already judged further down the line, only to be told by Scrymgeor to move the animal back as he’d already inspected it!

IT WAS

Bate was 16 when his grandfather died but he has vivid memories of him working on his typewriter and tending to his cattle. Most of their descendants are farmers or work connected to rural life, including Bate, a rural journalist, founding member of the Rural Press Club, and a stud beef cattle steward at the ‘Ekka’.

At St Dunstan’s the blind learned to move around via a system of aerial

wires, that Scrymgeor adapted to his cattle property, with wires running to the stable, feed lot, cattle pens, chicken coop and everywhere he need to go to run his farm. A system of bells and tin cans on the wires led him to each location.

According to Bate, he loved his cattle, and they loved him. “At night before bed he would go out, collect a handfull of feed, go into the barn to give his bulls a snack. One by one the heads would pop up from the stalls, he stroked the big curly head and wished them goodnight, all by name.”

He added that his grandfather was not only clever, “but blessed with a steely determination.”

This was the case with the St Dunstan’s students, which a report said, “The veterans master the skills in six months compared to a blind civilian taking two years”. Due to the teachers being blind themselves!

St Dunstan’s, now Blind Veterans UK, includes veterans who have become blind after their service, from old age, illness or accident. Their records detail correspondence from medical staff, volunteers and families that show a place of laughter, friendship, joking, tall tales and constant desire to learn, achieve and work.

One nurse confided that the Australian boys were their favourites. “They were so handsome and jolly, always ribbing each other, they called everyone sister and never felt sorry for themselves. Lively weekly dances were held, where some patients created music on the instruments they learnt to play at the hospice. Piano was particularly popular, but Jim’s passion was the Braille typewriter which he used his entire life to pen articles, stories, his farm work and several books on his experiences.”

Scrymgeor was proud of his achievements in cattle breeding, but none meant more than, in 1954, when he kneeled before Queen Elizabeth II, as she said: “For your services to the Australian cattle industry, and as a tribute to your courageous spirit, I confer upon you the Order of the British Empire.”

SAID HE COULD TELL AN ANIMAL’S COLOR BY FEELING THE COARSENESS OF ITS COAT…

With Majorie at the ‘Ekka’

On the playing field at St Dunstan’s

Sculling on the Thames in 1920

Creating educational spaces for autistic people to thrive

Have you heard of autistic-affirming education? The phrase refers to ways of designing learning environments and assessments that enable autistic people to thrive. But what does that look like in practice? Danielle Kutchel reports.

Growing up in the mid-1980s, Ainslie Robinson knew that she was different from the other kids. She didn’t know how at the time, but the feeling was there. And it wasn’t until her son was diagnosed with autism that she discovered that she shared his diagnosis.

“The psychologist was listing all the things that he did differently from the other kids, and I was like ‘wait, wait, wait, are all these things different because I did them all as a child!’ Long story short, he was diagnosed and I followed shortly thereafter,” she said.

Now the Working In Partnership senior officer at Aspect, she looks back at her time in school and marvels at how the signs were missed. She showed signs of selective mutism, and while she performed well in standardised tests, she struggled elsewhere, confusing her teachers. In high school, she would forget to bring the right materials to lessons and wouldn’t do her homework. Socialising was “torturous”.

As an adult with greater awareness of neurodivergence, she now knows the truth: “I just didn’t have the right scaffolds.”

These days, those scaffolds that Robinson so desperately needed would form part of what’s called autistic-affirming education, which focuses on autistic students and their needs in the classroom. The idea is relatively new, she said, but the need is there for a “more appropriate approach” for autistic students.

Robinson describes it as “a set of overarching principles that are grounded in things like respect, inclusion, and the understanding of natural neurological differences like autism. It moves away from viewing these differences as something to be fixed or treated, and towards seeing autistic people as valuable… the way they are.

“It focuses on creating solutions that don’t put the sole burden on the autistic learner to change to fit in.”

‘GET TO KNOW THE INDIVIDUAL’

Sandra Thom-Jones is an autistic researcher, author and advocate for education, especially higher education. Her story is similar to Robinson’s: a life of learning conducted in non-affirming education spaces that took a toll.

She said her relationship with education was “complicated”; because while she loved learning, she didn’t enjoy social interactions. Like many autistic people, she was bullied at school and faced social isolation at university. Academically, she did well to begin with but once assessments became more ambiguous in late high school and university, she began to struggle. Post diagnosis, she realised the problem wasn’t with autistic people, but with the way schooling

Ainslie Robinson

and assessments are designed at all levels. Now an academic specialising in researching autism, her lived experience complements what she’s found works for others.

For her, “an autistic-affirming educational space is a space where it’s OK to actually be an autistic person”.

It’s about more than just academic design; above all else, she said educators need to listen to students at all ages about their needs.

means not assuming that if we’re blunt in our communication we’re being rude. So much goes into trying to make us look and act like neurotypical people so that neurotypical people don’t feel uncomfortable, but that makes the autistic person uncomfortable.”

“The very first starting point has to be to get to know the individual student” she said.

This includes identifying strengths, challenges – whether sensory, communication, executive function, or something else – and interests that can be used to help the person engage in education and advance their goals.

The next thing is to look at the physical environment the student is in and determine whether or not it is an ideal sensory environment for them – from lights and noise, to whether the student has a level of control over making their own adjustments to the sensory environment for their comfort, like wearing noise-cancelling headphones or a hat, or taking a quick break to reset.

“Obviously you can’t physically design an educational space for every single student, but if you were building a school or university, [you could] make sure that every autistic student is able to make the sensory environment as safe for themselves as possible,” she said.

Educators should also “accept autistic ways of being in the world”, ThomJones added, and avoid tokenism and focus on true inclusion.

“That means not trying to make autistic people into non-autistic people. It means educators being aware that autistic body language is different, that fidgeting or not making eye contact does not mean we’re not listening. It

ADDRESSING SOCIAL STRESS

Robinson agrees that to create an autisticaffirming environment, educators must assess learning spaces and ensure they cater for different sensory profiles.

She said autistic-affirming education may be particularly helpful for girls who feel the pressure of conforming to societal expectations and having to mask every day. To address any social struggles, schools could teach social skills through an empathy lens with a focus on learning about the different ways that people interact with each other.

Robinson said she’d also like to see flexibility in assessments. “Assessing for neuro-normative social conventions [like eye contact] is not neurodiversity affirming,” she said.

For example, instead of asking all students to complete a class presentation, teachers could offer alternatives like one-on-one presentations to the teacher or prerecording it at home.

THE UNIVERSITY GAP

Thom-Jones is particularly interested in how to make universities more autistic-affirming; autistic people are underrepresented at university and less likely to have a university qualification than those without a disability, or even peers with other disabilities.

“The system is not set up to support autistic students,” she said. She believes universities should engage with autistic students from the point of enrolment and even beforehand, discussing what adjustments or supports can be provided.

“We need universities to have comprehensive programs where they

say, ‘these are the things that we can do to support you as an autistic student, which of these things would be helpful’?”

At a university level, this could include unambiguous subject outlines, clear and explicit assessment tasks, sensory rooms and the option to opt out of group work.

AN AUTISTIC-AFFIRMING FUTURE FOR EDUCATION

Thom-Jones said while individual pockets of inclusive education are a positive step, there needs to be an attitude shift towards embedding autistic-affirming education and creating an environment that focuses on strengths as well as challenges.

She dreams of a world where autisticaffirming education is the norm, not an outlier. “That’s the world I want. I haven’t seen it yet, but that’s the world I’m wishing for – one where educational institutions, whether it’s schools or universities, recognise that there is such power in diversity.”

Like Thom-Jones, Robinson said she hopes autistic-affirming education will one day become the standard in education. “I hope we will see more desire from mainstream educational settings to take up a neurodiversityaffirming approach and create these places where everybody can be included,” she added.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE

Tim Bullard, CEO of Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, told Link “Australian teachers have access to a range of evidence-informed strategies and frameworks, curated by AITSL, to build classroom environments where autistic students are safe, empowered, and free to be their authentic selves.”

He added the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers support inclusive classroom practices for teachers, while the Australian Professional Standard for Principals “sets clear expectations on how school leaders support equity and inclusion”.

SandraWilsonandher son Lincoln onhisgraduation day .

Decades of research have clearly shown that students with disability receiving an education in an inclusive setting have better academic and social outcomes than those attending a special school. But the debate surrounding this has widened recently following a Queensland Government decision to fund six new segregated schools in South-East Queensland.

Ilektra Spandagou, like many proponents of inclusive education, including the Disability Discrimination Commissioner Rosemary Kayess, is disappointed and concerned by the Queensland Government’s plans. Particularly so considering Queensland’s 2018 Inclusive Education Policy, was celebrated as one of the first in the world to be informed by United Nations (2016) General Comment No. 4 Article 24: Right to inclusive education. That policy, amended in 2021, defined inclusive education as “all students can access and fully participate in learning alongside their similar-aged peers”, she told Link

Spandagou, Associate Professor of Inclusive Education at the University of Sydney, believes implementation of the inclusive education policy has been patchy.

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics 2018 data, Queensland reported 44 government special schools. In 2024, this number was 49 schools with five more special schools added over that period under the previous government. The recent announcement of six new special schools “with a

combined enrolment potential of 800 students” she argues, escalates this prioritisation of special settings. “It is not only a substantive investment, but also a clear articulation of priorities when it comes to the education of students with disability.”

“...THE RIGHT TO AN INCLUSIVE EDUCATION SHOULD GUIDE POLICY DECISIONS.”

“Unfortunately, there are similar trends of continuous and increasing support for special schools and classes in other states, particularly in New South Wales and Victoria. The NSW Department of Education’s annual reports indicate a

continuous increase in special classes with 1,500 more students educated in more than 200 extra support classes in 2024, with a small number in schools for specific purposes.

ROADMAP AT THE CROSSROADS

There is a contradiction in supporting a Roadmap for Inclusion and simultaneously expanding segregated settings. The Disability Royal Commission’s Final Report recommendation 7.13 National Roadmap to Inclusive Education has been accepted in principle by the Australian Government and all States and Territories. According to the Commission the Roadmap should set

out what is necessary to implement the Commission’s recommendations and provide public transparency – it should define goals, outcomes, major steps and actions, set timelines, and detail the approach to measuring performance, evaluate and report.

There are shared characteristics between the Commission’s Roadmap and the ACIE (Australian Coalition for Inclusive Education) Driving change: A roadmap for achieving inclusive education in Australia, but ultimately, they are different.

As Commissioners Bennett, Galbally and McEwin, the three Commissioners who supported the phasing out of segregated settings, noted in the Final Report, “there are serious questions in seeking to make human rights conditional on positive research outcomes,” and this has been used historically as a tool of continuing discrimination.

...THERE IS INCREASING INTERNATIONAL EVIDENCE THAT STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY HAVE GOOD ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL OUTCOMES IN ATTENDING INCLUSIVE SCHOOLS...

The ACIE Roadmap is based upon six pillars, one of them is the phasing out of segregated education. “From the Federal, States and Territories Governments’ responses, there is little appetite to go down that path and to follow recommendation 7.14 Phasing out and ending special/ segregated education. It appears the 7.15 An alternative approach’, that mostly maintains the status quo, is the most likely path informing a national Roadmap,” she said.

And there are implications too for initial teacher education because the expansion of special education reinforces the view that students with disability should be educated elsewhere. “This relates to the belief that teachers who teach students with disability in these ‘special’ places are different and differently trained. In educational systems where no serious effort is made to become inclusive for all students, initial teacher education struggles to prepare teachers who are committed to inclusion and can see it as a realistic option.”

INCLUSIVE VERSUS SEGREGATED – THE DEBATE GOES ON Spandagou said there is increasing international evidence that students with disability have good academic and social outcomes in attending inclusive schools.* And there is also evidence that there is no negative impact on students without a disability in inclusive classrooms.*

“While there is evidence, and the evidence is becoming stronger, the right to an inclusive education should guide policy decisions,” she added.

As for any evidence that students attending special schools have poorer outcomes, she said research on the outcomes of students attending segregated settings in Australia is limited.

The Royal Commission on Disability commissioned a report on the association between segregated education and employment that showed participants who previously attended special/segregated schools were significantly less likely to transition into employment in any setting than participants who previously attended mainstream classes or special/segregated classes in mainstream schools.

“Together with Dr Olivia Karaolis, lecturer in Special and Inclusive Education, we conducted research on media discourses around special schools and found that needs, safety, parent choice and demand dominate discourses around special schools. Very little is known about such settings and their outcomes, and their purpose and outcomes are assumed rather than demonstrated. In my view, there is a lot to lose by expanding further segregated provision as it brings us further away from an inclusive education system and an inclusive society,” she said.

• https://doi. org/10.1177/0022466920925033

• https://doi. org/10.1177/1540796920943469

• https://doi.org/10.1016/j. edurev.2017.02.004

Credit:istock_djvstock\Fokusiert\ hikmet kose

Disability employment expands its horizons

Young people with disabilities wanting to pursue a career in hospitality will have more opportunities following a pioneering partnership between leading hotel, educational and social enterprise organisations.

The collaboration integrates the Hotel Etico campus with the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (BMIHMS) following a partnership with the Schwartz Family Company and Trilogy Hotels.

Hotel Etico will relocate its Academy of Independence and head office from Mount Victoria to the Leura campus, adjacent to BMIHMS and the Schwartzowned Leura Gardens Resort, that also operates the nearby Fairmont

Resort, where many of the Hotel Etico graduates have been employed.

Director Dr Jerry Schwartz said the idea was to create an ‘integrated resort village’ where hospitality education, inclusive employment and real-world hotel operations coexist.

“This will provide the best possible hotel education facilities while students are fully immersed in an operating hotel, while benefitting from an education program that will deliver passionate, welltrained, and motivated graduates to the industry, which is hindered by a current talent shortage,” he said. “The campus will serve as a model for Australia and the wider industry,” he said.

Leura Gardens Hotel and Fairmont

Resort, Trilogy Hotels will create clear recruitment pipelines for Hotel Etico and BMIHMS graduates.

Hotel Etico is in the final stages of planning a second campus in Canberra with the Schwartz Family Company and Trilogy Hotels, utilising their Mercure Hotel Canberra as the training hotel.

Commenting on the Blue Mountains initiative, Trilogy Hotels CEO, Scott Boyes, said: “This is the first partnership of its kind in Australia integrating vocational training, higher education, inclusive employment, and hotel operations all on a single campus.”

The partnership and shared Leura Campus operations are planned to commence from mid-October 2025.

Supporting Vision Australia Radio

Sponsorship that gives back

Vision Australia Radio is more than a radio network – it is a vital service that connects, informs, and entertains people who are blind, low vision, or who face a print disability. But keeping this national network on air is no small task. It costs around $2.2 million each year to operate, even with a small team of staff and the generous support of over 500 volunteers across the country.

That’s why sponsorship is essential. By supporting Vision Australia Radio, organisations not only help sustain an important community service but also gain meaningful exposure to a loyal and growing audience. Community radio listeners are renowned for their engagement and support of sponsors who invest in the platforms they value.

“Sponsors are at the heart of our success,” said Vision Australia Radio

sponsorship coordinator. Jason Gipps. “They help keep us on air, and in return we promote their services and events through campaigns, live broadcasts, and more creative ventures such as cocreated podcast series or on-location broadcasts.”

The opportunities are diverse. Sponsors may choose to align with flagship broadcasts such as the audio-described Carols by Candlelight in December and its coverage of the Midsumma Festival in January, or one of the many awareness days relevant to the blind and low vision community. For others, a traditional promotional campaign across its radio and podcast channels can be just as effective in reaching listeners who value inclusive content.

Sponsorship with Vision Australia Radio is more than a transaction – it is a partnership. Together, we

Vision Australia Radio

build campaigns that reflect the sponsor’s goals while ensuring the community continues to enjoy accessible programming, news, and entertainment. From local businesses to national organisations, our sponsors benefit from connecting with an audience that listens with intent and responds with loyalty.

”We invite organisations to get in touch and share their sponsorship goals. Whether it’s a specific campaign, event alignment, or a long-term partnership, we will tailor opportunities to ensure sponsors receive real value – while helping us keep this vital service alive for the 460,000 Australians monthly, who rely on it,” he said.

For details visit Promote your business with Vision Australia Radio and Audio from just $995+GST | Vision Australia Radio

Breaking Through

At the age of 18, Sébastien Ducarme’s life changed in an instant: a dive into shallow water resulted in a spinal cord injury, leaving him partially paralysed and facing a world that no longer felt designed for him.

Breaking Through is a book 30 years in the making as Ducarme retraces his path from hospital wards in Portugal and Belgium to rediscovering purpose, gaining confidence, and challenging societal assumptions about disability.

This is a story for anyone who has experienced loss, change, or the disorientation of a life that is unlike the one they imagined. It is for parents learning how to support their children, friends who are frightened to say the wrong thing, and leaders who want to create truly inclusive workplaces.

One theme shines through: ‘it’s not adversity that defines you, but what you choose to do with it’.

RRP: $25.34 from Amazon.

What’s On Calendar

OCTOBER 2025

1-19: Melbourne Fringe Festival melbournefringe.com.au

17-18: DAL Expo – Adelaide dalexpo.com.au

28-29: Children & Young People at Risk Summit – Melbourne informa.com.au/event/conference/ healthcare-life-sciences/children-andyoung-people-at-risk-summit/# 31: Brisbane Disability Expo – (Impact Institute) brisbanedisabilityexpo.com.au

NOVEMBER

1: Brisbane Disability Expo – (Impact Institute) brisbanedisabilityexpo.com.au

4: Oceania Seating Symposium – New Zealand oceaniaseatingsymposium.com

11: Disability Tech Summit: Sydney remarkable.org/disability-techsummit-2025

12-14: Australian Society for Intellectual Disability Conference – Sydney asidconference.com.au

13-14: Asia Pacific Autism Conference – Perth apac25.org

21-22: Melbourne Disability Expo –(Impact Institute) melbournedisabilityexpo.com.au

DECEMBER:

3: International Day of People with Disability idpwd.com.au

What a spectacle!

Students from Passfield Park School SSP and Ingleburn Public School lit up the stage through the DanceSport Confidence Unified Program, showing the power of dance to connect and inspire. This groundbreaking 15-week unified program is a collaborative effort delivered by school teachers and the DanceSport Confidence team.

Passfield Park School, which supports students with moderate to severe intellectual disability, partnered with Ingleburn Public School, a mainstream school, to create a truly inclusive experience. Students from both schools came together to learn and grow through ballroom dance, embracing the cha-cha, tango, salsa and jive before taking to the floor amongst more than 1,600 peers at

the Quaycentre, at Sydney Olympic Park in August.

The program was not only about movement, rhythm, and performance— it was about connection, inclusion, and part of the NSW Department of Education’s High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) which focuses on the socio-emotional wellbeing of students.

Through shared practice, students developed confidence, resilience, and teamwork while forming genuine friendships across school settings.

Their hard work culminated in two spectacular performances at the Quacentre, where the collaboration was recognised with the prestigious Sandra Nori Cup for demonstrating the core values of the DanceSport program.

More than a performance, this was a celebration of unity, belonging and the transformative power of the arts.

One parent said: “I was scared in the beginning, and not ready to send our son. With all the support, we had the confidence to send him and seeing him on the stage for the first time was overwhelming. We couldn’t believe how amazing he was, and it was amazing for him and for us. A big thank you to the school and organisers to give our son the opportunity to experience that stage, and to us as parents we are so happy and excited to go on this journey and experience it with him as well. It was never in my wildest dreams that he would ever do this. I was happy and crying for three days and lost my voice as well because I was cheering!”.

Camping Out at a nuclear reactor site

The Inaugural Deaf Youth Science Camp was held at the Lucas Heights campus in Sydney, home of Australia’s only nuclear reactor, during National Science Week. There were workshops, site tours, 3D printing and robotic demonstrations, bushwalking and outdoor games for groups of 12-17- year-olds from around Australia.

Riding high for Brainwave

Having a Ball

The annual STEPS Grand Winter Ball brings the Sunshine Coast community together in a fundraising event for the STEPS Pathways College education program. This unique college is a live-and-learn model of education for people with disability and autism.

Open Day at Sunshine Butterflies

The Sunshine Coast disability support group celebrated its 15th birthday with a community open day at their 15-acre property.

Ride for the Kids is an annual cycling challenge to raise funds for Brainwave Australia, the only national charity supporting families of children with brain conditions.

At a 3D printing workshop

Jimmy and Tam from The Block 2020

Lara and Chloe dancing the night away

When every kilometre counts

Rio, Neil and Blade taking in the fun

Paper rocket launch

Local musician Barry Charles keeping the crowd entertained

Awarding Aspect

Aspect’s World Autism Understanding Day 2025 campaign received the Australian Marketing Institute Excellence Award in the Not-for-Profit category. The campaign, which reached close to 10 million people demonstrated the need to create more understanding and inclusion for people on the autism spectrum.

SEE at the Sydney Opera House

Tasmanian performing arts company, Second Echo Ensemble (SEE) celebrated an artistic milestone with their first musical – The Adventures of Peacock, Chicken and the Pony They Rode Upon, at the Sydney Opera House. This premiere performance of puppetry, original music, dance and theatre was a production for all ages. Following their season at the Theatre Royal Hobart, some members will be going to New York for the International Day of People with Disability, to perform at the United Nations.

From Melbourne to Times Square

Darcy Fisher travelled from Melbourne to light up New York City for the National Down Syndrome Society annual Times Square video presentation. The one-hour reel carried 500 photos of images of people with Down syndrome from around the world. For his mum, Julie, “Times Square showed the world what they already know, that Darcy is capable, valued, and living his best life”.

Haigh: For Annalise, the audience’s energy made the performance unforgettable. “I was speechless. The audience made me feel loads of pressure, but they were clapping in rhythm. It is a fun, creative show by super creative artists sharing dancing, singing and acting for all generations.

From left: Julie Fenwick – Aspect Campaign Lead, Michael Theo – Aspect consultant and actor, Imogen Johnson – Aspect Marketing Business Partner and Andrew Thornton – Australian Marketing Institute Board Chairman.

Annalise

Oliver Williams & Dave Montgomery Image credit: Kelly Drummond Cawthon

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