Issuu

australia’s national disability magazine February/March 2021 | Volume 31 Issue 1 | linkonline.com.au $9.95AUD / $11.50NZ

Lachlan Sorensen - A young graduate in hearing honours!

In this issue: Carly Findlay / Travel & Leisure with Caitlin Maynard / Dylan Alcott Takes 5

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Inside 04

From the Editor

06-07

Cover Story – Meet Lachlan Sorensen – a five-year old graduate in Auditory-Verbal Therapy

Back to School lunch ideas

News - Accessible boat ramp floating into calmer waters

Interview – Carly Findlay’s anthology on Growing Up Disabled in Australia

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Caitlin Maynard’s day trip to a more accessible Blue Mountains

Natalie Wade – Covid and its impact on people with disability

Dylan Alcott takes up five new skills

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Endeavour Foundation celebrates 70 years with a ‘Dream Competition’ February/March 2021

Publisher

Simon Cooper

Editor

Kymberly Martin kymberly@intermedia.com.au

Advertising

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

Design

Jim L Koh

Prepress

Tony Willson

Production Manager Jacqui Cooper

To subscribe visit www.intermedia.com.au P: 1800 651 422 or E: subscriptions@intermedia.com.au www.linkonline.com.au Link is published six times a year by Interpoint Events Pty Ltd. ABN: 9810 451 2469 A : 41 Bridge Road, Glebe NSW 2037 P : +61 2 9660 2113 F : +61 2 9660 4419 Reprints from Link are permitted only with the permission of the publisher. In all cases, reprints must be acknowledged as follows: ‘Reprinted with permission from Link Magazine’, and must include the author’s byline. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. The Intermedia Group takes its Corporate and Social Responsibilities seriously and is committed to reducing its impact on the environment. We continuously strive to improve our environmental performance and to initiate additional CSR based projects and activities. As part of our company policy we ensure that the products and services used in the manufacture of this magazine are sourced from environmentally responsible suppliers. This magazine has been printed on paper produced from sustainably sourced wood and pulp fibre and is accredited under PEFC chain of custody. PEFC certified wood and paper products come from environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of forests. The wrapping used in the delivery process of this magazine is 100% biodegradable.

February/March 2021

From the Editor

here are many positives for the start of the New Year despite Covid hanging in there. A spokesman for NDIS Minister Stuart Robert confirmed to Link that the government is holding a series of meetings with health officials to keep people informed of the coronavirus vaccination rollout. The minister recently hosted a briefing for invited stakeholders in the disability workforce including NDIS providers and unions with further briefings with disability representatives being held over coming weeks. At this stage Australia seems to be well placed to avoid any skirmishes associated with access to the vaccine that have occurred overseas. There is much to celebrate in this issue of Link. Carly Findlay has put together a wonderful disability narrative about the lives and experiences of people with disability. Link has a copy of the book to give away with details on page 22. The Endeavour Foundation turns 70 this year and is running a ‘Dream Competition’ and making your dreams come true with five to be won. Find out more on page 49.

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Our journalist, Caitlin Maynard has been out and about in her wheelchair visiting some major tourist spots and checking on their accessibility. Caitlin also told me what has struck her most about Covid is how restrictions have made life easier for many people with disability. She spends a lot of time at home on social media as it is one of the only ways to connect with people, but Covid has meant more friends are online and available to chat. And when venturing outdoors it is not always easy to navigate through crowds now public gatherings are lighter, with people usually following distancing etiquette making it more relaxing. Restrictions have also been placed on the numbers visiting restaurants and amusement centres which is welcome news especially for people with sensory concerns or anxiety. Hopefully 2021 will bring more certainty and fewer challenges. Kymberly Martin Editor kymberly@intermedia.com.au

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FOCUS ON ABILITY

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No parent wants their child to be seen as different, the first reaction is to burst into tears, the second is to do everything possible to help your child Lachlan with his mother Jessica and sister Hannah

believing when it comes to

Hearing is Lachlan Sorensen

fter failing the NSW Statewide Infant Screening Hearing (SWISH) test at just two days old, Lachlan Sorensen was diagnosed with moderate bi-lateral hearing loss at three weeks of age. His diagnosis meant that he would have to wear hearing aids in both ears for life. Even though there is a paternal genetic family history of hearing loss, learning of Lachlan’s diagnosis still came as a complete shock. “No parent wants their child to be seen as different, the first reaction is to burst into tears, the second is to do everything possible to help your child,” Jessica Sorensen told Link. At just seven weeks of age Lachlan received his first pair of hearing aids and started to attend The Shepherd Centre at 10 weeks. The family had some fears that Lachlan’s hearing loss would affect his learning, speech, socialisation and his ability to keep up with his peers. When Lachlan was three years old his mother noticed he was a little behind in developing his listening and speech skills. The Shepherd Centre

February/March 2021

identified that this was due to ear infections and enlarged adenoids leaving him unable to receive access to full sounds and speech. Once he received grommets, a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy he was able to recommence his fortnightly sessions at the centre, where he has been excelling and is now on par with his peers. “The Shepherd Centre has taught us how best to help Lachlan tune into sounds. They have also been instrumental in continuing to build his confidence,” Jessica said. While regular speech and language sessions with his speech therapist are focused on Lachlan, all the family, including his grandparents, are active in participating in his early intervention. This enables the whole family to fully understand how to best support him and his growth. The tools and confidence that have been instilled in them by the centre has been especially important particularly during Covid-19 which placed new challenges on Lachlan.

However he has been able to keep up with his speech, audiology and family counselling intervention sessions thanks to telehealth, where Lachlan can continue to learn, interact and thrive. This is to ensure he is on track when he starts at ‘big school’ this year. Last year, Jessica met with NSW Disability Services Minister Gareth Ward, MP Melanie Gibbons and The Shepherd Centre CEO, Jim Hungerford to discuss the family’s experience with telehealth in audiology and early intervention. She highlighted the importance of these vital services in audiology and early intervention in ensuring the hearing needs of children across Australia are met, while still adhering to social distancing guidelines. And Lachlan’s learning, speech and socialisation skills have certainly surpassed expectations. At five, Lachlan is a lively and vivacious chatterbox who loves his cars, Little Kickers Soccer, playing for the Illawong Marlins Tball and listening to music. And graduating in the organisation's world leading AuditoryVerbal Therapy program!

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Lachlan Sorensen

The Shepherd Centre has been instrumental in continuing to build his confidence

THE SHEPHERD CENTRE

he Shepherd Centre is a NSW not-forprofit organisation specialising in early intervention to help children who are deaf and hearing-impaired develop spoken language skills. It has helped over 2000 children enter the world of sound. Hearing loss affects one in 1000 babies at birth in Australia and the incidence rises to one in 300 children by school age, due to acquired and developed hearing loss. And of these children 92 per cent have two hearing parents. Research has found that 62 per cent of children with a hearing impairment, who receive early intervention, go on to achieve tertiary qualifications For more infomation visit: www.shepherdcentre. org.au

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Aruma

: supporting people live their best life

eet Kobi. He’s a proud Birrapi and Worimi man who lives with his family in Tweed Heads, Queensland. He loves the outdoors, especially fishing. An Aruma customer in Burleigh on the Gold Coast for three years, Kobi originally wanted to learn how to better use his communication

device and improve his literacy and numeracy skills. Now, with Aruma’s support, he’s ready for new challenges. “Kobi’s interested in doing a lot more at Aruma,” his dad Christian said. “He wants to do a training program that could help him get into the workforce and he wants a job.

Who is Aruma?

Aruma – once known as House with No Steps and The Tipping Foundation – is one of Australia’s leading disability service providers. The organisation has over 100 years of combined experience and provides support to over 5000 customers on the East Coast of Australia. At Aruma it all comes down to the organisation’s simple, but very clear promise – they will always put their customers first. Their disability services are never a onesize-fits-all approach and are about supporting both adults and children to live their best life.

A closer look at Aruma’s disability accommodation services:

Across Queensland, NSW, Victoria and the ACT, Aruma offers a wide range of disability accommodation services, including Supported Independent Living (SIL).

February/March 2021

That’s his goal.” On Kobi’s every-growing to do list is starting up his own lawn-care business. He’s currently saving up for a lawn mower! “There’s so much I’m able to do and be when I focus on my strengths. My disability allows me the freedom to be different,” he said.

They have a wide range of properties including apartments, villas and houses and will work with you to find something that’s just right. Aruma also know it’s important that people living together click. The organisation wants to make sure they match you with like-minded housemates that have similar interests to you. In your SIL home, Aruma can also provide support with day-to-day tasks like cleaning and laundry, nutrition and cooking, personal care such as showering and dressing, going to appointments and taking medication. Full details of all their disability accommodation services can be found on their website: www.aruma.com.au

Keen to have a chat to the Aruma team? You can reach them on: 1300 538 746 or: enquiries@aruma.com.au

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It's LUNCHTIME By Oliva Karaolis

ack to School ideas to tempt 'fussy' eaters and nourish your child at school. Many children, often labelled as "picky" or "fussy eaters", avoid certain foods because of sensory preferences. Certain smells and textures can be overwhelming for some children, particularly children with autism. It can be hard for those that do not experience these responses to food to understand. It can also be very hard for parents too with many worrying about how they can meet their child's nutritional needs. This can become even more complicated when your child starts school. I hope these suggestions may be helpful in making lunchtime in 2021 a source of nutrition and joy. The first step is to pack foods that your child likes to eat. Sometimes making a list can be a helpful way to learn about your child's preferences. Do they prefer smooth or crunchy? Is colour an issue? Smooth foods that work well in a lunch box include sandwiches or wraps made with really soft bread.

Well mixed tuna or salmon can provide a protein filling. Another option is a dip or spread that is creamy. Fruit options may be as simple as a banana or fruit cups. Try some yogurt or cheese sticks. Crunchy foods could include homemade chicken nuggets or a toasted sandwich. Crisp lettuce with ham or turkey. Add carrots, apples, or dried cereal. Muesli bars or pretzels are also a great snack. The snack or lunch box is important too. Some children may find it frustrating to open packages or not like different foods touching. A Bento box or container with compartments may be the best option for your child. As many children with autism like routine, it may be a good idea to practice eating out of the lunch box at home first. Don't worry too much if your child is eating the same thing every day as long as they have some protein, fruit or vegetables and some carbohydrate. Don't forget to send a note or email your child's teacher, so they know your concerns and can support your child at mealtimes.

Dr Olivia Karaolis teaches at the University of Sydney Faculty of Education and Social Work.

Instructions

Lunchbox Recipe 1. Merrill’s Chicken Fingers - prep time: 15 minutes - cook time: 20 minutes - yield: 6

Ingredients

- 2 eggs - 1/4 cup flour - 2 tablespoons water - 2 cups panko - 3/4 cup grated parmesan - 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut lengthwise into 1-inch strips - kosher salt and pepper to taste - neutral oil - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for the special sauce: - 1/3 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon ketchup - few dashes hot sauce

February/March 2021

Set your oven to 450ºF. Whisk together the eggs, flour and water in a large bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper. Toss the panko and parmesan together in a 9×13-inch or other large vessel. Have ready another sheet pan or large vessel for placing the coated chicken pieces. Drop the chicken strips into the bowl with the egg mixture. Toss to coat, then transfer a few at a time to the panko-parmesan pan. Coat in the crumbs, pressing them to adhere, then transfer to the clean sheet pan. At this point, the breaded strips of chicken can be refrigerated for up to a day (maybe longer). Coat a rimmed baking sheet with neutral oil (a teaspoon or so). Add the 2 tablespoons of butter. Place the baking sheet in the oven for 3 to 4 minutes or until the butter has finished foaming and just starts to brown. Remove pan from oven, and gently lay the chicken strips on the baking sheets. Cook for 10 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them over and cook for another 10 minutes, or until both sides are evenly browned and the chicken is cooked through. Let cool briefly then serve with special sauce: In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayo, mustard, ketchup, and hot sauce to taste.

2. 3.

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The BlumilGO is a state-of-the-art electronic power assist device for manual rigid frame wheelchairs.

In stock on the Gold Coast and ready for immediate dispatch Australia wide.

Connect to your wheelchair in seconds. Easy to transport. Weighs 13kg including battery.

No fixed bracketry required, simply adjust draw bar and clamp the footplate.

Designed and manufactured in Poland, the BlumilGO is compact, stylish, light-weight, technologically advanced and powerful.

Available exclusively at Wicked Wheelchairs. 07 55 000 882

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Registered NDIS Provider 4050008725 February/March 2021

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Registered NDISProvider TAC/WorkCover Preferred Provider linkonline.com.au

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Smart Drive for the Seamless Power Assist Experience

he SmartDrive and PushTrackerE2 give you freedom to do more, including powering up steep hills or getting across thick carpet. It’s intuitive to use and will go for kilometres on a single charge, helping you rediscover your independence. Between pushing thousands of times per day, frequent transferring and needing to reach overhead, manual chair users put a lot of strain on the muscles and joints in their arms. While we can’t control everything we can control how many pushes are done each day with SmartDrive. SmartDrive was created with manual wheelchair users in mind. The mounting location, the ergonomic handle, the weight and the OmniWheel, were all designed to create a seamless power assist experience.

Designed with Connectivity & Durability in Mind Developed with connectivity and durability in mind, the PushTracker E2 has been rigorously tested and

SmartDrive seamlessly integrates into my life. I don’t have to change my environment or my mode of transportation. It allows me to do all of the things I chose not to do because they were too hard or required too much. SmartDrive is my ticket to an adventurous life! – Aaron Baker, SmartDrive user

February/March 2021

proven to be consistently reliable and extremely durable. With gesture-activated controls and activity-tracking technology you can start your SmartDrive with a simple tap of your hand—no pushing or reaching necessary. The latest updates of the PushTracker E2 means that you can get rolling in just minutes with preinstalled apps and better overall performance, providing a more reliable power assist experience. SwitchControl (formerly known as the thumb throttle) now comes standard and now a no charge option included with every SmartDrive. SwitchControl can be used in combination with a PushTracker/ E2 or by itself. SwitchControl gives users another customisable option for controlling their SmartDrive. With the push of a button SmartDrive can be engaged for a momentary burst of power or activated in latched mode for consistent power over extended

distances. This empowers a more diverse user population to experience SmartDrive with increased confidence, and when paired with the PushTracker, E2 offers added flexibility, convenience and control options. SwitchControl is also programmable so you can gain more control over your wheelchair by setting the speed and mode you prefer.

PushTracker App

SmartDrive advances daily mobility for the manual wheelchair user. The PushTracker app produces and delivers activity statistics designed to promote optimal health, track distance, pushes and coast time to help you decrease the demand on your upper body. Learn more about SmartDrive at www.permobil.com.au/product/ smartdrive-2/ Find a dealer and trial at www. permobil.com.au/dealer-locator Rent a SmartDrive at www.hub. permobil.com.au/rental

There were so many times I said no to something because I didn’t feel like I could. With the SmartDrive I can go all around the farmers market, go shopping, meet a friend for coffee, walk the dog and still do a ton of other things when I get home

– Julie M, SmartDrive user linkonline.com.au

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Understanding & compassion – accessing independent counselling and advocacy support

id you know that people with disability who have experienced violence, abuse, neglect or exploitation can reach out to the National Counselling and Referral Service for emotional and advocacy support? The Blue Knot Foundation has been funded by the Australian Government to manage the service, providing short-term, trauma-informed phone counselling for people with disability, families, carers, advocates, service providers and sector workers. The organisation also refers people to longer-term counselling; advocacy, legal, financial and other supports. According to Blue Knot Foundation president, Dr Cathy Kezelman, Blue Knot is a safe and confidential first point of contact for people who may need emotional support. “When a person speaks to one of our counsellors, they are connecting with a person who is able to listen, with compassion and without judgment,” she said. “Counselling can support a person who has been hurt in different ways over time, to understand more about how their trauma experiences may have affected them – their feelings, ways of coping and reactions. “It can help explore a person’s needs and challenges and provide helpful strategies and pathways for additional support. People can and do heal from trauma experiences with the right support and over time; recovery from trauma is definitely possible.” Disability Advocacy Network Australia has been supporting an increasing number of people with disability since the Disability Royal Commission began in 2019. Advocates are helping people make decisions about telling their story to the Royal Commission as well as connecting people to legal, financial and other supports,” CEO Mary Mallett said. Counsellors and advocates can arrange free translations and interpreting for people who need help in another language. Culturally appropriate support is also available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability and their families. For counselling and advocacy support, information and referrals call: 1800 421 468 from 9am to 6pm (AEST) weekdays and 9am to 5pm (AEST) weekends and national public holidays. People who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment can contact the National Counselling and Referral Service through the National Relay Service on: 133 677. People experiencing any form of violence or abuse, or who are concerned for their or someone else’s safety, call: 000.

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Do you have disability? Has someone hurt you, treated you badly or taken advantage of you?

Free, independent, confidential counselling and advocacy support is available. Call the National Counselling and Referral Service on

1800 421 468

For more information visit dss.gov.au/disability-royalcommission-support Support is here for you. NDAP

National Disability Advocacy Program

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Liza H

a ann

he sign flips to ‘open’ at Achieve Australia’s The Sewing Basket shop in Newington and a steady stream of customers flow in. Liza Hanna is a supported employee at The Sewing Basket and has spent the morning getting ready for a busy day ahead, organising the fabrics on display and sorting through the donations. If you ask Liza what she likes most about working at The Sewing Basket, she will tell you without hesitation it’s the people who come from far and wide to shop. “I like helping the customers and getting to know them,” Liza said. “Customers come from everywhere, even as far as the country, and last week someone came from New Zealand!” Previously, Liza worked in a florist and said the experience helped to develop her love of colours, textures and patterns. She enjoys working with the diverse range of donated fabrics, ribbons, buttons and patterns in store at The Sewing Basket, cutting and measuring fabrics and sorting and pricing donations that come in from the community every day.

February/March 2021

Liza

Meet : Fabric enthusiast at The Sewing Basket “I enjoy working with the vintage fabrics the most because I can help customers mix and match them with other fabrics that we have in the shop,” she said. Achieve Australia’s My Career operations manager, Leanne Larche, said Liza is a delight to work with and is always a friendly face in the shop. “Since working at The Sewing Basket, Liza has come a really long way in how she interacts with customers and getting to know the different items in the shop.” As an avid fabric enthusiast, Liza has offered her top tips on what to look out for when shopping at The Sewing Basket: Floral and tropical prints: Stylish botanical and floral prints in bold or muted colours. Take your pick from a wide range for timeless inspiration. Light fabrics: Linen, cotton, chambray, rayon and blended fabrics are perfect for warmer weather. Natural fibres allow for maximum breathability. Vintage fabrics: Popular among fashion and sewing enthusiasts, iconic vintage fabrics from by-gone

eras never go out of style. High waisted pants and playsuits make a bold statement. Vivid colours: Embrace colour this season with cerulean blues, neo-mint, sage green, turmeric yellow and earthy tones. Comfort fashion: Look for simple, elegant styles and patterns that are comfortable enough to wear all day long. Last financial year, The Sewing Basket’s Sydney outlets at Newington, Balmain and West Ryde attracted more than 10,000 customer visits and over 75,000 transactions. A recent expansion has seen a new shop and warehouse open up on the NSW Central Coast from 9am to 3pm Monday to Friday at Unit 5, 11-13 Cochrone Street, Kincumber, NSW 2251. Proceeds from sales at The Sewing Basket go into operational costs of the social enterprise and in supporting programs for people with disability at work. For more information about disability employment, volunteering, donating or shopping at The Sewing Basket visit: www.thesewingbasket.com.au

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WEST RYDE

NEWINGTON

NEWINGTON Unit 5, 2 Holker St (Cnr Ave of Asia) Newington NSW 2127

WEST RYDE 1079 Victoria Rd West Ryde NSW 2114

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BALMAIN 450 Darling St Balmain NSW 2041

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THE FABRIC SHOP SUPPORTING PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY NOW ON THE CENTRAL COAST

1300 22 44 38 linkonline.com.au

Achieve Australia

@achievesewingbasket

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Accessibility issues with new boat ramp sailing into calmer waters

new boat ramp recently opened in Kalaru on the NSW South Coast was not good news for those with limited mobility. Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC) opened the new boat ramp at Christmas but its lack of accessibility has raised the ire of local resident, Chris Sparks. However, a BVSC spokesperson told Link the Council is reviewing the design and consultation process that led to the final design and looking into options to assess what can be done at the site to make improvements. “The Council acknowledges that the project has not delivered good results in terms of accessibility, and accessibility is important and we aim to do better,” the spokesperson said. “Incorporating accessibility and inclusivity into Council projects is undertaken wherever possible, particularly at popular sites with supporting facilities. There have been many examples of this over the past few years, including viewing areas, headland paths, playgrounds and walking trails.” A Council meeting on January 27 considered a Notice of Motion on the project with outcome being: • That Council arrange a public meeting as soon as possible to allow concerned residents to provide feedback on the operation of the new jetty and boat ramp recently completed at Kalaru • That Councillors workshop possible solutions to any identified problems with the new facility • That a further report be provided to the Council with options to fix any problems identified. Several site constraints including existing terrain and site levels, the site being subject to flooding, environmental permits and Aboriginal heritage put limitations on the type of facility and the project design with works to the access road and parking areas still in progress. Sparks, president of the Physical Disability Council NSW and disability advocate, has lived in the area for more than a decade. A wheelchair user due to a spinal cord injury as a toddler, Sparks was a regular visitor to the previous informal boat ramp at Kalaru that allowed him to park and wheel down to the water’s edge. But he said the fixed height design of the new facility has made it impossible for him to get into his boat and there is no direct access to the water other than the boat ramp which is too steep for a typical wheelchair user. “I understand the engineering challenges posed by the lake at Kalaru when it floods, as parts of my property can go under water by several metres. However, we should have looked for a more innovative engineering solution that would have worked for all rate payers and visitors, not just the most able”, he said.

February/March 2021

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Finding a better life in a year like no other – Allan’s story

llan is a shining example of resilience and determination. He lives with an intellectual and physical disability and always wanted to work. Yet finding the right employer proved to be a challenge. Now, with the help of MatchWorks’ Central Coast team, the New South Wales job seeker has started a new warehouse role at Achieve Australia’s The Sewing Basket. “Allan was by far the hardest working job seeker I had, and was applying for over 20 jobs a month by himself,” employment consultant, Mathew said. “He would regularly share his progress with us, and after a few months, he opened up about his previous work environment. I promised him that we would avoid putting him in that situation again.”

The team helped Allan find new job opportunities. They also worked with him on his presentation skills so he could engage well at job interviews and further encouraged him to keep motivated while he worked with his doctor and personal trainer to lose almost 40 kilograms. “So much has changed for me over the last eight months,” he said. “Michelle and Mat helped me keep my hopes up and stay positive. They found the job for me and after the interview, I was on the list of four contenders… then I got the call that I was the lucky one to get it!” Life is much better now that he has a job, and a typical work day includes tagging and sorting fabric, and packing boxes in the warehouse.

“The staff are wonderful, they are the best staff and when you need help, they help… I feel really happy there,” he said.“I would like to thank David for giving me a chance to work there and be part of the wonderful staff I have met. And I would like to say thank you to Mat and Michelle for everything they have done for me. Without them, I don’t know where I would be now… you just need to talk to the right people.”

Believe today

Begin tomorrow

Every year, MatchWorks empowers thousands of Disability Employment Service (DES) job seekers to prepare for, find and keep a job. When you choose MatchWorks as your DES provider, we work together to achieve your goals and tailor support to your individual circumstances and abilities. Flexible service options available, via phone, video conference or online.

Change your tomorrow, today. 1300 13 23 63 matchworks.com.au

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FREE

legal service

new service to improve access to legal advice, particularly for people with disability and those living in regional areas, has been launched by law firm, Mills Oakley. Known as Everyday Justice, the initiative will provide free legal advice, via telephone, online and in person on employment law, tenancy, credit and debt, financial abuse, fines and infringements, human rights, climate change law and public interest law. Other matters such as family and criminal law, immigration, property, Centrelink, the NDIS and workers compensation, are not available from the service. According to Amy Burton, managing lawyer for the firm’s pro bono operations, legal advice is available to anyone who has an issue that falls within the service’s practice areas. This includes anyone with a physical or intellectual disability.

for disability sector

If someone needs some extra help with their legal issue, the service will assess whether the client falls within their ‘Eligibility Test’. “The first step is phone advice and based on the first assessment we decide what help is needed,” she told Link. “The second step may require limited assistance that involves drafting a letter or a basic court document to say a neighbour who plays loud music late at night, which could resolve the matter. The final step comes down to full legal representation and taking the matter to court, which is subject to an eligibility test which we can determine in many cases.” For information and bookings: Phone 1800 161 196 or info@everydayjustice.com.au An online chat site will also be available and is being updated to make it more accessible for people with disability.

Search tool to manage hearing health

new search tool to help the estimated one in six Australians experiencing hearing loss has been launched by Audiology Australia. The ‘Find and Audiologist’ search tool has a data base of 400 audiologists to assist those seeking care for their hearing health find the right accredited clinician. Some providers are covered by the NDIS but people seeking consultations will have to confirm with individual providers regarding their coverage. Hearing loss is diagnosed by audiologists who can help people preserve, manage and improve their hearing and balance and the ability to process and understand sounds. Audiology Australia CEO Dr Tony Coles said the new tool is an important way to make it easier for consumers to visit an accredited audiologist for regular hearing checks. “Australians across the country

February/March 2021

can use the tool to find an audiologist based on their geographic location or the clinician’s specialty area. It can also be used to look up audiologists by name and check that their current clinician, or one that they have been referred to by a GP, is accredited.” He said being able to communicate with a clinician is extremely important in this field and those with different language preferences are able to utilise the search tool to find an audiologist who speaks their preferred language, with over 40 language options available in the database. Hearing health can have a significant impact on a person’s overall health and wellbeing. Research suggests that people with mild symptoms of hearing loss may be twice as likely to develop dementia and patients with even low-frequency hearing loss should be regarded as 'at risk' for cardiovascular events.

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Do your clients have mobility issues that make laundry days difficult?

uggesting the purchase of a Mrs Pegg’s portable clothesline through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for your clients can reduce the impact of their disability when it comes to laundry. With a fully portable clothesline you can guide clients to embrace adaptive technologies such as a Mrs Pegg’s Handy Line. Mrs. Pegg’s Handy Lines are a tremendous help to people with disabilities because they have lower line levels than conventional clotheslines and being portable, can be placed near the laundry door so wet washing doesn’t have to be carried far. The Easy 8 Handy Line is our latest clothesline and has been specifically designed for people in wheelchairs

or those with upper body mobility issues. This gives your clients more independence and the ability to do their clothes drying without assistance in their home. One of the best things about the range of Mrs Pegg’s Handy Lines is they are all registered under the NDIS scheme, so clients will be eligible to have a clothesline delivered free to their door. Here are a few points to consider when guiding your clients to buy a clothes line: • Ease of installation • Durability • Capacity for holding clothes • Control of tension • Accessibility for user • Length of warranty.

A Mrs Pegg’s Handy Line ticks all the boxes and this is why our portable clotheslines come highly recommended by occupational therapists throughout Australia. A Mrs Pegg’s Handy Line: • Arrives fully assembled • Some customers are still using their clotheslines after 20 years • Up to 16m of drying line • Can hold over two full wash loads • 2-year warranty • Lightweight – just 2.8 – 3.8 kg. To order a Mrs. Pegg’s Handy Line for your clients… Please Free Call 1800 111 811 or email info@mrspeggs.com.au to speak with one of our friendly staff.

HELP YOUR CLIENT’S SAFETY AND INDEPENDENCE At 110cm off the ground our portable clothesline allows for easy reach even from a wheelchair. Your clients can also choose from 2 other Handy Line sizes. See our website for details.

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WITH A MRS PEGGS CLASSIC EASY 8 HANDY LINE

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February/March 2021

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a m i l l e Co n d o it C ed

Growing Up Disabled in Australia

Carly Findlay about Ca r

l y Fi n d l a y -

o ph

Writer and activist Carly Findlay has put together a rich collection of 40 original stories and verse. She spoke to Kymberly Martin. Was this anthology your idea? Did Stella Young inspire you to take it on? I was asked to contribute a chapter to Growing Up African in Australia by Maxine Beneba Clarke in 2018. I said yes, and on the same day, I asked my agent if we could pitch Growing Up Disabled in Australia to Black Inc. as part of their Growing Up series. We did, and they said yes! Stella Young and her work is always in my mind - she changed the world and the disability media scale for so many. Stella Young did an excellent job editing ABC Ramp Up. Since it was defunded in June 2014, there has been no designated media space for disabled people. So while this book isn’t an ongoing website, it’s the first of its kind in Australia and I think Stella would have loved it.

How long did it take to pull it all together?

I pitched in July 2018, signed the contract in September then had to wait until December 3, 2018 to announce the news and call for contributors. Part of that time in between getting the book deal and announcing it was to ensure we had accessible communications about the submission process and also multiple ways of submitting and it also made sense to announce it on Disability Day. The submission period was six months and I read all 366 submissions in around six weeks and made my selections. We announced the contributors in October 2019 and the cover art on Disability Day 2019.

February/March 2021

Then Covid delayed the publication! It was supposed to be out in June 2020, but it will be out this month. (February 2021).

How did you select the people who contributed?

I wanted to include a diversity of impairments (disability types), and also intersectionality - that is, race, gender, sexuality, age, religion, culture and language, as well as geography. After I had read all of the submissions and made a shortlist, I also noted gaps in the book and contacted a few more people asking them to write a piece or be interviewed for the book. The book has written prose, poetry, illustrations and three interviews. It features prominent disabled people, and many who I can’t wait to introduce to you.

Who should buy your book and why?

Everybody. Young disabled people. Disabled adults. Parents of disabled people. Doctors. Teachers. Non-disabled people. The book will change readers’ perceptions about disability. And there is some really good writing in it.

Is there to be a sequel?

I hope so - but I’d love for another disabled person to edit it!

Is there a braille version?

There will be a paperback, e-book, audiobook (narrated by Kate Hood), but I’m not sure about a braille version.

Where is the book sold?

It is available in bookstores, online, and to borrow from libraries.

Your next goal?

I’d love to write a children’s picture book. I’d also love to do more work in the media - TV and radio. I said this for 2020 but I really need a rest.

What do you wish for?

That disability to be represented respectfully in media and literature, disabled people’s stories to be centred and for more disabled people to get book deals.

Hobbies – what do you do in your spare time?

I love cooking, reading, seeing live music, art galleries. I am also just learning to roller skate.

Who would you like to meet and what would you ask them?

I’d love to meet the late Laura Hershey, a writer and disability activist (she wrote poetry including You Get Proud by Practicing), and ask her about disability pride and community.

Has Covid-19 had an impact on your life?

I have been fortunate to have part time work at Melbourne Fringe on top of my freelance work but have worked from home since March 16. Many of my speaking jobs were postponed or cancelled. Travel stopped. I found lockdown lonely and isolating at times. I am also highly susceptible to Covid-19, as I suspect most, if not all contributors in the book are. So, I’ve been wearing a mask before they became mandatory, limiting large events post-lockdown and being careful with hygiene.

Do you have a constant companion – dog or cat?

No, I’d love a dog though. I had to ask the final question – my dog runs my life! (editor)

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GIVEAWAY

ink has a copy of Growing Up Disabled in Australia to giveaway. Tell us in 20 words why you would like a copy of this book. Send entries to: kymberly@intermedia.com.au by March 10, 2021.

This is the fifth book in the bestselling Growing Up series. It includes interviews with Senator Jordan Steele-John and Paralympian Iris Holt as well as contributions from writers with disability or chronic illness including El Gibbs, Gayle Kennedy, Dion Beasley and Sarah Firth. As Carly Findlay said in her introduction: “I hope this book creates a sense of identity, pride and belonging to a community – for the contributors and for readers. I can’t wait to see these writers fly. “I also hope this book can be a friend to people who need it because it’s a friend I needed when I was younger.”

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February/March 2021

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Five cookbooks for fresh and simple summer meals

fresh simple

ummer is here and with it an abundance of delicious fresh food. Summer is a great time to experiment with new recipes, so Zest have done some research for you and found five cookbooks with quick, easy meal ideas. These five disability-friendly cookbooks are filled with fresh ideas for making zesty summer meals. They are easy to follow, either on your own or with some help from your support worker. We hope you’ll have fun creating something zesty and healthy this summer!

Cooking by Colour:

By Joan Guthrie Medlen This cookbook uses colour coding, plain language and plenty of images to help you make each recipe successfully. It was designed for teens and adults with disabilities to make cooking simple and give you more control in the kitchen. The step-by-step system includes: • Information on serving sizes, preparation time and ideas for serving each recipe • Colour coding for measuring tools, like cups and spoons • Colour coding for cutting boards (to avoid cross contamination between foods) • Easy-to-follow instructions in list order • Cooking tips for success in the kitchen. Available from: Amazon.

February/March 2021

4 Ingredients: By Kim McCosker

and Rachael Bermingham This cookbook contains over 340 fast, easy recipes that only need four ingredients or less. All the recipes can be made using one cup, one teaspoon and one tablespoon. There are recipe ideas for everything from breakfast to dinner, including entrees, soups, salads and desserts, all using ingredients readily available from the supermarket. It’s available in both paperback and eBook format from Booktopia and Amazon. Versions are also available for people with diabetes, vegetarians/ vegans, people with allergies, and those following gluten free diets.

5 Ingredients – Quick & Easy Food: By Jamie Oliver

Chef and healthy eating advocate Jamie Oliver has created a cookbook to help make good food simple. Each of the 130-plus recipes uses just five key ingredients, to help get a meal together quickly, with minimal handson preparation. There are chapters on chicken, beef, pork, lamb, fish, eggs, vegetables, salads, pasta, rice, noodles and sweet things. Every recipe comes with: • A visual ingredient guide • Information about serving sizes and timings • A short, easy-to-follow method • Quick-reference nutritional information. Available from: Amazon, Booktopia and Big W.

Let’s Cook! Healthy Meals for Independent Living:

By Elizabeth D. Riesz and Anne Kissack This cookbook is written in plain language and large print. Spiral-bound for easy use on a kitchen counter without losing the page. Full colour photos show step-by-step preparation and what the completed meal looks like. There’s also information on portion sizes, how to package and save leftovers and advice about food and kitchen safety. 50 recipes follow the formula: • What I need • What I use • What I do Availability from Amazon may vary.

The Easy CookBook Series

These books were originally produced for people with disability or learning difficulties and are written in clear and concise language. They are printed on strong laminated paper, which makes page-turning easy and allows you to just wipe off any spills. The series of five books feature healthy and tasty recipes, including no-cook ideas and meals that can be cooked in the microwave, regular oven or on the stove top. To make things simple, each recipe: • Is divided into 6 to 8 easy to follow picture steps, and • Comes with a picture shopping card listing all the ingredients you’ll need from the supermarket. The cookbooks use a colour-code system to help make the recipes and picture steps easy to follow. Order from www.easycookbook.org/home.

Bonus online resource: Accessible Chef

Created to help people with disability learn basic cooking skills, Accessible Chef has more than 200 free visual recipes. The site also comes with a range of resources from adaptive cooking tools to nutrition for dental hygiene. Many of the recipes have been contributed by users. You can even create your own visual recipes and download them to your computer. Have you made something from one of these cookbooks? We’d love to share it with our community! Send us a photo at: hello@zestcare.net.au and we’ll post it on social media.

About Zest:

Zest Personalised Care is a registered provider of NDIS disability support services with two decades of experience in the care industry. Please get in touch if you’d like any more information about how we work with individuals to achieve their goals.

1300 153 637 www.zestcare.net.au

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Your partner in possibilities.

Registered NDIS service provider. At Zest we believe in partnerships, let’s bring together your goals and our desire to support you in achieving them. We provide: Direct supports Plan management Support coordination Sydney I Illawarra I Hunter I Newcastle I Melbourne I Brisbane

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February/March 2021

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Hints & Tips W

ound dressings may be changed on a daily basis but it can be reasonable for a dressing to remain in place for up to seven days, provided the dressing is designed to be used that long. A dressing can also be left in place if there is no leakage, the dressing edges are sealed and there is no sign of surrounding irritation or redness on the skin. If the person with a wound dressing does complain of discomfort, or the edges of the dressing are no longer sealed, the dressing should be removed and replaced as soon as possible. A dressing that has a change indicator to inform you when the dressing needs changing may help reduce early dressing changes and

February/March 2021

- when to change wound dressings minimise waste and trauma to the wound. It may also help to plan your next appointment with your medical professional, as appointment times for a dressing change may vary in availability. Physical health is never just about our body it is also in our mind, feelings and ambitions. When something holds it back it can put life on hold. Smith & Nephew seek imaginative solutions that improve wound outcomes for patients using technology that is inspired by a simple promise. Two words to bring together all we do...‘Life Unlimited’ Smith + Nephew are a leading portfolio medical technology company. For more information on wounds and products visit: www.smith-nephew.com/anz

Physical health is never just about our body it is also in our mind, feelings and ambitions. When something holds it back it can put life on hold.

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Physical health is never just about our body. It’s our mind, feelings and ambitions. When something holds it back, it’s our whole life on hold. We’re here to change that. To use technology to take the limits off living. Then go on stronger inspired by a simple promise. Two words that bring together all we do.

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

smith-nephew.com/ndis Or scan the QR code

Smith & Nephew Pty Ltd (Australia) www.smith-nephew.com/australia. 27446-1-anz V1 09/20.

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February/March 2021

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Gemma Buchholz with her two sons

You can do anything you put your mind to” Wicked Wheelchairs general manager and NDIS plan manager, Jaime Thomson

Dream it. Believe it. Achieve it.

aime Thomson and Gemma Buchholz have a unique connection that inspires both of them to be the best version of themselves. Their lives came together in 2010 through a mutual involvement in a sporting organisation. Through wheelchair basketball they built a mutual respect for each other both on and off the basketball court and it was the Gold Coast Rollerblaze Wheelchair Basketball Club that gave them both the opportunity to empower others to live a healthy, active lifestyle through the use of assistive technology (AT) and NDIS Plan Management. Now with NDIS support Jaime is helping Gemma to reach for the stars and live her life to the full. From elite athlete (2 x Australian Paralympian and past National Wheelchair Basketball League player) to a mother of two beautiful boys, Gemma is proof that: ‘if you dream it and believe it, you will achieve it’. Gemma told Link how her NDIS Plan has helped her achieve her goals. New to the NDIS in 2018 she chose to self-manage her plan, but despite being able to exercise full choice and

February/March 2021

control when it came to implementing her plan, and choosing her service providers, she struggled. “It was daunting at first as I felt I was going into the unknown and although it was easy to find information, it was difficult to understand and navigate. In a nutshell, it was just a lot to take in.” As time passed, Gemma decided she needed more support and guidance and for her second plan, chose to be Plan Managed by Wicked Wheelchairs. “Jaime asked me what I wanted to focus on to achieve my current NDIS year 2 Plan. I ran off a list that would up the ante on an active lifestyle by bringing health, fitness and recreation together with family and friends. I wanted to try things that I had not done before, increase my ability to socialise within the community, enjoy the outdoors and live an active lifestyle with my boys…take them fishing, camping, swimming and bike riding,” she said. Wicked Wheelchairs took a holistic approach that included working with Gemma to source AT and personal support to help

her achieve these goals. “When it comes to capacity building, Gemma is currently receiving assistance in the home to build her ability to undertake domestic duties independently. She is also learning to build skills to sustain her income from her personal business as a psychic medium, as well as how to better understand and implement her NDIS plan funding to achieve her goals.” Asked why she chose Wicked to provide her with Plan Management services Gemma said: “Jaime understands me and talks my language. She encourages me to see things from a different perspective and inspires me to achieve my goals. Her knowledge in adaptive equipment is exceptional and she is a team player both on and off the court. “Jaime is helping me to live my life to the full and I am learning to be an independent mother and individual. She trusts me, listens to me and makes me feel valued. Her knowledge is diverse and if she doesn’t know the answer she will find it given her wide experience with disability.”

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Plan Management We are NDIS Plan Management specialists focused on you

Personal service is our touch Attention to detail is our strength Helpfulness is our priority

Numbers make us excited!

Track your funds via your GENIUS client dashboard

Jaime with Gemma Gemma is a 2x Paralympian, mother of two and NDIS participant.

Contact Jaime today to see how we can help you manage your NDIS Funds. 07 55 000 882

jaime@wickedplanmanagement.com.au

0409 000 187

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Delivered to you by Wicked Wheelchairs Pty Ltd NDIS Provider No: 4050008725 Assistive Technology and Plan Management Services

February/March 2021

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Film-maker Stephanie Dower - building her team for success

quipped with a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts, Stephanie Dower has successfully crafted a career around her physical limitations and capabilities and established her own company, Dower Productions. “I needed work that was flexible for me in terms of hours and locations because, before the NDIS came along, I didn’t receive any formal support,” she said. Since becoming an NDIS participant, Stephanie has engaged independent support workers to assist her through busy days, not just at home but at meetings and on set. She has built her own personal support team via Mable.com.au, an online platform that connects people who live with a disability with independent support workers in their local community. On any given day, Stephanie could be working on a short film or television series, editing vision and sound, writing material, podcasting or doing graphic design. She’s also an enthusiastic mentor for others in her industry and her particular fondness is for promoting inclusion. “I’m really passionate about putting people with disabilities on the screen.” Currently in development is a feature film, Seeing Scout, with Stephanie producer and co-writer. As someone who has personal experience with physical disabilities, she is a prolific advocate for others who do too. When tragedy strikes in the film, the main characters, one of whom has a physical disability, discovers that what really limits their prospects is not their perceived disability but the expectations that exist only in their own minds.

February/March 2021

Stephanie Dower and Jane

Stephanie, who engages support workers like Jane for a range of services including personal care and transportation said: “They are sometimes my arms and legs”. And engaging support through Mable allows her to maintain control over her life by being able to tailor her support hours around her needs and choose the services that suit her. “I love the flexibility and having choices. It’s enabled me to undertake more opportunities so I can work more often and be on set for longer hours and also travel with my support worker. These are opportunities that

a few years ago, I wouldn’t be able to swing and now I think, hang- on, I can actually do that if I want to. Plus, if I didn’t have access to the Mable platform, I wouldn’t have people like Jane in my life.” Jane said that Mable enables clients to “call the shots” around their support. “Clients get to make the decisions and Mable provides a very easy way to access what they need.” “I’m so grateful,” Stephanie said, “and thanks to the NDIS and Mable, I am able to live the life I want to live, on my terms.” To learn more: www.mable.com.au

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Matt and his support worker, Nick

Community Support - helping you live

Your Life, Your Way

ommunity Support Inc. has been providing in-home and incommunity supports for people living with a disability, mental health, or aged care related need for 30 years. It offers a range of professional, flexible services for children, young people and adults requiring home or community support across all metropolitan and regional areas of South Australia. With qualified staff supporting clients across the state, the organisation provides individuals with everything they need to help them live their life, their way. “At Community Support we focus on putting client’s goals and aspirations at the centre of everything we do. We are constantly

looking for ways to improve our service delivery and supports and ensuring we attract the best support workers to deliver services”, CEO, Dr Angela Littleford said. “A great example is our client, Matt, who has been receiving NDIS funded in-home and in-community services from Community Support for the last five years. His main support worker is Nick, who encourages Matt to reach his goals and be the best he can be. They have a great relationship and there is a trusting bond between the two”, she said Before Matt chose Community Support, he never went out much, was isolated and tended to stay at home all the time.

The social support service Matt accesses provides him with the opportunity to get out into the community and talk to people while his client services coordinator ensures he receives everything he needs to be independent as possible. Nick takes Matt to the gym, swimming, and shopping. He also helps Matt choose ingredients and prepare his meals at home. “My favourite things to cook are chicken patties and creamy pasta salad,” said Matt. I chose Community Support because I like the staff. The rostering team are fantastic, and they always do what I ask. We always have a joke, and they are really helpful. Nick is a fantastic support worker and is always cheerful and we joke around and have so much fun. I’m really lucky to have Nick support me.” Community Support worked with the client to put in place the goals and objectives he had to help him live his life his way. “Finding the right support worker to match the client’s needs is something we aim to do as best as we can. It is rewarding to see the support have a wonderful outcome for clients like Matt, so they can be as independent as possible,” Littleford said. And the last words come from Matt: “I love coming into the head office. Everyone is so nice and friendly. You make me feel very welcome every time. CSI is great. I have told everyone.”

Providing you with personalised and professional services to help you live Your Life, Your Way. Community Support Inc are the South Australian experts in delivering one‑to‑one in‑home and community‑based support. Every day, we provide personalised, tailored support services to almost 1,000 people living with a disability. We have been delivering services to people of all ages since 1991. Our team are experts at making sure that you receive the support you want, at the place and time that suits you.

csisa.org.au

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To find out more contact us today! Telephone 08 8429 1200 Email hello@csisa.org.au Or via our website csisa.org.au

February/March 2021

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Visiting Taronga Zoo is an easy ride in a wheelchair, as Caitlin Maynard discovered

“L

ast winter a friend of mine was visiting Sydney and planned a trip to Taronga Zoo. I had been before and loved it. So when she mentioned meeting there I was eager to agree. On previous visits I had gone with friends or family who either drove me or took the ferry/bus with me. I knew the route to take, as I had done it before, but not on my own. I began panicking, thinking of all the ‘what ifs’? What if the ramp to get on the ferry is uneven? What if my wheelchair is too slow and I miss the ferry? What if I can’t get around the zoo to see all my favourite animals without my family clearing a path? My friend came to Sydney for work with a group of students, so there weren’t many chances for me to spend time with her, so I wasn’t prepared to back out and put my doubts aside and said yes. But this meant catching two ferries, one bus or the sky rail, finding the group and then navigating the zoo itself. As it turned out I was nervous for nothing, the trip went smoothly and the zoo is almost entirely accessible and switching ferries at Circular Quay went without a hitch.

February/March 2021

When I landed at the ferry stop at the base of the zoo I discovered there are two different ways to get to the entrance. Either take a bus or ride the sky safari, a gondola system above the zoo with great views of the entire zoo and Sydney Harbour. There is a huge set of stairs to get to the sky safari or a small lift that you can ask someone to unlock and ride up to. I knew that taking the bus would be much simpler for zoo staff and myself so when a staffer welcomed me I asked when the next bus would arrive. I was told I could either wait for the bus or he would take me to the lift so I could ride the sky rail. I was so impressed by this because it would have been much less of a hassle to just answer when the bus was coming. Instead he gave me the fun and exciting option, offering to help me do what everyone else visiting the zoo wanted to do… catch the sky rail. When I got to the sky rail, there weren’t the typical questions about where my carer was or who would be assisting me. Staff measured my chair to make sure it would fit and set up small wooden ramp for me to get on. Staff took extra safety precautions putting an additional lock on the outside of the door.

Clearly zoo staff are well trained on how to welcome people with disability to be able to enjoy what the zoo has to offer.

I had gone to the zoo expecting this to be the most challenging and possibly the most disappointing part of the trip, but it went smoothly. Clearly zoo staff are well trained on how to welcome people with disability to be able to enjoy what the zoo has to offer. Finding my friend and her group was easy because the zoo has ‘muster point’ signs in every section, which made it simple to meet up. I got to see every animal up close as each enclosure is visible from my low angle and easy to access.” I stopped at two of the cafes and both were pleasant experiences and I was able to wait in line and go straight to the counter to order. There was no difficulty with counter heights or questions about whether my wheelchair would fit. The best part of Taronga Zoo is that accessibility was not an afterthought when the zoo was designed. They did not build the zoo and then add a few ramps and call it a day. Taronga is not only designed for visitors with disability to be able to get around without having to go back and forth to find a lift or ramp as there is clear and safe access whether you are walking or using a mobility aid.

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Explore Your OPTIONS

Alistair at Healesville Sanctuary

hroughout 2021 Australia will be one of the safest destinations to holiday with an abundance of unmissable and exciting destinations to experience and explore. Leisure Options offers fully customised and individual holiday itineraries that turns your holiday dreams into an unforgettable reality. Whether it’s swimming with dolphins, visiting the Red Centre, watching a world-famous sporting event, exploring the Gold Coast theme parks, or just having a relaxing getaway, the holiday opportunities are endless.

As a supported travel specialist Leisure Options brings their many years of experience to help you achieve your ultimate holiday goals. Itineraries are tailored to your specific requests, ensuring that they also suit your personal needs and support requirements. You will also be matched with a suitable, experienced tour leader. Leisure Options travel coordinators are trained destination and product experts who utilise their knowledge and networks to ensure you have access to the best travel deals.

Every aspect of your travel, from booking flights, accommodations, ground transfers, tours and activities are handled by the experienced staff. Full travel support is provided right from the initial booking through to your return home ensuring a hasslefree holiday experience. As the current pandemic has changed the travel landscape for the near future Covid safety is always at the core of a Leisure Options getaway. As a Covid-Clean registered business you can rest assured that Covid-safe guidelines, policies and protocols are always strictly followed. Current situations are also closely monitored across the nation with modifications to your plans available to ensure your ongoing safety. Your dream holiday is only a phone call or email away. All you need to do is pack your bags and enjoy a fun-filled and memorable holiday experience. Contact Leisure Options on 03 9646 066 or mail@leisureoptions.com.au to discuss your 2021 holiday plans.

We support the

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February/March 2021

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‘All abilities’ park opens in Melbourne

he Stockland property group recently opened its first inclusive park in South East Melbourne. Located in the Edgebrook community, the Variety Livvi’s Place has been designed to consider children and families living with autism. To encourage learning it has an abundance of experiences to support children with sensory processing, social interaction and movement incorporating features such as water sensory zones, quiet spaces and themed zones, including the recently opened flight deck. There is also a shaded barbeque area, toilet facilities, slides, swings and more. Variety national manager inclusive play, Kim Becherand, said

February/March 2021

inclusive play spaces like Variety Livvi’s Place at Edgebrook that engages all children, their families and friends in play, are fundamental in creating inclusive communities across Australia. “We are proud of our continuing partnerships with Stockland as a key element in our mission for every local council area to have at least one inclusive play space,” she said. The park was designed in collaboration with occupational therapist, Katie Greig, and caters for cognitive aspects, sensory sensitivities and empathy intelligence. It combines a balance of amenity, therapy, education, ecology, colour and the seven senses.

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U City the latest in accessibility for Adelaide

f the vibrant city of Adelaide has been on your bucket list for a while, there’s no better time to visit than now! Not only is it home to stunning coastline, inviting wine and hills regions, and a jam-packed arts and culture calendar, Adelaide is also leading the way in access and inclusion. In 2019, the City of Adelaide endorsed its Access and Inclusion Plan, making clear its commitment to making the city a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy. Uniting Communities’ U City building is playing a big role in supporting this, offering brand new purpose-built accommodation right

in the heart of the city. The 20-storey building has been designed with a focus on supporting people living with disability, offering a range of features including ‘hotel’-style accommodation. U City’s 18 accessible serviced apartments are all about choice, supporting guests with accommodation to suit their needs and maximise independence – all in a fantastic location close to public transport, shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Features include the latest stateof-the-art assistive technology, allowing guests to control lights, blinds, air conditioning and doors,

and to contact Concierge from wherever they are in the apartment. Built-in cameras allow guests to see visitors at the entrance and remotely grant them access to the building. Within the apartments is a range of purpose-built features such as wheel-under hot plates and kitchen sink, motorised doors and blinds, lifter tracks and functional beds, height-adjustable en suite basins and kitchen benches, wide doors and passages, and step-free thresholds and shower cubicles. U City also offers Specialist Disability Accommodation and a Changing Places facility – a bestpractice bathroom including a hoist and other customised features to provide dignified and purpose-built toileting and showering facilities, and the only 24/7 Changing Places in the Adelaide CBD. To experience all that Adelaide has to offer, and make U City your base in the CBD, visit ucity.com.au or call 1800 247 365 to talk about your accessible serviced accommodation options.

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

SEE U SOON – now open! ENQUIRE TODAY 1800 247 365 | apartments@ucity.com.au 43 Franklin Street, Adelaide SA 5000 ucity.com.au AN INNOVATION OF

UNITING COMMUNITIES

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February/March 2021

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Accessibility reaches new heights

Caitlin Maynard takes a day trip to the Blue Mountains in NSW

rom the word go visiting the Echo Point Lookout in the Blue Mountains in Katoomba is now easy for wheelchair users both motorised and manual following major redevelopments to the area that have made it more accessible and enjoyable for visitors. However, as the terrain is quite hilly manual wheelchair users need to be prepared for some rough and elevated spots and make sure their companion is able to push the chair through the slopes. There is a drop-off point and two disability parking spots at the entrance near the Visitors Information Centre. Being able to be dropped off does eliminate the previous frustration of having to get back to the lookout from the regular parking area which is some distance away if the two spots are already taken.

February/March 2021

The information desk at the visitors centre has a preprinted sheet listed with all the activities and amenities that are accessible around Katoomba, including restaurants, transport, hotels and motels, bush walks, local attractions and wheelchair hire, all useful information for a day trip. The upgrades to Echo Point includes a new amphitheatre where people gather for talks or performances, a new Prince of Wales lookout, improved safety and security add-ons such as CCTV, lights and security bollards and an accessible night-lit boardwalk that connects the different lookouts with the amphitheatre. Everything is easy to navigate and does not take away from the natural beauty of the mountains that can be observed past the safety rails.

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Link to...Travel & Leisure The gathering place, or amphitheatre, was created in consultation with Dharug and Gundungurra Traditional Owners and designed to provide an immersive experience for everyone. It is located on the eastern side of Echo Point with seating for around 70 people. In the stage area, there is an etched ‘Map of Country’ which signifies meaningful waterways found in the area. The sandstone amphitheatre is equipped with LED lights that mirror constellations in the night sky. It has a small stage surrounded by a few row of seats with an accessible entrance at the back of the seating area and in the front to the stage that gives people with disability several seating options. The boardwalk, that is easily accessible to the different lookouts with views to the Three Sisters iconic rock formation and the National Park, recently reopened after being closed for more than 10 years due to land slippage. Constructed from wood and steel it is textured and non-slip. The boardwalk starts outside the visitors centre, leading to the amphitheatre that takes visitors through the trees to different lookouts All the new additions, plus the trail that was mostly accessible previously, allows anyone in a wheelchair to enjoy the beauty of the area and not be left to wait while everyone else takes in the scenery, and most importantly do most of it together.

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February/March 2021

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Accessible holiday accommodation at

Lake Macquarie

ake Macquarie City Council on the NSW Central Coast has taken accessible holiday accommodation seriously. In 2019 the council began a project to install four accessible cabins in their holiday parks. The council tested the market and feedback for the new design was integrated into the site. Some of the elements that were considered important, especially for wheelchair users and their families included: • Swipe card access • Wheelchair access to both bedrooms • Larger switches • Swing top bins • Fridge above the freezer • Variable height clothesline • Larger decks and accessible barbeque area. Council Holiday Parks coordinator, Garry Ellem, said inclusive design was key to meeting the needs for a broad range of customers and was not just about focusing on the archaic concept of someone in a wheelchair. “This project focused on developing a suitable bespoke cabin design as well as what else can be done to coincide with this new mindset and improve the overall experience at the parks,” he said. So, what’s wrong with an off the shelf product? Everyone else seems to utilise these. A review of typical cabins

revealed a startling situation; there were some common shortfalls that nearly every cabin contained such as: • Can you go up the ramp when it is raining without getting wet? • Are there glasses or microwaves, or kitchen appliances stored higher than the kitchen bench? Can you reach these? How about at the back of the lower cupboards? • Can you open/close the window and blinds? • Or, in the case of one award winning holiday park, can you use the spa bath in your luxurious access cabin if you have a need to use a wheelchair or a walking frame or… do the steps up to the spa bath stop you? More work on making the whole park more accessible means that these cabins won’t be islands of accessibility. The cabins were completed last year and are a good example of how information should be presented for wheelchair users to know just what is, and what is not, included. Saying something is “fully accessible” is of little use – it might only have a ramp and nothing else. It should be noted that these are bespoke designs specifically for wheelchair users. However, there is no reason why non-wheelchair users can’t use them.

Garry Ellem is one of the speakers at the Universal Design Conference in Melbourne on May 17-18, 2021. His presentation will discuss the project scope provided to architectural and industry experts, testing the market for new fully accessible designs, and to include those with first-hand experience in the design process. The main elements of the design process were: a floorplan suitable for a wide range of users including families; minimal environmental impact and energy efficiency to reduce ongoing costs; and making inclusion a new standard throughout the park so that the cabin isn’t sitting in isolation in the park.

February/March 2021

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Accessible-you bet! Caitlin Maynard previews the latest in accessible apps

“A

ccessibility Australia is exactly the kind of app I always wish has existed. I can’t count the number of times I try to go somewhere and their website will say one thing, but I end up have a very different experience. Having a reliable way of checking accessibility before going is a huge help. I also have wanted someone or somewhere to complain to or, rarely, compliment, on accessibility and amenities of a particular venue. With this app I can prepare others with disability what to really expect and also give the venue information regarding their accessibility, what needs updating versus what works well. Each location, whether it is a restaurant or an attraction, has an accessibility rating. The great thing

about this particular rating system is that it is partially input from the venues combined with reviews sent in by people with disability who have used that venue and give their experience. It can be difficult to note every aspect of accessibility when you don’t require extra accommodation. Even my friends and family, who go out with me in my wheelchair will checkout how they believe it will work for me and leave thinking it is totally accessible. However, when they take me we notice little things that don’t work for me in my wheelchair. It’s not something big, like an unavoidable flight of stairs, but often things you don’t notice until you have to. This is why giving people with disability, who use and require accommodation, a voice regarding accessibility is such an important thing.

Another thoughtful detail on the website is when you sign up for an account, it asks what mobility device you would normally use when going out. This is great because the website acknowledges that disabilities are fluid and one person might have different mobility aids for different activities. I use a walker, a manual wheelchair and an electric powered wheelchair for different occasions and it’s nice to be recognised as a person with lots of different needs for different activities, instead of just a disability. I have been using the app for a few weeks now and it’s interesting to look up places I have visited previously to see how they rate themselves and how accurate their ratings actually are. I have also been using the app to plan where to go. My partner recently became a vegan so we are starting to discover vegan restaurants so we first look up a few vegan restaurants, then check and go to whichever place is vegan and accessible. That way we find a place that fits both of our needs. Leaving a review is simple and takes no time at all. This encourages people like me to actually leave reviews and make it a better experience for anyone thinking of attending the venue. Overall this is definitely an app I will continue to use. To access the app go to: www.accessibleaustralia.com.au

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February/March 2021

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Sam’s

Talking Vision in 2021 S

am Colley is set to be the new presenter of popular Vision Australia Radio and podcast program Talking Vision. At of the end of February, after almost six years, host Stella Glorie will be officially signing off and handing the mic over.

February/March 2021

“I am thrilled Sam’s stepping in to both producing and hosting the program, he brings enthusiasm, youth, skill, natural aptitude and very importantly lived experience,” Glorie said. “He will give Talking Vision a fabulous new lease of life while continuing its strong presence and ever-growing audience.” A communications and radio graduate, Colley joined Vision Australia in March 2019 through its Career Start program with his work being split across both the communications department and the radio team. During this time as he honed his skills, it became obvious that radio is a real calling for him. “I’m proud and honoured to be working for an organisation where I can share my lived experience with low vision and bring this to my new role as host and producer,” Colley said. Talking Vision will continue to focus on issues relating to blindness and low vision including stories of inspiration and achievement news and information and Vision Australia services.

Talking Vision can be heard nationally, Wednesdays at 3:30pm on your local Vision Australia Radio service with replays across the week. It is also available via podcast at varadio. org and on Spotify or iTunes. Visit varadio.org for more on the networks program offerings.

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Cooking Up A Storm!

he OMNI-SENSE, a new, innovative, white cane tip has entered the assistive technology market to provide an improved day-to-day ambulatory experience for users of white-canes familiar with constant-contact techniques, improving sensory feedback and durability. Australian omni-wheel manufacturer Omnia have developed the OMNI-SENSE after Ian Edwards, The Blind Chef, spoke with the company about issues he experienced with traditional ball tips, such as shortlived durability and lack of sensory awareness. By design, Omnia's omni-wheels, which provide fluid 360 degree movement, made perfect sense for a white cane tip, with the potential to offer freer drive and less resistance than conventional ball tips. With the aid of Ian's direct and objective feedback, Omnia developed a white cane tip which makes different sounds on different surfaces and is principally moved across the ground, letting the user know exactly where they are at all times. The highgrade, 100% polymer construction means it is hard wearing and won't corrode and can even be cleaned in the dishwasher. Edwards used the OMNI-SENSE for his appearance on Channel 10's 'The Living Room' and speaks highly of the new white-cane tips benefits. "I found it has great sensory qualities and great auditory feedback. It is easy to use and if you're changing over from a standard cane it's perfect as there is no new learning. The OMNI-SENSE is much more durable as other type of tips wear out easily, and this one is so hardy, it doesn't wear at all. It's definitely the one I will stick with and I wouldn't go back to the older cane tips. " The assistive technology space is a natural arena for the omni-wheel, not only for visual impairment aids but in other applications such as wheelchairs, gurneys and many other devices which use wheels. Omnia business development manager Tim Strube, who worked closely with Ian Edwards on development of the OMNI-SENSE, said: "I'm excited to be launching this product and happy by the positive feedback we have received from those already using it. Working with The Blind Chef was a real treat as he provided valuable insight in a very frank manner. The OMNI-SENSE is robust, delivering audio and tactile feedback that has helped improve his mobility while making navigation easier." Omnia have been conducting trials of the OMNISENSE with Vision Australia and sponsored Vision Australia’s International White Cane Day Radio Show which celebrates the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired. The Omni-Sense is available to purchase now at: www.omniawheel.com

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Meet the new cane tip leading the way. Developed with and endorsed by Ian Edwards, The Blind Chef.

“I found it has great sensory qualities. It has great auditory feedback. It is easy to use. The OMNI-SENSE is much more durable, it doesn’t wear at all. It’s definitely the one I will stick with, I wouldn’t go back to the older cane tips.” - Ian Edwards, The Blind Chef. Benefits: • Better auditory feedback. • Better sensory feedback. • Ease of movement in all directions when in contact with the ground. • Durable - lasts much longer than conventional cane tips. Features: • Omni-wheel technology allowing fluid, 360 movement across a range or surfaces. • Tough polymer construction. • Available in different attachment types: hook on, push-on. • Resting stand. • Non-corrosive. • Easy to clean. • 12 month warranty, inclusive of wear.

Available now at www.omniawheel.com/omni-sense or call 02 49 078 100

February/March 2021

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Covid-19 and living with disability in 2020

“R

eflecting on 2020, it is difficult to think of anything but Covid-19 and the way it has impacted everyone in Australia, in so many different ways. Most would agree it has been a challenging year. The restrictions have meant sudden and unforeseen changes to the way we live. There has also been some fantastic evolutions in the way we work flexibly, connect with loved ones when we can’t be together and celebrate frontline workers who protect our communities during pandemics (and all the other times!). But how did the disability community fare through Covid-19? The Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (Disability Royal Commission) released the report on Experiences of people with disability during ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in November 2020. The report is based on the public hearings held in August 2020 which heard evidence from people with disabilities and their families, experts and government officials responsible for the response of the pandemic. The report is lengthy, some 134 pages. And this article in no way proposes to substitute reading the

February/March 2021

Natalie Wade

We need to be connected, and some people within the disability community can teach us a lot about it!

report, but the report is a record of the experiences of people with disability and their families during the pandemic. Through submissions from those impacted, the Disability Royal Commission heard that people with disability faced “significant difficulties in accessing essential goods and services such as good, medication, education and PPE”. People with disabilities told the Disability Royal Commission that there was “anxiety, isolation and neglect caused by the cancellation or disruption of essential services including disability supports and community access”. Amongst the inaccessible messaging, confusing in support services and calls for greater advocacy funding to support people with disabilities, there was a common thread – connection. We need to be connected, and some people within the disability community can teach us a lot about it! While Australia has been locked down at different points through 2020, the impact of isolation on some people with disabilities has been profound. Not all people have good internet, smart devices or safe homes. It is important to recognise the impact that lockdowns and restrictions have had on people in

those situations. We need to continue to ensure that we find ways to connect with those people in ways that are good for them and do not just mimic how everyone else is connecting. In my opinion, one of the leaders of connection through Covid-19 has been the bedbound and housebound people within the disability community. Disability advocate, Ricky Buchanan, who has not left her home in Melbourne for 20 years, told the Disability Royal Commission that she was able to access entertainment like concerts, live theatre for the first time since becoming bedbound. Most importantly, with the introduction of telehealth, she could seek medical assistance with relative ease. Connection is the gateway to some many of our human rights such as the right to family, to independent living, to social participation and inclusion, to work and education. Let’s keep connecting to promote those fundamental rights!

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Just in time... …it took a chance encounter with a Dawn Clock that lead to Ben on a journey of self-discovery and his diagnosis of Adult ADHD.

“S

chool was not my strong point. Actually, it was incredibly hard and exhausting and not quite the experience for a child who should love learning. But I managed to get through it somehow but I think I spent most of my time on the oval kicking a football around and trying to escape the pressure of the classroom. I wasn’t necessarily bouncing off the walls, but I always struggled to concentrate. My low grades worried my parents who were both in the education system. As I grew up and moved out, doing menial household tasks caused almost a physical pain. The thought of having to go through the process of

washing clothes overwhelmed me and I changed jobs often, couldn’t finish tasks or manage my time well. To be honest I just thought I was just really bad at being an adult. Once I married and had children, is when the wheels began to fall off for me. I couldn’t organise myself let alone help my family. Multiple humans in a small house often left me feeling trapped and wanting to escape a lot. I knew it was putting pressure on my wife but I couldn’t understand it let alone explain it to her. When I went to visit my Nan in her nursing home I saw a Dawn Clock in the corner of the common area.

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At first I didn’t think much of it but during my visit I noticed myself looking at the clock on multiple occasions. In that quiet moment sitting with Nan the penny began to drop. Not long after that day I sought help from a therapist and by May had a diagnosis of Adult ADHD. I suddenly felt free and yet in control for the first time in 35 years. I bought a Dawn Clock for myself too. It actually feels good to “see” the time and have a dedicated visual reference rather than checking my phone and getting distracted. I feel present and have noticed a reduction in my stress levels at home. I am still working it all out but grateful for that chance encounter with a Dawn Clock because it really started my process in discovering a happier life. Dawn Clocks are NDIS Approved Providers and members of ATSA. To find out more or purchase a Dawn Clock please visit www.dawn-clocks.com

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

NDIS APPROVED AUSTRALIA-WIDE

Every day counts

AUSTRALIAN OWNED

MEMBER

Visit www.dawn-clocks.com.au

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February/March 2021

Dylan Alcott

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Takes 5!

aralympian and entrepreneur Dylan Alcott has committed to learning five new skills to support his goals for 2021 and in the process encourage others to identify and meet their own. Alcott’s new skills, relating to both personal and professional development, included learning the violoncello and creating pet fashion for his dog, Sauce, thanks to independent support workers from the Mable platform. “One goal I had this year was to improve my concentration as well as mindfulness in a way unrelated to tennis, so I teamed up with Carmen at Mable to learn the violoncello. It was awesome and is the first time I have tried my hand on a classical instrument. I was amazed I could actually hit some of the notes during my first session and also started to experience the positive impact it had on my mental health.” He also engaged with other independent support workers from the Mable platform to support his goals by taking part in an abstract art lesson, learnt about the art of pet fashion with Sarah to see how this could become a commercial venture for people with disability, understanding the Japanese language and Tea Ceremony and setting himself up for the Tokyo Olympics and trying his hand at woodworking. “Support looks different for everyone, from getting help around the home to experiencing activities you’re passionate about out in the community. For me, that was tennis, and I was lucky to have support people available to me as a teen in order to go to lessons and develop my passion into a career. “When I was growing up, getting support as a person with disability was a very structured process and didn’t allow a lot of flexibility to follow goals and passions. Mable is challenging that outdated model by providing an easy platform that is changing the future of disability support in Australia,” he said.

February/March 2021

With Carmen...

Mable CEO Peter Scutt, said Mable has a mission to increase inclusivity for people with disability in Australia and is passionate about working with individuals on the platform and broader Australia to help make this happen. “The five new skills that Dylan was able to learn from the network of support workers providing services through Mable are just a few examples

of the unique support people with disability are able to tap into in order to make great steps towards their goals in 2021 and beyond,” he said. To learn more about how NDIS users can use Mable to achieve their goals, visit: www.mable.com.au To view videos of Dylan learning his five new skills, visit: www.we.tl/t-wQ9lLv0LJj

...and Sarah with Sauce!

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Find and connect with independent support workers in your area.

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Mable is the website that’s revolutionising disability support. It lets you search and connect directly with thousands of independent support people around Australia, giving you control to choose who supports you. So, whether you’re seeking “music” people or “caring” people, “dancing” people or “foodie” people, you’ll find them on Mable. We’re online so it’s easy and affordable; plus you can use your NDIS funding.

February/March 2021

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Why rent when you could have your home built using government funding?

isability Designed New Home Sales R Us is a division of Property & Mortgage Group Pty Ltd that was established in 2001. The company predominately specialise in helping people buy a new home rather than keep renting and also help with obtaining finance. The company operates as project managers overseeing and co-coordinating all necessary professional services, particularly catering to customers with a disability who want to improve their lives by having a new home that is custom built for their requirements. These new home options are available in virtually all new land estates and in all states of Australia. “Depending on the estate and location, prices start from as little as $385,000 for a house and land package so obtaining finance to buy is easy,” project manager, David

February/March 2021

Price told Link. He said generous Government Cash Grants are readily available too, for those customers that don’t have a deposit saved as well as other government rental assistance packages. “Obtaining finance to buy a home is generally easier for people with disability compared to those without a disability. Most of the homes purchased are house and land packages and built from scratch with the specific disability option installed during construction that helps keep costs down,” he said. “Also many homes are being built with an independent carers unit/home adjoining the main residence at a marginal extra cost as the same roof line is being utilised with a smaller main residence built to offset the adjoining residence.” According to Price, for those choosing to build there is a full range

of modern designs from numerous builders available. All homes are fully optioned with stone benchtops, air conditioning and dishwashers included as standard. “The first steps are basically that we find the client a piece of land in a new land estate as close as possible to where the client would like to live, what specific disability options are required and from there, a finance application is submitted to the cheapest bank at the time. We don’t charge clients any fee if the deal does not proceed for any reason so there is no risk attached to an initial process to taking up this option to build,” Price said. For more information contact Disability Designed New Home Sales R Us: PH: 1300 561 555 or Email: Help@ddnhsrus.com.au or go to: www. disabilitydesignednewhomesalesrus. com.au

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

An impressive minimum $25,000 government grant is currently available to all persons having a new home built. Let us coordinate everything for you so that you can move into your very own dream home ! 0411 269 334

1300 561 955

help@ddnhsrus.com.au disabilitydesignednewhomesalesrus.com.au

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February/March 2021

Link to...Accommodation & Home Support able to do it there successfully. This way I can be comfortable at home and be confident to recreate these activities by myself. Another thing you can do if your physio visits is go out into your neighbourhood. There is a big stairway to the park across the road from my house which was a goal of mine. When the weather is nice and I feel up to it, we go outside and have a fun session tackling the stairs. Michael believes that being at home can be more personal and creates a bond between the physiotherapist and the patient.

…and Rehab

Home physio rehab or

Caitlin Maynard goes with both

“S

ince being diagnosed at 18 with Friedreich’s ataxia I have been doing physiotherapy once or twice a week. I have changed the physiotherapists a number of times and with each new therapist comes a new style of treatment, leaving me conflicted about which is better: having a therapist come to my home, or go to a physical rehabilitation centre or hospital. There are definite positives and negatives to both. I discussed these with my current physiotherapist, Michael Hasson, who I use to see at a rehabilitation centre but who now comes to my house for home sessions. These were our thoughts. Michael started doing home appointments when the centre where he was working closed down. He also continued to practice at another rehab centre, until he set up his own company, Complete Health Group. While he misses some aspects of being in a centre, he prefers to be with people in their homes where he

February/March 2021

can get to know his clients and tailor a rehab plan for them, working directly with each client and the NDIS to set an ideal course for each individual’s physio journey. He admitted there are a few challenges with home visits, such as time management and organising and preparing equipment he may need.

Home Physiotherapy…

Having a physiotherapist come to your home is helpful, especially if you are having a tough day and don’t feel up to going out. With home physio I can be comfortable, wear soft clothes and not worry about having the energy to get to the centre or talk to people. Another great part of doing physio at home is that you learn techniques and skills in the environment where you use them. For example, Michael and I work on walking and transferring so I can practice on my own chairs, etc. This is easier than learning how to transfer onto a chair at a centre and only being

The positives of going to a rehabilitation centre or hospital for physio are important as well. One of the most useful things about going to a rehab centre is that all the equipment, information and books are available. Although it can be counterproductive to learn certain skills with equipment you might not have at home, it teaches you that you will have to adapt sometimes in life and it’s good to practice new things within a safe environment. It is also beneficial to try out different adaptations at a rehab centre to see whether they can help you and whether to consider adding them into your home. Another positive is that while it can take more energy and effort it is good to get out of home and push the barriers of your comfort zone. Michael mentioned that for some of his patients, seeing him is often their only social interactions. Going into a centre can help with not isolating yourself, getting out and moving but this may hard if you have to rely on a carer or family member to take you. For me it is a good reason to have a coffee or lunch. The main benefit to physio in a hospital or rehab centre is there are specialists, such as another physiotherapist, occupational therapist or doctor who may be able to offer advice from a different perspective. As is said earlier there are positives and negatives to both ways of doing physiotherapy, but at the end of the day the only thing that matters is that, if you are able, you are trying your hardest to keep moving!

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ENDEAVOUR – Celebrating 70 years with a ‘Dream Competition’ What’s your dream? One woman dreamed that school children with disability could also receive awards. One man dreamed of cutting the grass of politicians on top of Parliament House. Another man dreamed of being flown to Sydney to participate in the Mardi Gras. In 2018, Endeavour Foundation made all those dreams come true as part of its inaugural Imagine What’s Possible competition – a competition that encourages people with intellectual disability to acknowledge and articulate their dreams and develop confidence to believe in their true potential. Now, the Imagine What’s Possible competition is back, and it will be bigger than ever before. We want you to imagine what’s possible and we will endeavour to make it a reality.

Turning dreams into reality Imagine landing your dream job, finding your dream home, or learning to do something you’ve always dreamed of. It’s time to put 2020 behind us and focus on making big dreams come true in 2021 and turning dreams into reality. In 2018 we made three dreams come true but this year, we’ll be selecting five dreams to fulfill for people with intellectual or cognitive impairment. Entrants will be asked to think big and share their dream experience for a shot at making their dreams come true. The Imagine What’s Possible competition forms part of our 70th anniversary year celebrations, which are designed to proudly acknowledge our past, while striving forward to create greater possibilities for inclusion and opportunity for people with disability. In 2021 Endeavour Foundation celebrates 70 years of advocating for the fundamental rights for all people to live, learn, work and flourish.

Link to...Accommodation & Home Support Our Vision Endeavour Foundation was founded in Brisbane in 1951 with a vision to support people with intellectual disability to live their best life – starting with equal access to education and life-skills learning. We now support more than 4,000 adults with intellectual disability at work, at home and in the community, across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

COMPETITION Competition entries open on Monday February 15, 2021, and close on Wednesday March 31, 2021. Entries can be submitted via a paper entry form or online at: endeavour.com.au/ imaginewhatspossible Judging takes place between April 1-30, 2021 with winners announced in May 2021. Then, we will get to work on making our competition winners’ dreams come true.

Dream big and win! Calling all people with intellectual disability. This year, we’re making five dreams come true through Endeavour Foundation’s Imagine What’s Possible competition.

EF1772.L.0221

Enter your dream online at endeavour.com.au/imaginewhatspossible

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February/March 2021

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The New Frontier – 8 Reasons Why SACARE is Revolutionising In-Home Care

s we embark on 2021, SACARE are ready to take their in-home services to new heights. They are bursting with fresh energy and creative ideas and are excited to bring their community residents along for the ride. SACARE is an award-winning, family owned business celebrating their 25th birthday this year. They are making their mark in South Australia by offering participants a holistic suite of multi-disciplinary services designed to maximise their independence. Here are 8 reasons why you should check out SACARE and what they have to offer!

1. Allied health at home

In addition to SACARE’s traditional in-home services, participants can now access a mobile allied health team to assess functional capacity and support goal planning. “My OT Tammie is amazing she’s helping me achieve goals that I didn’t think were possible. One of my goals was to cook healthier meals using my own vegetables and now I have a huge vegetable garden thanks to Tammie” – David, SACARE OT Participant

2. Clinical Nursing Services in the community SACARE understands that some participants have more complex needs and require clinical procedures beyond regular daily living activities, such as wound care, continence and catheter management. Our team of registered nurses collaborate with support workers to continuously update their skills and are available to undertake procedures and provide clinical guidance to community residents. “I run training sessions at our head office and in our community resident homes, and I help create the education modules themselves. I also act as a support person for the community residents and love to drop in regularly to see them and their families” – Kate, Clinical Nurse Educator, SACARE

3. World-class facilities designed for reaching therapy goals

When community residents access SACARE’s Allied Health services they are provided with a state-of-the art rehabilitation gymnasium, hydrotherapy pool and sensory gardens located at The Gums in Salisbury.

4. THRIVE Team eager for action

SACARE understands a good sense of wellbeing is a vital ingredient in achieving success in all areas of life. SACARE have a team of THRIVE mentors (accessed through Social and Community Participation funding) who are skilled in unleashing potential and helping participants create and reach new goals.

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5. Roving case managers just around the corner

Case Managers are available to provide support in many ways, including advocating for participants, assessing and reviewing care needs and identifying solutions to maximise independence and wellbeing both within the home and the community.

6. Support workers online and ready to go Launching in 2021, SACARE have developed a brand new online platform where participants can select from an extensive list of qualified support workers and build a personal team that are suitable for their needs and interests. SACARE understand that choice and control matters when delivering care.

7. Service Coordination available 24/7

As part of their complimentary services, SACARE have a service coordination team available to assist with requests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They will take care of rostering, troubleshoot any issues relating to the delivery of care and are always ready to provide emotional support and have a general chit chat.

8. Having fun is a pre-requisite

SACARE is driven by a strong set of values which are embedded into every one of their 500+ employees. One of their values is, “if it’s not fun, don’t come”. SACARE have set out to create a culture that inspires people to feel included, positive and energised about every interaction across the business both from a participant and worker perspective. From invitations to regular social events and opportunities to join social committees, this is one vibrant community to be a part of! For more information on how you can join SACARE visit: www.sacare.com.au or email: referrals@sacare.com.au.

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February/March 2021

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imply Helping’s mission is to add value, meaning and dignity to individual lives through its professional in-home care and support services. Simply Helping offers a wide variety of services to communities including senior care, disability care, respite and personal care, pet sitting and walking, gardening, home maintenance and domestic assistance. “That means no matter what kind of help you need, Simply Helping is all about helping you at home,” founder and director, Angela Feery-Richards, told Link. “We are very good at what we do - compassionate and empathetic in-home care – simply for you. This simple statement is said because for over 22 years by providing help to communities in rural, regional and metropolitan areas, we have become a provider of services with an ethos of understanding and compassion for the people that we help and support,” she said. “Whilst working with people living with varying degrees of abilities can have its challenges for the people

February/March 2021

Simply Helping – Meeting your needs and expectations

No matter what kind of help you need, Simply Helping is all about helping you at home

receiving our services and for Simply Helping, we pride ourselves on making every effort to meet the needs and the expectations of those receiving our support. This means respecting the level of involvement wanted and needed by those individuals and families to ensure flexibility in how the support is given and the suitability of staff in giving that support.” According to Feery-Richards, being NDIS registered, Simply Helping embraces and meets it care and regulatory requirements as required by the National Disability Insurance Commission Quality and Safety Commission. "Put simply, this means we meet their stringent criteria around the care and support for those individuals needing general support to those individuals requiring more complex care and support,” she said. Simply Helping have offices throughout Victoria, Perth, the Illawarra region and Sydney West in NSW. Visit www.simplyhelping.com.au for more information on ‘how we can simply help you’.

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Living and active life and

orn with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Carolyn lives an active life. She splits her time working as a social worker and an emcee trainer, all while advocating for people with disabilities through her work with Muscular Dystrophy NSW and the NSW Council for Disabilities. With such little time on her hands to do the things she loves with her partner and family, it is no wonder she values the support of Living My Way. “I’ve been using Living My Way for about 11 years,” the 45-year-old from Sydney said. “Just being able to call up and say, ‘this is what happened,’. Even if it is someone there who can listen to me. I’ve certainly used and benefited having someone there who cares and can suggest a solution.” Although Carolyn self manages her NDIS plan, she leans on Living My Way for its trustworthy and helpful support in employing her own support workers and respectful approach in support coordination.

more..

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“It works really well the way it is. I’m the manager and Living My Way is the HR, payroll and support teams behind me,” she said. “Having me as the employer is really important because when you interview carers or support workers, you know you can say to them that I am the one making the decisions, not a third party who is never in the house. That direct relationship is so important, and that is what is fostered by Living My Way.”

Carolyn has also benefited from the one-on-one contact approach with Living My Way’s support coordinators. Commenting on her support worker, Carolyn said: “She’s just been fabulous and that’s the reason why I have stayed with Living My Way. It’s just the consistent quality of the staff. Continuing to have that flexible and personal approach and not getting rid of that, I think that’s one of the main reasons people use them.”

Living My Way is a not-for profit, NDIS registered organisation that empowers its members to self-direct their lives. Put simply, they help people with disabilities live their lives their own way. Living My Way have been supporting people with a disability since 1992 and provides services to people who are funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Commonwealth Continuity of Supports, Insurance and self-funded. It also has two different employment models one where it directly employs and a new one that provides the support workers. Living My Way’s new offer employs experienced and qualified support workers to deliver quality personalised care. They take the time to understand individual needs and will create a personalised Care Plan to ensure needs are met. The support workers are trained and assessed to ensure they give the highest possible level of care. They roster and allocate likeminded support workers, while also ensuring the control of who supports the member, stays with the member.

Are you looking for Support Workers? Living My Way provides a personalised service to get you the right supports to ensure your needs are met.

Contact the experienced Living My Way today www.livingmyway.org.au (02) 8525 4000 info@lmwl.org.au NDIS Registered

MORE PEOPLE GETTING ON WITH LIFE Plus other services available | Occupational Therapy | Plan Management

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February/March 2021

Link to...Accommodation & Home Support

Massive funding response to Youngcare’s inaugural ‘Giving Day’

he Queensland based disability housing provider, Youngcare’s recent inaugural Giving Day turned out to be a phenomenal success, with $441,752 raised for young people with high needs in 24 hours. The goal was extended twice, surpassing the original goal by $141,752. Foundation partner, Suncorp secured matched funding with other corporate matchers, Servcorp and Morgans Foundation. Community Housing Qld and Youngcare recently opened new Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) in the inner-city Brisbane suburb of Wooloowin. The new development, which has expanded the housing options for people aged 18 to 65, provides fulltime care for six residents with high care needs. It is a mix of shared and self-contained accommodation including three town houses, a share house for three people and overnight accommodation for a care provider. One of the residents is 34-year old Lathom who has been living with his parents since he was born with severe Spina Bifida.

Lathom and his parents

Improving your Everyday

16-17 March 2021

Sir Woolf Fisher Arena Vodafone Events Centre, Manukau City, Auckland, New Zealand www.atsnzexpo.co.nz

February/March 2021

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upporting three pinnacle initiatives; Capability, Innovation and Growth, Mercy Connect is guided by its 2021-2023 Strategic Plan in delivering innovative disability housing models, which meets the needs of participants. Mercy Connect are pleased to announce the development of a new supported living accommodation, located in Albury NSW. Working in collaboration with a team of dedicated stakeholders, Mercy Connect has been successful in designing a housing model, which is specifically created to promote the needs of participants, whilst increasing accessibility to facilities, transport and community inclusion activities. The development of the design has been an ongoing project, with extensive research and a specialised engagement with major stakeholders, to ensure that the housing model meets the requirements of its residents. Following the Mercy ethos it is committed to ensure that all participants have choice and control in their accommodation requirements. Architecturally, the innovative model will comprise several one / two-bedroom SDA properties, including a community ‘Social Hub’ which will host a commercial kitchen, lounge / dining and patio area as well as overnight accommodation room, and coffee area. The proposed development will be able to provide accommodation to support up to nine residents. Tierney Property Group and Hede Architects gave their expertise, advice and support throughout this project. The development will commence in early 2021. People currently looking into future accommodation needs can enquire, how Mercy Connect will support their needs and help them to live fulfilled lives. For details go to: www.mercyconnect.org.au

Live the life You want Learn and develop skills Every day Make life-long Friends At Mercy Connect, we are developing some exciting new Supported Independent Living (SIL) opportunities in Albury, Orange and Cowra. Expressions of Interest (EOI) are currently open for people supported under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), who are looking for a house to make a home with Mercy Connect supporting them to live a fulfilled life. Please contact our dedicated team on 02 6043 3500.

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February/March 2021

Link to...Accommodation & Home Support

MORE Y housing for young people in Victoria

oung people with disability or progressive illness will have new housing options to choose from with a new facility opening in Sale, Gippsland in April. Five shared homes and two independent units will be delivered on the site with Supported Living Accommodation that includes a contemporary design offering control, privacy and individuality close to shops and transport with individually tailored support packages. Community Housing together with Five Star Project and the Victorian Property Fund are delivering the project.

Sana Living

From left; 5 Star chair Len O'Brien, Community Affairs Minister, Melissa Horne & CHVL state manager Grant McNeill

February/March 2021

“We are working with 5 Star management and our Supported Independent Living provider, ARUMA, to ensure tenants in most need are provided with this disability housing,” Community Housing Victoria state manager, Grant McNeill said. There are an estimated 1,624 young people in residential aged care in Victoria but only, 318 Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) developments underway. There are 20 young people in the Sale area currently living in aged care facilities.

going national in 2021

estern Australia based Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) group Sana Living is taking its SDA concept interstate, adding to the 36 properties it has under construction in WA that will ultimately house 166 residents. Sana opened its first shared home accommodation in Morley, Perth last October. Plans to move interstate have already begun with a new site in Queensland in the heritage listed Boggo Road Gaol precinct that is being redeveloped with retail, offices and apartments, Sana Living CEO Michael Keenan told Link. Keenan who was Federal Minister for Justice and Human Services, retired in the 2019 election. He said the first employees for the

Brisbane Sana Living project come on board in February with a completion date of Q2, 2022. “The SDA market is underserved in Queensland and we will be offering a diverse range of living options that caters for all requirements,” he said. The national footprint also includes Tasmania, South Australia and Victoria. “We get a lot of feedback about where people want to live and we offer a wide variety of different options that includes houses, apartments, duplexes and villas, to provide as much diversity in accommodation that we can.” All homes are built in locations within established communities close to amenities for either shared participant or individual living.

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Link to...Accommodation & Home Support

Inclusive Living – Solutions for Specialist Disability Accommodation

nclusive Living offers an extensive range of height adjustable lift systems for kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms to provide practical solutions for individuals and organisations within the Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) sector. The systems embrace inclusive design methods, to assist individuals to live as independently as possible incorporating and/or meeting various guidelines including DDA requirements, group/community housing, specific NDIS/SDA design standards and Liveable Housing design guidelines.

The NDIS Specialist Disability Accommodation Design Standard, October 2019 states: “At the centre of the NDIS is the need to maximise the choice and control of the participant, and to promote opportunities for social and economic participation. SDA should enhance selfdetermination and create the conditions required for participants to lead vibrant, safe and independent lives.” The Inclusive Living range includes: • Worktops/benchtops in wall or floor mounted or straight or corner models • Island benches in two models with various configurations and accessories • Wall cabinets in three models for various applications • Washbasin brackets in three models for various applications • Wardrobe lifts (electric) in two models and two sizes. Areas of use include: kitchens, dinning/communal areas, bedrooms,

bathrooms, laundries and for many other different applications including: Individual homes – senior living, retirement facilities or everyday living environments Healthcare – hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and other areas Education – childcare, schools, TAFE, Universities (see our education brochure) Workplace – receptions, offices, canteen/meal room facilities, meeting areas Other – retail, hospitality, leisure facilities and commercial environments. Inclusive Living encourages and promotes participation and independence, while creating a sense of well-being to meet the needs and goals of individuals and organisations for now and in the future – improving accessibility for all. It is the Australian distributor of Granberg Height Adjustable Lifting Systems. For more information visit: www.inclusiveliving.com.au

Height Adjustable Lifting Systems Solutions for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Environments that respond to the needs of residents, staff and visitors Our systems are used for seated and standing positions, catering for people of all ages and varying abilities to perform everyday tasks or activities.

1300 304 330 • sales@inclusiveliving.com.au • www.inclusiveliving.com.au Link Mag Ad Half Pg Ad_Final Dec20.indd 1

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February/March 2021

Link to...Employment

Focus on Ability Short Film Festival – now in its th

13 year

or 13 years NOVA Employment has presented the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival. This festival invites film makers to 'Focus on the Ability' of people with a disability to tell a story on film for the world to view. Despite all the challenges faced in 2020 film makers continued the push and produced 267 entries from 19 countries. This has laid the foundations for a 2021 festival which is set to be the biggest yet, with sponsors donating over $100,000 in cash and prizes to encourage film makers and people with disability to tell their stories. In 2009, NOVA Employment CEO, Martin Wren began the festival with a belief in the ability of people with disability and the goal of bringing that belief to the world through the medium of film. He recognised how the power of film can challenge people's fixed beliefs and perceptions about the lives and abilities of people with disability around the world. NOVA, together with festival ambassador and actress Paula Duncan, bring this festival to the world each year. The Focus on Ability Film Festival is for people of all talent levels with many first time film makers taking out major prizes. Previous years films have been both educational and inspirational, viewed in 168 countries and voted on by over a million people. Feedback from

February/March 2021

those who have viewed the films found these entries have the power to change attitudes and challenge perceptions. In 2020, 11 films were screened across Australia on SBS and 100 films aired on Foxtel through Aurora TV. With a growing audience of over a million people, the festival is providing unmatched exposure for up and coming film makers and for people with disability to bring their message to the world.

Films are judged by a professional judging panel and subject to an online voting process, with separate prizes for each category. There are six categories: Short Film; School Entrant Documentary; Open Entrant Documentary; International Short Film; School Entrant Short Film and International Documentary. For full festival details and to view the over 1,400 films from years past go to: www.focusonability.com.au.

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Link to...Employment

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February/March 2021

Link to...Employment

Patient takes on working role in health services Naomi Wyllie

espite being an audiology patient for decades, Naomi Wyllie had no idea the role of audiology assistant existed until she applied for it at Gold Coast Health. Naomi has worked in the not-forprofit sector for nine years as an allied health therapy assistant unaware there were assistants for audiology. “I identify as deaf so I have had decades of experience as a patient in audiology,” she said. Her new role includes maintaining and calibrating testing equipment and assisting audiologists with children’s hearing tests. In her work with children she uses a hearing loop to her cochlear so she can hear the audiologist in another room. She teaches the child to respond to a noise by turning their head to receive a reward of a puppet in a light box, distracting the child enough, so they only turn their head when they hear a noise to determine their hearing level. Gold Coast Health advanced audiologist Jennifer Eakin said Naomi’s personal experience has brought valuable insight to the audiology team. “Naomi can take our professional knowledge and convert it to everyday experiences for people with hearing loss which is a valuable thing for our

February/March 2021

service,” she said. “She knew what audiology was and the process of having a hearing test done, such as going into soundproof rooms and wearing headphones. “When she was given the task of looking after our equipment and calibrating it, it wasn’t a foreign concept she had to learn from scratch. From day one, Naomi has been able to take ownership of audiology equipment.” Beyond understanding the logistics of testing, Naomi can also offer an extra level of service to families navigating their way through a hearing impairment journey. “Her understanding of hearing loss from the perspective of a patient is a whole tool that we have available to us,” Eakin said. For Naomi, it goes beyond being able to relate to the patients as her experience allows her to be a role model and show what can be achieved despite having a disability, especially for parents who don’t have that hearing loss background and suddenly find their child is going to have difficulty with hearing. “They can talk to someone who can say, ‘well this is what it’s like for me and I have a family, a job and a social life. I can do things that hearing people can do’.”

Naomi’s hearing loss was apparent through her school years though at the time it wasn’t recognised as a problem with her hearing. “I think I was in denial. Teenagers don’t develop a hearing loss. You go deaf when you are old or are born deaf. It was only when I was in my 20s and struggling at university that I went and had a hearing test. It still took a while to admit that yes I do have hearing loss. She went through the five stages of grief coming to terms with her hearing loss. At first denial, followed by anger and then bargaining with God for her hearing to come back. “Fortunately, depression wasn’t too long and with support from my family and friends I have been at acceptance for many years now.” Naomi used hearing aids before getting her first cochlear implant in her 30s and her second implant last year. Without her implants, she can’t hear anything, but with them she can talk on her mobile and listen to music directly into her implants via Bluetooth. “There is so much cool technology that can be used with hearing aids and cochlear implants. Technology gets better every year and in some ways I believe it gives me an advantage over people with natural hearing,” she said.

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February/March 2021

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