Articles and personal stories about disability
One or more articles are published here every month. Contributions are always welcome, so if you have a story, adventure or service initiative you would like to share please contact e-Bility.
Wheelchair basketball with 'sporting wheelies'
by Gia Vaiaso
Wheelchair Basketball is a spectacular team sport modelled on the able-bodied game of basketball. It is the fastest growing sport for athletes with a disability and has had great success at the Paralympic Games. In Australia, and internationally, there are programs catering for members who want to have fun, socialise and learn new skills as well as elite athletes who wish to play competitively. Published: August 2008
Keywords: wheelchair, basketball, disability, sports
Category: Sport and recreation
Have Wheelchair Will Travel - Part 2 England to USA
by Donna Goodacre
The continuing travel diary of an around-the-world wheelchair accessible family holiday, including New York, California and Mexico Published: August 2008
Keywords: access, travel, America, USA, Mexico, accessibility
Category: Access travel
Re-inventing the Wheel[chair]
by Aine Duffy
An innovative folding wheel that enables a full sized wheelchair wheel as well as wheelchair frame to be folded into a compact and convenient package for transportation and storage. Published: July 2008
Keywords: wheelchair, wheel
Category: Equipment and technology
Integration through playing
by Sarah Schulz
Every Friday the staff of the Disability Community Centre (DCC) in Kenya heads off to attend an Integrated Play Group. Through these outdoor groups children with disability have an opportunity to enjoy play experiences that encourage social interaction, communication, play and imagination and simply have fun and make friends. Published: July 2008
Keywords: integrated, play, therapy, inclusion
Category: Sport and recreation
Wheelchair adventure travel and kayaking in Glacier Bay Alaska
by Scott Rains
All travel is adventure travel when you have a disability ... dangling there over the 34 degree Fahrenheit water of Glacier Bay Alaska, I was on my way down to the tandem kayak ... over the coming five days exploring this ecosystem created by the world's fastest-retreating glacier the Hugger (hoist) was to become as familiar a freedom machine as my wheelchair. Published: June 2008
Keywords: access, cruising, Alaska, kayaking, adventure, travel
Category: Access travel
Zach's story: A young person's perspective on living with the skin condition epidermolysis bullosa
by Zach
Zach shares his experiences growing up with the skin condition epidermolysis bullosa (EB) and hopes that writing about his thoughts will help other young people out there with EB and inspire them to keep going when the going gets tough. Published: April 2008
Keywords: epidermolysis bullosa
Category: Personal stories
Inclusion, not Exclusion
by Jeromie Ballreich
A short essay about accessibility and inclusion of students with disability within educational and campus life. Published: March 2008
Keywords: students, disability, campus, inclusion, accessibility
Category: Access to the built environment
Power Chair Adventures
by James Dunworth
Mary Lavar's plans to travel from Land's End to John O' Groats in her electric wheelchair. Published: March 2008
Keywords: Wheelchair, adventure
Category: Personal stories
Changing Paces: The business beyond chronic illness
by Trish Robichaud
Trish Robichaud, life coach, discusses her journey with chronic illness and disability from employment to unemployment and then finally to self-employment. Published: February 2008
Keywords: disability, awareness, life, coaching, self-employment
Category: Employment
Running from how God made me
by Robert Ward
Robert Ward talks with Mary May Larmoyeux about his quest for purpose in his life and acceptance of his disability. Published: February 2008
Keywords: self-improvement, motivation, goals, Purpose Driven Life, self-esteem
Category: Personal stories
Becoming a destination of choice for travelers with disability
by Scott Rains
A report written for the Prayaville School for the Disabled in Thailand resulting from observations of the Inclusive Tourism potential of Prayaville while the author was a guest of the school during October 2007. Scott Rains is a researcher and highly respected consultant on Universal Design and accessible tourism. His report identifies the steps and process involved in becoming a "destination of choice" for travellers with disability. Published: January 2008
Keywords: accessible, destinations, tourism, report
Category: Access travel
Have wheelchair will travel
by Donna Goodacre
We are a family of four. Richie, our son, has cerebral palsy which restricts his mobility. In Christmas 2006 we set of on the "trip of a lifetime" and travelled around the world for five weeks. This article (part 1 of our trip) may help other people in wheelchairs who are thinking of embarking on a trip such as ours, and would like some first-hand stories and advice. Of course the main piece of advice I can offer is "do it!" Published: January 2008
Keywords: wheelchair, travel, Singapore, England, France
Category: Access travel
Inclusive tourism: A new strategic alliance for the disability rights movement
by Scott Rains
This article on Universal Design in accessible travel was presented at the International Conference on Accessible Tourism - ICAT 2007. Published: December 2007
Keywords: inclusive, tourism, accessible, travel
Category: Access travel
Don't Forget Who's Taking You Home
by Anthony Tusler
A collection of disability songs, singers and songwriters, including a compilation of popular disability dance songs and others for listening. The author's criteria is simple - the singer or songwriter has a disability or the song is about disability. Published: November 2007
Keywords: disability, songs
Category: Disability and the arts
Lollipop Lesson
by Kimberley Carnevale
"Even the best dreams are not immune to disaster ... It's up to us to rise from the rubble of broken dreams and create bigger and better ones from what we've learned through adversity." Published: October 2007
Keywords:
Category: Personal stories
Swimming with the dolphins
by Robyn Perham
We were soon noticed by the resident dolphin and he made us his audience as he sailed by, having a good look at us on his way past. He seemed to get excited when we waved and clapped his every movement, and came back time and again, jumping and splashing, ostensibly in an effort just to impress us. Published: August 2007
Keywords: dolphin, swim
Category: Access travel
A weekend in Walhalla
by Mal Noble
Recently after reading a Getaway segment in the Sunday Age on Walhalla's Star Hotel and it's attractions, including the fact it had a wheelchair accessible suite, my wife Lesley and I headed off for a quiet couple of days at Walhalla. Published: August 2007
Keywords: accessible, travel, Walhalla, Victoria
Category: Access travel
Ski Able water skiing tournament
by Alison Smith
The focus of Ski Able is the water skiing tournament for people with disability, including physical disabilities or vision impairment. Published: August 2007
Keywords: disability, sport, water, skiing
Category: Sport and recreation
Targa Tasmania 2007 Car Rally
by Nazim Erdem
In 2006 Naz and Alan formed the first team with disabilities to enter and compete in the Targa Tasmania, an exciting International Classic Rally Drive held annually in and around the picturesque roads and landscape of Tasmania. In 2007 they take up the challenge for a second time to show others that having a disability is not the end, "We can and do get on with our lives". Published: August 2007
Keywords: Targa, Tasmania, car, rally
Category: Sport and recreation
Linux accessibility for people with vision impairment
by Sean Murphy
In the early 1990s Linux, a free operating system, was introduced into the computer world. More importantly, the source code was freely available. Since its release individuals and companies have volunteered their time to develop a wide range of free software, including screen readers for people with vision impairment. Published: July 2007
Keywords: Linux, screen, readers
Category: Equipment and technology
Tree top walks
by AQA Victoria
Two access travel reports from members of AQA Victoria, who explored the Australian rainforest canopies of Victoria's Otway Fly and Tasmania's Tahune Airwalk. Published: May 2007
Keywords: Accessible, tourist, attractions
Category: Access travel
Bringing wheelchairs into the 21st Century
by Robin Kettle
Having recently taken part in research to create accessible footpaths out of recycled chip bark and the testing of their level of usability for wheelchair users, I came to one very important conclusion ... Published: April 2007
Keywords: wheelchairs, accessibility, design
Category: Equipment and technology
Before you go: Accessible travel tips
by Bruce Mumford
It is important for anyone to get organized for a trip overseas, but when you have got a disability it's essential! Published: April 2007
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, travel, tips,
Category: Access travel
Holidaying in Western Australia in my wheelchair
by Robyn Perham
Part two of Robyn's holiday in Western Australia, where she spends three weeks travel down to the south and back, arriving in Perth for the Red Hat parade. Published: January 2007
Keywords: wheelchair, accessibility, travel, Western Australia
Category: Access travel
Healthy, happy kids: A child at play will stay at play
by Heather Scrivner-Mediate
The positive play experiences we create during childhood allow us to participate in and enjoy the benefits of play for a lifetime. Published: January 2007
Keywords: play, environments, universal design, accessible
Category: Sport and recreation
To Western Australia on the Indian Pacific with my wheelchair!
by Robyn Perham
Wheelchair accessible travel diary - Aussie adventures and access onboard the Indian Pacific train to Western Australia. Published: December 2006
Keywords: wheelchair, accessibility, Western, Australia (WA), access, travel, Indian Pacific, train
Category: Access travel
Mobility Cup: International regatta for sailors with disabilities
by Matthew Wild
An international regatta for people with disabilities will be sailing into Halifax, Nova Scotia next year. First hosted in 1991, this annual event is North America's flagship for sailors with disabilities. Published: December 2006
Keywords: disability, sailing, Mobility Cup, North America
Category: Sport and recreation
Cooking single handed - How to break an egg with one hand
by Robin Kettle
Do you know how to break an egg using only one hand? If you have a weak grip or difficulty using both hands due to arthritis, stroke or injury you'll love this tip. Trust me, it works! Published: November 2006
Keywords: one handed cooking
Category: Disability tips
Mind gym
by Janine Lodato
In this personal story, the author writes about how computer innovations have enabled her to continue exercising her mind and to be productive in spite of severe physical disability from Multiple Sclerosis. Published: October 2006
Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, physical, disability, computer, assistive, technology, internet
Category: Equipment and technology
Wheelchair Trail Ride 2006
by Extreme Chairing
An annual wheelchair event held by Extreme Chairing in the USA. The ride spans 40 miles of forest trails and takes around 2 days to complete in a power wheelchair. Published: October 2006
Keywords: electric, power, wheelchair, sports, trail ride
Category: Sport and recreation
Historic wheelchair skateboarding backflip
by Gene Emmer
Aaron Fotheringham is one of a small, but growing group of elite wheelchair athletes who have taken up the challenge of wheelchair skateboarding. He recently became the first known person ever to do a backflip in a wheelchair. Published: September 2006
Keywords: wheelchair, skateboarding, extreme, sports
Category: Sport and recreation
Overuse injuries in manual wheelchair users
by Gene Emmer
Human hands were not designed to withstand the repetitive impact from propelling manual wheelchairs, and many researchers now strongly recommend the use of properly designed wheelchair gloves to help prevent overuse injuries, such as carpel tunnel syndrome. Published: July 2006
Keywords: manual, wheelchair, gloves, overuse injuries, carpel tunnel syndrome
Category: Equipment and technology
Gravity Discovery Centre
by Mark Randell
Universally accessible, including Australia's largest public wheelchair accessible telescope, this amazing new complex brings physical science and the universe alive. Published: July 2006
Keywords: wheelchair, disability, access, telescope, universe, science, gravity, cosmos centre,
Category: Access travel
Travelling with a disability: Europe
by Bruce Mumford
The first in a series of articles about access travel, with tips for people with a disability holidaying in Europe, including accessible accommodation, accessible toilets, getting there and getting around. Published: June 2006
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, travel, Europe, Multiple Sclerosis
Category: Access travel
Travelling with a disability: New Zealand
by Bruce Mumford
There are many reasons why tourists with a disability should travel to New Zealand. Bruce Mumford has multiple sclerosis. He recounts his travels in New Zealand and talks about the accessibility of places he visited. Published: June 2006
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, travel, Multiple Sclerosis, New Zealand
Category: Access travel
Overcoming your challenges
by Robert Ward
The author talks about his personal experiences finding a job as someone with a learning disability and gives suggestions for others in a similar situation. Published: May 2006
Keywords: employment, learning, disability
Category: Employment
Caregivers of the world, unite
by Janine Lodato
An article about carers and living with multiple sclerosis. Published: May 2006
Keywords: carers, MS, multiple sclerosis, caregiving, siblings
Category: Personal stories
Daily PowerPoints for visual learners
by Cheryl Hagerty
Sharing ideas: A useful and innovative teaching tool to assist visual learners and students with learning disabilities. Published: April 2006
Keywords: teaching, visual, learners, learning, disabilities
Category: Disability tips
African safari trip
by Heather Manktelow
A poem about the 'holiday of a lifetime' on safari in Africa's Kruger National Park. The wheelchair accessible, overland camping and adventure safari in Southern Africa included people with physical disabilities. Published: April 2006
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, travel, African, safari, holiday
Category: Access travel
Overcoming nervousness as a person with a learning disability
by Robert Ward
"As a person with a learning disability I have a tendency to get nervous when public speaking. Even positive compliments from the audience can make me nervous, and if caught off guard, well that just makes me more nervous." However, there are some tips and tricks to overcoming nervousness, as you'll learn in this article. Published: April 2006
Keywords: learning, disability, public, speaking, nervousness
Category: Leadership
It's about Tamru Belay, not technology
by Prof Norm Coombs
Tamru Belay, director of Adaptive Technology Centre for the Blind, talks about his life and background in Ethopia and his efforts to change the lives of blind people in Ethiopia through the use of adaptive technology. Tamru's motto says it all. "I don't have sight. However, I have a vision!" Published: April 2006
Keywords: people, adaptive, technology, blindness, braille, computers
Category: Equipment and technology
Custom wheelchairs: The trend from functionality to individuality
by Dr. Gene Emmer and Galina Soldatenko
An article about the history and evolution of wheelchairs from mobility and function to individuality and performance. Published: March 2006
Keywords: wheelchair, history, custom, wheelchairs, mobility, equipment
Category: Equipment and technology
Epilepsy information
by Skillnet Group
An accessible 'fact sheet' about epilepsy, the causes of epilepsy and what you should do if someone has epilepsy. Published: March 2006
Keywords: epilepsy, seizures, information, causes, treatment, how to help
Category: Disability tips
Promoting resilience in your child
by Denise Allen
Parents and care givers can provide specific opportunities and activities to promote resilience in their child, that will help give them the capacity to face adversity, and even be strengthened by the traumas in life that we all inevitably face. Published: February 2006
Keywords: child, adolescent, youth, mental, health, resiliance, stress management
Category: Mental health
Thailand holiday adventure
by Judith Geppert
Judith shares her holiday experiences in Thailand, riding elephants, visiting temples, patting wild tigers, jet skiing, rafting and many more adventures. She had such a wonderful time she is already planning a return trip. Published: February 2006
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, adventure, holiday, access, travel, Thailand, Asia
Category: Access travel
DDA accessibility guidelines for public amenities
by Robin Kettle
Studies in the United Kingdom have shown many accessible public toilets in hotels, shops and similar premises are not only illegal but dangerous, and could result in the company being sued. People with disabilities are being put at risk, and under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), the companies that offer such facilities are also putting themselves at risk. Published: January 2006
Keywords: Disability Discrimination Act, DDA, accessibility, guidelines, public, amenities
Category: Access to the built environment
Samburu Safari - Kenya
by Gordon Rattray
Gordon's motto is that "true experience begins when we break out of our routines". An avid wheelchair traveller, Kenya is his most recent trip and also included time to explore Nairobi, Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve and Mombasa. Published: January 2006
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, adventure, travel, Kenya, Africa
Category: Access travel
A travel trend on the horizon
by Scott Rains
In the past year, as business gave voice to the dream that travel would be barrier-free, it set in motion a trend towards universal design - a renaissance of design that benefits all travels. Published: December 2005
Keywords: universal, design, wheelchair, accessible, travel
Category: Access travel
Chair with a view
by Judith Geppert
No more looking at peoples' 'butts' and 'navels' - the solution a new highly manoeuvrable power drive elevating wheelchair. Published: December 2005
Keywords: wheelchairs, wheeled mobility, elevating wheelchair
Category: Equipment and technology
Asperger's syndrome: The "invisible" autism
by Rhonda Brunett
Asperger's Syndrome is an autistic disorder that is at the high-functioning end of the spectrum. However, there is a common misconception that people with autism are so profoundly affected that they can't talk or that they have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This is a parent's perspective, including take-away tips to help other families in seeking the correct diagnosis for their child. Published: November 2005
Keywords: autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, Asperger's Syndrome
Category: Disability tips
Accessible housing strategy
by Skillnet Group
There is not enough supported housing available for people with learning disabilities. Skillnet also believe that people with learning disabilities have a right to choose where they want to live and the support they need. This report proposes an accessible housing strategy, using Kent as an example. Published: November 2005
Keywords: housing, planning, support, learning, disability
Category: Accommodation and housing
A taste of travel in Tasmania
by Greg Killeen
A travel diary of the author's trip to Tasmania, including comments on disability wheelchair access to Tasmania's many accessible tourist attractions as well as accessibility of the Spirit of Tasmania cruise and web resources. Published: October 2005
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, travel, Tasmania, Australia, accessibility, Spirit of Tasmania, cruise
Category: Access travel
Look after your mental health
by Laura Gibson
People regularly talk to each other about the best way they found to lose weight or treat a cold, but very few of us actually share tips about how we stay well mentally, how we cope with stress and what keeps us feeling good. Admitting to how we feel and sharing our ways of coping is just one way of looking after your mental health. There are also other simple things that we can all do to stay mentally well. Published: October 2005
Keywords: stress, management, mental, health, World Mental Health Day
Category: Mental health
Emanuel Leplin, symphony composer and mouth painter
by Rocky Leplin
Emanuel was an award-winning 20th century symphonic composer and artist, who contracted polio during the 1954 epidemic in San Francisco. He continued to write great music and taught himself to paint again, using his mouth to control the paint brush. This article is a tribute by his son Rocky. Published: September 2005
Keywords: accessible, art, disability, artists
Category: Disability and the arts
Sit ski weekend in the snow
by Gillean Hilton
Enthusiasm, fun and a sense of adventure are the recollections of an AQA Victoria skiing weekend, enjoyed by five first time sit skiers with recent spinal cord injuries. Published: August 2005
Keywords: disability, sport, sit ski, skiing
Category: Sport and recreation
Access All Areas: Tips from an Access Auditor
by Robin Kettle
Two short articles on Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant solutions for the built environment, including the often overlooked issue of egress (access out of the building in an emergency) and the importance of colour contrast for people with vision impairments. Published: August 2005
Keywords: access, audits, built, environment, building, accessibility, disability, discrimination, act, vision, impairments, wheelchair, accessible, egress
Category: Access to the built environment
Planning for Christmas
by Lisa Sampson
Lisa Sampson, a playwright and performer, suggests some fun ways to make the Christmas holiday season memorable and enjoyable for people with intellectual disabilities. Published: August 2005
Keywords: Christmas, planning, disability
Category: Disability and the arts
Assessing a child for learning difficulties - Who benefits from it?
by Barbara Pheloung
Barbara Pheloung from Move to Learn looks at the assessment process and asks: Who benefits? She discusses simpler and less stressful processes, that from her experience are also more useful. Published: July 2005
Keywords: children, learning, difficulties, child, handwriting, assessment, reading, print, disability
Category: Research and innovation
Thoughts on access
by Robyn Perham
Robyn Perham is a well-known disability rights advocate. In her latest article she puts forward her plan for creating greater access in our community and calls for all Australians to help make Australia an accessible country. Published: June 2005
Keywords: disability, access, wheelchair, accessibility, disability awareness, discrimination, DDA
Category: Access to the built environment
In Ethiopia with a wheelchair
by Gordon Rattray
Gordon Rattray, of Able Travel fame, tells of his travel adventures in northern Ethiopia, attempting to get to the legendary Blue Nile Falls. Published: May 2005
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, adventure, travel, Ethiopia, Blue Nile Falls
Category: Access travel
Nothing about us without us
by Gareth Wreford
Gareth Wreford, Executive Director of Arts Access Australia advocates participation in the arts for people with disabilities is an important part of broader inclusion strategies that develop employment skills and social networks. He fears that the right of the one in five Australians with a disability to participate in the nation's cultural life may be overlooked. Published: May 2005
Keywords: disability, arts, social, networks, culture, advocacy, inclusion, strategies
Category: Disability and the arts
Gwen's story
by Robyn Perham
Gwen Beaton shares her experiences following a spinal cord injury, in an interview with author Robyn Perham. Published: April 2005
Keywords: disability, awareness, spinal cord injury, wheelchair, accessibility
Category: Personal stories
Place of disability in arts, health and wellbeing
by Gareth Wreford
Developing an advocacy strategy - Gareth Wreford, Director of DADAA National Network looks at some key issues and discussions around arts, disability and health. Published: March 2005
Keywords: disability, arts, health, wellbeing
Category: Disability and the arts
Voice recognition musings
by Janine Lodato
Janine has been a voice recognition software user for several years and is a advocate for open source solutions, such as the emerging Linux-based voice recognition project, that will benefit people with disabilities. Published: March 2005
Keywords: assistive, technology, voice, recognition, software, linux, open source, disability, access
Category: Equipment and technology
New and innovative treatment methods for children with speech and swallowing difficulties
by Melissa Serafin
Melissa Serafin shares the highlights from her Churchill Fellowship study tour, investigating new techniques for managing oral motor function disorders and swallowing disorders in children and adults with various disabilities. Published: February 2005
Keywords: oral, dentistry, disability, swallowing, difficulties, dysphagia, speech
Category: Research and innovation
Cruising the High Seas!
by Greg Killeen
Greg Killeen discusses wheelchair access and shares his holiday experiences cruising from Sydney to Noumea onboard the P & 0 Pacific Sky. Published: January 2005
Keywords: accessible, cruising, wheelchair, access, cruise, holiday, Australia, travel, accessibility
Category: Access travel
The LaughterBoss
by Dr Peter Spitzer
What if one person from each aged care facility, as well as doing their regular work, took on additional training and became the LaughterBoss of that facility? Published: December 2004
Keywords: clown, doctor, hospital, play, therapy, laughter, medicine, humour
Category: Research and innovation
Beyond Appearances - Architecture and the senses
by Alan Saunders
If there is a bias in western culture towards one sense over the others then that sense is sight. And the ocular bias is nowhere more evident than in contemporary architecture, where appearances seem to mean everything. So has architecture's potential to stimulate other senses largely been ignored? Meanwhile, in a world where buildings are predominantly judged by what they look like, how does someone without sight measure whether a building is a good building or a bad one? Published: November 2004
Keywords: sensory, awareness, architectural, spaces, vision, impairment, blind, orientation
Category: Access to the built environment
Taking the "dis" out of disabled!
by Kimberly Carnevale
Kimberly, founder of Canine and Abled, tells the story of her motor vehicle accident, her feelings of loss following a head injury and how she met her companion Dewey. Together they set out on a mission to abolish access denial and vowed to open hearts and doors to persons with disabilities who rely upon the assistance of service animals. Published: October 2004
Keywords: disability, awareness, service, dogs, assistance, dog, disabilities, independence
Category: Personal stories
Technology: Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday
by Judith Geppert
Judith Geppert is a regular contributor to e-Bility and a great story teller. Born in the 1950s with Cerebral Palsy, Judith talks about the freedom and possibilities assistive technology has brought her. Published: September 2004
Keywords: assistive, technology, typewriter, art
Category: Equipment and technology
Adaptable, Accessible or Adjustable?
by Jane Bringolf
Around Australia, many local councils demand that developers include a certain quota of accessible and adaptable homes within the development site. However, construction industry personnel sometimes confuse "accessible" and "adaptable", and when confronted with "adjustable" components within a home, the three "A" words become further confused. This article explains the difference. Published: August 2004
Keywords: accessible, adaptable, livable, housing, design, disability, access, universal, home, design
Category: Accommodation and housing
Reducing AT abandonment
by Marcia Scherer
Despite the key role that assistive technology can play, the rate of non-use reported highlights the complexities of the interaction between the person, the technology, the activity and the environment in which the activity is to be undertaken. This research explores best practice processes and principles for assessing and providing assistive technology. Published: August 2004
Keywords: assistive, technology, human, perspectives, user, testing
Category: Equipment and technology
Accessible tourism in Argentina
by Adriana Pereyra
Although, Argentina is not fully accessible, there are plenty of places and activities that can be visited and enjoyed without worrying about accessibility. Adriana from Latitud Sur Accesible describes three possible trips. Published: July 2004
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, travel, Argentina, disability, skiing
Category: Access travel
Mal Wilson's motivations
by Mal Wilson
Following a heart attack ten years ago, Mal woke from surgery scarred and sore. Then one afternoon, standing in a gym in the City he watched a man workout on a running machine. All of a sudden he realised that the man was his heart surgeon, who then invited him to have a run on the treadmill. So with great trepidation he decided to give it a go. Published: July 2004
Keywords: cardiovascular, exercise, healthy, lifestyle, heart, attack, prevention
Category: Personal stories
No Limits!
by Peter Anderson
No-Limits is an award winning Australian television show presented by people with disabilities for people with disabilities. It could be considered somewhat irreverant at times, by some. However, the regular and guest panelists have a lot of fun and it is a very informative show that raises awareness about disability issues and rights. Published: June 2004
Keywords: disability, awareness, media, television, shows
Category: Disability and the arts
Nursing students with disabilities
by Donna Maheady
In December of her junior year of nursing school, Christine was in a car accident that left her a T-four paraplegic. When she got out of the hospital she returned to her nursing school, one year later, to complete her last semester. In this article she talks about her experiences as a student nurse with disabilities and what it was like working with patients. Published: June 2004
Keywords: nursing, student, disabilities, training
Category: Employment
Stone sculpting
by Garry Curry
Garry Curry and Alistair Green are quadriplegic stone sculptors. The two have won awards for their work and have a dream to establish an arts centre for people with disabilities. They have set up the Society of Disabled Artists (SODA) and together have designed many different types of tools to allow people with disabilities to created more complex sculptures. Published: June 2004
Keywords: disability, art, scuptures, quadriplegia, adapted, tools, sculpting
Category: Disability and the arts
New technological options for people with physical disabilities
by Rob Garrett
Accessing telecommunication technology has been an ongoing challenge for people with disabilities. With technology continually changing and mobile phones shrinking in size, the gap between people with disabilities and telecommunication technology has grown. Published: May 2004
Keywords: Accessibility, telecommunications, mobile, technology, disability, research
Category: Research and innovation
What my brother, Chris "The Bud" Jordan, has taught me
by Geoff Jordan
Geoff Jordan talks about growing up with his brother Chris, who has multiple disabilities. Geoff raises issues around independent living and people with disabilities, as well as topics such as choice, community, citizenship, belonging, and making a difference. Published: May 2004
Keywords: siblings, children, disability
Category: Personal stories
Search engine optimisation and accessibility
by Carmen Mardiros
Many of the W3C Web Content Accessibility guidelines, if applied correctly, can have major benefits in search engine optimisation and internet marketing. Big Mouth Media shows how search engines, through their algorithms, and search engine optimisation, have led to a growing interest in making web content more accessible. Published: May 2004
Keywords: SEO, search engine optimisation, web accessibility
Category: Web accessibility
Of wheelchairs and whale watching in Monterey Bay, California, USA
by Scott Rains
Scott Rains is a Resident Scholar at the Center for Cultural Studies, specialising in inclusive travel at the University of California in Santa Cruz, USA. His recent article on whale watching discusses accessibility onboard the cruise boat and local surrounds. While he highly recommends whale watching, he concludes it is for the faint hearted! Published: May 2004
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, travel, whale, watching
Category: Access travel
Walk with a smile
by Robert Watson
Llano talks about his feelings of depression after a serious work accident that resulted in him requiring the use of a cane for mobility at the age of 30. As a result of his experiences he set out to find ways to help himself and others in a similar situation. Published: April 2004
Keywords: mobility, depression, disability, canes
Category: Personal stories
Living life with a chronic illness
by Brooke Parsons
Brooke is a young Ambassador for the National Stroke Foundation. She had a stroke at the age of 13 that left her totally paralyzed on her right side. So far, it's been 10 years of hard work, of tears and laughter to be where she is today - leading the life of an active 22 year old. She believe's "the only time you fail is when you don't give something a go at all". Published: April 2004
Keywords: adolescent, stroke, youth, services
Category: Personal stories
Central Australia adventure
by Michele Castagna
This article, written by a local who is also a wheelchair user, offers a wealth of practical experience and contacts for people interested in exploring the heartland of Australia, including accessible accommodation, sightseeing and touring. Published: March 2004
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, travel, Alice Springs, Central Australia, Northern Territory
Category: Access travel
Safety and epilepsy
by Helen McMahon
Accidents can happen at any time to anyone. People take risks every day, but sometimes the risks that people with epilepsy have to deal with can be different from those faced by others. This article is a starting point for considering safety and seizures, including safety tips and risk factors for smart swimming and other activities. Published: March 2004
Keywords: epilepsy, safety, tips
Category: Disability tips
Moving on
by Jenny Sanders
Transitional accommodation services offer help to people who want to make a change in their living arrangements from a situation where they have to rely on support from other people to a situation where they can rely more on themselves.Three people who have participated in Northcott's Housing Links program tell their stories. Published: February 2004
Keywords: independent, living, transitional, accommodation, accessible, housing
Category: Accommodation and housing
South Pole expedition
by Sue McGrath
History has been written ... Michael McGrath's quest to conquer both poles has been realised following a successful expedition to the South Pole, making him the first person with a disability in the world to achieve this feat. Published: February 2004
Keywords: South Pole, adventure, travel, pole2pole, disability, challenge, Antartica, muscular dystrophy
Category: Access travel
Pacific cruise heaven on Superstar Leo
by Colin Johanson
Colin and his wife escaped on a 10 night cruise of the Pacific Islands. As a C6 quadriplegic Colin reports that it was the most relaxing holiday and he would recommend it to anyone, especially those who use a wheelchair (both manual and electric). Published: January 2004
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, cruise, holiday, cruising
Category: Access travel
Travelling with a disability
by Scott Rains
'Vacation' is a magic word. Use it in a conversation and people are likely to be momentarily spirited off to their private bit of paradise. But even Harry Potter puts in long hours of preparation to work his magic. So, what's the magic formula for conjuring up a charmed vacation? Read about the six 'knows' of travelling with a disability. Published: January 2004
Keywords: accessible, travel, tips
Category: Access travel
A literary journey - Autism NetVerse
by Dorothy Lewis-Heselwood
Each year Austism Arts celebrates the literary and artistic skills of people with autism and helps raise community awareness about autism. Dorothy Lewis-Heselwood's essay about how conferences can create opportunities was awarded 4th place in the Austism NetVerse competition. Published: December 2003
Keywords: autism, arts, literature, short stories, conferences
Category: Disability and the arts
All the way with JRA
by Ben Horgan
A personal story about living with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Ben talks about his own childhood, his career in radio, his ambitions for developing a program where 'kids help kids' to find their own solutions, recent research findings and the importance of early intervention. Published: November 2003
Keywords: juvenile, rheumatoid, artritis, information, resources
Category: Personal stories
Food and fitness
by Dianne Woods
Find out more about the balance between food and physical activitiy, and learn how the energy from the food we eat is influenced by the amount and type of food we choose. Published: October 2003
Keywords: energy, health, nutrition, food pyramid
Category: Disability tips
Shoe buttons
by Maggie Delaney
Maggie Delaney was born with an injured left arm and faced many unusual challenges at an early age.Tying her shoelaces proved to be one without an easy solution until she was introduced to Shoe Buttons. Published: October 2003
Keywords: dressing, aids, shoe buttons
Category: Disability tips
North Pole expedition - Michael's mission possible!
by Sue McGrath
You certainly can't call Michael McGrath a sedentary sort of chap! In fact, for his latest adventure that pushes the boundaries in support of people's ability, not their disability, he's gone all the way to the North Pole. Published: October 2003
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, adventure, challenge, North Pole
Category: Access travel
Wheelie defies ferris wheel
by Anite Gordon
Anita is the first Canditate to run for the Queensland Parliament who is wheelchair dependent. Her efforts to 'strike a better deal' for people with a disability have already effected positive change in her local community. She is also actively campaigning for carers rights and accommodation. So, if you live in Maroochy Shire Vote 1 Anita Gordon! Published: October 2003
Keywords: disability, politics
Category: Personal stories
I am abled
by Mary Kellis
Mary Kellis wrote this poem as a way of expressing her feelings about how others perceive her, now she uses a wheelchair Published: September 2003
Keywords: disability, arts, poetry
Category: Disability and the arts
Magical India
by Sue Willis
Last year Sue Willis and her daughter Joanna journeyed from Sydney, Australia to Kottakkal, Kerala India to experience the wonders of Ayurvedic medicine. Their trip was not without a few surprises. Published: September 2003
Keywords: accessible, travel, India
Category: Access travel
What is CIDP?
by Robyn Gobert
Chronic Inflammatory Demylonating Ployneuropathy (CIDP) is closely related to Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), both of which are due to inflammation and demyolination (stripping) of the covering of the peripheral nerves. It is a very rare condition. The symptoms people experience vary considerably and often mimic similar symptoms of other unrelated conditions. Robyn and Paul Gobert share their story and experiences with CIDP. Published: September 2003
Keywords: CIDP, Chronic Inflammatory Demylonating Ployneuropathy, GBS, Guillain-Barré syndrome
Category: Personal stories
Me, my guitar and disability art
by Robin Surgeoner
Robin Surgeoner (aka Angryfish) explains what he means and how he expresses himself through his poetry and songwriting. The most profound emotion he experienced in performing his first 'Disability Arts' gig was the 'unadulterated feeling that (he) was engaging in debate with an audience of disabled people'. His motto is: Always listen loud and enjoy! Published: August 2003
Keywords: disability, arts, music, muscians
Category: Disability and the arts
Leadership and how to get there using the path of life
by Sue Egan
Sue Egan is perceived as a leader in the disability area and has just completed her Masters in Leadership (Disability). She refects on the meaning of leadership and the qualities of leaders she looks up to. She also believes each one of us has the capacity and skills within ourselves to be a leader, provided you believe in and lead yourself first. Published: August 2003
Keywords: management, leadership, disability
Category: Leadership
Boccia? Its FUN!
by Maree Ireland
Boccia is a modified version of the Italian lawn bowls game Bocce. The game made its debut as a medal sport in the Paralympic Games in the 1992 and its popularity has now spread worldwide, especially amongst athletes with cerebral palsy where competitions are taken very seriously. Published: July 2003
Keywords: boccia, lawn, bowls, adapted, sports, disability, Paralympic Games, cerebral palsy
Category: Sport and recreation
China bike ride in a wheelchair
by Peter Anderson
When Peter Anderson heard that the MS Society was organising a Ride Through China for cycling enthusiasts, to help raise funds for what he considered a very important cause, he thought 'why could't a wheelchair user also participate in the challenge?'. Find out more and follow the journey of three Aussie Chariot Riders who have MS. Published: July 2003
Keywords: wheelchair, bike, ride, China
Category: Access travel
A journey with Ankylosing Spondylitis
by Kingsley Forbes-Smith
Kingsley Forbes-Smith shares his personal journey with Ankylosing Spondylitis, his tips for easing the severe back pain he experienced and why now looking back (excuse the pun), he would not have it any other way. Published: June 2003
Keywords: Ankylosing Spondylitis
Category: Disability tips
Enabling the Internet for people with dyslexia
by Sandra Vassallo
Find out how to customise a computer and/or change the web browser's default settings to make it easier for people with reading difficulties to access and navigate content on the Internet. Published: May 2003
Keywords: web, accessibility, usability, dyslexia, print, disabilities
Category: Web accessibility
Making a difference - Reflections on using the Disability Discrimination Act
by Bruce Maguire
2003 marks the 10th anniversary of Australia's Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Bruce Maguire is one of a number of Australians who have used the DDA to bring about positive change for themselves and others. He offers a personal account of his experience and motivation for using the DDA. Published: April 2003
Keywords: web, accessibility, Disability Discrimination Act, DDA
Category: Web accessibility
My trip to Noosa
by Andrea Holliday
Andrea reports that her holiday to Noosa and the Sunshine Coast was a pleasant, relaxing and accessible experience. Hastings Street is a dream to get around and local attractions, such as Eumundi Markets, Underwater World, Noosa National Park, restaurants and the Noosa Cinema all cater well for wheelchair access. Published: March 2003
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, holiday, travel Queensland, Noosa, Australia
Category: Access travel
Hello and whoof!
by Peter Bennett
Did you know that dogs may be trained to fetch and carry, open and close doors, pull wheelchairs, lift immobilized limbs, and go for help? Curious? Find out more about Australian Assistance Dogs and the help they provide for people with limited mobility. Published: February 2003
Keywords: independent, living, assistance, dogs
Category: Personal stories
Web accessibility tips and tricks
by Sandra Vassallo
Accessibility and usability go hand in hand … An accessible web site is one that can be fully accessed by people with a variety of disabilities, who may also be using enabling technology. Is your web site accessible? Published: January 2003
Keywords: web, accessibility, usability
Category: Web accessibility
World study of rural health best practices
by Wendy Abbott
Wendy Abbott reports on her Churchill Fellowship project exploring the best and most cost effective ways of achieving optimal quality, evidence based outcomes, given the limited resources allocated to health care in rural Australia. Her study takes her around the world looking at rural health best practices in Canada, UK and America. Published: December 2002
Keywords: rural, health, occupational, therapy, Churchill Fellowship, study tour
Category: Research and innovation
Clown doctors!
by Dr Peter Spitzer
Dr Peter Spitzer (aka Dr Fruitloop) talks about humour, and the role of clown doctors around the world, including an interview with Patch Adams. Published: December 2002
Keywords: clown, doctors, Australia, research, study tour, Patch Adams,
Category: Research and innovation
Accessible tram ride
by Meredith Wallace
On a cold wet Friday, two intrepid AQA members set out to road test the new low floor trams which run on route 109 (Port Melbourne to Box Hill). The Citadis 300, designed in France, is advertised as "one of the most advanced trams in the world" with a low floor, wide doors and space on board for wheelchairs. Information about access and service, as well as superstops and lightrail section stops can be read in this report. Published: November 2002
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, transport, Melbourne, trams
Category: Access travel
Hanging in, hanging on - Sidecar motorcycle racing
by Judith Geppert
Judith loves adventure, so when the opportunity to trade her wheelchair for sidecar motorcycle racing presented itself she didn't hesitate. This article is not for the faint hearted. Judith takes you speeding around Sydney's Oran Park Raceway circuit in the ride of her life! Published: November 2002
Keywords: disability, sport, motorcycle, racing
Category: Sport and recreation
Voice recognition - A user's perspective
by Janine Lodato
Giannina discusses her experiences using voice recognition technology, the amusing moments and the frustrations she has experienced learning this new way of communicating. This article provides information on enabling technology from a users perspective, as well as suggestions for future developments. Published: October 2002
Keywords: voice, recognition, software, user, feedback, assistive, technology
Category: Equipment and technology
Off the shelf assistive technology solutions
by Greg Killeen
Although the Eon3 was not produced or designed for people with disabilities, it is a very usable and economical piece of assistive technology. Greg has quadriplegia from a spinal injury and uses this single device to control his televisions, videos, pay TV, CD player, lights and appliances such as a radio and fan, from his wheelchair.Find out how … Published: October 2002
Keywords: assistive, technology, disability, quadriplegia, environment, controls, ECU
Category: Equipment and technology
Empowerment and freedom of expression
by Roslyn McKearney
Rosalyn's first introduction to the world of computers and the Internet happened in 1991, when her husband bought an Atari. These days she readily admits to being a 'computer junkie and has established the Cooinda Computer Club, to assist other people with a disability in benefiting from the independence and enjoyment computers offer. Published: September 2002
Keywords: web accessibility, computers, assistive technology, disability, access
Category: Equipment and technology
Louise Sauvage - My story
by Ian Heads
Born with a spinal condition that limited the function in the lower half of her body, Louise says she has never thought of herself as being different or disadvantaged. "I'm just me - the way I am". Throughout her youth if people said she couldn't do something she would be determined to do it. In telling her story, Louise reveals for the first time the battle she fought with illness and injury as she carried the expectations of an entire nation at the 2000 Olympics and Paralympics. Published: August 2002
Keywords: Louise Sauvage, Paralympian, disability, elite, sports, Paralympics
Category: Sport and recreation
Cool karma - Relaxation for children and adolescents
by Denise Allen
Children and adolescents are not immune to stress, but are wonderfully receptive to learning stress management skills and relaxation techniques. Over the past four years Denise has specialised in teaching children and adolescents relaxation and stress management and shares three different approaches to reduce stress in young people. Published: August 2002
Keywords: child, youth, stress, relaxation, occupational, therapy, mental, health, children, adolescents
Category: Mental health
Why not me? My journey with MS
by Anna Healey
"It seems strange that being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis could be a good thing, a positive thing, that Multiple Sclerosis could make someone a better person." Anna's story is a very personal and honest account of living with multiple sclerosis. She talks openly about the effect MS has on her life, and that of her family and close friends. Published: July 2002
Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, MS
Category: Personal stories
Literacy, web accessibility and WordCue
by Rob and Toni Seiler
Designing web content to increase access for people with literacy problems is a complex issue. This article outlines some of the factors that need to be considered. It briefly describes how WordCue attempts to assist people with literacy problems use the web, while preserving their ability to enjoy the extensive variety of the web. Published: July 2002
Keywords: web, accessibility, usability, literacy, symbol, communication, print, disability
Category: Web accessibility
Southern Africa - An adventure in living
by Karen Krimberg
So, you ask me to tell you of my African adventure and why I saw everything with such new eyes? And you think I will only tell you about the lion, the giraffe, the leopard and the elephant. Yet, no other continent sings its being as well as Africa does. Nowhere else does a camp fire come so to life, or your soul fly so free. I will tell you also, that I was in a place where my crutches did not impede my being able to touch a cheetah. That I stroked him until he purred ... in that moment, I heard my own song, felt my own heart lift and laughed the laughter I left behind in childhood. Published: June 2002
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, travel, Africa, safari
Category: Access travel
Times change - A family's story about living with Epidermolysus Bullosa
by Robyn Gobert
Life was very different fifty years ago and no one knew about EB, an hereditary condition also known as Cotton Wool Baby Syndrome. Robyn talks about her own experience growing up with EB, and that of her family. Published: May 2002
Keywords: Epidermolysus Bullosa
Category: Personal stories
High flyers - People with disabilities take to the air
by Elizabeth Apps
The Polo Flat Airfield on the outskirts of Cooma NSW, was the main centre of aviation for the Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme. Today the Airfield offers flying lessons for people with disabilities, as well as accessible holiday accommodation. Find out more about the excitement and lift (no pun intended) that flying can give you, from people who have already completed the training course. Published: April 2002
Keywords: disability, flying, school, Australia
Category: Sport and recreation
Living with Spina Bifida - A poet's story
by Robert Hensel
Born in Spain and currently living in New York, Robert is an international poet-writer and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. He was recently honored when the mayor of his home town declared a week for the disabled, "Beyond Limitations Week", in his name. Here is his story about living with Spina Bifida. Published: March 2002
Keywords: disability, arts, poetry
Category: Disability and the arts
Sailing ... Ahoy there! Look! No hands!
by Judith Geppert
You can't do that! You might hurt yourself, or even drown. Of course all boats sink. Just look at what happened to the Titanic even that sank. These were just a few of the comments that people made when Judith, who has cerebral palsy, decided to take up sailing. Instead Judith went on to participate in the National Access Dinghy Championships, at which she was awarded the silver medal presented by the Governor General. Published: March 2002
Keywords: accessible, sailing, sailability
Category: Sport and recreation
Space Camp 2001 - for students who are blind or vision impaired
by Deb Lewis
"I was excited before but now I am past excitement!" This conveys the sense of anticipation experienced by seven school students who travelled from Australia to attend a two week Space Camp in the United States, held especially for students who are blind or vision impaired. During the week students participated in many exercises including team building sessions, weightlessness and communication training. The final six-hour mission was the highlight! Published: February 2002
Keywords: space, camp, vision, impairment, students, blind
Category: Access travel
The Importance of assistive technology outcomes
by Marcia Scherer
Lear about ways rehabilitation professionals can partner with consumers and communities to ensure that assistive technology is put to the best possible use, and that consumers benefit by getting the most out of these devices. Marcia Scherer's forward thinking, inter-disciplinary approach, provides research based guidance and will be of interest to anyone working with or using assistive technology. Published: January 2002
Keywords: assistive, technology, research
Category: Equipment and technology
In my wheelchair and travelling across Queensland
by Robyn Gobert
Access consultant Robyn Gobert takes the reader on a wheelchair tour of Queensland - raising awareness about accessibility while enjoying the thrills of travelling. Asked by Queensland Rail to provide a report on the new Tilt Train, Robyn and husband Paul set out on an adventure that included wineries, alpacas, a tree top walk on a swinging bridge, geckos, wildlife, turtle feeding and a sunset flight over Fraser Island. Published: January 2002
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, travel, itinary, Queensland, Australia
Category: Access travel
You should consider applying for a Churchill Fellowship
by Gail Mackenzie
A fellowship is a great opportunity to travel the world visiting other innovative and successful organisations in your field of speciality, or to attend a high profile international conference. Read about Gail's experiences as a Churchill Fellow in the area of transcultural nursing and consider giving it a go yourself in an area of study that you are also passionate about. Published: December 2001
Keywords: transcultural, nursing, Churchill, Fellowhip
Category: Personal stories
Adaptive computer training for students with cerabral palsy
by Liz Grandin
The School of Adaptive Computer Training (SACT) began classes in January 2000 with a mission to enhance the computer technical skills and marketabililty of people with special needs. SACT matches the right technology with a person's individual ability to help level the playing field in the IT market. To date the SACT team has seen an 80 percent success rate in career placements among its graduates. Published: December 2001
Keywords: assistive, technology, computer, training, disability, employment
Category: Equipment and technology
Balance the care
by Maree McEvoy
As part of celebrating Australian Carer's Week, carers share their experiences and discuss the importance of finding ways to introduce balance into their lives by spreading the load of caring and particularly by looking after themselves. It takes a positive and active approach to the often overwhelming situations which carers face everyday. Published: November 2001
Keywords: carers
Category: Disability tips
Curtain fig boardwalk - A new view of an old feature
by Greg Taylor
An elevated boardwalk around the famous Queensland Curtain fig tree at Yungaburra, now provides barrier free wheelchair access, as well as preventing damage to the rare Mabi forest. Published: October 2001
Keywords: wheelchair, access, national parks, Queensland
Category: Access travel
Bali or bust!
by Greg Taylor
Got the travel bug? Greg recounts his trip to Bali as he rediscovers the thrill of travelling - something he has been deliberating in his mind since he became a quadriplegic 18 years ago. His story starts with the plane trip from Cairns to Bali, and recounts his holiday experiences … the adventures, friendships, and challenges. Published: October 2001
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, travel, Bali, Indonesia
Category: Access travel
The road ahead - Access in the tropics
by Robyn Gobert
Travel with the author on a self-drive tour of tropical Far North Queensland. Highlights include the solar-powered disability chair lift into Road Cave, tethered hang gliding at Flying Leap, and snorkeling off the Great Barrier Reef (from a powered chair lift on-board the Quicksilver pontoon. Robyn's husband, tourism photographer Paul Gobert, has also taken lots of great photographs to accompany this article. You will want to start packing your bags straight away! Published: September 2001
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, travel, Far North Queensland, Australia
Category: Access travel
A right to access!
by Robyn Gobert
Robyn, disability advocate and access consultant, writes about her experiences concerning access in tropical Queensland. Published: August 2001
Keywords: disability, access
Category: Access to the built environment
Memoirs of an illiterate larrikin
by Ken Hall
Did you know that according to the Bureau of Statistics 44% of Australians suffer from some form of illiteracy? Ken Hall tells Monika McFerran what it has been like to spend his whole life unable to read and write? So, why has someone with a print disability considered tackling the awesome job of writing a book? Published: July 2001
Keywords: print, disabilities, illiteracy
Category: Personal stories
English tutoring via email
by Jan Reilly
Since her illness Jan has been working from home and recently started offering an email tutoring service for students who could not get to her home. Although it was easy to become discouraged by the difficulties of being isolated and ill, planning her new venture was engrossing will hopefully will be financially successful as well. Published: June 2001
Keywords: illness, employment, computers
Category: Employment
Moving from the bricks and mortar world to the online world
by John McKenna
As a high usage customer of the Internet John McKenna shares his experiences and explains how the Internet has changed his outlook on life, as a person with mobility restrictions. Published: June 2001
Keywords: web, accessibility, computer, access
Category: Web accessibility
The sky is the limit!
by Judith Geppert
Over the last 50 years Judith has achieved many changes in the community by making organisations and community groups aware of the abilities of people with disabilities. In 1995 just before her 44th birthday, she achieved yet another of her goals, and went tandem skydiving. This is her story. Published: May 2001
Keywords: disability, adventure, challenges, tandem, skydiving, disabilities, sport, recreation
Category: Sport and recreation
Leisure buddies - A fun and different way to make new friends
by Helen Calandro
Adults with an intellectual disability are making new friends and trying a variety of leisure activities under a new project being run by Melbourne based community organisation Gawith Villa. Launched in October 1998, the volunteer scheme is giving people the opportunity to develop real friendships and get more involved in their local community. Published: April 2001
Keywords: disability, recreation, leisure, buddies, volunteer, program
Category: Sport and recreation
Cutting edge
by Tui Mathews
Tui had a stroke seven years ago when she was 37 years old. As a mother of two young children she struggled to cope with the day-to-day running of a family, finding it difficult to do anything with one hand, especially food preparation. In an effort to make life easier for herself and others she invented the Quikkut knife. Published: March 2001
Keywords: disability, stroke
Category: Personal stories
Carrying the torch - My journey into history
by Judith Geppert
In November 1956, Judith remembers watching the evening news with her father and catching glimpses of the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Torch Relay. This torch relay consisted entirely of young fit men, all of whom had to be able to run a mile in six minutes or less. But in the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays it was going to be a different story. Share the spirit of these events as Judith tells the story of her "journey into history". Published: February 2001
Keywords: Paralympic, Olympic, torch, relay
Category: Personal stories
Employers making a difference
by John Little
A unique Australian concept in developing jobs for people with disabilities. Published: January 2001
Keywords: disability, employment
Category: Employment
Providing steps towards independence
by Merrylands Independent Living
The goal of living a more independent life is becoming a reality for young adults with physical disabilities participating in the Merrylands Independent Living program. Two Merrylands' residents tell their stories and include a personal goals checklist for people considering living alone for the first time. Published: December 2000
Keywords: independent, living, program
Category: Accommodation and housing
Fill in the gaps
by Lisa Gibson
The Royal Blind Society recently launched a new initiative, live audio description, to "fill in the gaps" for arts lovers who are blind and vision impaired. The first audio-described-plays were performed as part of the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Arts Festivals. Claire attended the performance and met the cast. This is her story. Published: December 2000
Keywords: disability, arts, live, audio, transcription, blind, theatre, vision, impairment
Category: Disability and the arts
Judith's Harbour Bridge Climb - Dreams do come true!
by Judith Geppert
This is Judith's story about her goal to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Judith has cerebral palsy, however "has never let this prevent her from enjoying life to the fullest". Published: November 2000
Keywords: Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, disability, access
Category: Access travel
In our garden
by Alison Marshall
A horticultural therapy program for hospitalised adolescents. Published: October 2000
Keywords: horticultural, therapy, disability, gardening
Category: Sport and recreation
Designing learning environments for all children
by Kate Bishop
Kate designs and builds play equipment and play environments for children of all abilities. She believes two principal characteristics are essential: variety and richness. Opportunities exist in all environments to use these features to create atmosphere, provide information, entertainment, education and reward at levels, suitable for all children and all budgets. Find out how … Published: September 2000
Keywords: children, play, environments, disabilities, equipment, therapy,
Category: Sport and recreation
Welcome to South Australia
by Barbara Worley
Barbara Worley has spent 30 years in a wheelchair, and has travelled extensively both within Australia and overseas. As a resident of South Australia, she believes this state, and in particular Adelaide, is the easiest city to move around and has the greatest variety of wheelchair accessible properties and attractions in Australia. To assist wheelchair travellers, she has put together an accessible holiday itinerary. Published: August 2000
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, travel, Adelaide, South Australia
Category: Access travel
Roatan dive trip - Bay Island Beach Resort
by Patrick Tonsing
Whether you are a dive enthusiast or not you will enjoy this article about the Bay Island Beach Resort in Honduras. Maybe you'll even decide to take up scuba diving yourself. Published: July 2000
Keywords: wheelchair, accessible, adventure, travel, scuba, diving, disability, access
Category: Access travel
MultiMail accessible email software
by Janet Owens
MultiMail is a free email program for people with disabilities, that is an extension to the popular MultiWeb browser. It has been designed in close consultation with consumers by the Equity and Access Research and Development Group at Deakin University. Published: May 2000
Keywords: assistive, technology, disability, computer, access, email, software
Category: Equipment and technology
All Abilities Trek to Mt Everest Base Camp
by Tom McCurdy
"I have to admit, when Tom Whitaker told a large gathering of us HOGs about his third expedition to Everest he was planning and invited us along, I seriously doubted his assessment of the means and possibility of us, and especially me, completing the trip. It sounded really difficult and coming from someone who could still walk, though with a prosthesis, I questioned his judgement … You see, we were planning on getting 5 people with disabilities, three of us in wheelchairs, into Mt. Everest Base Camp." Published: April 2000
Keywords: disability, adventure, travel, Everest, Basecamp, trek
Category: Access travel
Assistance dogs for independence
by Cara MacKenzie
Tanya talks about her new found independence and why she considers herself "the lucky one" since Bonny, a wonderful Golden Retriever has come into her life. Published: March 2000
Keywords: assistance, dogs
Category: Personal stories
See through barriers
by Marie Laporte-Stark
Information about making conferences and events accessible to people who are blind. Published: February 2000
Keywords: accessibility, vision, impairment, conferences
Category: Access to the built environment
Meet our Paralympians: Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games
by Margaret McDonald
Our athletes are training hard in the lead up to the Paralympic Games in Sydney, where they will be competing before a home crowd. Here are a few of their stories, achievements and aspirations as they prepare for the big event. Published: January 2000
Keywords: disability, elite, sports, Paralympians, Sydney, Paralympics
Category: Sport and recreation
Creating a more accessible and equitable environment
by Penny Knudson
For a person with limited mobility, vision or hearing, the physical environment can either facilitate or limit their independence. Find out some specific issues to consider when assessing access in the built environment. Published: December 1999
Keywords: wheelchair, accessibility
Category: Access to the built environment
Delivering services and doing business online
by Kay Watts
An online presence can open an exciting new field of customer reachability, product awareness, sales and fundraising opportunities for any Australian organisation or business, including not-for-profit services. Find out how you can get a head start. Published: November 1999
Keywords: internet
Category: Equipment and technology
Enabling internet access
by Rob and Toni Seiler
A project to introduce the Internet to seniors and homebound people in remote, regional locations of Australia has grown into an Internet training access system for people with special needs. Published: October 1999
Keywords: Internet, access, web, accessibility, computer, enabling, technology
Category: Equipment and technology
2000 Olympic Games paves the way for accessibility
by Ann Gibson
Accessing public venues has often proved a difficult exercise for people with a disability. However, the NSW Government is leading the way by addressing this form of discrimination through the Olympic Games building program. Published: September 1999
Keywords: wheelchair, access, accessible, environments
Category: Access to the built environment
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