Our Working career… what does it look like and how does it change? – by Lindsay Nott
Before my injury, I had a job lined up (my first full-time job) in the trade industry. That all changed when I had my accident. After my rehabilitation, I kept busy volunteering as a peer supporter and being a guest lecturer at a university. However, having a career was still an important goal of mine so I started looking at options for study.
I completed a call centre course through TAFE who were accommodating and supportive and then my employment case manager found a job opportunity for me in office administration.
My exciting news – by Alicia Kapa
Big news…..I’m engaged! Did anyone expect that coming? No? Good because neither did I to be honest! My best friend and I have been friends for 8 years, he is from Fiji and I am obviously from New Zealand. We met on Facebook, started talking, a year and a half later I went over to meet him and the rest is history. We did trips there or here every 6-8 months until he moved here in 2020!
DISABILITY DISCOUNTS – by Bill Fuller
Ask 100 disabled people to tell you about disability and you’re likely to get 100 different answers. But one factor of disability that everyone would agree with is that having a disability is very expensive. Nearly anything that is said to be for assistance with a disability can cost an astonishing amount and this is justified by some as being a “medical” need. One of many examples that I witnessed on an auction site was a bottle holder for a pram priced at $7. The very same bottle holder advertised for use on a wheelchair was priced at $94.
Journey to a Wheelchair Part 4 – Midsumma – by Ferris Knight
It’d been a while since I last did a wheelchair trial. There were so many moving cogs in my life that while this was always on the register, everything seemed to be the main priority: housing, school, ramps, surgeries. Everything was so important and dominant that it was like colliding atoms, ricocheting off each other and nothing was going to plan. While I was struggling to get on top of everything, I was blessed to have a team who kept fighting for me when conflicting demands too preoccupied me. And I must say that I was and am blessed to have a supportive team.
Dating with a disability – by Natasha Astill
This is my personal experience. Please note that it might be different for others. It has been hard for me to find someone who I would like to date. Last year I tried something completely out of my comfort zone.
I went speed dating. I didn’t go alone I went with my sister. Unfortunately, I didn’t find anyone there, but it gave me good experience in having conversations. Prior to the speed dating, I sat down with my support worker to discuss different conversations topics etc.
At a Crossroad in my life – by Marlena Katene
Last night I was thinking about how to start this blog.
CAN YOU BE DISABLED AND HAPPY? – By Ian Walker
Kia ora koutou katoa/hey everybody!
The above-noted question has been asked of me more than once. Almost as if one is at the exclusion of the other. My answer? Bloody oath I can!
Why is the bar of expectation set so low for people with disabilities? – by Adam Sheppard
As a full-time wheelchair user of close to 40 years, I’ve grown pretty accustomed to people asking if I need help.
Some people ask and then you get those that thrust themselves upon you, like you couldn’t possibly have successfully completed the task you’ve done 4653 times prior, without intervention by some random with a saviour complex.
I don’t mean to sound brash but, as a person with a disability, you are either comfortable with people asking if you need help and, therefore, comfortable in accepting the help or kindly declining it.
Why I’m Celebrating Autism Acceptance, not Awareness This April – by Charlie Park
Image Description: A selfie of Charlie sitting at a pub wearing silvery-blue headphones and a rainbow-coloured jumper.
As an Autistic person, I’m calling for Autism acceptance, not awareness in April. Why? Because awareness - “Be aware! Here be Autistics!” - makes us out to be creatures to be avoided. Whereas accepting Autism – “Rejoice! Here be Autistics!” – requires understanding and inclusion of Autistic folk. How do we achieve Autism acceptance?
Exploring Accessibility - Wheelchair Access at Mount Tomah Botanic Garden, NSW – by Daniel Kenna
In my last blog, I talked about returning to the theatre. This time, I want to explore accessing green spaces. Botanical gardens are not just beautiful spaces; they are living museums and sanctuaries for wildlife. For many, they provide a place to connect with nature, relax, and learn. However, for individuals with disabilities, visiting these spaces can present unique challenges. Today, I want to delve into the Botanic Gardens of Sydney: Mount Tomah to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of these natural green spaces.