Challenging Perceptions about Disability one Adventure at a Time – by Alicia Kapa
In 2015 my best friend Leah and I founded a project called Wheely Wacky Adventures. Leah graduated with a Bachelor of Communications majoring in television and film production. So with her technical skills, my Cerebral Palsy and our love for adventures, we decided to share them with the world.
My thoughts on Inclusion – by Marlena Katene
“Inclusion isn’t a word that is commonly used by the general community. However, the word is used quite commonly by people that are fighting for themselves or others for the very right... to be Included”
I have never really known anything else but to be included and accepted in my various communities throughout my life. As a person with a disability, I consider myself blessed that this is so. However, the reality is that not all with disabilities are included as I have been.
Wheelie Travelling: My Top Tips - by Ian Walker
Image: Ian Walker at the 2017 New York City Marathon Expo with race number
With the opening of the Trans-Tasman bubble flights between New Zealand and Australia having resumed this is providing a much-needed boost to each nations' tourism sector. This got me thinking about travelling as a wheelchair user and the added complications that can and usually are faced as opposed to an able-bodied traveller.
Flying with a wheelchair – by Susan Seipel
Travel is something that I have really missed lately due to the Covid19 travel restrictions. But while I love an overseas adventure my least favourite part of the journey is the airplane flight. My experiences have varied greatly as a wheelchair user that requires legroom due to having a fused knee joint. While having a straight leg means I can weight bear and walk using crutches, it can be awful trying to fit in a plane seat!
Meet Eric Yau, Product Manager of Respiratory and Ramps at Invacare Asia Pacific.
Eric sees his role at Invacare as an opportunity to transform the company vision into products that meet his customer’s needs. “People are looking for suitable equipment and Invacare is offering those products along with innovation, value, and care. What we offer can truly change people’s lives for the better.”
Why I am freed by my chair, not bound - By Tyrone Cook
Every time I hear the words “wheelchair-bound”, I cringe as I get this vision of someone in their wheelchair with rope literally binding them to it and never getting out of it. I picture a little bucket under them to toilet in, the seat being waterproof because well, they would have to be able to have a shower and a place to put their pillow to sleep.
A Letter to my Younger Self – by Jessica Cochran
Dear Younger Self,
You are going to face challenges in your life that you’ve never imagined, at times it will be hard, and times your life will hang in the balance and fear will surround you. It is going to be a rough road but I’m here to tell you that despite those challenges you have it within you to grow into someone strong, kind, determined, and beautiful.
Demystifying disabled sport – by Geoff Trappett OAM
Back when I was competing in the Paralympics there was simply disabled sport. We were disabled athletes. Paralympians if we have reached that level. Now though in 2021 the landscape and the terms we use have changed. Changed for the better we hope but let's demystify some of the terms you may now hear.
First things first one part of the Paralympics that still comes as a surprise to some is that the ‘Para’ doesn’t actually derive from Paraplegic. Instead, it actually comes from Parallel. Meant to signify that it sits in parallel with the Olympic movement.
Meet Krishna Prasad, Invacare Country Manager in India and South Asia.
Krishna’s role at Invacare provides him with many opportunities to engage with our customers, where he identifies products that both improve their lives and delight them. “My clients feel very comfortable sharing their challenges and pain points as I am able to make their lives better. I really enjoy developing a strong rapport and relationship with customers. It’s a favourite part of my job.”
Is every disabled person really inspirational? – by Eliza Ault-Connell AM
These days you don’t have to look too far in the world of social media to find a picture of someone with a disability accompanied by an inspirational quote.
Many people share these posts in the hope that it makes themselves and others feel better about their lives and in the hope that they can draw inspiration for their own gratification. Have you ever considered the other side?