Off track: the struggle for people with disabilities on Melbourne’s tram network
Disability advocate says there is ‘no political will’ to make accessibility upgrades as Brunswick residents plan rally.
DARU Update
Changes to disability support outside NDIS with government to implement new set of standards
The federal government will repeal the Disability Services Act and replace it with a new set of standards. The changes will govern the provision of services to people with disabilities outside of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Joshua’s life in full swing after speaking up
Rockhampton teenager Joshua didn’t use spoken language until he was 5, now he’s singing at school events, volunteering at a tennis club and has his manual learner’s licence. But the 17-year-old’s biggest achievement is being able to recognise when he is being bullied and confidently being able to speak up and seek support.
National Disability Asset webinar
Inclusion Australia CEO, Catherine McAlpine, spoke at the National Disability Asset webinar. The Asset aims to better understand specific needs and goals of people with disability – to give a more complete picture of their lives. For more info, watch the highlights video
How disabled scam victims are turning the tide on scammers
Scams to people with a disability have risen by over 58 per cent in 2 years, according to data from Scamwatch. Now a TAC-funded program, co-designed by people with brain injuries, is seeking to provide safety training and psychological interventions for those at risk. CyberAbility project lead Dr Kare Gould told Trevor Chappell about the free … Continued
Calls for purpose-built childcare centres for children with a disability amid ‘discrimination’
Felicity Thompson bought just one thing for her unborn daughter — a tiny outfit to bury her in. The Perth nurse had been told her baby would probably die. Then, when she was 30 weeks pregnant, doctors said the baby would live and diagnosed her with Russell-Silver Syndrome.
The disability paradox: ‘I want to get bogged at a beach in my wheelchair and know people will help’
I am flying to Byron Bay for some writers’ festival events, which I’m looking forward to. From Melbourne to Ballina, the closest airport, is a two-hour direct flight. But the airline has refused to take me unless I travel with a carer. Its policy is to refuse assistance to disabled people who can’t transfer to … Continued
Sailability brings smiles and a sense of freedom on the water for people with disabilities
Jason East sits behind the steering wheel of a pontoon boat with nothing but the gentle breeze off the water and the passing sailboats to distract him. “When you’re out on the water it’s like leaving your disability behind,” Mr East says. “We’re all equal on the water and there’s a real freedom in that.”
The Queensland government’s apology to two brothers abused by their father was the easy part. Now the hard work begins
In politics, saying sorry can bring you instant headlines. It can be seen as a sign of humility that says: we’re listening. But it’s not a solution, and the Palaszczuk government’s swift apology on Tuesday following damning findings from the disability royal commission — although welcome — was lacking in detail about what happens next.
The untold stories of Victorian women with disability brought to light
From the Outskirts host Liz Wright sat down with Talking Disability journalist David McManus Jr to share more about the upcoming podcast launch Key points From the Outskirts has a planned launch for September 9, 2023, across podcast streaming platforms The series is intended to highlight the lived experience of women with disability across rural and … Continued
NDIS Review Outlines 10 Major Reform Areas
On Wednesday, NDIS Review co-chair Professor Bruce Bonyhady gave his second teaser speech, this time in Geelong—NDIA heartland. Following on from the speech given at townhall in late August, Professor Bonyhady outlined the 10 major reform areas the Review will recommend in its highly anticipated report.
How people with cerebral palsy confront and cope with ableism: a peer led research project
Closing date: January 1, 2024
Ableism can occur with strangers or people you know, such as family and friends. We are a group of researchers with and without cerebral palsy. We wish to find out about how adults (18 years or older) with cerebral palsy successfully confront ableism. Some people with cerebral palsy find ways of successfully dealing with ableism. … Continued
NDIS Commission Inquiry into Support Coordination and Plan Management
There has been so much happening in the NDIS of late you might have missed the latest Own Motion Inquiry into Support Coordination and Plan Management (intermediaries). Unlike other Own Motion Inquiries this one appears to have commenced on the down-low, with the Part 1 report being published at the same time the Inquiry was … Continued
Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV) Experts by Experience Advocates
The Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV) Experts by Experience Advocates (Experts) are a group of 12 women with diverse experiences of disability. The Experts support the development of policies, products and services by sharing their lived experience expertise through consultations and co design sessions. The Experts meetings are held monthly on Thursdays, from 11:00am to … Continued