Year: 2023

Stress, anxiety, health problems, huge decisions, money worries, relationship issues and just day to day life can leave any of us feeling overwhelmed.

But it’s important to know that support is available and there are always people who care and want to help.

Family, friends, colleagues, your GP or other health professionals are a good place to reach out to.

However, if you’re not comfortable speaking with them or you’re not finding the support you need there, there are some wonderfully helpful and compassionate organisations that are only a phone call or a click away.

Just talk.

And make sure that you take care of yourself and others.

Lifeline on 13 11 14
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
headspace on 1800 650 890

With much of Australia gripped by hot temperatures at the moment and with summer looking as though it’s not leaving without a high, keeping cool, hydrated, safe and healthy is incredibly important – especially so for those of us vulnerable to such extreme weather.

The Disability Support Guide has a very helpful article on keeping your cool:

https://www.disabilitysupportguide.com.au/information/article/some-like-it-hot-but-what-if-you-dont

For those of you who are in at-risk bushfire zones, please have your emergency plans in place and keep in contact with your loved ones, neighbours, your local authorities and on top of updates in your region.

You can keep up to date with emergency warnings and advice in your state/territory by going to:

VIC – https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/
TAS – https://www.alert.tas.gov.au
NSW – https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au
QLD – https://www.qld.gov.au/alerts
SA – https://www.ses.sa.gov.au/incidents-and-warnings/current-warning-list/
WA – https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au
ACT – https://esa.act.gov.au/bushfire-warnings
NT – https://securent.nt.gov.au

For the latest weather updates visit the Bureau of Meteorology’s website http://www.bom.gov.au

Listen to ABC Radio National for regular updates or:

ABC Sydney on 702am or https://www.abc.net.au/sydney/live
ABC Melbourne on 774am or https://www.abc.net.au/melbourne/live
ABC Hobart on 936am or https://www.abc.net.au/hobart/live
ABC Canberra on 666am or https://www.abc.net.au/canberra/live
ABC Adelaide on 891am or https://www.abc.net.au/adelaide/live
ABC Brisbane on 612am or https://www.abc.net.au/brisbane/live
ABC Perth on 720am or https://www.abc.net.au/perth/live
ABC Darwin on 105.7fm or https://www.abc.net.au/darwin/live

To search for a different frequency go to https://reception.abc.net.au.

Whilst you’re sitting in the shade, in air conditioning or in front of a fan with an icy cold drink, why not check in on those around you or people you know who may find the hot weather a challenge and see if they need help.

Stay cool Australia.

Written by PDA’s NSW Director, Mark Pietsch

Hey everyone! 👋, 

As someone who has lived experience with a physical disability, I know the day to day struggle of trying to deal with barriers to being heard and working towards goals. I know that many of you may be facing similar challenges, so I want to offer a few words of encouragement and support, as well as some tips for navigating the journey towards empowerment.

Navigating life through my 20’s and now 30’s with a physical disability was tough, there’s no denying it. I remember feeling like I was often on the defence and facing a lot of physical and emotional barriers.

Often things were overlooked by my able-bodied peers. Some of the things others can do, for me are impossible, or took a ridiculous amount of effort. To compensate, I kept working harder, kept trying to prove myself and often tried to hide my disabilities, the pain and feeling like a fish trying to climb a tree.

But as I got older, I realised that having a disability didn’t have to hold me back. In fact, it opened a world of opportunities for me to advocate for myself and to help others in similar situations. Embracing myself, including my disability, has helped me develop strategies, plans and aspirations that stretch me in directions that I never saw myself heading. As a young person I never once thought I’d be an advocate, a Specialist Support Coordinator or the owner of an organisation full of amazing people, assisting even more amazing people. If you speak up, and you dare to dream, your voice and goals can be heard.

One of the biggest steps I took towards empowerment was accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIS provides support to individuals with disabilities, which can help you access the equipment, therapy and other supports that you need to live your best life. For me, the NDIS was a game-changer and I know it can be for you too!

Of course, even with the support of the NDIS, life with a disability can still be challenging. I still encounter barriers every day, like inaccessible buildings, public transportation and a lack of employment opportunities. But instead of letting these obstacles hold me back, I’ve learned to find creative solutions and to advocate for myself. 

With the right people in my corner, the right funding and a different mindset, my life has changed dramatically!

Here are a few tips that have helped me along the way:

1. Embrace your unique abilities and strengths. Every person with a disability has unique skills and talents, so focus on what you’re good at and don’t let your disability define you.

• Be an advocate for yourself. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask for what you need. You deserve to live your best life and there are people and organisations out there who want to help you do that.

• Connect with others. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends, family, and peers can make all the difference. Joining a local disability community or online group (like the PDA Social Hour) can also be a great way to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

• Keep pushing for change. There’s still a lot of work to be done to make our communities more inclusive and accessible, so don’t be afraid to use your voice to help make that change happen.

I hope that these tips help you on your journey towards empowerment.

Remember, you are not alone and there is a whole community of people out there who are here to support you.

With hard work, determination, and a little bit of creativity, you can achieve your dreams and live your best life.

On Sunday we held the inaugural Physical Disability Awareness Day DisabiliTEA event, with people from all over Australia joining us to to bring to life a day that was established after seeing a gap in the awareness calendar for highlighting physical disabilities.

Providing a great opportunity to raise awareness of, and shed light on, the significant number of Australians living with a physical disability, this event was a great success with those attending enjoying a day to listen, learn, help raise awareness and be part of a day of support, friendships and acknowledgment.

PDA Member Laura (pictured) was the lucky winner of a signed copy of our Ambassador, Dinesh Palipana’s “Stronger” book.

With a specifically allocated Physical Disability Awareness Day having not existed either in Australia or internationally, a hardworking Committee (comprising of Sharon, Robert, Melanie, Tammy and Krystal) brought to life an event celebrating the achievements and contributions made by Australia’s physical disability community.

Little did we know that this first year would spike interest globally. Since Sunday we have had a number of organisations and individuals overseas reach out to us to express a real interest in assisting us to turn it into an international awareness day from next year.

With so many wonderful ideas and feedback from those who did attend Sunday’s event, we also look forward to growing and strengthening this opportunity of celebration and recognition moving forwards.

Later in the year we will be getting things moving for next year’s 5th February Physical Disability Awareness Day and will put a shoutout for anyone interested in getting on board to help us in our move to the international stage in just the second year of its fruition.

Together let’s make some noise, be seen, be recognised, be considered and be celebrated.

Hireup speaks to some of Australia’s top disability advocates about Dylan Alcott’s time as Australian of the Year as he prepares to hand over the mantle.

These included PDA’s President, Andrew Fairbairn, who says that one of Alcott’s biggest achievements in the role was to change perceptions about disability, and not just for non-disabled people.

Read the complete article by clicking below:

https://hireup.com.au/news/hireup-speaks-to-some-of-australias-top-disability/?fbclid=IwAR3jofd8yAPe7y7oyCg0sWKCcpgkxW8pAsySk1LDK69rltEoJQMbO9lZCjs

The Australia Day 2023 Honours List recognises 1047 Australians.

Of these, PDA wishes to thank and congratulate the following for their commendable contributions to Australia’s disability community:

COMPANION (AC) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

• The Honourable Margaret REYNOLDS, TAS – For eminent service to the people and Parliament of Australia, to social justice, gender equality and Indigenous rights, to local government, and to the community. Including Tasmanian State Manager, National Disability Services, 2004-2012.

OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA

• Ms Glenys BEAUCHAMP PSM, ACT – For distinguished service to public administration, particularly innovative health reform, industry and science policy, and program delivery. Including Deputy Chief Executive, Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services 1999-2002.
• Associate Professor Rhonda Muriel FARAGHER, QLD – For distinguished service to people with Down Syndrome through research programs and education initiatives.
• Emeritus Professor Bruce John TONGE, VIC – For distinguished service to psychiatric medicine and research, to tertiary education, to youth, and to the community. Including Joint Winner National Research Prize, Australian Society for the Study of Intellectual Disability 1991.

MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA 

• Mrs Anne Ferguson FLINT, NSW – For significant service to education, and to those with disability. Including Flintwood Disability Services Co-Founder 1999.
• Professor Lorraine GRAHAM, VIC – For significant service to education, particularly in the field of inclusive learning. Including Member Melbourne Disability Institute Advisory Board since 2019.
• Ms Geraldine Marcia HARWOOD, TAS – For significant service to youth, and to the disability sector. Including Chief Executive Officer Optia Incorporated 1993-2012, Former Chair National Disability Services, Board Member Brain Injury Association of Tasmania since 2020, Former Member Strategy Committee of Jane Franklin Hall at University Tasmania.
• Ms Jean KITTSON, NSW – For significant service to the arts as a performer, writer and comedian. Including Ambassador, Northcott Disability Services.
• The late Mr John Bruce MOXON, Formerly of NSW – For significant service to community health, and to people with physical disability. Including Physical Disability Australia Inaugural President 1996-1998 and Founding Member 1996, Parramatta City Council Access Advisory Committee Chair 1992-2012 and Member current, Physical Disability Council of New South Wales President 1997-2002 and Vice President 1994-1997 and Founding Member 1994, Spinal Cord Injuries Australia President 1984-1990 and Board Member 1984-1992 and Life Member since 2016, People with Disability Australia President (Dundas Telopea International Year of Disabled People Committee) 1981 and Information Officer 1983 and Member since 1980, Macquarie Association of Disabled Students President 1982-1983 and Founding Member 1980 and Member, Program of Appliances for Disabled People Advisory Committee Health NSW 1999-2002, Past Coordinator Wheeling Free program 2SER-FM Radio and Senior Policy Officer Disability and Recruitment NSW Public Service 1984-1990.
• The Venerable Canon Professor Peter SANDEMAN, SA – For significant service to the Anglican Church of Australia, and to the community of South Australia. Including Director Primary Health Care/Director Disability Services, SA Health Commission 1990-1994.
• Professor Katharine Shirley STEINBECK, NSW – For significant service to adolescent medicine through a range of roles. Including Executive Committee Member (Research and Clinical Expertise), Transition Care in Adolescents with Chronic Illness and Disability Network, Agency for Clinical Innovation 2010-2019.

MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION 

• Mrs Ingrid ALDERTON, SA – For service to special education. Including Contributor, SA Disability Discrimination Act Public Inquiry 2004 and Member since 1992, Department of Education South Australia Presenter of The Parent Forum Disability Policy and Programs Directorate 2018 and Manager Special Education Resource Unit and Disability Policy Programs 2014.
• Mr Glenn Lloyd BALL, NSW – For service to the community through a range of roles. Including Disability Nurse and Community Nurse 1980s.
• Mr Kevin James CLIFTON, NSW – For service to the community of Tamworth. Including Volunteer Sunnyfield Disability Services since 2004.
• Mrs Aileen Esme DAVIS, NSW – For service to people with disability. Including Riding For the Disabled Association NSW Branch Vice-President 1982-1984 and Treasurer 1980-1982 and Committee Member 1979-1992 and Founding Member 1972 and Life Member since 1992, involved with horse drawn Carriage Driving for the Disabled, Wollondilly Riding For the Disabled Group Member and Rider since 1994.
• Ms Sally Frances DUNCAN, VIC – For service to basketball, and to people with disability.
• Ms Elizabeth EXINTARIS, VIC – For service to the community, particularly through music. Including Music Composer and Presenter, Disability Standards for Education, Languages Other Than English (LOTE) Program video.
• Dr Lisa FAHEY, NSW – For service to medicine as a psychologist. Including Senior Practitioner NSW Department of Aging Disability and Home Care 1997-2000.
• Professor Chyrisse HEINE, VIC – For service to speech pathology. Including Senior Adviser Cambodia Speech Therapy Program Capacity Building for Disability Cooperation Phnom Penh 2013-2017.
• Mr Warren HOPLEY, NSW – For service to education, particularly to the disadvantaged. Including Acting Principal St Lucy’s School for Intellectual Disability 2016.
• Miss Rebecca JOHNSON, QLD – For service to the Indigenous and LGBTQI+ communities. Including Queensland LGBTQI+ Roundtable Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors, QLD Government.
• Mrs Belinda Rose KNIERIM, NSW – For service to the arts, and to human rights. Including Book ‘Unfinished Business’ stories from First Nations persons with disability, Outing Disability, Sydney Mardi Gras, and venues nationally since 2014, Speaker United Nations Commission on the Rights of Persons with Disability Geneva, 2016.
• Mr Barry LEECH, QLD – For service to people with a disability. Including Repatriation Artificial Limb and Appliance Centre (RALAC) Manager ACT Free Limb Scheme 1984-2001 and Director/Prosthetist Canberra 1981-1984 and Manager/Prosthetist/Orthotist Sub Centre Canberra 1977-1981 and Representative Sydney 1976-1977 and Assistant Manager Darwin 1973-1975 and ProsthetistSydney 1970-1971, Prosthetic Consultant Paralympic Teams Barcelona 1992 and Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 and Support Volunteer 1991.
• Ms Julie Helene LOBLINZK, NSW – For service to people with disability. Including Self Advocacy Sydney Board Member since 2021 and Coordinator 1997-2020 and Various positions since 1989, University of NSW Adjunct Lecturer School of Education since 2019 and Guest Lecturer since 2015, National Disability Insurance Scheme(NDIS) Champion, Disability Loop current and Co-writer of blog, Disability and Me – Stories about ability.
• Mrs Keryl Margaret MOIR, NT – For service to local government, and to the community of Darwin. Including Former Member, Disability Access Committee with City of Darwin.
• Mrs Justine PERKINS, NSW – For service to the community through charitable organisations. Including Inclusive and Accessible Communities, National Disability Awards, 2014.
• Mr David PESCUD, NSW – For service to people with disability. Including Creator inclusive sailing programs for people with disability enabling young people and children the opportunity to sail the east coast of Australia.
• Dr Jane Elizabeth SULLIVAN, VIC – For service to the community through a range of organisations. Including Melbourne East Disability Advocacy Volunteer Citizen Advocate 38 years and Committee of Management Member several years in mid 1980s to early 1990s and Life Member 2015.
• Mr David Douglas WRIGHT, VIC – For service to the community of Bendigo.  Including Board Member, Amicus Disability Service 2012-2016.

PUBLIC SERVICE MEDAL (PSM)

• Mrs Jodi Ann CASSAR, NSW – For outstanding public service and leadership working across government to deliver advice, information and support for people with disability, workers and carers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Ms Sarah Aileen JOHNSON, NSW – For outstanding public service to Australians with disability through leadership and commitment to the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
• Mr Dale Edward WEBSTER, TAS – For outstanding public service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Ms Catherine Ann O’NEILL, ACT – For outstanding public service to health services as the Chief Operating Officer of Canberra Health Services.
• Dr Sally Louise SINGLETON, ACT – For outstanding public service to public health.

John Bruce Moxon has been posthumously recognised in the Australia Day Honours List, receiving the award of Member (AM) in the General Division of The Order Of Australia.

He was Physical Disability Australia’s inaugural President and not only helped to shape our organisation, but also Australia’s progressive disability landscape.

John was recognised for his significant service to community health and to people with physical disability. This included (but was not limited to) his involvement with PDA as inaugural President 1996-1998 and Founding Member 1996, Parramatta City Council Access Advisory Committee Chair 1992-2012 and Member current, Physical Disability Council of New South Wales President 1997-2002 and Vice President 1994-1997 and Founding Member 1994, Spinal Cord Injuries Australia President 1984-1990 and Board Member 1984-1992 and Life Member since 2016, People with Disability Australia President (Dundas Telopea International Year of Disabled People Committee) 1981 and Information Officer 1983 and Member since 1980, Macquarie Association of Disabled Students President 1982-1983 and Founding Member 1980 and Member, Program of Appliances for Disabled People Advisory Committee Health NSW 1999-2002, Past Coordinator Wheeling Free program 2SER-FM Radio and Senior Policy Officer Disability and Recruitment NSW Public Service 1984-1990.

Never forgotten.

PDA WA Associate Director, Melanie Hawkes, shares her story.

PDA WA Associate Director Melanie Hawkes was recently involved in “The Lives We Lead Project” – led by WA’s Individualised Services Inc. and funded by WA’s Department of Communities and Department of Social Services.

Capturing and sharing video and photo stories of people with disability living in their own homes, this social media project works to provide the wider community with a better understanding of the contributions made by PWD and their day to day lives.

You can check out Melanie’s story by going to:

https://fb.watch/h-0gUyEG8x/

Written by Robert Wise – PDA VIC Associate Director

I would like to touch on this subject as many of us have a disability that can be seen – whether we are in a wheelchair, wear a prosthetic, walk with crutches or some other walking aid, have noticeable hearing loss, an obvious vision impairment or another form of physical disability.

Some of us have may have more than one physical disability. Some of us may have a condition yet to be diagnosed. Some of us may be impacted by loneliness, frustration or even depression brought on by disability. Some of us may have transitioned from able bodied to living with a physical disability later in life or we could have a disability from birth that slowly progresses as we get older.

Many of us have to learn many skills all over again or learn new skills and this can lead to other problems as I listed above. I do not want to single out any disability here, just to touch on other issues.

Not so long ago there was not much assistance available that enabled us to cope with our changing lives as we began our disability journeys.

I was recently on the panel of two Physical Disability Australia webinars (“Acquiring Disability Later In Life” and “The impact of physical disability on Family, Friends, and Relationships”). Involvement in these reminded me how important it is to be informed, to be able to share experiences, to be accepted and to harness the power that comes from these crucial tools.

If you haven’t yet watched these webinars, I encourage you to click on the above links and visit PDAs YouTube channel.

Despite disability related problems varying from person to person, our complete needs are often not considered when we require services such as helping us with our shopping, personal care or even help around the home.

Getting out is important and we can have support workers for this as a one-on-one, but some of us only get limited hours for this. What about meeting people and doing activities in a group environment? There are many sporting groups for people with physical disabilities and these are great if you like playing sport or want to try out a new one. But what about those of us who do not like playing sport or those of us who are getting older? Some of us like touring, sightseeing, visiting tourist attractions, going on holidays – all of which can be done one-on-one with a support worker if funding permits. This is fine for some of us. Many of us do not need one-on-one support 24/7. We just need support when things get tough and that’s where a group-based activity can help. These groups have support workers who are there if needed and you can meet people and do what you like to do at the same time – which can help if you are lonely and isolated. Many group-based outings are not made available to people with a physical disability, only those with a mental or intellectual disability. This is a great pity. Whilst people with a physical disability can be independent, some are not.

Group-based outings would be great for them to get out. To be with people, to access the community, to widen their worlds by visiting attractions and to enjoy the company of others. Physical disabilities can vary greatly, but we all have the same needs, wants and rights to enjoy life – in spite of difficulties.

I live on my own and am quite independent, only needing support workers for some daily tasks and assistance when in the community. I too need a break from the mundanity of life that so often accompanies disability. To get out and enjoy myself touring, not having to worry about getting my meals, arranging transport or finding accessible places of interest and accommodations. A group-based activity organisation does this for you. Many people with physical disability do not have funding in their plans for STA or group-based holidays or activities. I think greater emphasis should be placed on the importance of these and the benefits that come with such opportunities. They should be included in our NDIS plan reviews as part of our mental health wellbeing which I feel is part of the what the NDIS is about.