The theme of this year’s Physical Disability Awareness Day is “creating possibilities”. At our online DisabiliTEA (Sunday 1st February at 2pm AEDT), we will be showcasing some incredible people who have accomplished careers in the creative and artistic space.
However, we also believe that creativity is particularly relevant to those within the disability community who often have to think outside of the box to solve problems or find solutions to challenges in everyday life.
Annette is one of our hard working committee members who has found ways to work around issues in her life as a person living with a physical disability.
Finding it difficult to get in and out of a bath and to clean, she came up with the clever idea of putting a large sheet over her bath – both for easier access and to reduce cleaning time and effort.
Anchored by 2x 1.5 litre filled water bottles on 2 corners and her litre bottles of shampoo and conditioner on the 3rd, this innovative idea has greatly helped Annette. Her cleaner or support worker will take the sheet and shake it outside when necessary, and it saves Annette looking at dirt and dust.
She has also come up with other creative adaptations that help her in her daily life. These include putting a okkey strap (aka occy strap/bungee cord – depending on which part of Australia you’re in) with rope around the top of her recliner chair to secure her sheepskin cover originally connected by Velcro straps, but became detached and needing to be reattached with a sewing machine that she does not have. Other clever fixes involve making her office chair more comfortable by securing a pillow – again with the help of a okkey strap plus rope; her 24 inch screen and laptop both placed on her work sit/stand desk, she has positioned a card table next to it – this sits at a lower level and, with the aid of a piece of hard foam, she places her iPad on it when working so it is on a better level to her desk.
Clever adaptations like these have helped Annette circumvent her physical disabilities to make life easier and more comfortable.
Have you come up with any clever adaptations or inventions that have made a positive difference in your life?
We’d love to hear about them either in the comments or by you joining us at Sunday’s DisabiliTEA (NSW/VIC/ACT/TAS 2pm. SA: 1.30pm. QLD: 1pm. NT: 12.30pm. WA: 11am).
Physical Disability Australia extends warm congratulations to the 2026 Australia Day Honours Recipients – particularly people living with disability and those involved in the sector.
My name is Robert. I have an above knee amputation, specifically known as a hip disarticulation, which involved the removal of part of my hip joint as well. I have been an amputee since 2003.
Following the onset of my disability, many aspects of my life changed, requiring me to seek out new activities and interests. With more free time on my hands, I began to focus on creating and making things, both at my local Men’s Shed and at home.
I have explored a variety of creative outlets, including woodworking and card and paper craft. I possess a wide range of tools that assist me in these projects. Engaging in these creative activities gives me a positive outlook and reinforces my sense of usefulness and capability. I have no specific interests; I try a variety of things, including building model kits, electronics and computer skills. Although I do face some challenges with my creative skills, the most important thing is that I do not give up. I find satisfaction when I sit back and look at the finished project. The project in the photo was one I chose because it showcases my woodwork skills, computer design involving 3D printing and my assembly skills.
Physical Disability Awareness Day holds special meaning for me. It provides individuals with physical disabilities the opportunity to have a voice and to gain recognition within society. There is no other dedicated day on the calendar for this purpose. This day allows us to demonstrate to mainstream society that, although our bodies may function differently, our minds remain active and we are still valuable and prominent members of the community. I am so proud to be a part of this meaningful day.
Physical Disability Awareness Day has been around since 2023 and is held annually on the first Sunday in February. The day provides an opportunity to celebrate and recognise those living with a physical disability, to build community, to raise awareness around the many conditions that fall under the physical disability banner and to highlight our contributions and presence in society.
This year’s theme is “Creative Possibilities” and will allow us to showcase some incredible people who have accomplished careers in the creative and artistic space (including literature, media production and performance art), but also highlight everyone’s creative abilities – including generation of new, original and valuable ideas or solutions to find new ways and thinking to solve problems or express themselves.
Events are held throughout Australia and we encourage you to get together with others to recognise Physical Disability Awareness Day. You’re also invited to join our online DisabiliTEA at 2pm AEDT (register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/q3wGsKsUSga_rmddVY_lmw) to hear from some incredible speakers, to enjoy disability themed bingo WITH SOME GREAT PRIZES (I’ll be your bingo caller) and to have a great time celebrating Physical Disability Awareness Day.
It is with great excitement that we introduce one of our incredible speakers who will sharing their stories at Physical Disability Awareness Day’s online DisabiliTEA on Sunday 1st February.
Stephanie Dower is a dynamic Screen Producer, Writer, and Access Coordinator committed to bold storytelling and genuine inclusion. As the only trained Access Coordinator in Queensland, Stephanie has become the local industry’s go-to for any matters around accessibility and inclusion of d/Deaf, disabled, and/or neurodivergent creatives and crew.
In 2024, she brought her expertise in accessible practice to two feature films – “Spit” and Amazon Studios’ “The Bluff”. Stephanie has also served as the Access Coordinator for Australia’s premier screen industry event, Screen Forever for two years running, and will return in 2026.
As the founder and CEO of Dower Productions, an independent production company supported by Screen Queensland’s Business Enterprise Fund, Stephanie is also developing an ambitious slate of scripted and factual projects that align with her work in the access space.
At the DisabiliTEA, Stephanie will share stories around her entrance into the screen industry. Initially working in the post-production, which seemed the most accessible pathway, she wanted to have more say around projects she was working on and which stories were being told. This led her to become a producer and establish her own production company, with financial support from Screen Queensland. As Queensland’s only trained Access Coordinator, her role involves working to make the screen and the Arts more accessible and inclusive places for everyone.
“Physical Disability Awareness Day is an important day for us to celebrate our achievements but also to come together and acknowledge our shared experience of living in worlds that were not built for us and the connections that forges for our community.” ~ Stephanie Dower
To hear Stephanie talk around #CreativePossibilities, the theme for this year’s Physical Disability Awareness Day, make sure that you register for our DisabiliTEA:
Together let’s grow and strengthen Physical Disability Awareness Day by making some noise, being seen, being recognised, being considered and being celebrated.
“Days like Physical Disability Awareness Day are important, because they connect the world to the journeys of people with physical disability. It’s how the world moves forward, to make a better life for everyone. However, storytelling is an important part of awareness. For people with disability, creative events is one way to tell stories, to bring awareness to the world, to create unity and inclusion.” ~ Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM
On Sunday 1st February 2026 at 2pm AEDT, PDA will be hosting the 4th annual Physical Disability Awareness Day online DisabiliTEA.
This important day celebrates the contributions, challenges, and unique experiences of people with physical disabilities, aiming to foster inclusivity, challenge stigmas, advocate for better accessibility and bring together community.
The theme for 2026 is “Creative Possibilities” and we will be showcasing some incredible people who have accomplished careers in the creative and artistic space, including literature, media production and performance art. With creativity also encompassing the ability to generate new, original, and valuable ideas or solutions, this year’s theme is particularly relevant to those within the disability community who often use imagination to find new ways and thinking to solve problems or express themselves.
To register for the online DisabiliTEA event, make sure that you head across to:
* Stephanie Dower – arts (film, tv, online) producer, writer, editor, creative mind behind Dower Productions & disability advocate
* Tony Dee (aka Tony Doevendans) – world renowned singer and performer with a passion for living life to the full
* Melanie Hawkes – disability advocate, award winning writer, courageous conversation starter who ignited a worldwide conversation around sexuality and disability, & winner of the 2023 Discovery Awards.
As well as hearing from these incredible speakers, this free event will feature a fun bingo event with great prizes.
Join us to celebrate Physical Disability Awareness Day – a wonderful opportunity for people to come together and be united in their support for Australia’s physical disability community.
GROUP EVENT REGISTRATIONS – Registered DisabiliTEA individuals running group events with 4 or more registered attendees who attend, will go into the draw to win a $100 Prezzee gift card to be divided/distributed by winning registered host at the discretion of those attending the winning group event.
We look forward to having you join us to celebrate Physical Disability Awareness Day 2026.
Together let’s grow and strengthen Physical Disability Awareness Day by making some noise, being seen, being recognised, being considered and being celebrated.
For news and updates on what’s happening near you and how you can be involved, please email promotion@pda.org.au.
If you would like to run your own Physical Disability Awareness Day event or would like to be involved in the organising committee for next year, please email promotion@pda.org.au or call 1800 732 674.
On Sunday February 1st 2026, Physical Disability Australia (PDA) will be hosting the fourth Physical Disability Awareness Day and you’re invited to join the celebrations.
Established by PDA in 2023 after seeing a gap in the awareness calendar for highlighting physical disabilities, this very special day brings attention to people living with physical disability, their contributions and the many conditions that fall under the physical disability umbrella.
The day also provides a wonderful opportunity for people to come together and be united in their support for Australia’s physical disability community.
Our online DisabiliTEA event will once be held, this time with a fun disability themed Bingo session (with some fantastic prizes) and some amazing guest speakers who will share their stories.
GROUP EVENT REGISTRATIONS – Registered DisabiliTEA individuals running group events with 4 or more registered attendees who attend, will go into the draw to win a $100 Prezzee gift card to be divided/distributed by winning registered host at the discretion of those attending the winning group event.
We look forward to having you join us to celebrate Physical Disability Awareness Day 2026.
Together let’s grow and strengthen Physical Disability Awareness Day by making some noise, being seen, being recognised, being considered and being celebrated.
For news and updates on what’s happening near you and how you can be involved, please email promotion@pda.org.au.
If you would like to run your own Physical Disability Awareness Day event or would like to be involved in the organising committee for next year, please email Natasha Nobay (Communications and Engagement Manager, Physical Disability Australia) at promotion@pda.org.au or call 1800 732 674.
IMAGE: The Physical Disability Awareness Day logo is made up of many diamond/square shaped leaves made up of the colours of the rainbow. Over the top of this sits the words “Physical Disability Awareness Day” in white text. The inclusion of many colours within the logo represent the many different physical disabilities, encapsulated in the purple associated with disability representation. The leaves (squares) pointing inwards within the overall image signify the unity and support within the physical disability community and wider public, and the pointing out of leaves symbolise the need to raise awareness and to increase support, inclusion and acceptance moving forwards.
I went to Sydney for my brother’s wedding in November 2025. My airfares and hotel were booked back in June, so I could relax and wait for my trip to happen. Or so I thought.
This was my first trip on a plane with my boyfriend James, and his first time to Sydney (my fourth trip there, I think). I was relaxed, but James was getting stressed leading up to the trip. He’s autistic, and I was putting him in a situation he’d never been in before. It was bound to overwhelm him at some stage. My support worker Gen also came with us.
We wrote lists of what to pack, and triple checked them before zipping our suitcases shut. My mum dropped us all off at the airport (six minutes is how quick you have to be to not be charged. When you have 3 people, 3 suitcases, and a wheelchair to offload, there should be some leniency. But Mum was quick enough to get out for free!).
James wanted to be there super early. We ignored the prior messages from Qantas about online check-in and made our way to the special assistance desk. We handed over our luggage, got tags on my wheelchair and answered 100 questions about its size and weight.
By the time we got through security (and my pat down), ate lunch, and went to the toilet, it was time to be at the gate. I’d told Qantas when I booked in June that I’d need the Eagle Lift to get to my seat. They had it, but brought it out at the last minute. As I drove underneath it to be hoisted up out of my chair, they had trouble making it wide enough to fit easily. It should have been a red flag.
They brought me into the plane and then realised the sides weren’t able to come in again. They were stuck in a wide position. This would not do to get me onto my seat as it needed to be adjustable to go between the rows of seats in economy. I was hanging around in the doorway of the plane while they figured out a plan B. The staff were getting quite stressed and embarrassed by this malfunction of the lift. The plane had already been delayed an hour, so what was another few minutes? I was happy to hang around in the doorway.
I asked if they had an aisle chair nearby. Up and down on the lift still worked, so I suggested they go find one. They did, so they lowered me on to that, removed the Eagle Lift from the plane, and wheeled me down to my seat. James and another crew member managed to lift me on to my seat. Just a bit of drama to start our holiday. I hoped it wasn’t an omen for what was to come.
We had an enjoyable flight, and my wheelchair made it in one piece. It was after 11pm when we lined up for a taxi. We didn’t have to wait too long before a maxi taxi came. 22 minutes later we were at our hotel, but it cost $80! I couldn’t believe how expensive it was. My interstate voucher has a value of $25, so I had to pay $55. I was paying cash but the driver didn’t offer a discount. We took a while to get the correct change, which he didn’t appreciate, and he took off in a huff. I found out later that the NSW Government pays drivers $27.50 every time they take a local wheelchair user (a lift fee). But not when you’re from interstate, so I had to bear that cost. That’s why it was expensive for a short trip. Why isn’t it the same across Australia? If only Ubers took wheelchairs in specialised vehicles…
We checked into the Adge Hotel in Surry Hills. But when we got to our room, there was no hoist. I’d booked Independent Living Specialists to deliver a full hoist with pivot frame that day. We made a call to reception but they didn’t know anything about it. James was able to lift me from my chair into bed, but we’d need it in the morning to get me up safely. We set our alarm for 8am and fell asleep.
We called ILS just after 8am but they didn’t open until 9am. We finally had a call from John at the warehouse around 10am, He was furious that the delivery man tasked with dropping off my hoist the day before didn’t do it, nor told anyone that he hadn’t. So John was going to come himself, but not until after midday. This was the first day of our holiday. I didn’t want to spend most of it in bed. Plus I was hungry. The meal on the plane hadn’t filled me up.
So I decided to skip a shower, and get dressed in bed. Gen and James were able to top and tail me, and lifted me back into my chair. It sure beat waiting for the hoist to arrive.
John called us before 12:30pm to say he was there. We had already left and were on our way to Circular Quay to show James the iconic sites. I forgot how hilly Sydney was, and how steep ramps can be. It was lucky that James rides on the back of my chair as he was able to hold my shoulders while going down slopes. My balance isn’t great, so it was nice having James support me. The alternative is to tilt my chair back every time I went down steep ramps. That would take too long each time and I’d be late everywhere. Even with my footplates elevated, I still scraped the bottom on some ramps.
After lunch at Circular Quay, we did an accessible tour of the Sydney Opera House. It was nice to see behind the scenes, and the roof tiles up close. Our guide was knowledgeable and courteous of our needs.
When we arrived back at the hotel that night, the hoist was indeed there, and fit under the bed with the blocks I’d brought. But the carpet was very plush, and took a lot of strength to push it in our room. Why do accessible hotel rooms have carpet? It would make life easier if they had a hard floor covering instead, with the option of a rug if people required it.
The next morning we got up and had a shower. It was easier to leave the hoist in one position and bring the chairs to me. The hoist plus my weight made it tricky to move with me in it over the thick carpet. Of course we had to move it from the bed, but once clear, we left it in place. I was lowered onto my shower chair (I brought my own) and had a nice shower (although there was a large leak coming from the hose. While rinsing my hair it was washing my face at the same time!).
When it came time to transfer from the shower chair to my wheelchair, we hoisted up to the maximum height (which wasn’t very high). After changing chairs beneath me, I was lowered. We detached the sling, and pressed the up button. Nothing happened. It wouldn’t go up to make space for me to reverse. It would only go down.
I managed to back away, and plugged the hoist in, thinking it had a flat battery. Ten minutes later we tried again, but no change. At least I’d had a shower and got dressed and was in my chair before it broke down. I called John from the day before and told him about the issue. He said he’d send someone and report back later today. We left it at reception and headed for Taronga Zoo.
I’d forgotten how hilly the zoo was. In some places there were gentle slopes, but steep slopes in other locations. I’m glad I’m in a power wheelchair as manual chair users would have trouble. The zoo does have access maps, so is possible to plan your trip.
One of their lifts was out of service, so to get back up from one area, we had to go back all the way we’d come. Everyone else could go straight up the escalator instead. The views from some parts of the zoo are spectacular, and we saw plenty of animals.
John called me back to say they sent someone to check my hoist, but is in working order. They couldn’t find a fault with it, apparently. Very strange.
The bus drivers we had that day were kind enough to let us on without paying. I informed the drivers that we have electric ramps on our buses in Perth. They sounded annoyed that they had to fold the ramp out manually. I was impressed there was a seatbelt for wheelchair passengers to use, and I probably should have. Those roads are so bumpy and have I mentioned how hilly Sydney is? My wheelchair slid a few times.
The next day we had the same issue with the hoist not going up again. Instead of calling them, I asked Gen to lower it all the way to the bottom. Sure enough, it then went up again. I’ve never had this issue with a hoist before. We made sure we never went to the maximum height after that, and didn’t have another problem with it.
The wedding was held at the National Art School in Darlinghurst. It was beautiful. A real party. But no accessible toilet. After 5 glasses of champagne, it was almost midnight, so I decided to call it a night. I went back to the hotel to use our accessible toilet. It was a shame that I couldn’t stay on, and party until the sun came up like my brother did with half the guests. But I still had fun.
On our last full day there, we decided to go to Manly on the ferry in the afternoon. But first, lunch. Some locals raved about a ramen shop nearby that we were keen to try. We ran out with 30 minutes before their kitchen closed, only to find they had a big step out the front. We were so looking forward to ramen, but had to settle for burgers down the road as they had access. It wasn’t fair.
The Manly ferry was nice, once I got over the shock of the gangway. It was steep. Going up is easier for me than down, so I got on without much trouble. I was hoping we’d come back to a different pier; one where it was less steep. My heart sank when we weren’t.
“Wait until everyone else is off, please,” the ferry worker told me. I was preoccupied with the steepness of the slope that I failed to notice how close the fence was to the end of the gangway. I wasn’t going to be able to turn as soon as I was down and I would probably hit the fence.
As soon as everyone else was off, they moved the gangway so that it was no longer on a 90° angle with the ferry. It looked very dangerous being on a more acute angle. They reassured me that it was safe enough for me to go down. I tilted my chair back, James jumped on the back of my chair so he could hold on to my shoulders and keep my balance, and we went down very carefully with my heart in my chest. It felt like a miracle that I made it off the ferry in one piece, and didn’t crash into that fence.
I was so stressed about getting off that ferry safely that I forgot to get a video or a photo. How they can justify that it meets disability standards is beyond my belief. I recently travelled to Rottnest by ferry, and also had issues with the steep ramp getting off.
As much as I enjoyed my time away, I looked forward to coming home. But it wasn’t before more dramas with the Eagle Lift breaking down at Sydney airport before boarding our flight. Luckily, they had a spare, and it was brought out to assist me all the way to my seat on the plane.
Sydney is a very pretty city, but for anyone in a wheelchair, it’s a tough place to navigate. There’s no place like home, and I was very grateful to be back in my own bed, with equipment that worked, cheaper taxis, and in an easier city to navigate on six wheels.
On behalf of the PDA staff and Board, I’d like to say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays (both are good) to all those who have supported PDA throughout 2025, those who have worked alongside us towards our cause for better human rights, improved participation and less discrimination for those of us living with a physical disability, our families and friends.
We may not shout the work that we do from the roof tops or seek recognition or acknowledgement for our efforts but that does not lessen the importance or significance of what we do.
To our members, thank you for believing in us.
We look to 2026 knowing that we still have work to do.
We will do this work with humility and understand the privilege bestowed on us in our roles.
On Sunday February 1st 2026, Physical Disability Australia (PDA) will be hosting the fourth Physical Disability Awareness Day.
Established by PDA in 2023 after seeing a gap in the awareness calendar for highlighting physical disabilities, this very special day brings attention to people living with physical disability, their contributions and the many conditions that fall under the physical disability umbrella.
The day also provides a wonderful opportunity for people to come together and be united in their support for Australia’s physical disability community.
The ever popular online DisabiliTEA event will once be held, this time with a fun disability themed Bingo session (with some fantastic prizes) and some amazing guest speakers who will share their stories.
The Bingo host and caller will be Robert Wise, Physical Disability Awareness Day Committee member and PDA Board representative.
GROUP EVENT REGISTRATIONS – Registered DisabiliTEA individuals running group events with 4 or more registered attendees who actually show up, will go into the draw to win a $100 Prezzee gift card to be divided/distributed by winning registered host at the discretion of those attending the winning group event.
We look forward to having you join us to celebrate Physical Disability Awareness Day 2026.
Together let’s grow and strengthen Physical Disability Awareness Day by making some noise, being seen, being recognised, being considered and being celebrated. For news and updates on what’s happening near you and how you can be involved, please email promotion@pda.org.au.
If you would like to run your own Physical Disability Awareness Day event or would like to be involved in the organising committee for next year, please email Natasha Nobay (Communications and Engagement Manager, Physical Disability Australia) at promotion@pda.org.au or call 1800 732 674.
IMAGE: The Physical Disability Awareness Day logo is made up of many diamond/square shaped leaves made up of the colours of the rainbow. Over the top of this sits the words “Physical Disability Awareness Day” in white text. The inclusion of many colours within the logo represent the many different physical disabilities, encapsulated in the purple associated with disability representation. The leaves (squares) pointing inwards within the overall image signify the unity and support within the physical disability community and wider public, and the pointing out of leaves symbolise the need to raise awareness and to increase support, inclusion and acceptance moving forwards.
