Introducing PDA’s new CEO

It is with great pleasure that we introduce Jeremy Muir as PDA’s CEO and welcome him to the team.

Jeremy’s credentials positioned him as a perfect fit to steer Physical Disability Australia to even greater growth, success and recognition as a leading Australian disability representative organisation.

A dedicated professional with over 40 years of lived disability experience and extensive expertise in disability advocacy, policy development and leadership, Jeremy is focused on creating positive change and improving services for people with disabilities.

A strong background in advocacy and policy work, has seen him work closely with government leaders to shape disability policies and raise awareness of key issues. He has led national submissions on disability standards and facilitated workshops on social inclusion, presenting outcomes to federal decision-makers and driving meaningful change.

Leadership roles, both within government and community services, have shown Jeremy successfully manage a variety of disability programs, bringing teams together, streamlining operations and improving support for clients. Within the non-profit sector, he successfully grew an organisation by 300%, significantly increased its budget, and introduced new programs to support rural communities.

With over 15 years of experience in the higher education sector, he has also supported students with disabilities by developing tailored solutions, promoting inclusive practices and contributing to campus accessibility improvements. This helped drive a university-wide Disability Employment Strategy and played a key role in fostering a more supportive environment for students and staff.

As an advisor to government ministers, he has provided strategic advice, engaged with communities and contributed to the design and implementation of programs supporting people with disabilities.

A keen sports and music fan, Jeremy has traveled extensively across the globe and gained a broad perspective and appreciation for diverse cultures and experiences.

Through both professional expertise and lived experience, Jeremy’s name is synonymous with driving change, building strong teams, improving disability services, launching new programs, and influencing policy at a national level.

PDA’s President, Sharon Boyce, looks forward to working with Jeremy in his role as CEO to ensure PDA grows even stronger to support the organisation and its members. “This is a time where we need strength and are able to show leadership in our efforts to help all people with physical disability across Australia. On behalf of the PDA Board and it’s staff, I welcome Jeremy and am excited that together with his help and leadership we can achieve real inclusion for all.”

Welcome Jeremy. We look forward to a bright future for PDA with you at our helm.

Male escort. First sexual encounter at 43. Confidence to pursue love.

Content warning: This article mentions sex, relationships and ableism.

Melanie Hawkes is PDA’s WA Director and she helped to kickstart open conversations around sexuality and disability.

In a Women’s Agenda article she shares her personal experiences and thoughts around her sexual journey, and provides a real insight into why intimacy, love and self growth is important for everyone.

https://www.facebook.com/100076617861215/posts/pfbid0BPa77pxCeubNqqpoAzWddNqmXyHVncNRPmDWDXpZh1w7XXAQ7r7azc5LDxtEVeiLl/?

Physical Disability Awareness Day 2025

On Sunday February 2nd 2025, Physical Disability Australia will be hosting the third Physical Disability Awareness Day.

Established 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.

A number of face-to-face events have also been scheduled, including Strolls & Rolls around local parks, morning and afternoon tea and a lunch.

Face to face Events

The ever popular online DisabiliTEA event will once again also be held, this time with a fun Trivia session (with some fantastic prizes) and some amazing guest speakers who will share their stories. The Trivia host and adjudicator will be Laura Scurr, Physical Disability Awareness Day Committee member and PDA Board representative.

NSW/VIC/ACT/TAS – 2pm

 SA: 1.30pm

QLD: 1pm

NT: 12.30pm

WA: 11am

Feel free to pour yourself a cold drink or make yourself a cuppa as you enjoy a fun line up of guests and challenging trivia questions.

To register for the online DisabiliTEA event, please go to https://us02web.zoom.us/meetin…

We look forward to having you join us to celebrate Physical Disability Awareness Day 2025.
 
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 continue to visit this page or email promotion@pda.org.au to be sent updates via email.

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 at promotion@pda.org.au or call 1800 732 674.

Stay up to date on issues affecting you.

In supporting our members and Australia’s disability community, Physical Disability Australia understands the importance of being kept up to date with news, opportunities, events and important issues.

We also value hearing the thoughts and experiences that give perspective on what’s truly happening and affecting our people.

That’s why we encourage you to stay in the loop in a number of key ways:

You’re also invited to join our monthly online catch-ups via Zoom:

Join us!

Together we are a voice that will be heard and a force that will continue to steer positive change for Australia’s #disability community.

You are not alone

The festive season can be an incredibly difficult time for many of us and it is important to know that help and understanding is available for anyone in need of an understanding ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on or a heart to care.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and in need of support, please reach out to family, friends or a support organisation.

Keep in touch with your loved ones and be aware of those around you.

Take care of yourself and others.

You are not alone!

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

The last PDA Social Hour for 2024

On Tuesday we held our final Social Hour for 2024.

It was a fun night with a wonderful crowd coming together to kick start the festive season.

Online Christmas bingo was part of the fun – with Tammy, Natasha, Trevor and Robert taking home something to put under their Christmas trees.

PDA’s Interim Executive Officer, Andrew Fairbairn, also awarded Talecia a prize for the most festively dressed.

Our first Social Hour for 2025 is scheduled for Monday 6th January at 6pm AEDT and we’d love to see you there.

To register, please go to:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqc–qqjkjG903J2KoieI9ASVSig7b4mxr

We hope that you can join us.

Celebrating International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD)

From the desk of the One-Legged Sax Player, AKA the Interim Executive Officer, Andrew Fairbairn

Celebrating International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD): A Focus on Physical Disabilities

As December 3rd 2024 draws to a close on the West Coast of Australia, I wanted to put some very simple thoughts down regarding our day.

Today is all about celebrating the amazing achievements of people with disabilities and spreading awareness, and I would like to share some thoughts.

What’s IDPwD All About?

Every year on December 3rd, we celebrate IDPwD. It’s a day to recognise the rights and wellbeing of people with disabilities in every part of life. Whether it’s at work, school, or just out and about, this day reminds us to push for accessibility and inclusion.

Understanding Physical Disabilities

Physical disabilities can include things like using a wheelchair, crutches, or having conditions that affect stamina or dexterity. These disabilities might be visible or invisible, but they all come with their own set of challenges and strengths.

Breaking Down Barriers

One of the biggest challenges for people with physical disabilities is accessibility.

Think about it – how many times have you seen a building without a ramp or an elevator? Simple things like this can make a huge difference. Here are a few ways we can help:

  • Ramps and Elevators: Making sure buildings are accessible to everyone.
  • Accessible Transportation: Buses, trains, and taxis that can accommodate wheelchairs.
  • Inclusive Workplaces: Creating job opportunities and work environments that are accessible and supportive.

Celebrating Achievements

People with physical disabilities achieve incredible things every day. From athletes competing in the Paralympics to advocates fighting for disability rights, their contributions are invaluable. Let’s take a moment to celebrate these achievements and recognise the strength and resilience it takes to overcome barriers.

How You Can Help

Want to make a difference? Here are a few simple ways to support people with physical disabilities:

  • Educate Yourself: Learn about different types of disabilities and the challenges people face.
  • Be an Advocate: Speak up for accessibility and inclusion in your community.
  • Support Organisations: Donate to or volunteer with organisations that support people with disabilities.

Final Thoughts

IDPwD is a reminder that we all have a role to play in creating a more inclusive world. 

By understanding and supporting people with physical disabilities, we can help break down barriers and celebrate the diversity that makes our communities stronger.

So, let’s get out there and make a difference! 

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with us at Physical Disability Australia.

Let’s keep the conversation going and continue to support each other. 

Happy IDPwD

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD)

Today is International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), a day which promotes community awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.

This year’s theme is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”.

It’s significance lies in not only recognising the important role that people with disabilities play in creating a more inclusive and sustainable world for all, but also highlights the need and importance of persons with disabilities being actively involved in making decisions that affect their lives.    

Being heard, seen and included in conversations, being involved in true co-design and simply being part of the disability community all play a role in bringing about positive change.

PDA is grateful for its Board and those it represents.

We thank and salute our members and those who play a role (big or small) in making a true difference.

For more information about this important day, go to:

www.idpwd.com.au