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.
We look forward to working with you to bring about positive change for Australians living with disability in 2025 and beyond.
If you need assistance please call 1800 732 674 and leave a message. Someone will return your call as soon as possible.
If you have an emergency, please call triple zero (000) or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or headspace on 1800 650 890.
Wishing you and your loved ones a very festive season and wishes for a wonderful 2025.
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.
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:
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:
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
A new NDIS rule is being developed (a DSS collaboration with the states and territories) under section 44(5) of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (NDIS Act).
The rule will assist the NDIA to understand whether a person is likely to spend in line with their plan, and if not whether a different plan management arrangement should be considered.
Recent changes to section 44 of the NDIS Act require the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to make decisions about whether a person (including a participant, nominee, and registered plan manager) is likely to spend NDIS funds on NDIS supports in accordance with a participant’s plan (as required by section 46 of the NDIS Act).
Currently there is no legislative guidance about how the NDIA should make this decision.
To find out more about the proposed new management of funding rules:
What engagement has there been with the disability community about this new rule?
The rule has been developed following co-design work and engagement on plan management decisions led by the NDIA.
Since July 2024, the NDIA has been leading codesign and engagement sessions on how decisions are made about plan management and how supports and safeguards can be used to reduce the risk of harm to participants if there is inappropriate spending. While this rule has not specifically been co-designed it has been informed by this earlier co-design work about the broader NDIS reforms.
Governments remain committed to codesign and consultation with the disability community in the development of new rules under the NDIS Act and are working to develop an engagement plan with the disability community.
What will the new rule do?
The new rule will assist the NDIA in identifying risks, applying appropriate safeguards, and making fairer and more consistent decisions about whether a person is likely to meet the requirements of section 46.
It is based on current policy and practice, and was informed by consultation with self‑managers about the current Self-management policy | NDIS – https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/self-management/self-management-policy
It will introduce greater fairness in decision making across plan management types including participants, nominees, child representatives and registered plan management providers.
Implementation of the rule by the NDIA will include capability building supports for participants to support spending in accordance with their plan and reduce the risk of inadvertent or unintentional spending.
If you have any questions or feedback about how the rule should be implemented, please email NDISConsultations@dss.gov.au.
These were:
We look forward to them being a part of the PDA Board and bringing their combined skills and experience as we move into 2025 and beyond.
The Australian Government is currently working with states and territories on the development of a new NDIS rule relating to the management of funding.
It is important that you and the rest of the disability community are kept up to date on the progress of NDIS Reforms.
You can read about these by going to:
https://www.dss.gov.au/changes-to-the-ndis-act
and
Please direct any enquiries, comments or input to:
The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in partnership with the state sports institutes and academies, Paralympics Australia and over 40 sports have joined forces to conduct their greatest ever talent search to identify the next generation of Olympic and Paralympic athletes.
Over the coming weeks, Paralympic Talent Search testing sessions will be running in ACT, VIC, SA and QLD in search for the next wave of future Paralympic athletes.
They are looking for individuals of all abilities aged 13+ years to register for this program via the AIS website:
https://www.ausport.gov.au/talent
No previous sporting experience is required – the talent search is designed to help guide individuals towards a sport they may be best suited to.
Please note that consent from a parent or guardian is required for individuals under 18 years of age.
Once registered via the above link, individuals will be invited to a Paralympic Talent Search testing session in their state.
Athletes who demonstrate potential for a particular sport will be offered the opportunity to attend a Talent Development Phase in that sport.
Paralympic Talent Search testing sessions:
For further information or questions please email: futuregreenandgold@ausport.gov.au.
Australian Federation Of Disability Organisations (AFDO) is supporting an important research initiative led by the Centre for Technology Infusion at La Trobe University. This study aims to enhance level crossing safety by exploring how time-to-cross information can be delivered to better inform pedestrians with disability.
This study will:
This research is part of a larger feasibility study on using real-time train location data to improve crossing safety.
To learn more, go to https://imoveaustralia.com/project/using-real-time-train-data-to-improve-level-crossing-safety/
How to Participate
Victorians with physical or sensory disability are invited to take part in an online questionnaire (approx. 5 mins) on level crossing experiences, including:
This survey will also serve as a pre-screening for potential face-to-face interviews at a familiar train station.
Interview participants will have the opportunity to share detailed insights on improving crossing safety.
Data Use & Privacy
Your participation is voluntary and privacy is respected. No personally identifiable information will be collected. All participants will be asked to sign a consent form before participating.
Selection Criteria To participate, you should:
Register Your Interest
If you’re interested in contributing to this meaningful project, please email Jim.Valavanis@afdo.org.au with a brief background and your contact details.
Deadline for Expressions of Interest: Friday, 15 November 2024, 5 pm
Let’s work together to make crossings safer for everyone!
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