Don Shiel, a digital reporter from ABC News, is currently working on a story around issues with Disability Employment Services (DES).
He’s particularly interested in hearing from people who have used a DES provider and are happy to share their experiences.
If you’re interested in telling your story, email Don at sheil.donal@abc.net.au.
Do you have a clinically complete or incomplete chronic traumatic spinal cord injury and live in or around the Gold Coast?
Menzies Health Institute Queensland is currently looking for individuals to take part in their world renowned thought-controlled cycling study.
As a non-invasive rehabilitation system for people with spinal cord injury (SCI), BioSpine combines the effect of multiple technologies and drug therapy. Current evidence suggests that electrical stimulation of muscle and spinal cord, thought-control, virtual reality, cycling, and anti-anxiety drugs could partially restore movement and sensation in people with SCI.
This clinical study assesses the long-term effects of BioSpine’s new type of rehabilitation, following a 6-month intervention, on motor and sensory function of people with SCI.
To take part, participants:
The screening procedure includes:
Participants will be required to attend the BioSpine laboratory at Griffith University Gold Coast Campus for at least 150 minutes per week (2-4 sessions per week) over a 6-month period. Training involves thought-controlled electrical stimulation of the legs for cycling.
The study will commence mid-2024.
For more information and to register your interest go to:
https://www.griffith.edu.au/menzies-health-institute-queensland/research-trials/biospine-study
Know that you’re not alone and that there are people who care and are available to give support with understanding and no judgment.
Reach out.
Whether this means speaking with a friend, family member, your GP or colleague or getting in contact with a counselling service, it is important that you do this as soon as possible.
Call:
Do it TODAY not tomorrow!
Because you’re worth it.
There is concern amongst many NDIS participants, that the scheme has been reduced to a system in which its bureaucracy is supported by a seemingly apathetic tick and flick exercise.
Unnecessary red tape, repetitive paperwork, costly reports, pigeonholing based on generalist views of disability types and an inability to consider participants’ personal cases, reveals an NDIS doomed to failure in attaining its goal to serve one of our country’s most vulnerable groups.
Whilst the NDIS Review is working towards refining (and hopefully improving) many important elements, should it actually be delving internally into its own systems?
What are your experiences, thoughts and hopes around the NDIS?
Venue: QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit, Canberra.
To register for this event go to:
https://events.humanitix.com/ndis-community-catch-up-canberra
Minister Shorten will be hosting similar events to be held in Perth and Brisbane in May.
Details will soon be available at www.dss.gov.au/NDISreforms
With Treasurer Jim Chalmers due to deliver the 2024-2025 Federal Budget next Tuesday (14th May), there is legitimate concern around the allocations set to impact the lives of people with disability.
Disability organisations made pre-submission recommendations geared towards protecting and benefiting Australians living with disability. However, will this input influence Mr Chalmer’s Budget and work for or against one of our country’s most vulnerable groups?
https://iview.abc.net.au/collection/2184
Having recently read Cathy Roberts’ half glass full to overflowing post (https://www.facebook.com/groups/physicaldisabilityaustralia/permalink/10160530510427599/?) on how fortunate she feels on living in Australia – “the lucky country” – particularly as a person living with disability, we got thinking.
Whilst there’s a lot happening in our country around disability and so many people are going through personal challenges and feeling concerned about issues like the NDIS reforms, lack of disability housing and making ends meet, we only have to look at the way that countries including the UK, America, India and New Zealand are facing disability funding and support crises to see that Australia is trying.
What are your thoughts?
Are we on track?
Are our leaders meeting the needs of Australia’s disability community?
Positives. Negatives. Suggestions.
We’d love to hear from you.
Throughout May, Bill Shorten will be hosting a number of face to face NDIS Community Catch Up events across Australia:
These are all in person only events, with a further National online event soon to be scheduled.
Come along and ask your questions about NDIS reform.
Tomorrow’s (Wednesday 8th May at 10:45am AEST) Sydney event will be run as a morning tea.
To attend this event, you must register by going to:
https://events.humanitix.com/ndis-community-catch-up-sydney
Details on the upcoming Canberra, Perth, Brisbane and online events will soon be available at www.dss.gov.au/NDISreforms
PDA’s President/WA Director, Andrew Fairbairn, and PDA Member, Clare Gibellini, were recently involved as accessibility consultants for WA’s P&N Bank.
In efforts to improve banking accessibility, particularly for people living with disabilities and neurodiverse customers, features include sensory-sensitive spaces (where lighting and sound can be adjusted to create a calming environment), iPads loaded with children’s games, accessible service desks and wall-mounted TV screens positioned for visibility from a wheelchair are available.
To read more go to:
https://www.mpamag.com/au/mortgage-industry/dei/pn-bank-opens-new-inclusive-branches/486916
Our Social Hours are held on the first Monday every month and we’d love you to join us for one of our favourite times of the month.
First Sunday in April to First Sunday in October (6pm AEST)
First Sunday in October to First Sunday in April (6pm AEDT)
If you haven’t yet been along to one of our online Social Hours, you are in for a great time, great company and new friends.
If you’re one of our many regulars, we look forward to seeing you again at our next fun Social Hour.
To join us you will need to register by heading across to:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqc–qqjkjG903J2KoieI9ASVSig7b4mxr
If you can’t make it to this month’s Social Hour, click on the same link and register for another upcoming month.
Hope to see you at a Social Hour soon. 😊
1800 732 674
