WhatsUp $5.50
in Disability
January/February 2019
Toowoomba and Southern Queensland
Volume 1, Issue 86
Subscription $33 PA
IDPwD Concert 2018 in Review Disability Information Services by People with Disability Proudly supported and printed by Toowoomba Region
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WhatsUp
Welcome
One of our cover stories is a review of 2018 written by my cousin David, an ex-school teacher, who has never been backward in expressing his views about everything. His review is both enlightening and cynical but contains a number of belly laugh moments. I hope that you will enjoy his memories of 2018.
CONTENTS Cover Page Peter Campbell entertaining at the concert for International Day of People with Disability
Favourite saying and person in history:
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IDPwD
“Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans” ...John Lennon
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2018 Review
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New Laws in 2019
We also remember those advocates that we lost in 2018. I will miss Stan Lee, the creator of one of my favourite characters, Daredevil, a boy who would not let his blindness stop him from achieving his goal of bringing justice to Hell’s Kitchen (Not Ramsay) in New York.
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Employer Information
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A Beautiful Year
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NDIS Updates
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NDS State of the Disability Sector Report 2018
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Advocates Remembered
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NDIS Grassroots
We acknowledge the great work that had been done by the retiring members of the previous Executive, Wendy Adams and Jeremy Scamp and thank them for contributing to this great magazine for people with disability.
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Accessibility
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NEWS Items
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On the Doorstep of their Dreams
Looking forward to a great 2019.
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Head to Health
Steven Paull
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Reader’s Stories
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Growing up Disabled
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What’s Happening
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Toowoomba Region
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Copyright and Disclaimer Notices
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Advertiser’s Index
Our 2018 AGM was held at the Paul Myatt Community Centre on Friday 14th December 2018 and the incoming Executive were elected for 2019. Welcome to Tasha Grundon as Secretary and Liz Schneidewin as Editor
JP (Qual) President
WhatsUp In Disability (the magazine) was first published in 1994 to give local people with disabilities and carers, information on a growing multitude of local disability services, local news and issues, with the purpose of not only supplying information to people with disabilities, but of giving choices to people and to give local services a specialist media outlet where they could give information on their services. To obtain a copy of WhatsUp in Disability magazine or to be an advertiser, please contact the WhatsUp office at 4/33 Bell Street, Toowoomba or call on 4632 6678. Page 2
Rear Cover Credit Union Australia Community Hub Australia Day Celebrations
WhatsUp International Day People with Disability
of
IDPwD is held each year on the 3rd December and is a United Nations sanctioned day that is celebrated internationally. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions. For the last 9 years BigDog Support Services and partnering for the last 4 years with WhatsUp in Disability, has been celebrating IDPwD with an event and dinner at the City Golf Club.
Title
Stephen Anderson
Denise Kimber Band
Stephen is a Hypnotist and Master Practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming, registered with the Australian Board of NLP and the National Guild of Hypnotists.
Denise is herself a recipient of an IDPwD award in 2010 for her inspirational story.
He is a school teacher and has held positions on the management committees of two, not for profit organisations. Stephen is also an entertainer with a business hypnosis show, a comedy hypnosis show and a weekly radio program on Toowoomba’s Power FM called “Before They Were Busy”.
The band is a regular performer at the Breaking Free Concert as well as IDPwD each December.
Tony Wigan Radio personality with the velvet voice, promoter of local musical talent, organiser of the yearly “This Time Around” concert at Rumours Night Club and supporter of community organisations including the Toowoomba Hospital Foundation.
Peter Campbell Peter Campbell has been playing guitar since the age of twelve. He picked up the bass at the age of fourteen. He played in covers bands and high school musicals as a teenager and was part of a jazz rock ensemble for the first ever stage production of Grease. More recently Peter has been working in the country music scene as a bass player, guitarist and backing vocalist. He has played support to The McClymonts, Troy Cassar-Daley and McAllister Kemp. Peter plays a combination of covers and original material in a smooth country rock style with a shot of jazz and blues for good measure. Peter generously donated his skills as a soloist to entertain on the night.
Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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WhatsUp
Title
Tony Wigan and Peter Campbell
Denise Kimber Band
Bec and Alyssa
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WhatsUp Story by David Paull It was a year that served up stories of shock and suspense. We learnt a lot. But also not much at all. Mostly we just sat back and judged. If we’ve learnt anything from 2018, it’s that obnoxious weddings turn people against you. It happened to some TV host we used to know, and it also happened to Meghan Markle. We loved her but months after she threw an OTT wedding, her staff and the public decided they were no longer fans. “Duchess Difficult” is what she’s reportedly being called. On the bright side, at least she now has a cool rap name in case she ever wants to ditch this whole royal thing and go down the hip hop route. Meghan Markle has gone from blushing bride to ‘Duchess Difficult’. This year saw us become obsessed with every single detail of stories around the world. That Thai soccer team got stuck in a cave and all of sudden we all became engineers, talking with unqualified expertise about how the rescue would unfold in the flooded caverns of the underground labyrinth.
2018 Review
I’ve never seen the minisubmarine but in my mind it’s a Milo tin attached to a really long piece of string. I wouldn’t want to be locked in there either. Still, we shouldn’t have dismissed it. The man invented the car. That doesn’t sound correct and I could be wrong, but he seems smart and we probably shouldn’t have laughed at him. He even told us he tested the mini-submarine in his swimming pool. Why were we questioning it? In 2019, we should be a little bit more trusting of eccentric billionaires who want to save people with inventions they’ve tested in their swimming pool. This year, we became fed up with mediocrity and accepted no excuses for careless missteps. Shock jock Johanna Griggs was at it again when she pulled on her welding mask and applied a blowtorch to the botched Commonwealth Games closing ceremony. When it comes to searing editorials, Griggs and national treasure Liz Ellis have both delivered among the most surprising and spectacularly articulated take-downs of the year. An unimpressed Joanna Griggs
and Basil Zempilas after the Commonwealth Games closer debacle. If Nine’s scrambling executives are indeed considering two female hosts to front the troubled Today show, Ellis and Griggs in the morning would be sensational. To say Barnaby Joyce was left red faced by his cheating scandal is an understatement, and not just because his complexion is naturally that tone. Among the many other disasters at Parliament House, Julie Bishop still came out on top in the public eye and proved she’s a genius who can walk through the minefield in a terrific pair of shoes. She was one of many people who were robbed. One of the year’s other shock heists was pulled off by Grant Denyer, who pilfered the Gold Logie from Tracy Grimshaw. It was a true upset — one this country should still be railing against. Thief! Gold Logie winner Grant Denyer. Continued page 7
The story had everything. Tragedy, hope, suspense, a happy ending plus a globally humiliated billionaire entrepreneur. Elon Musk rocked on up to the cave with a homemade minisubmarine under his arm and none of us wanted to play with him. Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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WhatsUp Continued from page 5 We also lost a lot of icons this year — the grey plastic grocery bag among the most high-profile of the deceased. Its demise was a win for Waleed and a loss for cynical people everywhere who just wanted free and convenient bathroom bin liners. Australia will never be the same. This year saw some of the biggest stories of our time break on social media. Lindsay Lohan showed us how you throw a party in Mykonos, bitch. White girls everywhere fell out of moving Hyundais while attempting the viral Keke dance challenge. And Big Dick Energy (BDE) swung across the globe. We can still feel it. Editor: BDE is something you either have, or you don’t. It’s a quiet assurance that in some starts from birth and in others develops over time. The crucial factor is it’s low-key. Look it up! Ignoring the chaos and drama in our own lives, we found security in reality television. Watching a bunch of loons make stupid choices and judging them for it provided the perfect distraction from our own terrible decisions. “Married at First Sight” cheaters Davina and Dean became national villains. In hindsight, we probably got a bit too swept up in the mayhem and should’ve showed a bit more restraint in derailing the lives of these strangers. But that’s what hindsight’s for. You live and you learn and then you make the same mistake a few more times and then maybe you eventually change your destructive ways.
New Laws in 2019
On 1st January there's a bunch of new laws coming into effect. Disability Support Pension Thousands of disability support pension recipients who wind up behind bars will be able to continue receiving the payment after they’re released. While prisoners can’t get the DSP while they’re locked up, they are able to “suspend” the payment for up to two years.
Tampon Tax Axed The 10% GST on sanitary products, such as tampons and menstrual pads, will be axed on January 1. The removal of this tax was celebrated as a victory by women's rights groups who have campaigned against the "sexist" tax since it was introduced in 1999. The tax on the products was long viewed as controversial as tampons and pads were taxed, while other products including incontinence pads, Viagra, sunscreen and condoms had exemptions.
Lifetime Cap on HELP University Debt The government will introduce a new lifetime limit of the amount of money loaned to university and Vocational and Education Training (VET) students. The lifetime Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) will be set at $104,440 for most students, while those studying more expensive courses like medicine and dentistry will have a $150,000 cap.
Credit Card Crackdown Credit card providers will have to provide proof a card holder can Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
afford to pay back their credit limit within three years under tough new years that aim to curb Australia's debt. Providers will also have to stop applying interest rates retrospectively and provide online avenues for credit card cancellation. Collectively, Australian's owe a whopping $51.6 billion in credit card debt alone, making us one of the most highly indebted nations in the world.
Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY Boost Young adults in regional and rural Australia hoping to claim Youth Allowance and ABSTUDY will see a rise in the parental income limit from 1st January. From the first day of 2019, the combined parental income limit will increase from $150,000 to $160,000 annually, with an additional $10,000 added for each additional child.
Electoral Funding Laws The New Year will also ring in changes to the country's electoral funding laws with a cap on how much cash political parties can receive from foreign donors. Foreign donations will be restricted to $1000 from 1st January under new laws that will also prohibit foreign governments and state-owners enterprises from making gifts worth $100 or more to political parties.
China A free trade agreement with China will see tariffs cut or abolished on Australian exports. Wine, seafood, most fruit and vegetables will no longer be hit with a tariff in China. Page 7
Wellways Healthcall Toowoomba, Brisbane, Roma Mackay and Townsville Providing: 1. In home and out of home disability support and nursing services 2. Day Services 3. Providing respite services through Siena House in Toowoomba Please call 07 4638 7159 or 1300 363 898 99a Russell Street Toowoomba We look forward to discussing your support needs.
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WhatsUp Regulations amended to prevent employee ‘double dipping’ By Kyle Paull Solicitor Clifford Gouldson Lawyers
Employer Information
preventing this ‘double dipping’ by allowing employers to offset certain NES entitlements by paying casual employees a casual loading. The Amendment can be read here.
In 2018, the Full Federal Court ordered an employer to payout an employee’s accrued entitlement to annual leave due to the worker being incorrectly employed on a casual basis.
In order for employers to offset certain NES entitlements, the following circumstances must be met:
The reason was that the relationship between the employee and the employer had the characteristics of a permanent engagement, rather than a casual one. This was evidenced by (among other things) the employee working consistent, predictable hours and the general understanding that the employee would have ongoing work with the employer indefinitely.
the employee is paid a casual loading that is clearly identifiable as being an amount paid to compensate the person in lieu of entitlements that casual employees are not entitled to under the NES, such as personal or annual leave;
The decision in Skene v WorkPac Pty Ltd potentially had serious ramifications for employers who engage casual workers to work regularly and consistently. This is because employees employed on a casual basis are paid a ‘casual loading’ intended to compensate these individuals for entitlements that permanent employees are entitled to under the National Employment Standards (NES), such as personal and annual leave. The Skene decision meant that some employees incorrectly identified as being employed on a casual basis were entitled to both the casual loading paid to them during their employment and to their permanent employee entitlements granted to them under the NES.
an employee is employed by their employer on a casual basis;
despite being classified by the employer as a casual, the employee was in fact a full-time or part-time employee for some or all of their employment for the purposes of the NES; and the employee has made a claim to be paid for one or more of the NES entitlements (that casual employees do not have) that they didn't receive for all or some of the time that they were incorrectly classified as a casual. The takeaway from this Amendment is that employers should clearly indicate to their casual employees that the casual loading paid to them is in compensation for one or more relevant NES entitlements. If you are concerned about your casual staff base or have questions regarding your casual employees please contact a member of our Workplace Team.
The Fair Work Regulations 2009 (Cth) were amended on 18 December 2018 with the aim of
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A guide to working safely in people’s homes While many consider the home to be a place of safety and comfort, there are a wide range of risks involved for those working in a home environment. Support workers providing services in a home environment are often working in isolation without available assistance from a co-worker, in a space that is not designed for health or personal care, with issues like low bed heights and small bathrooms. The types of injuries that can occur from manual tasks in a home environment are gradual wear and tear, caused by frequent or prolonged periods of muscular effort associated with repeated or continuous use of the same body parts, and sudden damage, caused by intense or strenuous activity or unexpected movements such as when people who are being handled move or change position suddenly. Injuries can also arise when required equipment is obtained hastily, often due to high cost and low availability of approved equipment in regional areas. There will be no safety procedure in place for the unapproved type of equipment, which puts the worker at risk. A copy of “A guide to working safely in people’s homes” is available on the Worksafe Queensland website https:// www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/ __data/assets/ pdf_file/0018/82503/community -working-safely-in-peopleshomes.pdf
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WhatsUp
A Beautiful Year
Queensland Community Achievement Awards
2018 a Beautiful Year
TASC National Ltd was presented as a Nominee in the prestigious DSS Law Community Group of the Year Award, by Geoff Griffin, Director, Awards Australia at the 2018 Queensland Community Achievement Awards Gala Presentation held at Royal on the Park, Brisbane on Friday 30th November.
31st December 2018
The Awards were hosted by Kendall Gilding, 7NEWS Presenter and almost 400 guests gathered from across the state to celebrate Queensland’s high achievers. TASC is a not for profit organisation that delivers legal, advocacy, psychology and counselling services. Their services are available to the vulnerable and marginalised members of our communities. TASC’s vision is “Social Justice for All.”
By Alyce Nelligan
At the strike of midnight 2017 as I watched the fireworks in Toowoomba with my darling partner, Boss and family I could not have possibly imagined what 2018 had in store for me. I was already pregnant with our daughter. By some divine intervention (a gift/joke from my Father many say) I got pregnant and stayed pregnant and had our beautiful angel Alessandra. She is the light of our lives! She is so funny, happy and beautiful! Our miracle. It has been the longest year. To battle through pregnancy as a profoundly disabled woman is not something I would wish on anyone. I spent a lot of time in hospitals and away. Through that journey, you all, our Aus-
tralia wide village lifted me up. You prayed, messaged, encouraged and consoled me. You willed us through to the moment of her magnificent birth. I became a new person that day. A mother. Thank you for being there all the way. We are so blessed to have amazing people in our lives! I love you all! Professionally this year has also been a success. I have reached goals with my political and advocacy work that I could have never dreamed of, met the most incredible people and now am lucky enough to call them my friends. What an incredible year. I am blessed to have had a wonderful year with the QLD Greens and feel so privileged to be one tiny cog in our group trying to make the world a more just place for everyone It is so great to be able to serve you, our community. This year I have tackled the NDIS head on, worked with the Senate office in regards to the NDIS and local Toowoomba issues, had the opportunity to speak in Brisbane about rights for people with disabilities and stand up for local farmers as we head towards a coal free future for the Downs with my branch The Toowoomba and Western Queensland Greens. To all my wonderful Greens family, thank you for a fantastic year! It has been so wonderful to work alongside you!! I fangirl all over ya'll because you are so brilliant. Thank you for all that you do. Bring on all the great things we will do in 2019!!
Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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WhatsUp NDIS supports participants with dysphagia The Hon Paul Fletcher MP Media Releases 13 December 2018 The Australian Government and state and territory governments have agreed interim solutions to ensure people with dysphagia do not fall through cracks between mainstream health systems and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher, said that at the Disability Reform Council meeting on 10 December 2018, ministers discussed the critical need to improve the way the NDIS and mainstream health systems interact. “The NDIS was intended to complement other service systems, such as mainstream health systems. NDIS participants should be able to access mainstream health services, including community health services, in the same way as other people in the general community,” Mr Fletcher said. The Australian Government recognises that dysphagia, where a person has difficulty swallowing, is one of the more complex areas requiring clarity. “Until long-term arrangements are agreed between governments, the Australian Government has decided that the NDIS will fund the ongoing assessment and monitoring of meal plans for NDIS participants with dysphagia who aren’t in a hospital or acute care setting,” Mr Fletcher said. “I believe that the NDIS funding these supports in the interim is the responsible action to take Page 12
NDIS
until the roles and responsibilities for dysphagia have been agreed by governments.” The Australian Government will continue to work with states and territories to better clarify the roles and responsibilities of mainstream health systems and the NDIS. This includes ensuring state and territory governments continue to provide people with disability the right health services they need.
"Very Complex Needs" Pricing Tier The NDIA announced a new pricing tier for self-care, social and recreational support for Participants with "very complex" support needs. The long overdue new loading will be set at 10.3% and will be effective from February 2019. The Australian has reported that around 10% of Participants will be funded for supports at this level. Currently, the prices for selfcare, social and recreational support fall into two tiers: standard needs and complex needs, with the high intensity rate set 5.5% higher. This welcome price increase has come off the back of the Independent Pricing Review (IPR)'s recommendations, which found that the existing pricing levels for Participants with complex needs are insufficient to hire appropriately skilled workers or the necessary ongoing training and supervision. The second part of this recommendation, which we are sure many of WhatsUp readers will be wondering about by now, was that the NDIA needed to be
Updates
clearer on what is meant by "complexity" to ensure more consistent application of pricing tiers in Participant plans. The IPR's proposed definitions are included below, though it has not been confirmed whether these definitions will be applied. Definition of very complex (10% loading):
Combination of healthrelated intervention needs and mild-moderate behaviours of concern
Severe behaviours of concern (e.g. rapid, severe and frequent escalation of challenging behaviour)
Many providers of therapeutic supports will still be eagerly awaiting the outcome of the Pricing Review's investigation into prices for therapy. Assistant Minister for Social Services, Sarah Henderson, has said that the new plan for these prices will be released “in the coming months”.
Provider Portal Updates It's now even easier to find servi ces and providers using Provider Finder in the myplace portal. New interactive Google mapping functionality has been added to the Provider Finder. This allows users to find directions from a location — such as a home address — to a registered provider's address. The service will also display the provider location and estimated travel time by car, public transport or other modes of transport.
WhatsUp NDS State of the Disability Sector Report 2018 NDS has released its State of the Disability Sector Report for 2018, launched in Melbourne today to coincide with their national CEO Meeting. The report finds that while disability service providers remain committed to the NDIS, the majority (73%) believe its systems and processes need urgent improvement. Other challenges include policy uncertainty, unrealistic pricing and costly red tape which is driving up the cost of doing business. Many of the findings in this year’s report come from the NDS Annual Market Survey, conducted independently by the Centre for Social Impact at the University of New South Wales. This year, 626 disability service providers across the country, from small to large, shared their thoughts on what’s working well and what’s placing pressure on their organisations at a time of immense change for the sector.
Key findings Providers continue to support the NDIS and remain committed to getting it right – about half agree that the policy reforms are heading in the right direction; 25% are unsure and 27% disagree NDIS systems and processes continue to be a source of frustration – almost three in four service providers state the NDIS systems and processes are not working well The operating environment remains tough - 13% have discussed closing in the past 12 months (4% more than in 2017)
NDS Report
Workforce challenges remain top of mind - 63% found it difficult to recruit disability support workers (up from 42% in 2017); and over 70% said that recruiting allied health workers was extremely or moderately difficult Adjusting NDIS pricing is a priority - 70% worry that they will not be able to provide NDIS services at NDIS prices and 54% say they would have to reduce the quality of services to meet current prices Despite these concerns, support amongst disability service providers for the NDIS remains strong. The proportion of providers who believe the NDIA is working well with the sector is growing – up 7% from last year. These are encouraging signs that together we can fix current NDIS issues to ensure we have the best possible Scheme. NDS is committed to maintaining a leadership role in the current disability sector reforms and ensuring that providers’ concerns are heard – and actioned. To achieve the right destination we propose the following 12 actions: 1. A fully-funded NDIS 2. Prices to stimulate growth and quality 3. Market stewardship that responds to warning signals of market failure 4. NDIS processes informed by experience 5. Flexibility that reflects national diversity 6. Complex design problems resolved 7. Sector development that sup-
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ports transition and progress 8. Investment in quality and safeguarding 9. More open employment opportunities 10. Extended support
school-to-work
11. More jobs in supported employment 12. Renew Strategy
National
Disability
NDS looks forward to working with disability service providers, all governments, and people with disability to implement these crucial changes for the sector. For more detail on their proposed actions and survey findings, download the full report.
Queensland Statistics To date, the NDIS roll out has not met the volume of participants forecast in Queensland’s Market Position Statement. Lack of data by location is hampering evidence-based planning and the ability of both existing and new organisations to meet market need in an effective and efficient manner. In addition, providers may be unable to meet participant needs without winding up in precarious financial positions. 16,524 NDIS plans approved in Queensland 55% of bilateral estimate 10% NDIS participants are Indigenous 3% Culturally and linguistically diverse 3,559 registered Disability Service Providers
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WhatsUp
Advocates Remembered
Many defining faces and figures from the world of disability passed away in 2018.
Javed Abidi India’s global face of disability rights movement Javed Abidi passed away in May due to a chest infection. He was 53 years old. He singlehandedly led some of the most path breaking initiatives in disability rights in India and was widely regarded as the father of the movement.
Dr Stephen Hawking The famed physicist contracted motor neurone disease - a form of motor neurone disease that attacks the nerves controlling voluntary movement - in 1963 and was given two years to live. The English physicist was known for his ground breaking work with black holes and relativity — the nature of space and time. He was the author of several popular science books including A Brief History of Time and was also the subject of Oscar winning film The Theory of Everything in 2014. Additionally, he performed several cameos in the US comedy series The Big Bang Theory. He once said, ‘It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love.’
M Karunanidhi You may not have liked his brand of politics, but few could deny his powerful oratory skills and mass appeal. One of India’s tallest political leaders, M Karunanidhi, died in August. Karunanidhi, who was a wheelchair user, worked tirelessly for the rights of the poor, transgenders and people with disabilities.
Stan Lee Way before inclusion started featuring in Oscar ceremony speeches, there was the world of Marvel Comics and its superheroes. Created by Stan Lee, the superheroes with autism told every child and the world that it was OK to be different. Lee died in November.
Quentin Kenihan Australian filmmaker and entertainer Quentin Kenihan dedicated his life to advocating for disabled people. Kenihan, who had brittle bone disease and used a wheelchair, travelled the world and lifted many spirits with his humour.
Verne Troyer No one could have missed MiniMe in the Austin Powers films. Played by Verne Troyer, who
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was born with a form of dwarfism, the comedy franchise owed much of its popularity to Troyer. His death in April was ruled a suicide.
John S. Schuchman Scholar John S. Schuchman, who wrote about the experiences of deaf people in Nazi Germany and wrote books that shattered stereotypes about the deaf community passed away at the age of 79.
Kitty O’Neil Equally iconic was Kitty O Neil, the deaf stuntwoman and racer who was a popular action figure on American TV and film. O’Neil died in November 2018 at the age of 72. In their lifespan they showed the immense possibilities every person holds, helping to break the notions around disability.
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Flexible Respite Options * Breakaway Guesthouse- Highfields. Offers short term respite to children and adults with a disability in a comfortable and relaxed environment which is fully staffed. * In-home and/or Community Access Support that is flexible and focused on meeting individual family needs. * Rural and Remote Offers respite support to people with disabilities and their families in rural and remote South West Queensland. * Vacation Care Respite support for children with disabilities and their families during school holidays.
27 Mort Street Toowoomba Telephone: (07) 4639 5100 Fax: (07) 4639 5079 Email: info@breakawaytmba.org
Employment Services Supporting people with a disability to gain and maintain employment that is valued by the client, the employer and the community. 3 Finchley Street PO Box 1715 Toowoomba QLD 4350 P: (07) 4688 3900 F: (07) 4688 3911 employment.toowoomba@uccommunity.org.au www.uccommunity.org.au/employmentservices
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WhatsUp
Grassroots
NDIS Grassroots Discussion
Complaints and Complements
By Samantha Connor
If you are a disabled person or family member who has had trouble with a disability support worker, here is some information that might help you.
This is what has happened in NDIS Grassroots Discussion over the course of 2018... We have 45,694 members, 35,875 of whom are 'active members'. That means you're reading, sharing information, reacting to posts - all part of how good peer support works. Thank you! We have 6,204 members more members than last year - this group continues to grow and grow as the scheme rolls out across Australia. Members have posted 14,195 times in this group. That's a lot of information sharing. 83% of our members are women and 16% are men, with .3 who prefer not to disclose or are nonbinary. That reflects the nature of the disability workforce, which is heavily gendered, but also of the nature of care - women are far more likely to be carers for disabled children and adults than men. In carer only groups, that number is even higher - we have a fair proportion of disabled men in this group. The most popular day for posting and reacting is a Monday. Why? We have no idea. From all the admin team at NDIS Grassroots Discussion - we wish you a very Happy New Year. May your goals be achieved, your eligibility requests be approved, your support workers turn up on time and your invoicing be as smooth as your freshly waxed legs. Let's make 2019 one where we as disabled people, families and carers, employees and service professionals make this scheme work in the way it was intended.
and that they have to make sure they act on it. There is information about selfadvocacy (standing up for your own rights and using your voice) online
1. You have the right to complain.
3. You have the right to take your complaint further
This is one of the National Disability Service Standards - These are the rules that all disability service providers have to comply with.
If you have a complaint about the staff working at the NDIA, then complain to the NDIA. You can do that by sending an email to feedback@ndis.gov.au or call them on 1800 800 110.
There is also an NDIS Code of Conduct that applies to all providers and workers who are registered or unregistered (and paid out of NDIS funding). The standard says; 'I have the right and freedom to give positive and negative feedback about all aspects of my supports and services and expect to see improvements as a result. I also have the right to independent advice and support to provide feedback or make a complaint when I need it.' 2. You have the right to make public comment and selfadvocate This is a peer support group and we encourage the sharing of good, honest information. We like people to give positive as well as negative feedback (but only if they are using that service, not if they work for or are associated with that service.). We also allow negative feedback - in Australia, you are allowed to give honest opinions about your services. That doesn't mean you can break the law, say things that aren't true or do things that will hurt the reputation of the provider in a malicious way. It does mean that you should be able to complain directly to the provider Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
If you have a complaint about a disability service provider, it will depend on which state you are in as to how you will take action. The new NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is operating in two states and will roll out in other States in July. Until then, you will be using your usual State arrangements for complaints. 4. You have the right to access advocacy You can also ask for informal advocacy via advice from a peer support group like this one or one of the many other peer support groups that are on and offline. An advocacy service will not cost you anything, but there may be a waiting list for services. What advocates do is help you advocate for yourself - they will 'walk alongside you' and help you stand up for your rights. There are some agencies who have people employed who just work on NDIS issues, and some who deal with broader issues, including legal and tenancy issues. Some organisations specialise in legal services and discrimination, some are disabled persons' organisations and some are good at specific advocacy issues. Page 17
WhatsUp
Accessibility
Story by Mateo Alejandro Cox Reminder: The disabled population is the largest minority that ANYONE can become a part of at ANYTIME. Your able-bodied/neurotypical status is incredibly fragile. Everyone is one car accident, work accident, medical error or illness away from it. So if I am pointing out that something should be accessible, it’s NOT just for me, it’s me looking out for EVERYONE because you could be in my position any day. So please don’t fight me saying it’s just a disabled person “complaining about accessibility” and that “disabled people are better off staying home.”
serious social isolation if we don’t have accessibility to get to, get in and stay in places. It can lead to depression and even suicidal ideation. Disabled people aren’t flawed, our inaccessible environment is.
1. It’s not your place to tell disabled people what’s best for us. We have the right to have active lives too and not just stay home.
Abled folks, please listen to us. Accessibility is for everyone. Stop making disability justice the last social justice conversation.
2. It’s real easy to say as an abled person who doesn’t have to think twice about it and just sees us an “inconvenience.”
Edit side note
Why would you not want an accessible world? You know what’s an “inconvenience?” Tendon ruptures, nerve pain, tibillias anterior muscle paralysis, episodic blindness, joint pain, needing 23 surgeries in just 11 months, excruciatingly debilitating pain and I could go on. All from an Fluoroquinolone antibiotic I took in 2017 (it’s called Cipro) that caused permanent Fluoroquinolone Toxicity leading to fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, vision loss and so on. No, I won’t just “stay home.” Disabled people can suffer from Page 18
Accessibility is a term that people think about wheelchairs almost right away. It’s way more than that. Does the movie theatres have subtitles for Deaf/Hard of hearing folks? Are there warning signs on doors of museums of repeated flashy lights for people prone to seizures?
think about. At an event, is there a space for a quiet area? Public places, don’t say you’re accessible if you actually aren’t. Mean it! I’ve seen wheelchair signs in bathrooms but it’s tiny and I can’t even get in. It’s a sneaky way to show you’re complying with the law from the outside. Also if your elevator is out of order, please try to find an alternative back up plan in advance is that were to happen. (if it’s possible.) Also SUPER important note: Ableism is systemic oppression. It’s comes in blatant forms and micro aggressions, even micro aggressions that “mean well” but are actually incredibly harmful to disabled people. If we are telling you something is harmful, listen.
Are there large print and Braille menus in restaurants or your house of worship for blind or vision impaired folks?
It’s everyone’s responsibility to dismantle harmful systems that are hurting marginalized groups and strive for equity.
On a store or restaurant’s website does it mention busiest hours so autistic or people with sensory processing disorders feel comfortable and can plan ahead of when to go there without feeling sensory overload? Things to
When you think about accessibility, think about revolutionizing the overall system instead of just that you’re trying to be accommodating the individual. It’s far larger than that. Thanks for reading.
WhatsUp
NEWS Items Virtual Reality Driving Simulator
Standout Life Story by Ali Hill Karni Liddell is a force of nature. She has an enthusiasm for life that is contagious and an advocacy approach that will get you thinking about important topics in the world of disability. At 12 months of age Karni was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, her parents were told that she would never be able to walk and that she would not live past her teens.
But we actually didn’t dive into her experience as an elite athlete in this conversation. Instead we talked about life as a single parent, the judgement that she combats being a single parent in a wheelchair, and her drive to educate others about the importance of inclusion.
The Hector Virtual Reality Driving Simulator project for Older Drivers was recently launched in November. The project aims to simulate the experience of driving by using virtual driving scenarios. Older people often experience a decline in the ability to drive and this project provides participants the opportunity to practice and improve their driving skills in a low risk environment. In particular, the use of virtual reality to practice driving is beneficial for older people in New South Wales who take a driving test every two years after they turn 85.
We also dove into the confronting, but important topic of violence towards people with disabilities. The research in this field is limited but the rates are alarming.
People with dementia can also benefit from the virtual reality driving experience. The driving simulator allows people with dementia and similar conditions to re-live the experience of driving.
Karni’s energy, passion and focus are felt in this conversation and it’s one that all of us need to be joining in more.
McLean Care has based the scenarios in the simulator based on the town of Inverell and has included local buildings and landmarks that enhance the experience of users. These scenarios offer people with dementia the chance to see places and landmarks that are familiar to them.
Defying the odds Karni competed at two Paralympic Games, 1996 and 2000, winning bronze in women’s 50 m freestyle in Atlanta games, and bronze in women’s 4 x 50m relay at the Sydney Games.
Get ready to laugh and even shed a tear as you hear from the powerhouse that is Karni Liddell.
Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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Individual Lifestyle Support Service
07 4639 4026 Providing Disability Support and Assistance Increased Social & Community Participation Living and Lifestyle Skills and Support Accommodation Support Capacity Building
Warrina Services is a specialist support agency that has been providing individual support to people of the Darling Downs since 1986. We support people with a diverse range of needs and also provide mental health services to assist personal recovery. We can help you to achieve positive outcomes in your life. These may be related to choice and independence, education or training, attending social activities, increasing skills, getting a job or contributing to your community. If you would like further information please visit our website www.warrinaservices.org.au Or contact us Phone: 07-46 380 399 Email: warrinas@warrinas.com.au or visit our new office at 172 Bridge Street Toowoomba Office hours Mon-Fri 9-5pm
1800 777 723 www.p2pqld.org.au
112 Russell Street, Toowoomba
Rehabilitation for people who experience mental health issues.
To find out more:
www.toowoombaclubhouse.org.au
Or Phone: (07) 4632 4688
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WhatsUp Story by Liz Schneidewin If you take a drive around Middle Ridge in Toowoomba, you might be under the impression that nothing much out of the ordinary is going on. Typical homes of brick and wood are stacked side by side on tree-lined streets rimmed by decorative gardens a backdrop to kids playing ball in the street and neighbours chatting in front yards. But one house in Middle Ridge, an Air BnB available for rental as shortterm accommodation, has become the setting for an extraordinary adventure - the journey towards independence. Meet Scott and Matt. You may have seen Scott Tiran before. He was featured in an article in the Toowoomba Chronicle in February this year about his work as a gardener and his dream to live independently. If you have seen the article you would remember Scott’s indelible smile and undefeatable attitude. He and Matt Morley have been mates since high school and, after many years of hoping, they have finally moved into a shared house in Middle Ridge and are working hard every day to bring their dream of independent living to reality. It’s an experiment in independent living fully supported and encouraged by their families and organised by Wagtail Services through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). I was lucky enough to visit them at home the other day to find out how their grand adventure was working out. We all sat down together in the sitting area in front of the kitchen. I could see how thrilled these young men were to talk about
On the Doorstep of their Dreams
their experiences in learning to live on their own. Where most of us would gripe and moan for hours about having to do the laundry or cook the dinner, these lads are delighted to heft baskets and stir sauces on the stovetop as long as they are doing it for themselves. They say that their favourite things to do are cooking, shopping and cleaning and they love to help each other out whenever there is housework to be done. They especially revel in their cooking times where they prepare their favourite meals of Spaghetti Bo-
lognese, Chicken Schnitzel and Fried Rice. This is followed by a shared meal where they laugh and joke and exchange stories about their days. Needless to say, the experiment is going well. So well, in fact, that when I asked them if there had been any problems with the two mates living together, they both gave a very insistent, ‘No’. I was surprised by this answer until Matt, who works in the Lifeline Distribution Centre twice a week, mentioned his favourite books - The Harry Potter Series Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
which is also a favourite of Scott’s. Being a devoted Ravenclaw myself, this prompted me to ask the boys what Hogwarts House they belonged to. Of course, their answer was Gryffindor! With courage in their bones and a ‘can win’ attitude in their hearts (essential Gryffindor attributes), I can see why their experiment in independence has been so successful. It’s a success due in no small part to the families of these young men who support the endeavour whole-heartedly. They are overjoyed with the changes they have seen in their sons’ abilities and confidence over such a short period and are grateful to both Wagtail Services and the NDIS for everything they have done to make their sons achieve a level of independence they have long desired. Scott’s parents are, in their own words, “...indescribably grateful”. They have seen exponential growth in Scott’s confidence, abilities and a renewed sense of self-worth. While Matt’s parents have noted their son’s newfound skill of organising his own transport to get around, a skill he did not have before the experiment began. They talk about how happy they are that Matt has been able to move in with Scott and they hope that by next year he will require less support and be able to navigate and function with an increased level of confidence and independence. Meanwhile, Matt and Scott are enjoying having their own space and going to the park nearby for a game of footy. It’s the great Australian dream to the max! We wish this pair great success in their adventure. Page 21
Down Syndrome Support Group Inc. (Toowoomba & District)
Offers people with Down Syndrome and their families an opportunity to make contact with, and to meet other people in a friendly and inviting environment. Contact: President Kara Wren Mobile: 0439 661 349
Quality Lifestyle Support Address: 108 Mort Street Toowoomba Telephone: (07) 4659 5476 Fax: (07) 4659 5452 Email: qlstdisabilityservices@gmail.com
Enhancing the Lives of Individuals Respite care, Community Access and In Home Care are provided to people in innovative and flexible ways working within the principles and guidelines of the Disability Services Act. Director: John Hart ABN: 43 092 474 872
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We encourage client input and control over the service they request.
10 East St Gatton Supported Employment * In Home Support Community Access * Diversional Therapy Counselling * Accommodation Commercial and Domestic Recycling Services Secure Document Destruction We also produce a wide selection of jams, chutneys and pickles made fresh from locally sourced produce
Phone: 5462 3272 Email: admin@anuha.com.au
WhatsUp Head to Health Wherever you are on your mental health journey, Head to Health (H2H) is here to help you find the information, resources, and services that most suit your needs. Whether you want to improve your overall sense of wellbeing, or you need help with something that is concerning
Head to Health
you, or you are helping someone you care about—Head to Health can point you to great online mental health resources Head to Health is the result of an extensive co-design process between the Australian Government Department of Health, people and families with a lived experience of mental health issues, as well as mental health
Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
organisations, service providers, health professionals, and the Australian public. For many people with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, online mental health resources can be as effective as face-to-face treatment, particularly if there is additional practitioner support.
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WhatsUp Consumer Champion Peter Tully Story by Liz Schneidewin Local Ipswich community member, Peter Tully, believes having a My Health Record is an important tool where he can keep all of his key health information in one place.
Reader’s Stories
Having a My Health Record gives Peter peace of mind knowing that health care professionals can access his key health information without him, or his wife, having to remember all of his medications and medical history.
Some key things to remember about My Health Record:
“To give you an example, what do you think happens when I become unwell and get admitted
When moving interstate or travelling, your information can be viewed securely online. In emergency situations, treating doctors can view information such as current medications and Advance Care Plans to provide appropriate treatment quickly.
My Health Record is an online summary of a person’s key health information such as allergies, current conditions and treatments, medicine details, as well as pathology and diagnostic imaging reports. It allows your nominated healthcare providers access to a summary of your health record when they need to.
You don’t need to remember the dates of tests, medicine names or dosages. Because healthcare providers have better access to clinical information, they have a more detailed picture to make decisions, diagnose and provide treatment.
By the end of 2018, a My Health Record will be created for every person with a Medicare or Department of Veterans’ Affairs card, unless they choose not to have one. Peter first moved to Ipswich in October 1997 where he eventually met his now wife Linda in 2007. Both Peter and Linda are passionate and active advocates within the Ipswich disability community, having been involved in the Every Australian Counts (EAC) campaign since its inception and having both being named Queensland EAC Champions for the 2018-19 year. In April 2010, both Peter and Linda became the volunteer regional facilitators for Queenslanders with Disability Network (QDN) with work leading Peter to take on an additional position as the Disability Development Officer for Able Australia. Page 24
Your important healthcare information is available in one place and accessible by your doctors, specialists or hospitals.
You can control what information goes into your My Health Record and restrict who is allowed to access it.
to hospital? My wife, who also has a disability, gets overwhelmed and is obviously worried about me and can’t tell the doctors my critical health information, like medications and my medical history. However, with having a My Health Record, all my wife needs to do is tell the treating clinician that I have a My Health Record, and they will be able to find all of the important information they need.” As a central repository of documents from different healthcare providers, My Health Record stores information that can be accessed at the point of care.
For those that require assistance accessing your My Health Record, you can nominate someone to act on your behalf or ask healthcare providers involved in your care to add information to your record. My Health Record has multilayered security processes and strong safeguards in place to protect your information. In 2019, a My Health Record will be created for every Australian, unless they choose not to have one. If you don’t want a My Health Record, you can opt out by 15 November 2018. For more information visit myhealthrecord.gov.au or call 1800 723 471.
WhatsUp
Write a Story A donation from proceeds of the anthology will be given to Children and Young People with Disability Australia. Submissions should be between 1000 and 4000 words, and must be received by 5pm on Friday, 31st May 2019. Late entries will not be accepted. Please email submissions to GUD@blackincbooks.com . Submissions will be accepted as Word files or audio files.
Call for Submissions Growing Up Australia
Disabled
in
A new anthology is open for submissions from all writers in Australia who identify as disabled, deaf, Deaf or chronically ill (under the social model of disability).
feel the impact of visibility and positive representation. While I have had a life-long chronic illness, I first identified as chronically ill and disabled when I heard other chronically ill and disabled people’s stories.”
The collection will be edited by blogger and appearance activist Carly Findlay, author of the forthcoming memoir Say Hello. Carly has been widely published, including in The Guardian, The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, Daily Life, Mamamia and Frankie. Carly is looking for non-fiction pieces that deal with any aspect of growing up chronically ill, deaf, Deaf or disabled. Submissions can be in any manner, tone or style, but should not be academic or scholarly. They should be written in first-person and be honest accounts of lived experience – positive, negative or anything in between. Editor Carly Findlay says: “I want young disabled people to read this anthology and know what’s possible for them, to see that other disabled people have had similar experiences, and to Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
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WhatsUp
in January
Wednesday 16th January 12:30pm - 3:00pm Autism Hub Department of Education 178 Hume Street Toowoomba Join the regional autism coach to explore evidence-based strategies that parents, educators and specialists can use to ensure that all transitions occur in a supportive and positive environment.
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Wednesday 16th January 4:30pm - 7:00pm Cobb+Co Museum 27 Lindsay Street Toowoomba Cost: $10 per child* includes entry to the Live Insect Show and an activity booklet. Twilight show commences at 5:30pm Children must be accompanied by an adult (included in this price for residents).
WhatsUp
in February
SLOW STARTERS TEN PIN BOWLING LEAGUE for Disabled
SUNSET SUPERBOWL 07 4634 0233
South & Greenwattle Toowoomba
10.00 am every Saturday $20 per session 3 games Sports Registration $32 (membership) Glenda (07) 4614 1136 Kathy (07) 4630 5221
Email: whatsupindisability@bigpond.com
Page 27
WhatsUp mycommunity www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au
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WhatsUp
New to disability?
First Points of Contact Centrelink Payments and Services
132 468
Carers
132 717
Disability Support Pension
132 717
Health Care Card
132 490
Family Assistance
136 150
Indigenous Call Centre Emergency Crisis Payment
1800 136 380 132 850
NDIS General Enquiries
1800 800 110
NDIA Toowoomba Office
07 4592 4057
Local Area Coordinator
07 4646 2800
Medicare General Enquiries
132 011
Pharmaceutical Benefits
132 290
MyGov Help Desk
132 307
Queensland Government
Toowoomba Disability Information Office
Child Safety
07 4699 4255
Disability Services
07 4615 3900
Toowoomba Hospital
07 4616 6000
Department Housing
07 4699 4400
Community Groups Carer Advisory Service
1800 242 636
Carer Respite
1800 059 059
Open 5 days
Lifeline Darling Downs
1300 991 443
(core times 10am to 1.00pm)
Relationships Australia
1300 364 277
A question on disability or a service you require? Try us, most of our Information Officers have a disability themselves and will be glad to assist you. If we can’t help, we will refer you elsewhere. Shop 4 / 33 Bell St Mall Toowoomba
There are a number of support groups for most disabilities available in this region. Contact WhatsUp in Disability on: Phone: 07 4632 6678 Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
(07) 4632 6678 A volunteer disability service organisation run by people with disabilities
Email: admin@whatsupindisability.org
Page 29
WhatsUp Executive Team
PUBLISHER: Disability Media Association Inc (Australia) (DMAA) TELEPHONE: (07) 4632 6678 OFFICE:
Shop 4 /33 Bell St Mall Toowoomba (Bell St Mall) (open Monday to Friday 10:00am-1:00 pm)
POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 3621 Toowoomba Qld 4350 E-MAIL: admin@whatsupindisability.org MANAGEMENT BOARD: Steven P aull (P resident) Liz Schneidew in (Editor) Tasha Grundon (Secretary) Ann Paull (Treasurer) ADMINISTRATION: Alyssa Storm, Bec M cDermott, Chloe Ellevsen and Sandra Wiseman REPORTERS / WRITERS: W endy Adams, Alyse N elligan, Bronw yn Herbertson, Sharon Boyce, Liz Schneidewin, Steven Paull and many more. PUBLISHED: J anuary/ M arch/ M ay/ J uly/ September/ N ovember ABN: 72 821 350 911 PRINT POST APPROVED: P P 424022/ 1811
STEVEN PAULL President
DISCLAIMER/INDEMNITY: Articles and adverts reproduced on these pages are accepted and published in good faith. It is a condition of acceptance that advertisers and article writers accept full responsibility for their advertisements and articles, and will fully indemnify the producers in the event of any claims or legal proceedings against them. Articles published are not necessarily the view of the publishers. Advertisements are also accepted on the basis that they do not conflict with any discrimination laws or other laws currently in force. ADVERTISING: Although we are a volunteer and non profit organisation, we are not funded in any way, and have to cover costs of this publication by charging for advertising. Please request a quote by ringing (07) 4632 6678 or by email. All new adverts must be received 4 weeks preceding month of publication.
LIZ SCHNEIDEWIN Editor
WhatsUp reserves the right to adjust, resize or move advertisements when necessary to allow for editing WhatsUp IS AVAILABLE FROM: 1) SUBSCRIPTION (In advance) $33 per year (includes postage). 2) A single edition of WhatsUp can be bought at the office and selected outlets. You may also subscribe by using the form on the outside cover. 3) Reference copies are held in the Tourist Office and Toowoomba Library.
TASHA GRUNDON Secretary
COPYRIGHT: Copyright Protected. All pages are subject to copyright law and may be copied only with the permission of DMAA. Copies are not to be used commercially or for profit or for personal financial gain. Permission may be granted to copy only if the purpose is to give it away to others for their personal interest but not to any other organisation or service. DISCLAIMER: All articles are accepted in good faith and are not necessarily the view of the Editorial team or Management. Articles are accepted on the understanding that in the event of any claims against WhatsUp, the writer of the article will take full responsibility and indemnify WhatsUp in the event of legislation against it. Articles are also accepted on the understanding that the contents do not breach any Disability laws or other legislation currently in use. ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY/ COPYING
ANN PAULL Treasurer
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WhatsUp In Disability is provided as a Master Copy to individuals and organisations. We are environmental friendly, we do not print any more copies than is absolutely necessary. We prefer and encourage the practice of passing the magazine from person to person or copying the whole magazine to pass on to others. Permission is needed to copy (see Copyright above) When copying the magazine we require that the pages be marked ‘copy’.
DMAA PO Box 3621, Toowoomba, QLD 4350
WhatsUp
Advertiser Index
Accommodation / Respite
Medical
BigDog Respite House
Page
20
Scott Street Pharmacy
Breakaway Toowoomba
Page
16
Toowoomba Central Discount Drug Store
Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre
Page
23
Information Services Auslan Sign Language Course
P age 22
Anne’s Angels
Page
10
Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre
Page 10
Anuha Services (Gatton)
Page
22
Down Syndrome Support
BigDog Support Services
Page
14
(Toowoomba and District)
Page
22
Breakaway Toowoomba
Page
16
Epilepsy Queensland Inc.
Page
16
CPL (Choice Passion Life)
Page
20
Every Australian Counts
Page
24
Quality Lifestyle Support
Page
22
Parent To Parent
Page
20
Salvation Army
Page
20
TASC National
Page
10
Warrina Services
Page
20
Toowoomba Disability Information
Page
29
Wellways Healthcall
Page
6
Recreation
Yellow Bridge
Page
6
Slow Starters Tenpin Bowling
Page
20
Toowoomba Sunset Superbowl
Page
16
Toowoomba Region
Page
25
BigDog Cleaning Services
Page
22
BigDog Lawn Mowing Services
Page
22
Murray’s Cleaning Services
Page
22
Tony Wigan Show 4DDB
Page
29
Toowoomba Clubhouse
Page
20
Support Services
Support Coordination St Vincent de Paul
Page
22
Employment
Page 16 12
Other Services
HELP Enterprises
Page
Uniting Care Community Employment
Page
16
MedTech Mobility Equipment
Page
16
Reben Mobility
Page
10
Mobility Equipment
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