WhatsUp in Disability Magazine November December 2020 by BigDog Support

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November / December 2020

Disability Information Services by People with Disability Toowoomba and Southern Queensland

Volume 6, Issue 97

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Proudly supported and printed by ToowoombaWhatsUp Region in Disability

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WhatsUp

Highlights September/October 2020

03 06 10 13 17 25

Control Bionics Say Hello

Make Disability Count Queensland

NDIS Updates

Accessible Australia

The Keeper of Dreams

UGG launches boot collection

Cover Page Peter Ford with the latest Control Bionics innovation the NeuroNode Trilogy

Steven Paull JP (Qual) President Page 2

Control Bionics For some people, Peter’s face may be familiar from his time as a CNN news anchor. But Peter’s real passion has always been bionics and robotics. In particular, he was inspired by the potential to help free one of the world’s great minds, Stephen Hawking. In 1989, Peter identified that the patients’ damaged muscles still emitted small electrical signals that could be used to reliably control basic computer functions. And with that, Control Bionics was born.

Milestones

Meet the NeuroNode Trilogy

2002 Research and development begins with the help of many patients including Professor Stephen Hawking.

The latest assistive communication device from Control Bionics. The Trilogy is a Windows based solution for those living with paralysis and loss of speech due to conditions like Cerebral Palsy, SMA, TBA, Spinal Cord Injury or ALS/MND.

2006 The NeuroEducator 4 is launched, providing a pocket-sized EMG monitoring system for assistive technology and rehabilitation. Control Bionics is incorporated in the US state of Delaware and the first international patents are filed.

This device combines three access methods, touch control, eye control and NeuroNode 3 control. Putting these access methods together allows for the fastest most efficient communication speed while simultaneously reducing user fatigue.

2007 The US Department of Veterans Affairs approves full funding of the NeuroSwitch and the first funded VA client receives their communication system.

Not only does this provide a voice for the voiceless but it provides environmental control and computer control. As a users condition due to a progressive illness or daily fatigue it can adapt to that person’s abilities using their preferred access method.

Control Bionics to go Public Health technology pioneer Control Bionics is the next float off the busy initial public offering production line. The Melbourne-based company will pitch fund managers this week in an effort to raise $15 million for a $50 million market capitalisation. Stockbroker Morgans is overseeing the mooted deal and has booked investor meetings already.

2010 Control Bionics is granted USA FDA clearance for the NeuroSwitch. 2013 NeuroSwitch adds wireless, portable EMG monitoring to the AAC market. 2014 James Schorey joined forces with Peter Ford and brings the intellectual property of Therapeutic Alliances (TAI). Peter Ford, founder of Control Bionics, is awarded NSW Senior Australian of the Year. 2015 NDIS NeuroSwitch.

approved

full

funding

for

2016 The small wearable NeuroNode EMG monitoring system is introduced as the successor to the NeuroSwitch.

2018 NeuroNode Trilogy is introduced, becoming the first funded 3-in-1 solution for communication. Say-It-NOW Communication Application is released on the Apple App Store.

If successful, Control Bionics shares would hit the ASX boards this month.

2019 Control Control.

Control Bionics designs, makes and sells communication technologies that allow users to operate and communicate by a computer using only their thoughts and neural signals.

2020 Control Bionics releases Cause + Effect, introducing new gaming and robotic control potential.

Bionics

releases

WhatsUp in Disability

Spatial

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WhatsUp

Peter Ford

By Steven Paull

I first met Peter Ford at Rendezvous on Ruthven while a member of a local group of people with strong opinions about our region and the fine coffee served by our host and friend, Tony Wigan. This group came to be known as the “International Men of Mystery” and we still meet regularly, although less often due to COVID-19. Peter had worked with Tony as a radio journalist on local radio before joining the Seven Network in Sydney as a reporter, news reader and then co-anchor on Sunrise. In 1981 he moved to the USA and joined CNN in Atlanta, later moving to NBC in Miami and then NBC in Washington DC. Peter covered the NASA Space Shuttle program for more than a decade, covered the White House, The Pentagon, The Vatican and covered Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf and after 9/11 reported from Pakistan and Afghanistan. While at CNN, he became a computer programmer/analyst on a team developing microcomputers for rehabilitation and communications for people with disabilities at the VAMC Rehabilitation R&D Laboratory in Atlanta. Working with Principal Investiga-

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tor Gary Wynn Kelly, he wrote JoyWriter, an Apple-based program that enabled people with neuromuscular disease and spinal injuries to replace a computer keyboard with a joystick controller. “I realised we had gone into something quite new … even if a muscle no longer functioned, we could use the brain’s command for the muscle to function as our control switch.” Peter Ford is now better known as the inventor of NeuroSwitch, a device that helps those with neurone damage, spinal cord injuries and other immobilising conditions break free of their bodily prisons and re-engage with the world. As well as being handsome, clever and dauntingly well-read, Peter Shann Ford, 66, is a classic Type A personality: "The minute you walk in a room with him," offers one of his American friends, "people know that he is someone. They just know.” Peter is not only a great man for his achievements to the betterment of mankind but he is a valued friend to me and has been a strong supporter of WhatsUp in Disability.

Inventor of NeuroSwitch Peter was an anchor for 7 News Seven News and first co-anchor with Chris Bath on the set of the morning show Sunrise

Peter, Tony, Steven and Trevor Watts at the 2014 IDPwD Toowoomba Awards night

Peter with Professor Stephen Hawking in 2013 where Hawking made the assessment “Your software’s no good” Peter’s response was “I’m going to make it work. And he did!

Neil Armstrong, Peter and Sally Loan on Sydney Harbour, August 2011 where they met after Peter published a voice analysis of his first words stepping onto the moon.

Peter won the National Disability Award 2015 for Excellence in Accessible Technology

In 2018 Peter represented ControlBionics to win the first “Pitch@Palace Commonwealth” Award in London in a field of 42 nations. WhatsUp in Disability

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WhatsUp Make An inclusive Queensland is important for all Queenslanders Eight state-wide organisations hosted this forum to make sure disability counts in Queensland at this 2020 state election. These organisations include Queenslanders with Disability Network, ADA Australia hosting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Disability Network of Queensland, National Disability Services, Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, Community Services Industry Alliance, Queensland Advocacy Inc., Health Consumers Queensland and the Queensland Collective for Inclusive Education. 1 in 5 Queenslanders live with a disability. Collectively, our organisations are representative of the breadth of the Queensland disability, health, mental health and community services sectors and industry including people with disability and their families and share the common goal of building a more disability inclusive Queensland. Collectively we are committed to the rights, social and economic participation of people with disability and their families and the key role that the disability, community services, mental health, education and health sectors play in delivering economic growth and contribution to Queensland. The group identified seven priority areas:

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Disability

1. Independent individual and systemic advocacy Commitment to continued investment in independent individual and system advocacy across disability, health and mental health for people with disability. 2. Investment in frontline community services Commitment to investment in community services to support vulnerable groups in the community to deliver mental wellbeing responses to support people who have been impacted by COVID-19 pandemic and recovery going forward, with specific focus in regional, rural and remote communities. 3. Disability leadership, governance and accountability across mainstream services Commitment for next Queensland Government to

â&#x20AC;˘ A dedicated Minister for Disability and Inclusion;

â&#x20AC;˘ The establishment of a robust State Disability Plan across all Government portfolio that require each Department to publicly report on targets and outcomes to deliver inclusive, accessible, affordable, quality, safe services;

Count in Queensland • Monitor service and systems performance across mainstream services including housing, health, justice, disaster and emergency management, jobs, education, transport, and NDIS;

Disability Connect Queensland Additional support for Queenslanders

• Implement the outcomes and recommen-

To help more Queenslanders join the NDIS, the Queensland Government has established Assessment and Referral Teams (ART).

4. Human Rights

These small, multi-disciplinary teams work directly with individuals to support them to access the NDIS. ART can help throughout the entire access process from start to finish. This includes preparing and collecting documentation and, where required, arranging a specialised assessment.

dations of the Disability Royal Commission and subsequent Queensland and Commonwealth inquiries, including the Queensland Productivity Commission Inquiry, into the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

Commitment to the retention of the Human Rights Act Qld and the requisite funding and structure of the Human Rights Commission, including implementation monitoring and compliance across all government departments and public entities, as a means to uphold our obligations under the National Disability Strategy and continued development of an inclusive and civil society. 5. Workforce Commitment to grow, develop and maintain a skilled disability, community, health and mental health workforce to deliver quality services, particularly for vulnerable groups and job creation and job growth in these sectors. 6. Sector capacity Commitment to investment in disability, community services industry and sector peaks, including consumer peak bodies to continue to build capacity, resilience and well-being of the sector to respond to current and ongoing COVID-19 environment to be a thriving, strong sector that contributes to the economic outcomes of Queensland.

7. Inclusive Education Commitment to implement the 17 recommendations from the Deloitte Review of Education for Students with Disability in Queensland State Schools published in February 2017 and full compliance with Education Queensland's Inclusive Education Policy be made mandatory for all state funded and operated schools, and sector capacity building for all staff as necessary and effective monitoring and reporting of implementation and outcomes.

ART can help if you are a person with disability, aged 7 to 65, and need support services. To find out more about ART, including where it's available, and to make a referral for assistance visit www.qld.gov.au/ disabilityoutreach ART has been made available through collaboration with the Commonwealth Government.

How can ART help? ART can help people with disability aged between 7 and 65 who are potentially eligible for NDIS supports. ART can help you:

• Check your NDIS eligibility • Prepare and collect relevant documentation to support your application

• Fill out NDIS forms • Arrange specialist assessments • Discuss your disability related needs with specialists and doctors

• Submit your application to the NDIS and track its progress until finished

WhatsUp in Disability

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WhatsUp in Disability

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Federal Budget 2020-21 By Steven Paull

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg delivered the 2020-21 Federal Budget. Tax cuts The Government will bring forward the income tax cuts for most income brackets that were scheduled for 2022. The low and middle income tax offset of $1,080 will remain in place for the financial year. Superannuation To help members avoid paying additional fees for multiple super accounts, employers will no longer create default super accounts when an employee joins their company. By July 2021 MySuper products will need to do an annual performance test and notify members each year if their fund underperformed. The Government will also release an online comparison tool called YourSuper that will compare the fees and returns for super funds. Age Pension and welfare recipients People who are currently receiving certain eligible income support payments and concession cards will receive two additional payments of $250, to be paid in December 2020 and March 2021. Creating jobs The Government intends to grow the economy in 2021/2022 by creating job opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, medicine, recycling, food, defence, farming and tourism. There will also be a focus on increasing female workforce participation.

Health services To help look after vulnerable Australians, there will be additional funding for the NDIS, mental health and suicide prevention, and the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme. More Funding for the NDIS The Minister’s media release announced the government would provide $3.9 billion more for the NDIS.

Some people were a bit sceptical about the announcement. Particularly given what has happened in previous years. But this doesn’t appear to be funny business with the numbers – it appears to be a genuine increase in funding. It is spread across what is called the “forward estimates”. Forward estimates are the government’s best guess about what they think they will spend in the next few years. If you compare the forward estimates from last year’s budget papers with the forward estimates in this year’s papers you can see the amounts have increased. Let’s just look at the main part of the NDIS – what the budget papers call “reasonable and necessary support for participants”. In other words – funds for people’s NDIS plans. So that’s some good news. Every year the scheme gets a little bit bigger – there are more people in the scheme, and a little bit of inflation and wage growth means things can cost more. The extra funding means there is more money for those things without the need to reduce everyone’s funding. But (there’s always a but) what the figures also show is that the government certainly intends to limit growth. Because after a while (basically once they are sure transition is finished) the funding pretty much flatlines – there is only a little bit of growth.

WhatsUp in Disability

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WhatsUp Annual Report 2019-2020 The 2020 financial year represents a significant milestone in the history of the NDIS, as this once in a generation social and economic reform moves from the Transition Phase into Full Scheme. It is, therefore, timely to reflect on where we have come from; where we are today; and how we intend to move forward. On 1st July 2020, the NDIS celebrated its

NDIS Updates the Scheme was geographically available to only eight per cent of the Australian population in specific geographies. The Scheme is now available to all Australians, irrespective of where they live. Almost 30,000 participants entered the Scheme in the first three years of operation, while over the subsequent four years of transition, another 362,280 participants gained entry to the Scheme. This brought the total number of participants as of 30th June 2020 to 391,999. It is now truly a national Scheme. The payments being received by individual participants have increased significantly over the last four years. Participants received an average of $50,800 up from $32,300 in 2017. While this significant increase has benefits and challenges, it reflects changes in participant mix, as well as real increases in participant benefits. Moreover, the longer participants are in the Scheme, the more empowered they are to utilise their plan. The significant increase in the number of participants and in the average payment per participant has resulted in total Scheme payments increasing from $2.18 billion in the first year of transition (2016-17) to $16.11 billion in 2019-20. Payments to participants are flowing through a larger and more vibrant provider sector, with the number of providers having increased from 4,005 in 2017 to 14,882 in 2020. This four-fold increase in the number of providers has led to greater choice and control for participants and expanding employment opportunities for the disability workforce.

seven-year anniversary. This also marked completion of the staged national geographical rollout of the NDIS, with Christmas Island and the Cocos Islands joining the Scheme. While the implementation of the NDIS started in 2013 in seven trial sites across Australia, 1st July 2016 marked the start of the Transition Phase and the rapid expansion of the Scheme. At the end of the Trial period, Page 10

To support the significant growth in the Scheme, the number of staff engaged through the NDIA and its partner organisations that directly serve participants has also increased from 4,564 in 2017 to 11,550 in 2020. Participant characteristics More than 120,000, or 31% of participants in the Scheme have a primary disability of autism, and a further 84,769, or 22% of participants have an intellectual disability. Understanding trends and differences in the prevalence rate of disability cohorts among

NDIS in Brief age groups and states is important to ensuring equity and fairness in decision-making as well as the ongoing financial sustainability of the NDIS. Pricing Prices are set to ensure the availability of supply for the benefit of participants. To ensure participants can better utilise their NDIS plans, the NDIA is committed to building market confidence by encouraging market development, particularly in thin markets. While the longer-term goal of the NDIA is to deregulate prices for disability supports, this has not so far been possible given the rapid growth of the market and current areas of immaturity. Over the past year, the NDIA has continued to monitor and adjust pricing in accordance with market changes. Reforms The NDIA is implementing a package of NDIS reforms, including the implementation of the Government’s Response to the 2019 Review of the NDIS Act (Tune Review) and the new NDIS Participant Service Guarantee. As part of this work the NDIA will introduce independent assessments to help better align a participant’s support package with their circumstances. Independent assessments will ensure participants receive the right funding, as their plan budget will be matched to their level of functional capacity and environmental context.

ABN for plan-managed payments From Sunday 25th October 2020, plan managers are expected to include the service provider’s Australian Business Number (ABN) when submitting payment requests in the provider portal. NDIS Guide to Plan Management

On the 1st October 2020, the NDIA released the NDIS Guide to Plan Management with an Easy Read version and answers to frequently asked questions. A growing budget Funding for the NDIS is guaranteed as part of the Australian Government’s 2020–21 budget announcement which provides a further $3.9 billion to the NDIS. Total funding of $23.375 billion has been allocated to the NDIA to fund reasonable and necessary supports and the operations of the NDIA. The budget also includes an additional $92.9 million over the next 4 years for the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. Helping GPs support their patients to access the NDIS New practical resources are available on the NDIS website to help GPs collect the right information when supporting people to access the NDIS.

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Accessible Australia Know before you go Ross Duncan Spinal Life Australia We know how difficult it can be to find accessibility information online, whether you’re simply grabbing a coffee with friends or planning a dream holiday with your family. It can be a time-consuming, frustrating process, especially when the details that are available are inaccurate or not relevant to you.

What’s Polio got to do with general practice in Australia? A lot, as it happens! GP’s play an essential role in supporting the health and wellbeing of Australians. While there are not definitive figures, it is estimated that there are tens of thousands of Australians who survived polio infections in childhood years, only to experience a return of polio related issues in their later years. Spinal Life Australia, a disability support agency, specialising in supporting people with spinal cord damage, has created what is believed to be the world’s first online education module for GP’s that health professionals can complete as part of their ongoing Continuing Professional Development. The online education module helps medical professionals increase their ability to:

• Describe the burden associated with the That’s why we have created the Accessible Australia app, a free online resource where you can access first-hand reviews and experiences and share your feedback to help others! With listings including hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars, shopping centres, public bathrooms, beaches, parks and more, the number of reviews is growing every day. What can you do on Accessible Australia? 1. Search and find points of interest 2. Make sure the points of interest suit your access needs 3. Check out reviews from your peers – to make a more informed decision 4. leave a review to help others in the community 5. Add points of interest not listed. Get started Visit www.accessibleaustralia.com.au to read reviews and share your own!

late effects of polio in the Australian population;

• Identify patients experiencing the late effects of polio and assess the impact on the patient;

• Implement management strategies within a multidisciplinary framework to reduce the burden of late effects of polio, and;

• Access resource for supporting patients experiencing the late effects of polio. In the first two months since the module became available through online education portal ThinkGP, over 100 medical professionals have completed the module. This online module has been produced to help you identify and better support the polio survivors in your practice. GPs can access the online module by clicking on www.thinkgp.com.au/education/ polio2020

WhatsUp in Disability

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WhatsUp

Hike for

BigDog Team Kyle, Henry, William, Courtney, Monique, Ann, Sharie, Mishel and Kylie Winton Queensland Picture by John Elliott

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Homeless

Hannah and Courtney at the finishing post. Photo Toowoomba Chronicle

WhatsUp in 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

SLOW STARTERS TEN PIN BOWLING LEAGUE for Disabled

SUNSET SUPERBOWL 07 4634 0233

South & Greenwattle Toowoomba

10.00 am every Saturday $18 per session 3 games Sports Registration $50 (membership) Glenda (07) 4614 1136 Kathy (07) 4630 5221 Page 16

The Keeper of Dreams By Peter Shann Ford

An Australian Story Australia's ancient Aboriginal traditions and myths prove to be both powerful and real in "The Keeper of Dreams," a deeply involving and evocative thriller in which contemporary greed confronts age-old taboos. Deep in the central desert of the Australian Outback, a sacred stone that contains codes and carvings of an Aboriginal group's most powerful creation stories is stolen. If the stone is not recovered and the thieves not punished, Aboriginal elders know their people will die. And so, one by one, the three men who carried out the theft fall victim to an ancient justice, a ritual in which the victim is literally "sung" to death. The man who ordered the theft, however, remains outside the elders' power. To get to him, they must choose a ritual spiritassassin -- a kudaitja. Dr. Robert Erhard was raised in Australia by a white couple who adopted him when he was only a baby. He is a full-blooded Aborigine, one of Australia's Stolen Generations, now working in Houston, Texas, where he is a scientist and expert in interplanetary robotics. In the midst of his very "civilized" world, Robert is visited by an entity from his past who summons him home on a mission to avenge and save his people by recovering the stolen artifact. It is an ancient call that Robert has heard before, first when he was a child, and it signals a journey -- a spiritual and physical ordeal -- in which he must abandon everything he has become to honour his true identity, as Tjilkamata, his people's keeper of dreams, protector of all their secrets. It is his legacy and his fate to remain faithful to his people and their traditions, no matter how enticing or powerful the lure of his modern life. The man behind the theft of the sacred artifact is Owen Bird, a ruthless and bullying multibillionaire industrialist who believes, because of his great wealth and power, that he is above the law. However, forces beyond his control begin to emerge when he is critically injured on an Outback buffalo hunt. Airlifted to a hospital

emergency room, he has his first experience of the terrifying powers of the men who seek him and the stolen artifact. As ancient lore propels Robert deeper into the heart of the vast Australian Outback in pursuit of his prey, Owen Bird summons his own assassin to protect himself. The ensuing duel, matching the forces of ancient sorcery against modern technology and tactics, is both horrific and mesmerizing. "The Keeper of Dreams" is based on genuine myths and legends indigenous to the Australian continent. Author Peter Shann Ford spent ten years researching Aboriginal history and lore, and authenticating stories with tribal elders, who subsequently approved this book.

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WhatsUp

Community

Cheap Cars Toowoomba It was similes all round as once again Cheap Cars Toowoomba donated a vehicle to a family in need! What a wonderful and life changing gesture. This is the nineth car Cheap Cars Toowoomba has given away which just is amazing!

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

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

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Domestic Lane Toowoomba City

“It only takes one colourful item to make a grey day beautiful.” Photo by Rebecca Smith—Toowoomba Photography Group WhatsUp in Disability

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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.

(07) 4659 5662

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 office at

172 Bridge Street Toowoomba Office hours Mon-Fri 9-5pm

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Busting Transport Myths

By Rob Woolley DSC

Transport is possibly the most frustrating element of NDIS service delivery. It’s boggled our minds and frustrated us for years. It’s a complex cocktail of links to old service systems, mainstream interfaces, unclear information and out-of-date workarounds. And it only accounts for 3.7% of all NDIS spend – what a lot of stress for 3.7%!

But being able to go places is, you know, kind of important. Access to transport underpins so many of the 1.6 million goals in NDIS plans across Australia, so it’s a vital part of most providers’ support models (and, by extension, providers’ businesses and reputations). When it comes to transport, there’s a lot of confusion and a lot of misconceptions. So, in this article, we’re busting some of the most common transport myths we see making the rounds and driving us all around the bend (we promise, no more transport puns). Transport can only be claimed from the Transport Support category in Core. True or false? False Two types of transport are claimable from different parts of the plan:

• Activity Based Transport: Claimed from any of the line items in 6 different support categories

• General Transport: Claimed from the transport support category If you don’t have funding allocated under transport, you can’t purchase general transport. True or false? False If you have no transport funding allocated in your plan, you can use your core funding flexibly on transport.

If you do have transport funding allocated in your plan, and it’s paid as a periodic payment, then you can’t spend other core funding on general transport. True or false? True This periodic payment is usually paid fortnightly and straight into the person’s bank account, and it is listed on the person’s NDIS Plan. When this is the case, the person does not have flexibility to spend their other core funding on general transport. Every participant can get transport support in their plan. True or false? False The NDIA states that transport funding takes into account whether the person can use public transport without substantial difficulty (due to their disability) and other factors like whether the person is accessing any relevant taxi subsidy scheme. Transport funding is part of the planning process. Transport funding in plans are cases that are brought most commonly to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

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enquiries@allplanmanagement.com.au

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www.allplanmanagement.com.au

Dean’s Movie Review By Dean James Gill

TENET The concept of time is an interesting one and it is a subject to many sci-fi movies over the years. It is also one of the many concepts that legendary director Christopher Nolan has experience in, after Dunkirk, he started writing the script for his new movie in 6 to 7 years. Casting started in March 2019 with John David Washington (son of Denzel Washington) Robert Patterson (of Good Time and The Lighthouse fame and the new Batman in Matt Reeves’s Batman movie and the Twilight movies) and Elizabeth Debicki (of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 fame). When filming started in May 2019, Kenneth Branagh (of Murder on the Orient Express fame and the director who ruined Green Lantern and Artemis Fowl) Michael Caine (from Nolan’s other films) and more join the cast. The first trailer appeared on YouTube on December 20 2019 then other on May 2020 (which unfortunately with COVID, pushed the release date to both August and September) and the final trailer with rapper Travis Scott’s single “The Plan” in it near the movie’s release. Story How should I describe the first half of the movie. Simple, a slightly slower paced spy thriller while trying to understand what the Protagonist, who joined an secret organization called TENET (John Washington’s character and yes they don’t go into his backstory other than he’s with the CIA which surprisingly works) and the temporal threat of WW3 caused by people from the future. Some people say that there is little to no humanity within TENET like in Interstellar and Dunkirk, there is but you were not paying attention, however slow the pacing of the movie might be. The scenes involving everything going backwards through time while everything else is going forward are amazing as well as every item have been inverted like for example a bullet going back into the gun it was fired from. Everyone in the cast did well, including Kenneth Branagh who played the movie’s villain Sator (but sometimes he was abit cartoonish in some scenes) Robert Patterson as Neil and Elizabeth Debicki as Kat, Sator’s estranged wife. Everything from movie is practical including the plane crash (yes, they used a

real airplane) Music Hanz Zimmer, one of Nolan’s collaborators and friend unfortunately could not compose the score due to him doing the soundtrack for the upcoming Dune movie by Blade Runner 2049 director Denis Villeneuve but he did bring Venom composer Ludwig Goransson to do it. Goransson did an amazing job on the music with “POSTERITY” and “TRUCK IN PLACE” being the example along with the song “The Plan” with rapper Travis Scott. Verdict This movie is a near masterpiece through to be fair it is abit complex the first time you see it. Nolan has yet again delivered another amazing film and to those who think it is an Inception sequel really don’t know Nolan very well. 9/10 WhatsUp in Disability

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Around the World

By Shaun Heasley - DisabilityScoop

By Tiffany Bakker in New York

UGG launches boot collection for people with special needs

Pope endorses civil union laws for same-sex couples

Ugg is now offering styles aimed at accommodating people with disabilities. The brand best known for their boots is introducing an adaptive footwear line Ugg Universal.

Pope Francis has declared his support for civil unions for same-sex couples for the first time. According to the Catholic News Agency, the Pope made the historic remarks in a new 2-hour documentary film, Francesco, which traces the seven years of his pontificate and his travels. “Homosexual people have a right to be in a family. They’re children of God and have a right to a family. Nobody should be thrown out or be made miserable over it,” the Pope said in the film. “What we have to create is a law of civil union, they have the right to be legally protected. I have defended that,” Francis says in the film, speaking in Spanish.

The new collection features “functional iterations” of classic Ugg styles that have been modified to include oversized double zippers, rear pull tabs and toggle-adjusted stretch laces. The inclusive footwear is available through Zappos Adaptive, a special section of the retailer’s website that highlights items with accessibility features. Andrea O’Donnell, president of fashion lifestyle at Deckers Brands, which Ugg is part of, said that Zappos “encouraged us to adapt our heritage styles, so they are now truly accessible to everyone.”

But the former Jorge Bergoglio has always voiced opposition to gay marriage, saying that marriage should only be between a man and woman. “Since the beginning of the pontificate the Pope has spoken of respect for homosexuals and has been against their discrimination,” stated Vatican expert Vania de Luca. “The novelty today is that he defends as pope a law for civil unions.” ‘No judgments’ After becoming pope in 2013, Francis took an unprecedented welcoming tone towards homosexuals, launching his famous phrase, “Who am I to judge?” and welcoming gay couples to the Vatican on several occasions.

Officials at Ugg and Zappos Adaptive said they worked together to convene focus groups with people who have disabilities to ensure that boots in the adaptive collection met a variety of needs and incorporated universal design.

Among the most moving moments of the film is the Pope’s phone call to a gay couple, parents of three young children, in response to a letter they sent him saying how ashamed they were to bring their children to the parish.

With the new additions, Ugg joins a growing list of shoe companies, including Nike and Stride Rite, working to meet the needs of

Francis invites them to continue to go to church regardless of the Judgments of others. WhatsUp in Disability

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WhatsUp

in November

WhatsUp in Disability AGM 4:00 pm Monday 3rd November 11-15 Alexander St Toowoomba

The Empire Theatre A CDP Kids Production The 91 Storey Treehouse A play by Richard Tulloch Adapted from the book by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton Andy and Terryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Treehouse has reached an amazing 91 Stories! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now more fantastically dangerous than ever, with a deserted desert island, a whirlpool, and a giant spider! Page 26

WhatsUp

in December

The Empire Theatre Friday 11th December 7:30pm Join Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite ABBA tribute band as they celebrate the iconic dance moves, pitch perfect harmonies and stunning costumes! Get ready for a night of fun, flares and songs.

To spread the word about your next event contact WhatsUp on (07) 4632 9559 or email admin@whatsupindisability.org WhatsUp in Disability

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WhatsUp

mycommunity www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au

By Andrew Spradbrow

Community Development Officer TRC

Lifeline store opens in Highfields Lifeline Highfields store has been officially opened! A huge thank you to Mayor Cr Paul Antonio and Harold Crane who assisted Lifeline Darling Downs CEO Derek Tuffield with the cutting of the ribbon. If you haven't visited the store yet make sure you pop in and check it out.

Wellcamp Entertainment Precinct Major plans have been revealed for a $175 million entertainment precinct near Wellcamp Airport. It includes a world-class Will Power Centre for Motorsport Excellence, motorsport track and a 40,000 capacity performing arts venue. John Wagner says that more cash is needed for their vision to get off the ground and the Queensland Government has responded with an undertaking to invest $40 million. Thank you to the Wagner family for continuing their massive investment in the Toowoomba Region. This is a game changer and well overdue for Queensland.

Summer Watering Times

5:30pm to 6:30pm For more information on the days that you can water or the latest water restrictions in your local area please visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/water Page 28

WhatsUp

New to Disability? First Points of Contact Centrelink Payments and Services

132 468

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132 717

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132 717

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132 490

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136 150

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132 011

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132 307

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Toowoomba Disability Information Office Open Monday to Friday (9:00am to 3.00pm) A question on disability or a service you require? Try us, most of our volunteers have a disability themselves and will be glad to assist you. If we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help, we will refer you elsewhere. JP services are also available

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07 4616 6000

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1800 242 636

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1300 991 443

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1300 364 277

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WhatsUp Executive Team

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POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 3621 Toowoomba QLD 4350 E-MAIL: admin@whatsupindisability.org MANAGEMENT BOARD: Steven Paull (President) Courtney Carroll (Editor) Tasha Grundon (Secretary) Ann Paull (Treasurer) ADMINISTRATION: Tasha Grundon, Dean Gill and Bec McDermott CONTRIBUTORS: Liz Schneidewin, Bronwyn Herbertson, Sharon Boyce, Aidan Wilcock , Steven Paull and many more. PUBLISHED January/March/May/July/September/November ABN: 72 821 350 911

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