WhatsUp in Disability November/December 2019 Magazine by BigDog Support

$5.50

November/December 2019

in Disability

MS Swimathon Queens Park Market Discovering Dyslexia Book Disability Information Services by People with Disability Toowoomba and Southern Queensland

Volume 5, Issue 91

Subscription $33 PA

Proudly supported and printed by ToowoombaWhatsUp Region in Disability

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WhatsUp

Highlights November/December 2019 Edition

04 06 13 14 17 19

MS Swimathon Toowoomba

Alyssa’s Grand Adventure

New Book—Discovering Dyslexia

Disability Action Week

Croquet For All

Mental Health Week

Cover Page Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers night time Concert in Queens Park Picture by Steve Trunks

Liz Schneidewin Editor

Steven Paull JP (Qual) President Page 2

Carnival of Flowers 2019 The Carnival of Flowers is Toowoombaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to shine, or in our case, bloom and the disability community always stands tall and proud at the parade.

1. Yellow Bridge Collectables stunning float 2. Josh from Inclusion Access and RADAC 3. Mayor Antonio with Premier Palaszczuk

WhatsUp in Disability

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Dive In for MS

Saturday 16th November is the Toowoomba MS Swimathon at the Highfields Fitness and Recreation Centre The Toowoomba MS Swimathon is a fundraising event where teams of at least 6 people are sponsored by friends, family and work colleagues to swim in a 12 hour relay raising vital funds for Queenslanders living with multiple sclerosis (MS). You can swim any style or distance that suits you; whether it be 1 or 100 laps in freestyle, breaststroke, sidestroke, or doggy paddle – it is all about participation and raising funds to help beat MS! Awards and prizes are given to the highest fundraising team, highest fundraising individual, best-dressed team and more! For more information contact Rebecca Graham, Fundraising and Events Project Manager Phone 07 3840 0812 Email swimathon@msqld.org.au Or go straight to their website: https://www.msswimathon.com.au/swimlocations/toowoomba/

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Did you know... That superstar author J.K. Rowling, who many people think of as the person who brought magic back into the world, has donated more than $19 million dollars to MS research? Rowling, whose mother died of MS at the age of 45, funded the setup of the Ann Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic at the University of Edinburgh in 2010. The clinic operates as an integrated care and research facility that offers patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials. It aims to help develop new treatments for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) as well as other neurodegenerative disorders such as Motor Neurone Disease and Parkinson’s. If that isn’t magic, I don’t know what is.

Meet ‘My Team’

Earlier this year the Cross launched a free Team. With this app at help from Your Team is hand.

Australian Red app called My your fingertips, always close at

My Team is a digital mental health and wellbeing app, co-designed with over 250 people living with mental health concerns, Australian Red Cross, and health professionals. Major mental health organisations, including Lifeline, Beyondblue and Black Dog Institute were also involved in the design and their resources are linked to the app. Since the launch of My Team, there has been some really positive feedback come through from the users, which is a huge testament to the amount of research, testing and design that has gone into it. Users are getting in touch to tell the Red Cross how excited they are by the app – they’ve told them that having a small group of trusted supporters with them can make all the difference, along with using the app to set goals and reflect on their moods.

family, my boyfriend, and say ‘hey guys help me out’ is a huge step, especially when you’re in the worst headspace.” Beck “That is the essence of My Team: having that support around you to help you through the ups and downs of mental health” Marcus If there are people in your network, or clients you work with, who would benefit from having an additional tool in their mental health toolkit – one that helps them build a team of trusted supporters around them – please share details of the My Team app with them. The app is available to download for IOS and Android. You can get more information about the My Team app online (https://www.redcross.org.au/myteam) Garry Page Director, Queensland Australian Red Cross

Here’s what some people have said about My Team: “An app where I can connect with mum,

WhatsUp in Disability

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WhatsUp

Travel Special

Alyssa and her parents had a great time taking Australia by ‘Storm’

Alyssa’s Grand Adventure Our friend Alyssa was missing from the office for a few weeks, taking a trip away. Here’s her story.

next night. And then we travelled to Ulladulla where my family members live. And then we travelled to Adelaide.

My Trip Away

We took lots of pictures of different places on our trip.

By Alyssa Storm My trip away lasted for five weeks and we went around Australia. My mum and dad went on the trip with me. First we went to Yamba to visit Nana Rose for the night and we went to Bulahdelah for the Page 6

My favourite part of the trip was going to the War Memorial in Canberra because of the different information about the wars. It was uplifting. The funniest part of the trip was when my dad left the milk in the car and it leaked and left a bad odour. Mum didn’t think it was very funny, when we got the clean-up bill, though.

The War Memorial in Canberra was both moving and uplifting.

Dad, Mum and Me on the Paddle Steamer, ‘Melbourne’

The Paddle Steamer ‘Melbourne’ on the Murray River in Mildura was one of the big highlights of the trip.

Who would have thought that such a small spill could make such a big stink?

Our trip took us to places all over the South-East of Australia

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YellowBridge QLD is very excited to announce all our services w ill soon be located all together in our new premises to be known as YB Central. From Monday 25th November our physical address will be at 879 Ruthven Street, Toowoomba. There w ill be no change to any of our contact details.

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WhatsUp joins the Market We are so excited to announce that WhatsUp in Disability has joined forces with that famous Toowoomba institution, the Queens Park Market. The

Queens

Park

Market

started

fundraiser for St Vincent’s Hospital. It was first hosted beneath the Laurel trees in the upper

part

the

park,

but

after

its

popularity grew, it moved down to Frogs Hollow to enjoy the flatter ground and to make more room for the growing number of market stalls that lined up to join the popular Sunday Markets. Recently,

after

Vincent’s

Hospital

major decided

restructure, St to

hand

the

Markets over to a new charity, giving them the

opportunity

benefit

from

It was hard not to drool over this delicious treat prepared by the team from Greatway Mentoring Services.

the fundraising activities of the market as it had done for many years. Never one to miss a golden opportunity, our President Steve pounced on the opening and soon WhatsUp in Disability was working officially with the Queens Park Market. This, of course, meant that someone had to go along to the markets to find out what they’re all about first hand—a duty I was happy to take on. I had a fantastic time and the best part about it is that next month I can do it all over again! To find out more about the Queens Park Markets, visit them on Facebook: @queensparkcraftmarket

A chance to design and make my own silk scarf was the first of many delights on offer that Sunday.

Or to contact Lisa, the market coordinator Email: queensparkmarkets@gmail.com Or Call: 0427 265 046

WhatsUp in Disability

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Updates ILC Grants

Still no CEO

Media release from the Minister 31st July 2019

Last Friday marked 150 days since the NDIA had a permanent CEO, after De Luca quit to become the head of Zenitas Healthcare just weeks before the federal election.

The Australian Government, through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), is investing $19.6 million to fund innovative projects that will provide greater opportunity for people with disability to participate in work. Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Stuart Robert, said 64 organisations will receive funding through the Economic Participation of People with Disability grants, as part of the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program. ‘Today’s announcement will help many Australians with disability across the country realise their ambitions of increased participation in the community through securing a job and I am proud to see so many excellent projects receive funding through this program,’ Minister Robert said. ‘The grants will build the capacity of businesses and organisations to employ people with disability through community engagement, improved resources and training. ’The grant round also supports the work of the Morrison Government’s recently established NDIS Participant Employment Taskforce. ‘Since it was announced in December last year, the taskforce has been delivering changes that open the way for better employment outcomes,’ Mr Robert said. ‘Together, the taskforce and grants are providing more options for people with disability to participate in work and are a reminder of the good work being done to implement Australia’s world leading NDIS.’ Types of projects funded include a community of practice between employers, promotional activities to attract people with disability to roles, events and forums to promote people with disability in workplace settings and creation of workforce inclusion plans. Page 10

Then social services minister Paul Fletcher said in April the search for a new government-appointed CEO would “commence immediately”, with Vicki Rundle acting as CEO in the meantime. Shorten, Labor’s NDIS spokesperson, said the delay in appointing a new CEO showed that people with disability were being “treated with contempt” by the Morrison government. “[The government] are presiding over an exodus of senior executives, endemic delays in the provision of goods and services and a head-less organisation,” Shorten said. “Australians with disability deserve better than the neglect and abandonment this government is displaying towards them.” Shorten previously expressed concerns about instability in the NDIA in July, after it emerged four senior staff had resigned within a week. Rundle is one of nine people listed on the NDIS website as holding an “acting” position. Pro Bono News asked the NDIA when the agency expects to have a new CEO in place by, but a spokesperson would only say the process for appointing a new CEO was “ongoing”. The search for a new CEO comes amid recent revelations that the Morrison government spent $4.6 billion less on the NDIS than expected because of delays getting people into the program. The Australian also reported at this time that the NDIA has overseen a three-fold spending increase on external contractors, recruiters and lawyers.

A Message to Canberra Every Australian Counts sends 1000 messages to Canberra When the Australian government recently announced the massive underspend on the NDIS by $46 Billion Dollars, the Every Australian Counts office was inundated with more than 1000 messages from people from all over Australia. The messages contained story after story of how every day Australians were struggling to get the support they need from the NDIS and how they have been continually met with frustration, delays and a system with numerous inefficiencies. After receiving these messages, Every Australian Counts promised to pass them on to the people in Canberra. So on the 16th of October, Campaign director Kirsten Deane and EAC Champion Lynne Forman gathered all the letters together into a book and took them to Canberra in person. Unfortunately, the Minister for NDIS Stuart Robert was not able to meet with them, but the Shadow Minister for NDIS, Bill Shorten and Senator John Steele took the time to read through the stories before the book was delivered by hand to Minister Robert’s office.

Campaign director Kristen Deane and EAC Champion Lynne Forman with shadow Minster for NDIS, Bill Shorten

Senator John Steele, Kristen and Lynne

Make it work The Joint Standing Committee on the NDIS announced two new inquiries last week – one on Supported Independent Living (SIL) and one on NDIS planning. Every Australian Counts have heard from so many of you all around the country about your experiences with planning and SIL now it’s time for the Committee to hear them too. So it’s time the committee heard first hand from you about what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. Find out more on their website.

Every Australian Counts is the original grassroots campaign responsible for bringing the dream of the NDIS to life. They fought to get the scheme started and they are continuing the fight to get it working the way it was intended. www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au/

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Discovering Dyslexia A new book by Sharon Boyce is bound to make a big difference to those experiencing dyslexia. Dyslexia is a classic example of a hidden disability. Often it is so well hidden that even the people who have it may not know they do. Sharon Boyce, a tireless disability advocate, believes that disability awareness training in the area of dyslexia is vital for our community. To this end she has created more than a book, but a fully fledged resource kit to aid in the battle against this invisible but pervasive disability. Her book is based on more than 15 years research and running school workshops. The book explains what Dyslexia is (and isn’t) and offers solutions and strategies to support children with dyslexia, as well as practical examples and helpful resources. One area where the book really stands out is that it offers a ‘hands on’ experience of how it feels to have Dyslexia. It gives numerous printed examples of texts as they might be perceived by someone with Dyslexia and explains the effect on the reader of some of the more commonly recognised types of dyslexia.

Discovering Dyslexia is presented in a ring -binder format for easy access to its reusable resources

It also has removable coloured overlays included in kit that can be easily removed and experimented with. This is not a casual weekend or rainy day read but it is not designed to be. There is a lot of information to take in, and multiple readings will be needed. But to a teacher, parent of a student coping with dyslexia, this could be the greatest book they have ever read. Discovering Dyslexia—Experiencing Mysteries, Exploring Solutions by Sharon Boyce is available from her website https:// discoveringdisability.com.au/wp/online-shop/

The book has many examples of how Dyslexia can change the words we read

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Disability Action Week WhatsUp in Disability Celebration Disability Action Week saw a number of advertisers and contributors to the magazine come together to celebrate 29 years of WhatsUp in Disability publishing magazines, stories and information for people with disability. Advertisers and contributors in the magazine were invited to have a stall to show attendees of the event some of the services that they offer and provide valuable information. Entertainment included music by the Denise Kimber Band with vision impaired pianist Cameron Fetter, playing most of our favourite songs, including some requests from the attendees. FM102.7 Radio announcer Tony Wigan interviewed the guests and attendees and asked questions about their stories of contribution to people with disability and their personal achievement over disability. Attendees also shared opinions, thoughts and suggestions on the meaning of Disability Action Week and the importance of events such as this to provide community participation. There was a game of blind basketball which included helpful hints from members of the Toowoomba Mountaineers. There was a great result with everyone who played scoring at least one hoop out of the three chances given. It was a valuable opportunity to experience sport in a different way.

TV Channel 7 NEWS provided coverage of the event. And finally, there was cake - enough for everyone, to celebrate.

Rear L to R: Kim Stokes, Tasha Grundon and Steven Paull Front L to R: Josh Marshall and Liz Schneidewin

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Thank you... To the Queensland Government Department of Communities for the funding that allowed us to run this DAW event. Toowoomba Regional Council for permitting us the use of the Bell Street Mall.

And there was cake

Akadia Training for information around Certificates in Direct Support and Aged Care. BigDog Support Services for information on NDIS supports as well as providing the tents, tables and audio equipment. Jesse for the chairs. Mylestones Employment and HELP Enterprises provided information about disability employment services, supported employment and employment through Australian Disability Enterprises. Reben Mobility with their amazing modified vehicle including hand controls on the steering wheel.

Blind Basketball

Queens Park Market for the sample bags and guidance for those who might wish to try out selling their items at a market. SW Queensland Sport for providing the basketball equipment and the player to run the activity. To Denise Kimber and her band of talented musicians for the music. Tony Wigan from FM102.7 for providing interviews and broadcasting about the event on the radio.

Tony Wigan interviewing Alyssa Storm

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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

Croquet For All Croquet is lots of fun, as WhatsUp discovered at the Toowoomba West Croquet Club during Disability Action Week.

There was plenty of support on offer for the day thanks to club member Reg.

Joy and Damien showed us how modified mallets can make a big difference.

Croquet has been around for centuries, but the modern version of the game is far more accessible than ever before. The West Toowoomba Croquet Club on Taylor St in Newtown has modified equipment, including specially made mallets, that allow users with different physical needs to enjoy the game just as much as anyone else. As club president Joy explained to me, croquet is a great equaliser. The rules and conditions of the game make it just as challenging and fun for everyone who plays. To find out how to join the fun, visit their website: https://www.croquetqld.org/clubs/darlingdowns/west-toowoomba-croquet-club

Club Member Nathan was happy to show us how the game is played.

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WhatsUp Community Centre Paul Myatt Community Centre If you saw this story on 7 News earlier in the year will be pleased to know that Boomerang Bags now has a home at the Paul Myatt Community Centre.

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 call in and see us at the WhatsUp office at 4/33 Bell Street, Toowoomba or call us on 4632 6678.

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Join the Paul Myatt Community Centre 11-15 Alexander St Toowoomba Ph: 4632 9559

Hop on (and off) The Bus to Mental Health This year, as a part of the Mental Health Week activities, the Toowoomba mental health community put their heads together to come up with a unique event to showcase the diverse and dedicated Mental Health services available around Toowoomba. The result was a ‘hop-on-hop-off’ bus tour of some of the city’s mental health services. The day started off with an actual ‘bang’ with breakfast outside the Toowoomba Library provided by Lions Toowoomba and drumming sessions led by Maud from Carers Queensland while passengers waited to board the ‘Big Dog’ bus. The first stop was Emerge Café where Bronwyn Herbertson gave us all an instant lift with Laughter Yoga, Dee from TrainLearnDevelopSucceed talked about Mindfulness coaching and Celia from AR Diabetes reminded us that Food and Mood were often closely linked.

Leading the drumming was Maud from Carers Queensland who explained the benefits of drumming together to Carol from the QCWA and Cam from APM

Next we rolled up to the Cedar Centre where the focus was all about learning while having fun. Engaging in study is a great way to enrich your mind and thoughts. At the Paul Myatt Centre, Sport was the word, showing us how to make a game of stress release and mental health management. The final stop was Catholic Care where we could all pull up a seat, enjoy a cuppa or a cool drink and join in a yarning circle to share our experiences.

Celia from AR Diabetes showed us the links between Food and Mood.

The team from the Cedar Centre had plenty of suggestions for study options.

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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. 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

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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Home at Last

Early on a winter morning, two young men laugh as they nip along the paths of Middle Ridge, setting the mood for a new day. Matthew Morley and Scott Tiran are new kids on the block and the other morning walkers they greet might wonder whether there’s a story behind their cheerful faces. You bet there is! Matt and Scott became friends while at Centenary Heights State High School and have been great mates ever since. They’ve always had rich and full lives, raised within families who love them to bits. But mollycoddled? No way. At 24 years of age Matt and Scott have left the nest when a good fraction of twentysomethings have not. They are living proof that the NDIS really can enable people to take more control over their own lives. But independence is a work in progress and Matt and Scott are aiming high. They are skilling up by doing - cooking, cleaning, washing, mowing, entertaining and caring for the most pampered budgie in town. Google Mini helps out with weather reports, playlists and dad jokes. There’s downtime of course, plenty of sport and time with friends. Family is still number one and Matt and Scott see them often. They have their own separate lives too. Scott is part of the CPL garden crew and Matt works

at the Lifeline Distribution Centre among other things. After a busy day they reconnect at home and often relax in front of the telly. A good life. The journey from family home to supported independent living took some planning. Over the course of a year, Scott, Matt and their parents worked with Wagtail Services to run some independent living trials in regular suburban Airbnb homes. Already friends, it soon became clear that Matt and Scott were also compatible housemates and they decided to take the next step. Supported independent living was included in their new NDIS plans and the rest

is history. It’s been a thrilling ride and the adventure continues. Wagtail Services is so deeply convinced of the value of supported independent living that they’d like help establish a brother or sister house to Matt and Scott’s home, creating a thriving little community of young adults and their families. If you are interested in this opportunity for yourself or someone you know, please start a conversation by contacting Wagtail Services via their website www.wagtailservices.com.au Contributed by Anthony Murray

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INAS Global Games INAS Global Games Brisbane October 2019 More than 1,000 athletes and team officials from 47 countries took to the streets of Brisbane on the 12th October to march into the Opening Ceremony for the INAS Global Games 2019. Heralded by a marching band and proudly displaying their country flags, the athletes were greeted by an official party and crowds of friends, family and wellwishers on arrival into Brisbane City Town Hall. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was joined by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Federal Minister for Sport, Senator Richard Colbeck and International Sporting Federation (ISF) leaders including the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President, Andrew Parsons, INAS Global President, Marc Truffaut and Global Games 2019 CEO Robyn Smith. The community was there in great numbers to enjoy the free spectacle of the Opening Ceremony with an entertaining line-up of artists including; The Voice Australia finalist, Ellen Reed, the national anthem performed by ‘Choir of Hard Knocks’ Founder, Jonathon Welsh and a stirring finale performance by the Brisbane City Gospel Choir. The INAS Global Games is a celebration of cultural diversity and allows athletes to compete in a secure, fun and friendly environment. The Games also work to promote INAS’s goals of changing attitudes, challenging perceptions, creating opportunities, developing pathways and strengthening communities. If you’ve never heard of this event before and are keen to know more visit the INAS Global Games Website: https://gg2019.org/

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Special Sporting Moments 2019 AFL Inclusion All-Australian Squad The AFL is pleased to announce the 2019 Inclusion All-Australian squad following the 2019 AFL National Inclusion Carnival held in Blacktown, New South Wales. The respective squad of 26 players has been chosen based on each player’s demonstration of the AFL’s values, that being Play to Win, Play Fair, Play with Passion and Play as One Team. Victoria Country coach Steven Reeves and Northern Territory coach Nick Eades will lead the squad after being selected as the AllAustralian coaches. For the first time, the All-Australian squad will travel to Brisbane to take part in an exhibition match at the 2019 INAS Global Games in October. Held every four years, the INAS Global Games is the largest sporting event for elite athletes with intellectual disability, with more than 1000 athletes from across the world set to take part in the event this year. The All-Australian squad will be divided into

two teams of 13 and play against each other in a feature match which will provide them with an opportunity to showcase their talent on a global stage. “The 2019 AFL National Inclusion Carnival was another terrific event which provided the nation’s top footballers with the opportunity to showcase their skills, in what was a week of highlights both on and off the field. “Each player selected in the All-Australian squad performed consistently across the entire Carnival and fully deserves their position in the team,” AFL General Manager Game Development, Andrew Dillon said. “I also want to take this opportunity to congratulate each of the participants, coaches, umpires and volunteers who did an outstanding job throughout Carnival, which was no doubt a memorable occasion for all involved.” Visit this website to find out more about the 2019 AFL All Inclusion Carnival http://community.afl/all-abilities/programs/ national-inclusion-carnival

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From everyone at

WhatsUp in Disability Have a very merry Christmas with your family and friends

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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Sandra’s Stories MY SHORT STAY IN HOSPITAL A few years ago I had to stay in hospital due to having an infection on my gallbladder. As soon as I found out I had to stay in hospital, I wanted to go back home to our little son Tiny, our dog. But the doctor said, ‘No I need you to stay here.’ But I panicked and wanted to go home straight away so I nagged and begged him until he got frustrated. After a while the doctor gave in and let me go home. He said, ‘You’ll be back in a couple of hours,’ I thought to myself, ‘No, I won’t.’ But sure enough I was. I went straight home wishing for my tummy not to get bad again. But it did. I waited for the pain to settle down but it got worse and worse so I went back to the hospital. They put a drip in my arm with antibiotics and they made me go back to bed. After they put the drip in my arm I asked Stephen to go and get my Peter Jacksons for me. The male nurse who was there at the time asked me if I smoke. I said, ‘Yes.’ He then said, “You’re not allowed to smoke in Hospital.’ I said, ‘I have to!’ He said, ‘You’re not allowed to.’ I said, ‘I have to or I will get charged if I don’t.’ He said, ‘Why?’ I said, ‘Because I have to wear clothes.’ He cracked up laughing after he found out I call my pyjamas ‘Peter Jacksons’. I had to have a lot of blood tests. This is a problem for me because my veins are hard to find. Which means the nurses have to dig deeper and that hurts. In the end I said to the nurses, ‘Can I say something, but I’m only joking?’ They said, ‘OK.’ I then said, ‘I wish you would bugger off with them needles as I am sick of them!’ The nurse laughed and said, ‘I’m sorry I can’t do that!’ So she carried on with the blood test. (Ouch) Sandra is a regular contributor to the magazine and a frequent visitor to the WhatsUp office. She loves writing for the magazine (that is, whenever we can tear her away from the nearby op-shops)

MARY BERRY Mary is a cook on T.V. who has arthritis in her hands so her hands and fingers are bent. But she doesn't let that stop her from cooking. I think she is a fantastic lady for trying. I like the way that she doesn't let her arthritis stand in her way of what she wants to do in her life. I also think she would be a very good example to show people what she can do. I think she makes very good recipes.

Now she is doing something new with recipes as well which is great. I would like to meet Mary Berry one day.

Address: 108 Mort Street Toowoomba Telephone: (07) 4659 5476 Email: admin@qualitylifestylesupport.com 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 and NDIS guidelines Director: John Hart ABN: 43 092 474 872

We encourage client input and control over the service they request.

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WhatsUp

in November

MON 18 NOV MY CHILD AND AUTISM - EARLY DAYS WORKSHOP 9:30 AM TO 2:30 PM

2 Station Street, Toowoomba

Kath Dickson Family Centre, 2 Lawrence St, Toowoomba Free Workshops

TUE NOV 12 LEGAL OPTIONS FOR ADULTS LIVING WITH A DISABILITY 10 AM TO 11 AM Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, Pechey St Free RSVP to Stacey on 4616 6166 or email

stacey@toowoombahospitalfoundation.org.au Page 26

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ toowoomba-my-child-autismregistration-74042614453

WhatsUp THURS 5, 12 & 19 DEC

in December SUN 8 DEC

4 PM—8:30 PM

NDIS LAC IN THE COMMUNITY 9:30 AM TO 2:30 PM Centrelink 12 Bell St, Toowoomba Free https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ndis-lac-inthe-community-toowoomba-tickets69970037265?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

FREE

LOWER QUEENS PARK

https://www.facebook.com/events/2996952317195966/

NIGHTLY 7—24 DEC

SUN 8 DEC SENSORY MOVIE DAY FROZEN II 10:30 AM Grand Central Cinemas

All tickets $6 Bookings open soon

To spread the word about your next event, contact WhatsUp on (07) 4632 6678 or email admin@whatsupindisability.org

https:// www.eventcinemas.com.a u/EventsFestivals/ SensoryFriendlyScreenings#cinemas=52,37

WhatsUp in Disability

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WhatsUp mycommunity www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au

COUNCIL ENDORSES GREEN.IS Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has endorsed the Green Infrastructure Strategy (Green.IS) and its principles to be used in the business-case development of future operational and capital projects. The new strategy has been developed over three years in consultation with the community and will guide how Council plans, delivers and values our region’s green assets.

NEW YOUTH STRATEGY Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has endorsed a new Youth Strategy to be used in the consideration and formulation of future budgets. TRC Regional Youth Advisory Committee Chair and Community Development Chair Cr Geoff McDonald said the Youth Strategy 2019-2021 is a clear statement about Council’s bold ambitions for our young people, who are our most precious resource. “The strategy provides a blueprint for supporting young people aged 12 to 24 across the Region,” said Councillor Geoff McDonald.

Councillor Paul Antonio sees that WhatsUp has disability in Toowoomba covered

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“The strategy is designed with young people at its heart – and seeks to support their futures and empower them to drive positive change, particularly through the Youth Leaders program.”

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

1800 136 380

Emergency Crisis Payment

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 Monday to Thursday

Lifeline Darling Downs

1300 991 443

(core times 10:00am 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 canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

WhatsUp in Disability

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WhatsUp Executive Team

PUBLISHER: Disability Media Association Inc (Australia) (DMAA) TELEPHONE: (07) 4632 6678 OFFICE:

Shop 4/ 33 Bell St M all Toow oomba (Bell St M all) (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: Tasha Grundon, Alyssa Storm and Bec M cDermott CONTRIBUTORS: Liz Schneidew in, Bronw yn Herbertson, Sharon Boyce, Steven Paull and many more. PUBLISHED January/March/May/July/September/November ABN: 72 821 350 911

STEVEN PAULL President

PRINT POST APPROVED: P P 424022/ 1811 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

LIZ SCHNEIDEWIN Editor

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. 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. COPYRIGHT

TASHA GRUNDON Secretary

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 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;copyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.