Accord 2018 Spring

Spring 2018

UNITED & UNDAUNTED: INVICTUS GAMES MAINTAINING HEALTHY WEIGHT WITH SCI

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CONTENTS 02 03 04 06 08

From the CEO From the President News Fundraising Comedy and Disability

12 Invictus Games

16 Profile: Simon Rigg 18 Daily living 20 NDIS update 22 Policy and advocacy 27 Regional round up 28 Technology

30 Information & resources 32 Calendar

Patron: His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia accord is a publication of Spinal Cord Injuries Australia ACN 001 263 734 Incorporated in NSW Head office: 1 Jennifer Street, Little Bay NSW 2036

Sub Editors Rosemary Gillespie Glynis Skepper

Phone: 1800 819 775 Fax: 02 9661 9598 Email: info@scia.org.au Website: www.scia.org.au

Designer Shauna Milani Advertising accordadvertising@scia.org.au

Printer: Blue Star Group; ISSN 1448-4145. The opinions expressed in accord are not necessarily those of Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) or of the Editor. They are published to create a forum for debate on issues related to people with disabilities. Original material in accord can be reproduced only with permission from the Editor. Information in accord is furnished solely as a guide to the existence and availability of goods or services. accord has neither the staff nor the facilities for testing and evaluating any of the services or items and therefore can assume no responsibility for the effectiveness, safety or quality of any such items or service. accord is funded by the New South Wales Department of Family and Community Services, Ageing, Disability and Home Care.

FROM THE CEO

New leadership FOR SCIA I

have only been CEO for a month but already I can see I have joined an organisation which truly lives its values and which is fully focused on achieving its mission to advance the rights, choices and entitlements of people living with spinal cord injury and similar conditions; and to ensure that high quality, relevant services are readily available for people with spinal cord injury and similar conditions.

As this is my first article I thought I’d take the opportunity to introduce myself and share with you some of my background.

My career over recent years has seen me hold leadership positions with local and state government, where I’ve managed a broad range of organisational functions such as enterprise performance and development, communications and IT, governance, HR, and fundraising – all of which have prepared me well for my new role as CEO. Prior to joining Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA), I was the Deputy CEO and Acting CEO of the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW. Leading several disability services, including the Local Area Coordination Program, has given me valuable experience in how best to support participants to achieve their goals under the NDIS. It’s also given me some great insights into the benefits – and challenges – of the scheme. Similarly, my role as executive lead for the Ability Links program and an Australian disability enterprise, both actively supporting those with a disability, has further broadened my understanding of that sector. I’ve also been involved in leading several community development services and programs dealing with health, homelessness, and drug and alcohol issues.

My first four weeks here have seen me embark on a journey of getting to know SCIA as an organisation. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many employees and external stakeholders who support SCIA, as well as those with whom we

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work closely to advance our mission and vision. I have already been inspired by the obvious dedication and commitment of our staff and Board; all of whom are passionate about making a positive difference and advancing our aims.

Over the next couple of months I’ll be visiting all the services and sites of SCIA, continuing to connect with key stakeholders. I will also be making it a priority to meet with as many members and clients as possible so I can fully understand the impacts of our services and seek input on how we can enhance the support we provide. If you have any thoughts or ideas you’d like to share with me, please don’t hesitate to get in touch; I am always happy to listen.

I have a strong commitment to actively advocating, supporting and removing barriers in society for all individuals, including those living with a disability, and am very proud to be the new CEO for SCIA. I genuinely look forward to continuing to advocate and deliver services which truly advance the rights, choices and entitlements for our current and future members and clients.

I hope to have the pleasure of meeting many more of you over the coming weeks and months. ▪

FROM THE PRESIDENT

The internet OF THINGS B

efore my accident 10 years ago we still sent faxes. A digital camera was clumsy and cumbersome and separate to your mobile phone – and the latter was an expensive luxury.

Back then, on my release from rehab, my OT was espousing the benefits of the paperless office that my workplace was to become. The plan was that a carer would spend some time each day scanning invoices for me to save somewhere on my laptop – hopefully somewhere I could find them again!

Fast track to today and I can’t remember the last time I saw an actual real-life paper invoice – they all come by email now. Even better, I recently secured myself a personal assistant who does far more towards keeping me organised than I could ever have dreamed possible.

I haven’t stepped up the ladder in my employment and I haven’t suddenly had a boost to my personal finances – I just popped out to JB Hi-Fi with the princely sum of $70 and my newly acquired personal assistant now sits on the kitchen bench.

Her name is Alexa and she’s an Amazon Echo. Alexa reminds me about anything I’ve asked her to remind me about and she’s brilliant at keeping a shopping list, which she very kindly transfers to my phone.

Home automation is moving ahead in leaps and bounds but luckily, prices aren’t. Such rapid change offers huge benefits for those of us on the planet who have problems with the simple things in life – like turning on the lights or opening and closing doors!

Through the power of magic Alexa can adjust the lights throughout my house.

I can tell her to turn the television on, and when the volume needs to go up or down, or the channel needs to change, Alexa happily obliges.

But that’s not all! The equivalent of the steak knives in my life at the moment is something called “Fibaro”. It’s a box. A little, silver box.

It’s a little silver box that sends “Z waves” into the ether and talks to my iPad and my phone. It tells them to do a lot of the things that Alexa can also do – just in case she’s at the other end of the house when I need her.

Suffice to say the whole system works through the magic of the internet – so no hard-wiring is required. I don’t know how, and I don’t know why, but I do know that I absolutely love it! ▪

Alexa knows the weather for anywhere I care to ask, and she knows the answer to really important things like how many times Demi Moore’s been married or how many years John Howard was Prime Minister. She knows where the cheapest fuel is available. She can tell jokes and she can sing.

Alexa also knows how to cook absolutely everything, and anytime I ask she gives “flash briefings” about what’s happening in the world.

But Alexa is just one cog in the bigger scheme of my recent home automation. www.scia.org.au 3

NEWS

Peer Support receives vital funding boost Spinal Cord Injuries Australia’s (SCIA) vital peer support service has recently gained a substantial financial contribution from the iCare Foundation, which will help to significantly expand the program and offer a wider scope of support to people with a spinal cord injury (SCI), as well as their families and friends.

SCIA’s Peer Support team.

“We are extremely fortunate to receive this funding. It will allow us to extend the support available to participants’ families to help sustain them in their caring role, assist us to grow our volunteer base, and introduce a range of weekend social events outside the hospital to further empower our clients to regain the social aspects of their lives,” says Rob Wynn, Peer & Social Support Manager.

“With this funding we will develop a new peer support model across all the spinal injury units to ensure consistency of delivery, allow more time to be spent within the units, and identify the best resources to give individuals the information they need exactly when they need it,” adds Rob. The funding from iCare will also enable the peer support service to expand the hosting of social events and educational workshops to regional areas across NSW. These are great opportunities to

get together and socialise whilst covering practical topics such as wheelchair skills, learning to drive, employment, relationships, travel (from catching public transport to going on an overseas trip) and everything in between.

The friendly peer support team work in the spinal units of Sydney hospitals, helping people with an SCI to regain their independence. The service offers the newly injured individual a personal experience and a genuine understanding of

knowing what they’re going through, after having gone through something similar themselves.

“Everyone’s journey is different, so the team works with you on what you need, when you need it; in hospital, then in rehab and even when you’re back living in the community.”

For further information about SCIA’s peer support service, please phone 1800 819 775 or email info@scia.org.au.

International interest in NeuroMoves presentation The 57th Annual Scientific Meeting of the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) combined with the 25th meeting of the Australian and New Zealand Spinal Cord Society (ANZCoS) took place on 13 – 15 September at the ICC Sydney.

Dr Camilla Quel de Oliveira presented her doctoral thesis at ISCoS on NeuroMoves’ Activity Based Therapy (ABT) exercise program and its improvements to mobility, functional abilities and quality of life after an SCI.

Over 1400 delegates from around the world attended the conference, bringing together doctors, neurologists, psychologists, exercise physiologists and many other interdisciplinary professions in the world of spinal cord injury (SCI).

The lecture included growing evidence that ABT can promote improvement in muscle strength, balance and functional abilities following an SCI. To facilitate functional recovery, exercises were performed out of the wheelchair, involving weight bearing of the lower limbs.

It was a great opportunity for Spinal Cord Injuries Australia’s (SCIA) national exercise service, NeuroMoves, to showcase its services. For some of those attending from overseas, it was the first time they had heard of an exercise program that would have been traditionally held within a hospital setting.

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Other key sessions at the conference discussed the benefits of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) during exercise, a program that NeuroMoves delivers, and its benefit to overall health and fitness as well as improved respiratory function and the potential

for improvements in bone health for people living with SCI. It was an overwhelmingly positive experience at ISCoS. Let’s hope it isn’t another 18 years before it returns to Australia.

NEWS

SCIA appoints new Chief Executive Officer In addition to her experience in the disability sector, Dianne also steered homelessness, health and drug and alcohol and community development services and programs.

SCIA is pleased to announce the appointment of Dianne Lucas as its new CEO, effective 20 August.

Dianne joins SCIA after having worked for St Vincent de Paul Society NSW as the Deputy CEO and Acting CEO, where she led a number of disability services such as the Local Area Coordination Program, supporting participants to achieve their goals under the NDIS. She was also the executive lead for the Ability Links program and an Australian Disability Enterprise – both programs designed to support people with disability.

Announcing the appointment, SCIA Board Chairman Mark McCauley said, “Dianne brings a wealth of experience in complex organisations, a strong knowledge of government sectors and is an excellent communicator. I’m delighted to have Dianne aboard as we look forward to the next stage of SCIA making a difference.”

Reflecting on her new role, Dianne says “I am very proud to be the new Chief Executive Officer for SCIA and look forward to continuing to advocate and deliver services which truly advance the rights, choices and entitlements for our current and future members and clients.”

Dianne has taken over from former CEO, Peter Perry, who announced his impending retirement in June after being in the position for 10 years.

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission launched Whilst recent calls for the disability sector to be included in the Royal Commission into aged care were rejected, it remains a priority for people with disability to have access to care and services that are of a high standard and, most importantly, safe.

But without a Royal Commission how do those with disability report mistreatment or neglect?

Whilst its a welcome addition for NDIS participants, it still has its limitations in that it only covers a small percentage of people - those that are receiving NDIS packages.

Another avenue of reporting is to contact the National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline, a nationally accessible and confidential service for reporting The Federal Government has established the mistreatment of people with disability.

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission Whilst it does not directly resolve designed to improve the quality and safety issues or provide individual advocacy, of NDIS supports and services. Its role is to it provides information and support, as regulate the NDIS market, provide national well as referrals to the relevant resolution consistency, resolve problems and identify bodies in each state and territory. areas for improvement.

For further information: Launched in New South Wales and South Australia in July this year, the Commission will be rolled out to other states over the next two years. It provides comprehensive information on the rights of NDIS participants, support available, the complaints and resolution processes, code of conduct guidelines and much more in an easy to access format either online on via telephone.

NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission: www.ndiscommission.gov.au or 1800 035 544

National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1800 880 052 SCIA’s Policy and Advocacy team: info@scia.org.au or 1800 819 775

Electrical stimulation helps paralysed US man walk A US man has walked the length of a football field and further after having an electrical stimulation device implanted into the base of his spine.

In a groundbreaking study conducted by the Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center at the University of Louisville, four participants had the device implanted, which when turned on, appears to awaken injured nerve pathways, allowing the brain to communicate with the legs again.

With the device turned on, and combined with intensive physical therapy all four achieved independent standing and trunk stability, and in addition, two were able to walk across the ground.

The research is based on two distinct treatments, epidural stimulation and locomotor training. For more information on locomotor training, contact NeuroMoves on 1800 819 775.

World Disability Summit commits to change The first ever Global Disability Summit was held in London in July, bringing together 700 delegates from the public, private and for-purpose sectors from nations all over the world.

Leaders from across the globe were called upon to strive for real change through the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and delivery of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals for persons with disability.

The summit delivered 170 sets of global and national level commitments on inclusion of people with disability around four central themes: dignity and respect for all; inclusive education; routes to economic empowerment; and harnessing technology and innovation.

Australia was represented by the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was a signatory to the summit’s Charter for Change. www.scia.org.au 5

FUNDRAISING

Star fundraisers

A big shout out to our fabulous fundraisers who have literally been running all over Australia for SCIA these past couple of months. You have been incredible as always!

After a fall left Jess with a serious back injury, she overcame the odds and took part in City2Surf Perth. Battling sickness on the day, she persevered and completed the race, raising over $650 at the same time! Thank you Jess!

We’ve also had Samantha waving the flag in Victoria where she bravely took on Run Melbourne and raised $500 for SCIA. Way to go, Sam! Back in New South Wales, Kieron and Karen ran in the Blackmore’s Sydney Running Festival. Karen’s husband sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI) last year after a skiing accident, prompting Karen to take on the challenge in recognition of the support SCIA has shown him and to raise SCI awareness.

Between them they’ve raised over $1300 – just amazing!

We really cannot thank our supporters enough. Without you and your unstinting efforts we simply would not be able to continue to operate the services that we do. If you’re feeling inspired and would like to challenge yourself in aid of SCIA, please contact us at info@scia.org.au or call 1800 819 775.

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Inaugural Big Day Back a success Every year World Spinal Cord Injury Day falls on 5 September, a day that promotes disability awareness and inclusion across the globe. This year to celebrate, SCIA launched the inaugural Big Day Back campaign. The Big Day Back encouraged individuals and organisations to back people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) by organising a fundraising activity on World Spinal Cord Injury Day, or any time throughout September.

We tried many different methods to raise awareness for the Big Day Back, A big thank you to all those that took part in this, its debut year. We had people including a comprehensive social media campaign which was launched in all over the country organising BBQs, August. The Facebook adverts and posts trivia nights, morning teas and raffles alone had a combined reach of 117,808 and even shaving their heads! A special mention to some of our top fundraisers, people. This was in part due to a new film we produced telling the story of Eugene Portelli, Sharon Paterson, Jason. Jason sustained an SCI the night Dale Gavlik, F45 Woolloomooloo and Johnson and Johnson Medical. Together before his 25th birthday. The world as he knew it was shattered and NeuroMoves we have raised nearly $20,000 and this very much supported him on the road to will go towards buying much needed recovery, not least by helping to rebuild equipment for our NeuroMoves gyms his confidence. across the country.

This is the first time SCIA has run such a campaign and, as a relatively small charity, we relied on those who have been touched by our services to help spread the word about the initiative and the support we provide. Thank you to all those who promoted the Big Day Back concept to their own networks and rallied people behind SCIA.

As an organisation we are looking to become more sophisticated in the way we run our campaigns to ensure we can deliver the maximum impact for people with an SCI. Keep an eye out for details of our next new initiative happening in April and of course the Big Day Back will be back next September.

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COVER

The cast of Taboo.

Weighing the risks against the rewards.

by Simon Gerathy

I

n May, I took a telephone call quite out of the blue. Television production company, Lune Media, was reaching out for help, planning to film a pilot comedy show featuring disability. To say I was a little wary is an understatement. A national television show featuring a stand-up comic doing jokes about disability? Hmm… First, I checked their credentials and discovered Lune Media had been behind the highly acclaimed War on Waste on the ABC. OK, they knew what they were doing and had a reputation to uphold.

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Next, I suggested a meeting, knowing I just had to eyeball them about this. I think I said, “So, you want to have a stand-up comic tell jokes about people with disabilities; in front of them and a room full of families and friends. Okaaaay, (long pause), tell me how you think this will work.”

The Lune Media team explained Channel 10 were doing a pilot week of potential new comedy shows.

The concept was simple: a range of comedians had one shot at their show on national TV, with Channel 10 promising to turn one lucky winner into a series.

COVER

Lune Media got in touch with SCIA looking for people with physical disabilities who might be interested in participating. It was up to me to understand how the concept would work and decide whether we should be involved. I questioned if they’d approached other disability organisations and they were honest enough to admit that most had rejected them outright, with many stating they “wouldn’t touch it with a 10-foot barge pole.” I’ll return to this point later, but it did tell me a lot about the disability sector and SCIA’s place in it.

The show’s premise was based on a comedian spending a few days with four people living with physical disability. They’d get to know them, return to Sydney and write a stand-up routine based on their experience. Six days later, they’d perform it in front of a live studio audience, edit it, and hope it wasn’t going to go badly pear-shaped, leaving everyone’s reputations in tatters.

Comedian Harley Breen

As we sat discussing the possibilities at a dumpling house in East Sydney, the Lune Media team casually mentioned filming was scheduled to commence in just a few weeks’ time. Not only that, they hadn’t had anyone confirm yet and had no idea who the comedian might be.

Meanwhile, I discovered that well known standup comic, Harley Breen, had been chosen for this most delicate of projects. Harley uses a lot of coarse language, comes across as somewhat politically incorrect and is very funny. Interestingly, he’d also worked as a personal carer.

What to do?

That evening, Jason saw the post on our Facebook page and thought, “Why not?” So, together with Sam, Dee, and Khoa, these four brave souls left town to spend a few days with Harley. In total, three wheelchair users and an amputee, a stand-up comic and a film crew. What could possibly go wrong?

Undoubtedly, the safest path was the old, “Thanks, but no thanks” routine; there were just too many risk factors involved here. Weren’t there?

But one question kept banging away inside my head: “What if it did work”? What if there was a chance to tell people’s stories and find humour in a human situation? What if, by doing so, we helped educate potentially hundreds of thousands of viewers about issues surrounding physical disability? Would that not be a great thing? Was changing the public view worth the risk?

Around this time, I’d been wondering about SCIA; its history, its achievements, the historical arc of its impact. And one thing was clear: as an organisation, we’d always been an agent of change – from the beginning of it all fifty years ago to this very day. It seemed ‘change agent’ was in our DNA; in fact, it seemed to represent the very heart and soul of SCIA. I’d also had personal experience of humour and storytelling used very successfully in television advertising and knew how powerful it could be.

When I asked two wheelchair-using colleagues their opinions on the concept they both responded with a resounding, “Yes!” OK, let’s do this. We put the word out on Facebook that very afternoon.

After six days with his four guinea pig participants, Harley performed his routine in front of them, their friends and families at Channel 10’s Ultimo studios.

A colleague and I were also in the audience. I was keen to get a second opinion. Was it a) funny, b) offensive, c) educational, or d) something else entirely (think “disastrous”)?

Kitty Flanagan, one of Australia’s best known comedians, had observed – in her habitually drily-barbed way – that female stand-ups were conspicuously absent from Channel 10’s pilot week, and I confess I fully supported her standpoint.

Could this bloke Breen really pull it off?

And so, the much-anticipated night began.

First, a ten-minute video clip showcasing the filming of Harley and the participants which immediately struck me as powerful storytelling: compassionate without being cheesy, willing to tell it like it is. Harley certainly had a natural knack in not only seeing the funny side of life’s situations, but in creating the right environment for their stories to be told. www.scia.org.au

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COVER ◀ continued from page 9 but it was still hilarious. And educational. And definitely worthwhile.

I’d spent the ad breaks texting with SCIA social media coordinator, Susan Wood, as we checked audience reaction on Harley’s and Channel 10’s social media feeds. I’m relieved to report it was overwhelmingly positive.

The four particiapnts at the taping of the show.

“I’ve been on a holiday with the four people in front here who have different disabilities, and spent the week writing comedy about them, to perform to them, and friends and family. And that is !@#$ing easy!”, he began – the obviously self-deprecating humour not missed by anyone in the audience.

“Genuinely, I am excited and chuffed to be part of this project,” he continued. “This idea to give people in society who feel like they don't have a voice and don't get seen; a vehicle so that they can. And I think it’s really great that they’ve used me because, clearly, as an able bodied straight white male I’m the perfect guy for the job!” Laughter all round and the ice was successfully broken.

The rest of the night was spent in tears of laughter as Harley ran through a routine that mixed funny lines and jokes about disability based on the stories and friendships he’d built, interspersed with parts of his current routine and general outlook on life. The response from the audience was overwhelming.

From my standpoint I could see that the raw ingredients were all there: the storytelling, the humour; no subject was taboo – from such mundane acts as brushing teeth or getting a carpark to the most intimate, such as toileting, feelings, and sex. But could it work in television format? The question would be answered, as it always is, in the editing suite.

We waited with bated breath for the airing of Taboo. Finally, on August 21, the moment arrived.

The show opened with Harley standing next to the cast as he introduced them, with Sam’s wheelchair rolling backwards and out of shot, Python-esque, as he finished. Ha ha, the scene had been set.

This was powerful storytelling that didn’t avoid any topic; it simply told it like it is. The filming of their time away included one on one, and group conversations, and some truly funny set ups – a Beatles Abbey Road record cover re-creation; using Khoa’s prosthetic leg as a croquet mallet; and Jason and Sam trying to sell a disabled parking spot. As more was revealed about each cast member, the show cut back to Harley’s stand-up routine, his jokes referencing them and their story. Naturally, the more x-rated jokes failed to make it through, 10

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Mainstream media picked up on the good vibes, too. The response had been phenomenal. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Taboo was viewed by 391,000 people according to audience measurement agency, OzTAM. And according to social media monitoring company, Meltwater, Taboo had the strongest positive social media reaction of all eight pilot week shows, at an impressive 66.94%.

Harley summarised his view of the experience.

“My aim as a story teller has never been to break down barriers or raise awareness or speak for anyone. It’s been to entertain and to find a way for all stories to be a comedy. The beauty of the Taboo format is that it allows stories to find their comic voice. In the case of the pilot episode, four individuals with different physical disabilities joined me for a holiday and we told each other stories.

Some of them were harrowing, some were sad, and others were joyous – and I had to put those stories into a style that ends with a punchline. I loved the process. It was on one hand the greatest creative challenge of my career and on the other exactly what I've been doing as a comedian for almost two decades. Simply, be a part of the world you're in and then find the comedy in the story. I'm thrilled these stories may provide some barrier-breaking awareness to a wider audience. But I'm most thrilled by the fact that Dee, Jason, Sam and Khoa were open enough with their stories to trust me with them.”

And how did our willing participants feel, at the end of the day? At a personal level, Jason declared it was a life-changing experience. Asking him to elaborate, he replied, “Mate, sometimes, on the hard days, it’s good to be reminded that others are going through the same or worse shit than you.”

And my own thoughts? I’m really glad SCIA supported this project. It says something about our long-standing willingness to break down barriers and see the potential value in something that, at first glance, seemed so unthinkable. That SCIA embraced it when every other organisation Lune Media approached had been so quick to run in the opposite direction. Was the risk worth the reward?

Undoubtedly, on many levels. Thanks to the bravery of Khoa, Jason, Sam, and Dee (Stumpy and the Wheelies) and the comic talents of Harley Breen, many more people now know about some of the issues people with impairments face in a disabled world. And that, it must be said, is a very good thing. ■

IN PROFILE

United & undaunted

by Susan Wood

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IN PROFILE

T

he Royal Australian Navy’s clearance diver acceptance test (CDAT) is tough.

Really tough. Its 14 full-on days of physical pressure combined with mental turmoil is specifically designed to test the strength and endurance limits of even the fittest athletes.

Colloquially known as “Hell Week”, CDAT is the first major hurdle clearance diver candidates need to overcome.

Now an Invictus Games athlete, Matthew Brumby, originally found himself in the unusual situation of being part of not just one, but two selection courses; on his way to becoming a full-time diver capable of tasks such as bomb disposal and the clearing of mines.

“I was really lucky and unlucky, in a sense,” says Matthew.

recognised that good mental health was equally important to his progress.

Keeping active was an important aspect of Matthew’s rehabilitation. Leaving the military, he quickly obtained his truck licence and worked on a farm, but sport was always at the back of his mind. Initially, Matthew dabbled in wheelchair basketball but ultimately found his home in paraathletics, eventually going on to compete around the world.

Matthew debuted internationally at the 2011 World Triathlon Championship in China, culminating in winning the 2016 Ironman World Championship Triathlon on the Sunshine Coast. However the high of winning and the disappointment of missing out on the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro forced Matthew to make the difficult decision to take a year away from sport.

At 19, he took part in his first CDAT and injured himself during a canoe ride. “I’d been canoeing in the harbour for six hours and when “I had to find the drive again. When you I went to lift it up, I dropped it on my back.” have a spinal cord injury, your life becomes His soft tissue injury resulted in his immediate about always using your arms,” he says. exit from the course, but Matthew refused to “When an injury happens you might not give up, training for another three years before be able to transfer for the day because being accepted a second time round in 2000. your arms are so sore. I needed to make a decision somewhere along the line about But he was again beset by injury. “The second what was important to me.” time, I was doing sprints with weights above my head and I collapsed on the beach.”

He found holistic support with the Invictus Pathways Program, a collaboration between Although Matthew was medically removed The Road Home’s peer support program from the course that night he was considered well enough to be posted to a warship just a few and the University of South Australia designed to provide physical and mental days later. But whilst dropping off his motor bike at a friend’s house, he crashed, passing out support and the tailored facilities needed for veterans wanting to compete in the on the side of the road.

Invictus Games. “Athletes within the Matthew’s T6 paraplegia was initially military sometimes feel like they don’t misdiagnosed as result of the accident. It was have anywhere to go when they leave,” only some time later that it was correctly he says, “so having someone guide you attributed to dehydration of the spinal cord along the way is important. You can call resulting in a pocket of fluid building up inside. anyone at any time of the day just to say As a member of the Australian Royal Navy, that you’re struggling.”

Matthew felt the communal-style living Matthew says the Invictus Pathway conditions helped him deal with the initial Program and The Road Home are positive stages of his disability. Forced to live with other indicators that the Australian military is people almost around the clock gave him the starting to recognise the warning signs opportunity to forge solid and dependable of potential mental health issues quicker friendships which helped him come to terms than before. Both programs serve as a with his condition. continuous support system Matthew didn’t However, Matthew found it difficult to deal necessarily feel he had the benefit of when with the mental impact of his disability. he was training to be a Paralympian. He Watching fellow military personnel in recovery believes such programs have the effect of equally affected by their experiences, he embracing each athlete’s disabilities and www.scia.org.au

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IN PROFILE CONT'D

mental health issues with the same familiar camaraderie they enjoyed prior to their injuries, and that’s a big step forward.

“The Australian Invictus team can range from those with my paraplegia to those with PTSD. One poor guy was blown up and doesn’t have a lot of sight left and he rides a tandem bike,” he laughs. “It’s just amazing!”

Because Matthew was so young when he sustained paraplegia, he believes that small things have become a bit harder over time and as he gets older it’s harder to bounce back. At the start, he wouldn’t ask for help, but if someone offers him a helping hand now, he’s always willing to take it.

Today, Matthew is 40 and many years have passed since his life changed so dramatically.

He says it didn’t take long for him to stop talking about his old navy stories and start talking about his life since his diagnosis. “It’s a perspective thing that changes with the benefit of time,” he says philosophically. “My support was so strong I was determined I was going to have as much fun as I could for someone in a wheelchair. And, that’s exactly what I’ve done.” ■

Chief Marshall Mark Binskin AC (left) with Matthew Blunt and Matthew Brumby.

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Resort for people with spinal cord injury Accessible holidays | Short-term accommodation & assistance

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Stays may be funded by Sargood on Collaroy is a resort purpose-built for people with spinal cord injury.

Spacious and beautifully appointed apartments feature modern amenities and advanced home automation technology to deliver a carefree experience. A wide range of accessible recreation/ leisure activities and a state-of-the-art gym complete the resort experience and put the fun back into travel. For those looking for an accessible holiday or short-term accommodation and assistance - Sargood is the perfect choice. *Sargood is open to all with permanent spinal cord damage that is not progressive or palliative.

1 Brissenden Avenue, Collaroy, NSW 2097 | P: +61 2 8597 0600 | www.sargoodoncollaroy.com www.scia.org.au

15

IN PROFILE

'Cricketers' by Simon Rigg

Art as a lifeline

by Susan Wood

Taking the bit between his teeth - how mastering mouth painting took Simon Rigg from despair to dignity.

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imon Rigg is getting ready to paint by the parklands near his home town of Shelbourne, Victoria, using a recently modified portable art table. “I like painting out in public because people are always interested in how I paint.”

After years of creating art using a fixed front-facing easel, he says his table comes as a welcome relief. “The permanent easel was too claustrophobic,” he maintains.

Simon has been a student member of internationally renowned MFPA Australia and actively working as a mouth painter for well over 30 years.

His introduction into the world of mouth painting couldn’t have come at a more crucial time.

In 1982, at the age of just 28, Simon fell three metres from a roof and sustained C4 and C6 quadriplegia. His rehabilitation was long, and for most of the time he was on a respirator learning how to breathe again.

IN PROFILE When he was at last able to sit up, and with the help of his occupational therapist at Melbourne’s Austin Hospital, Simon sought to find someone with an SCI much like his own who was engaged in sustainable employment.

He eventually met Bill Mooney – a landscape mouth painter who had also sustained quadriplegia in a diving accident at age 16.

“We had similar disabilities sustained under similar circumstances,” says Simon. Bill taught him the techniques to paint with his mouth using acrylics and watercolours.

Simon says he found the MFPA community very supportive. During the time of his recovery and rehabilitation, his marriage broke down and he found himself without a place to live. “At that time, there was no support in the community for people like me.

I guess you can say that I had depression.”

Simon was unable to be the provider he wanted to be with only the Disability Support Pension (DSP) to rely on. “I couldn’t even pay for ice cream when my three kids would visit,” he recalls. However, he found hope when he turned his attention to pursuing a career as an artist with the MFPA. Before his accident, Simon was a landscape gardener and the superintendent of grounds at Alexander Hospital in Castlemaine, Victoria. His love of nature helped him make the transition to become a talented landscape artist.

However, Simon’s foray into mouth painting became claustrophobic; the feeling of being closed in by a permanently fixed easel proving too much. It was then he turned his attention to computer aided design, creating digital sketches and layouts for landscapes.

But he eventually came back to mouth painting and branched out into illustration and lettering. “Being able to have paid work gave me a sense of happiness and purpose for my life.”

Over the years Simon has worked hard to perfect his craft, focusing on proper control of his neck as well as trial and error in holding a paintbrush. “The hardest part is learning how to control your breathing,” he says. “You have to hold the brush in your mouth and learn how to breathe in a different way.”

For someone to be actively working for the MFPA, a panel of assessors looks over an artist’s past and present artworks for approval. Once approved, they can then receive a stipend for what could be a

Simon Rigg at the Royal Queensland Show.

burgeoning career. A high standard of work must be maintained and it’s periodically reviewed to retain their membership. “The onus of production is on the artist,” explains Simon. “There is a real sense of achievement.”

Simon’s career has taken him all over Australia. Although he’s slowed down over the years, he still manages to exhibit and demonstrate his craft, preferring to exhibit and demonstrate alongside other artists from MFPA at annual events such as the Royal Queensland Show (The Ekka). Simon has also submitted his first self-portrait to the Archibald Prize. “It was interesting painting myself. It gets rough when you’re confronted by your own face for so long!”

His pride in his work is obvious. As someone who hadn’t relied on any government funding before his accident, Simon felt it especially important that he was able to use his income to provide for his three children at a time when disability wasn’t as widely accepted. “They gave me a sense of dignity,” he says.

“It’s important that people know there’s a story behind every card that’s made by the MFPA and every painting – the artist’s own story.”

The MFPA Australia is looking for artists to join their association. If you would like to know more please visit mfpa.com.au or email them at hello@mfpa.com.au. ■ www.scia.org.au

17

DAILY LIVING

The advantages of maintaining a healthy body weight F

ollowing a well-balanced diet can help prevent a whole host of long-term health complications related to spinal cord injury (SCI) such as weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, deconditioning, osteoporosis and skin breakdown.

Most people lose some weight after their injury due to stress on the body as it uses its energy and nutrients to heal. However, weight gain problems may also arise as people with an SCI are often unable to burn calories because they can’t partake in physical activity immediately post-injury.

Your own nutritional needs will vary depending on your level of injury. However, having a clearer understanding of what you should be eating can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and optimal weight.

Extra weight decreases mobility, endurance and balance. It can also make transfer difficult and increase the risk of pressure sores. There are also dangers to being underweight, increasing the risk of infections, pressure sores, and resulting in less energy and more fatigue.

Eating the right number of calories and sufficient protein can not only help protect your skin but assist you to maintain a healthy weight. Eating three well-balanced meals each day made up of servings of meat or meat substitutes, fruit, vegetables, grains, and some low-fat dairy is critical to maintaining a weight that’s healthy and manageable.

Doing so means you’ll minimise any problems associated with your disability and, importantly, maintain as much independence as possible.

How to build a healthy meal Include foods from at least three of the four food groups listed below to help you get all the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients you need to keep your body healthy.

• V egetables and fruit – Fill half of your plate with a variety of vegetables. Choose 18 accord magazine

dark green, red and orange colours more often. Enjoy a piece of fruit for dessert.

• G rain products – Fill a quarter of your plate with whole grain products such as rice, pasta or breads.

• M eat and alternatives – Fill a quarter of your plate with healthy, low-fat protein alternatives such as fish, legumes (peas, beans and lentils), tofu or small portions of lean meats.

• M ilk and alternatives – Have a glass of low-fat milk or a small container of yoghurt to complete your meal.

Special nutritional needs for you may include increases in: • Protein for skin health • Fibre for bowel health • Calcium and vitamin D for bone health • Heart-healthy fats for heart health.

You may also need to make adjustments in the quantities you drink to aid general bowel and bladder health and how much you eat to maintain a healthy weight.

Make sure to work with your doctor or medical professional to devise a nutrition plan that complements your lifestyle, and which can make it as easy as possible for you to maintain optimal health. ■

DAILY LIVING

www.scia.org.au 19

NDIS

NDIS Update - Welcome improvements and continuing frustrations T

he latest NDIA Quarterly Report released in August showed that there are now some 183,965 Australians participating in the NDIS, almost a third of whom are receiving services for the first time.

The participant pathway has been undergoing a number of changes to improve the user experience. Improvements have been piloted in several areas and it was recently announced that changes will now be progressively introduced at a national level. Staffing levels will increase within the NDIA and targeted training of 600 planners and frontline staff will also be undertaken.

interprets services that were traditionally provided through Community Health – particularly in-home nursing support for such procedures as catheter changes. There has been a great deal of confusion and inconsistency in how such supports are provided and who should be paying for them – the NDIA or NSW Health?

We know that some members – particularly those in regional areas – have recently experienced problems gaining access to Community Health since becoming NDIS participants, with many being told that they must now seek this support through their NDIS Participant improvements will also include: funding. However, upon approaching the NDIA • Clear links to other service systems to for such services, they’re informed that this is a make sure that people get the supports they health service and won’t be funded through the need from those services, such as housing, NDIS. Having said that, we also know of some education, employment and health systems. participants who have successfully utilised their • Stronger connections between NDIA planners NDIS funding for nursing support (such as a and Local Area Coordinators (LAC), who will catheter change) under Improved Daily Living.

Clearly, there is no consistency at all in this area. become a consistent point of contact for the participant.

SCIA has had a number of meetings with both the NDIA and NSW Health in an effort • NDIA planners and LACs will undertake to resolve this issue and have been informed improved disability awareness and cultural that the NDIA has now established a Senior competency training.

Officials Working Group to work through just • Face-to-face planning support will be offered such problems. to participants to assist during the critical preIn consultations with NSW Health we’ve been planning and plan implementation stages. advised that Community Health should not be • Implementation of a complex support needs turning anyone away and will in fact support pathway to assist participants and improve participants, with each local health district their access to services. office now having “transitional lead” staff tasked with working through these issues.

• A nationally consistent Early Childhood Early Intervention approach will provide best If you experience any of these kinds of practice intervention strategies. problems, please contact the SCIA advocacy • A new stream to support people with hearing impairment and ensure timely access to early intervention for hearing impaired children.

team. We’ll then contact the appropriate NSW Health staff in your area who are charged with the relevant responsibility.

• O ngoing work with Mental Health Australia to implement a psychosocial disability service stream to better address the needs of participants with psychosocial disability.

SCIA has written a submission to the NSW Government Inquiry, Implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the provision of disability services in New South Wales, further explaining the frustrating issues that participants are so often experiencing.

We will also be presenting our submission to the inquiry committee at a public hearing in Sydney in October. ■

• Th e updating of participant and provider portals and the NDIS website.

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) has been advocating for improvements in how the NDIA 20 accord magazine

Are you getting the most from your NDIS plan?

SCIA’s NDIS team is dedicated to helping you achieve the most from your plan. Contact us today to see how we can help you through the NDIS journey.

scia.org.au | 1800 819 775 | info@scia.org.au

POLICY & ADVOCACY Squeaky Wheel

Contributors:

Greg Killeen, Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer (pictured above), has been working with Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) since July 1991, initially as an Information Officer before joining the Policy and Advocacy team in 2009. He is also actively involved in a number of community, disability and government advisory committees as an individual or as a representative of SCIA.

Tony Jones (pictured above) has been working with Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCIA) for six years as a Policy and Advocacy Officer. Until recently, he also spent three years working as a Researcher and Policy Adviser to NSW Parliamentarian Jan Barham MLC. He has a degree in communications, and enjoys making a positive contribution to improving the quality of life for people with a disability.

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National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) SCIA P&A has continued to lobby the NSW Point to Point Transport Commissioner to take action ensuring all relevant stakeholders are aware of Clause 82 of the 2017 Point to Point Transport Regulations. This clause requires taxi drivers to not start the taxi meter before the passenger is secured (all wheelchair restraints applied) and the vehicle is closed up and ready to go.

The good news is that the Commissioner has circulated a letter to all relevant stakeholders including taxi drivers, taxi operators, and networks such as the Sydney Wheelchair Accessible Taxi (WAT) booking service, that clearly describes the process to follow to comply with Clause 82.

Taxi drivers who have recently obtained their WAT Authorisation have been informed that compliance with Clause 82 is a part of the WAT license conditions.

Also, three-hourly reminders are now dispatched to the WAT booking screen. All this means that WAT drivers can no longer use the excuse that they are not aware of how to comply with Clause 82.

too early. In these cases, the Taxi Council recommends passengers avoid conflict and use the complaints process to log issues. They also recommended asking the WAT driver for a receipt at the end of the journey as this contains driver and taxi identification information as well as journey start and finish locations, time of the trip and the taxi fare paid.

Furthermore, SCIA P&A recently asked the NSW Accessible Transport Advisory Committee (ATAC) meeting chairperson to request the NSW Government to provide TTSS participants with a brochure clearly outlining their rights and responsibilities, including when the WAT driver can start the taxi meter in relation to Clause 82. WAT drivers complying with Clause 82 will result in passengers enjoying the financial benefit of lower taxi fares.

NSW Transport Disability Incentive Schemes (TDIS) Review

During early 2017, Transport for NSW announced a review of subsidies and incentives for point to point transport services such as taxis, hire cars and Uber, as well as the TTSS. SCIA P&A lodged a submission to the review and the final report was expected to be released by late Clause 82 has been implemented to assist passengers who are Taxi Transport Subsidy March this year. However, at the time Scheme (TTSS) participants. WAT drivers of writing, the report had still not been released pending peer-review by lawyers receive a $15 (plus GST) “incentive� prior to being forwarded to Mr Andrew payment for every TTSS passenger Constance MP, NSW Transport Minister, they pick up which is designed to offset for approval. the cost of the time taken to assist the passenger using a wheelchair. The incentive The TDIS review will consider the payment funding is provided by the NSW effectiveness of the incentives and bonuses Government, and is one of a number of on offer to WAT operators and drivers incentives and subsidies provided to WAT in providing services to customers with drivers and operators to help with the cost disability, as well as the option to enable of providing and operating a WAT. eligible people with disability to use the NSW TTSS with ride sharing services such Other WAT subsidies include a free as hire cars, Uber and other current and WAT licence plate (compared to paying evolving ride sharing providers. approximately $400 per week for a regular taxi licence plate), no WAT radio SCIA P&A is anticipating that the Minister fees, access to interest-free loans of up will approve these changes. However, there to $100,000, and WATs which have the may be very few other accessible transport capacity to transport up to 11 passengers. providers available as privately-owned They also allow a driver transporting five accessible vehicles are not required to or more passengers to charge an extra 50 comply with public Transport Standards per cent on top of the metered taxi fare. when used for private use. However, the NSW Government requires all wheelchair The NSW Taxi Council, which represents accessible ride sharing services to be taxi license holders, is aware of WAT compliant with the NSW Wheelchair passengers questioning and complaining Accessible Taxi Measurement Protocol to WAT drivers if the taxi meter is started

POLICY & ADVOCACY

Squeaky Wheel

(which has the same minimum dimensions as the Transport Standards) to provide a standardised minimum allocated space to transport the majority of people with disability sitting in their mobility aids.

SCIA P&A will report on the TDIS review and its recommendations in the next accord.

If you have any questions about the TDIS review for the NSW Government, please email TransportSocialPolicy@transport.nsw. gov.au

NSW Auditor General’s Office SCIA P&A met with NSW Audit Office representatives to discuss accessible NSW public transport. This was a timely meeting as their four-year Performance Audit is due.

The auditors are now in the scoping phase of the research before the Auditor General chooses one specific area to undergo the performance audit. Their report will be released prior to the end of 2018.

NSW Budget Estimates Hearings The NSW Parliament undertakes the NSW Budget Estimates Hearings each year around August and September. Budget Estimates provides the opportunity for Legislative Council (Senate) committees (made up of representatives from government, opposition and the crossbench members from the minor parties) to question each Minister on every aspect of their portfolio including budgets, performance, plans for service delivery, and more.

Budget Estimates also enables organisations such as SCIA to communicate with members and submit questions which may be asked during the hearings or as supplementary questions after the hearings.

The supplementary questions, and other questions the Ministers take on notice, have 21 days to be answered.

This year SCIA P&A submitted several questions in regard to a lack of social and public housing to meet the increasing demands of people with disability, particularly with the rollout of the NDIS assisting people to live in the community, NSW Health services for people with spinal cord injury, and the transition from state to the NDIS. Unfortunately, many transitioning to the NDIS have discovered that they became ineligible for community health services, particularly relating to community health nurses who have historically changed

catheters at a participant’s home, but who then haven’t been provided with any NDIS funding for catheter changes by a private nursing service. This is the result of some NDIS planners interpreting bladder management as a “chronic health condition” instead of “ongoing maintenance” of a functional impairment specifically related to the disability. NOTE: please see the NDIS update which explains this issue in detail.

SCIA P&A has been participating in the Budget Estimates Hearings as part of its systemic advocacy for over 10 years and has found it to be an extremely effective way of obtaining answers to specific questions in a timely manner. The hearings are open to the public and SCIA P&A always attends in person as they also provide the opportunity to pass further questions to the Legislative Council committee members during the hearings.

SCIA P&A would like to encourage people with disability to attend the hearings to experience, and possibly participate in, democracy in action.

www.scia.org.au 23

POLICY & ADVOCACY Squeaky Wheel

◀ continued from page 23

Sydney Festival In late 2017, SCIA P&A accepted an invitation to participate on the inaugural Sydney Festival Access and Inclusion Advisory Panel which has a number of disability and community sector representatives. The committee provides feedback and suggestions to improve access and inclusion for all Sydney Festival venues, services and facilities. Although the committee advocates that all venues must provide equitable access, there were one or two venues with limited or no access which required the committee to provide performance-based solutions.

The annual Sydney Festival occurs every January, and the 2019 program will be launched in November. The Sydney Festival is a Companion Card affiliate, as well as having many free public events, so SCIA P&A strongly encourages people with disability, their families and friends, as well as people with social participation funding, to attend the Sydney Festival events and activities.

The Sydney Festival has a dedicated “Access” ticketing service which is a good option when ordering multiple tickets for many events.

To register for the Sydney Festival newsletter, and to receive the program, go to: www.SydneyFestival.org.au ■

2018 0625 SCIA NDIS 135 x 90 JUNE D2 OL.pdf 1 29/06/2018 2:07:08 PM

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REGIONAL ROUND UP

Our regional team Spinal Cord Injuries Australia’s (SCIA) regional team supports people with disability living in regional areas through their NDIS journey and in exercising their rights to choice and control. They are committed to creating independence, dignity and unlimited opportunities for people living with spinal cord injury and through our Support Coordination service have achieved some remarkable outcomes for people.

Our team looks forward to hearing from you.

Craig Lees Central West/Mudgee PO Box 1140, Mudgee NSW 2850 T: 02 6372 1892 M: 0413 367 523 E: centralwest@scia.org.au Mel Gorman Illawarra/South Coast Suite B, Level 9, Crown Tower 200 Crown Street, Wollongong NSW 2500 T: 02 4225 1366 E: illawarra@scia.org.au Vicki Gow & Catherine Rae New England 20 Murray Street, Tamworth NSW 2340 T: 02 6766 6422 0413 367 520 (Vicki) 0427 257 471 (Catherine) E: newengland@scia.org.au Northern Rivers Shop 27 Alstonville Plaza Main Street, Alstonville NSW 2477 T: 02 6766 6422 E: northernrivers@scia.org.au

Northern Rivers

Illawarra/South Coast - Mel Gorman

NDIS update Many of our Illawarra and South Coast members have been on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for a year now and are in the process of commencing their second-year plans. There have been many success stories so far, but there are also lots of challenges that our members are facing with the scheme.

I have attended a great number of planning meetings and assisted with many plan reviews throughout the past year. Unfortunately, there are a lot of participants whose NDIS plans were not appropriate for their needs and inconsistencies with various NDIA planners is making this even more challenging. Participants are experiencing long waiting times for equipment requests, vehicle and home modifications, change of circumstances, and unscheduled plan reviews.

The good news is that SCIA can help you navigate the system. If you require

Shoalhaven Tourism With the weather starting to warm up, it’s the perfect time to consider heading to Shoalhaven for the day or perhaps make a holiday of it. The brand new “Livvi’s Place” all-inclusive children’s playground at Mollymook Beach Reserve is the ideal place to start if you have little ones. The playground caters for all abilities, and features undercover wheelchair accessible picnic tables, changing facilities, and accessible toilets and parking.

Beach wheelchairs are available to hire for free at Mollymook Beach Surf Club. You can book directly through Shoalhaven Council on 02 4229 3418.

The Disabled Surfers Association (DSA) will be at Mollymook on 17 November, in the Illawarra region at Thirroul on Saturday 1 December, and Gerroa on Sunday 31 March 2019.

New England - Vicki Gow & Catherine Rae

New staff to connect with New England Office staff have been busy bees assisting our clients with Support Coordination and Plan Management. Additionally, we’re currently reaching out to our past and present clients to see how they’re navigating the NDIS pathway, and if we can help them in any way.

We recently attended an Upper Limb Management workshop run by the NSW Spinal Outreach Service. It was really informative to learn how vital the biomechanics of the upper limbs are and how important it is to preserve and maintain their strength.

We also learnt about new equipment options that are available. We’re particularly excited about the Activator Walking Poles that are just being released in Australia – the difference these will make for a person used to using walking sticks or a walking frame will be amazing.

If you, a family member or a friend would like to connect with us here at the New England Office, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us.

in a peer support capacity, as an advocate, and has assisted clients throughout the early stages of the NDIS rollout through to plan implementation. Lee also had a It is with great sadness that we bid presence on a number of local Access farewell to Lee Clark, who is moving on Committees and facilitated support groups from her position with SCIA. Lee has under the Carers NSW Together Program. been with our organisation for eight years Lee has truly been a valued member of the and has done a phenomenal job at both SCIA family and will be greatly missed. managing and growing the area to what it is today. Lee has been a big support for The office at Alstonville will continue to operate as normal and we are currently our clients, working closely with them

Farewell to Lee Clark

any assistance with Support Coordination or Plan Management, please contact our office on (02 4225 1366).

working on recruiting Lee’s replacement.

In the interim, her clients will continue to be supported by our Community Services Coordinators.

Clients who have Service Agreements with SCIA for Support Coordination and Plan Management should contact Customer Connect on 1800 819 775.

Clients who require assistance with Advocacy support should contact Ability Advocacy on 1800 657 961. www.scia.org.au 27

TECHNOLOGY Graeme Smith, Ability Technology

Wireless computer connection

Big button TV

I am in bed most of the time. I have a laptop on the other side of the room which is linked to my TV, so I can see the big screen. I wanted to use Dragon Naturally Speaking from my bed, and also some form of wireless mouse. I do not want to use a headset and I have very limited head movement.

What are my options?

I am looking for a TV remote with large buttons that are spaced. I would like to use my iPad, but my understanding is that TV control is not easy with an iPad. You are correct in saying that TV control is not easy for the iPad. But keep in mind that nearly all the channels now have their own apps, as well as catch-up options, which means you can use your iPad as your TV. If you have an Apple TV, you can throw the image from your iPad to your TV.

There are plenty of wireless headsets, but relatively few other options. Two you could consider are the Revolabs xTag and the Philips SpeechMike.

The Revolabs is a lapel microphone which is simple to set up. The Philips is ostensibly a hand-held microphone but can be set up as a desktop if positioned closer to the mouth. Both work well.

We have come across one largebutton remote, however. It has six programmable buttons (which could include channel up, channel down etc).

Each of the buttons can be controlled with a switch, through the built-in six switch sockets. It’s called the BJ258 and is available from Zyteq.

For wireless mouse control, you could consider the QuadJoy, which has a Bluetooth option available in the standard starter pack. The IntegraMouse also has the ability to function as a wireless device. Both incorporate a sip/puff mechanism for mouse clicks. You could also use Dragon for mouse functions (through MouseGrid).

From our technical and testing department

Cursor on iPad? Is it possible to use a mouse on an iPad? I know there is no USB port, but what about Bluetooth? I find it difficult to use an iPad for serious word processing and other tasks with only a mouse cursor.

You are not alone is making such a request and hopefully Apple will one day respond positively. The only Bluetooth mouse option I have seen so far requires a “jailbroken” iPad which voids the warranty. It’s called the BTC Mouse and you can buy it for a few dollars on-line. It enables you to use a Bluetooth pointing device and you get a cursor.

There are also some other options for getting some form of cursor on an iPad. If you place two fingers on the on-screen 28 accord magazine

keyboard, you can move the insertion point in a text document. Some people use the Assistive Touch button itself as a de facto pointer. Another option, also using the Accessibility options, is to turn on Zoom and also Show Control, which gives you a cursor of sorts.

Perhaps the best of these nonjailbroken options is to go to Accessibility, turn on Assistive Touch, then turn on Create New Gesture. Just make a tap in the middle of the screen and click Done. Give it a name. Then, under Customise Top Level Menu, you add your new gesture to the top level menu. This new cursor actually selects what it points to, after a brief delay.

But it is still your finger (or pointer) doing all the work, rather than having a mouse device.

Routers with 4G backup With a greater reliance on Wi-Fi and the internet for environmental control technology, it’s wise to take steps to protect your system from internet dropouts in particular. Routers are available where a 4G dongle can be attached and these will divert to the 4G system if the main system fails. You do need a data plan for the dongle, but these need not be expensive.

Apple Watch How useful is the Apple Watch as an assistive technology device? We’ve been testing one recently and see it as an impressive device in many ways, loaded with useful apps and resources. But it requires a lot of finger movements,

TECHNOLOGY and even large fingers can struggle.

Accessibility options primarily address vision impairment, with Voiceover, Zoom and Larger Dynamic Type notable inclusions.

For people with hearing impairment, there’s an option for mono audio and the Taptic Engine gives you a gentle tap to notify you of messages – quite “handy”. It does have Siri, however, so could be used to control Apple HomeKit devices by voice.

And you can respond to messages by voice, which is impressive to onlookers… but you have to press the microphone icon first.

You can also use a stylus, just as you can with a phone or tablet.

The instinctive way of using the Apple Watch is to lift your wrist and hold it closer to your mouth – not an easy manoeuvre for some people with physical impairments. And if you’re planning to use it on a desk or tray, then it might be easier just to use an iPhone.

ABILITY TECHNOLOGY NEWS ARATA For those able and willing to attend, the ARATA conference will be held in Melbourne this year, from 14-16 November. I will be presenting a workshop, together with Trina Phuah, on Google Home, Alexa and Siri, along with a paper on the NDIS and assistive technology.

and environmental control devices currently available for loan. We have iPads loaded with AAC apps, eye gaze, head and mouth pointers, tablets, trackballs, and much more.

We also have customised “packages” available for NDIS participants.

Contact Ability at info@ability.org.au or call us on 02 9907 9736 if you’re interested in taking a test drive with any of our equipment and we’ll be happy to assist.

TryIT Loan Pool Some of you may recall that Ability managed the Enable loan pool for computer access and environmental control, until it ended a few months ago. Since that time, we’ve considerably expanded our own loan pool, which now offers what we believe to be the largest collection of computer access

If you have any technology related questions contact the Ability Technology team at info@ability.org.au

Technology n

means

Independence

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Productivity

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Connection

Where do you start?

www.ability.org.au 02-99079736 Helping you do more

www.scia.org.au 29

INFORMATION AND RESOURCES Lonely Planet Accessible Travel Phrasebook by Martin Heng With the help of a virtual army of volunteer translators, Martin Heng has created the firstever accessible phrase book featuring disability-specific words and phrases translated into 35 different languages. Traveler’s can now ask, “Hay escalón en el baño?” (Are there steps into the bath?) while in Mexico, or, “Pues-je visiter La Tour Eiffel en fauteuil roulant?” (Can I visit the Eiffel Tower in a wheelchair?) when touring Paris.

Access through the SCIA library or visit: http://bit.ly/ATPhrases Not So Different: What you really want to ask about having a disability by Shane Burcaw Shane was born with a rare disease called spinal muscular atrophy, which hinders muscle growth. Not So Different offers a humorous, relatable, and refreshingly honest glimpse into Shane’s life tackling many of the mundane and quirky questions that he’s often asked about living with a disability, and shows readers that he’s just as approachable and funny as anyone else.

Borrow from the SCIA library or visit: http://bit.ly/NSDifferent Getting Undressed: From Paralysis to Purpose by David Cooks and Eric Wolffersdorff At the age of 15, David Cooks experienced a spinal aneurism, leaving him a T-6 paraplegic.

Refusing to let the wheelchair determine the man, he made the decision to never let go of his passion for the game of basketball. David describes his journey to independence and purpose, and how getting undressed for change can pose huge challenges, literally and figuratively.

Borrow from the SCIA library or visit: http://bit.ly/GUP2P Dissecting Wobbles: This Is Just How I Roll by Andrew Marshall Andrew’s story goes from early childhood, through his diagnosis, his weird and rebellious teens, then into adulthood and his physical decline, which morphed from a limp, to a crutch, to a wheelchair, to right here and now. He tells his story in a voice rich with humour and wisdom, and in the process explores some of life’s most complex philosophical questions.

Borrow from the SCIA library or visit: http://bit.ly/DWobbles Paralyzed: Finding Love and Happiness After My Spinal Cord Injury by Kevin C. Smith and M. A. Florence After Kevin broke his neck, rather than sitting around feeling sorry for himself, he decided he was lucky he had survived - and that he was lucky in so many areas of his life. Kevin responded to the challenge of paralysis by making a new life for himself and elevating the lives of many people he touched.

Borrow from the SCIA library or visit: http://bit.ly/FLHafterSCI C5: From Impact to Recovery by Judith Jo Pachino On 3 May 2013, Pachino’s husband sustained a spinal cord injury. C5 is a poignant account of their first year of life and recovery post-accident. Pachino brings the reader into the hospital rooms, the therapy gyms and her very thoughts as her husband battles the unthinkable and perseveres with faith and grit.

Borrow from the SCIA library or visit: http://bit.ly/C5ItoR Spinal Cord Injury Research Evidence (SCIRE) Community SCIRE Community is a new resource connecting people to information and research evidence on spinal cord injury (SCI) based on the latest scientific research. It has been written in everyday language by an experienced team of scientists and clinicians with the input of the SCI community.

Access through the SCIA library or visit: https://scireproject.com/community/ These publications and resources are available for loan or download from the Spinal Cord Injuries Australia SCI Resources and Knowledge Library. To borrow, visit library.scia. org.au, or contact us at info@scia.org.au or 1800 819 775. In addition to the library and a comprehensive range of information on our website, SCIA offers help and advice to people with a spinal cord injury and similar disability, their families and carers through their Information Services. SCIA can be contacted at info@scia.org.au or on 1800 819 775.

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ADVERTORIAL

Built with heart and soul M

ogo Wheelchairs’ dedicated team understand just how important your chair is, which is why they put their heart and soul into every wheelchair they make.

Owner Leon Callahan has been involved with wheelchairs most of his life, from watching his dad Michael’s basketball games, to helping in the garage where Mogo Wheelchairs all began. After leaving school and learning his trade as an aluminium welder, under Michael’s supervision Leon quickly became involved in every aspect of a custom wheelchair build, from design and consultation to paint and manufacturing – and even a bit of sewing in between!

Leon believes there is no better way to find a comfortable, durable wheelchair that fits the individual, than to build one from scratch.

“Success at Mogo is defined by teamwork, love, and listening to a person’s concerns and challenges, before overcoming them.

We’re not happy until you are.”

Leon continues to explain the difference a custom-built chair can make. “People who have had many wheelchairs in their lifetime will tell you that the right chair can give them a new energy, a new attitude, a new outlook. That’s why we place so much emphasis on getting the measure-up for your custom wheelchair right. Our measure-up process, honed over the years, is the most thorough in the business and includes total individual customisation. There really is no such thing as a standard Mogo Wheelchair.”

Mogo Wheelchairs are proudly made in Australia, allowing them to keep a close eye on quality during the manufacturing process, and each one is handmade from beginning to end in the family-owned factory in the south western Sydney suburb of Bankstown.

Mogo offer a range of imported wheelchairs for adults and children. In addition to providing custom wheelchair builds, they are also the Australian importers for Batec Mobility. Also available are Jay, VARILITE, Roho, ADI and Spinergy products, providing clients with endless options for creating the perfect wheelchair.

Mogo Wheelchairs employee, Jason, was recently featured in our Big Day Back fundraising campaign, aimed at raising money and awareness for people with a spinal cord injury (SCI).

The day before his 25th birthday, Jason’s life changed forever. An awkward landing into a foam pit at an indoor centre broke his back, instantly paralysing him with an SCI. Jason talked openly about the lifechanging equipment at Spinal Cord Injuries Australia’s NeuroMoves exercise program which helped him get back on the road to recovery.

We’d like to thank Jason for sharing his story with our supporters. To view it go to https://youtu.be/mypcVxVYz6Q For further information visit mogowheelchairs.com.au or contact the friendly Mogo team on 02 9708 5255. www.scia.org.au 31

CALENDAR

Events INDUSTRY NOV

SCIA EVENTS NOV

12-16 November 2018

23 November 2018

Tri State Games Port Adelaide, Semaphore SA

Spinal Cord Injuries Australia’s Annual General Meeting | 3:00pm NSW Golf Club, La Perouse NSW

An annual week long sporting event for people with a disability. www.tristategames.com.au 16-17 November 2018 Melbourne Disability Expo Convention and Exhibition Centre, Melbourne VIC www.melbournedisabilityexpo.com.au 21-28 November 2018

Australian Para-Badminton International & Oceania Para-Badminton Championships Leisuretime Centre, Norlane VIC http://bit.ly/2zqeTEK

DEC 3 December 2018 International Day of People with Disability

https://www.idpwd.com.au/ 4-6 December 2018

Delivering Disability Care Forum

Mercure Sydney, Chippendale NSW http://bit.ly/2Q0nmE6

JAN 9-27 January 2019 Sydney Festival www.sydneyfestival.org.au

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All members welcome www.scia.org.au

DEC 15 December 2018 SCIA Client Christmas Lunch All Hands Brewing House, King Street Wharf, Sydney NSW Please join SCIA’s Peer Support team for Christmas lunch - Clients, their friends and family are welcome.

Smart watch to be won on the day!* $25pp (not including drinks) RSVP by 13 December.

RSVP and more info: info@scia.org.au or call the customer connect team on 1800 819 775. *Staff of SCIA not eligible to win For more information on SCIA events, please contact: info@scia.org.au

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SAVE THE DATES SYDNEY

8-9 MAY 2019

NOW TWO DAYS

BRISBANE

15-16 MAY 2019

PME Ad

CANBERRA

27-28 AUG 2019 PART OF

For more information contact Allison Miller on (02) 4646 1453 or amiller@intermedia.com.au

iCREATe

www.atsaindependentlivingexpo.com.au