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From the Editor
It’s not quite life in the fast lane but 2025 is certainly taking off if this issue is anything to go by.
The new year started with the launch of Australia’s First National Autism Strategy that Link will cover extensively in the Autism Feature in the April issue. The strategy with its associated Action Plan has been developed to improve inclusion, support and outcomes for people with autism with a commitment to focus on four areas: social and economic inclusion; diagnosis, services and support; and health. Funding will go towards peer support programs, education initiatives, new diagnostic resources, employment and government services.
Data from a Global Burden of Disease Study estimates that over 61 million people have autism globally and developmental disability is among the most common health issues facing young people. Also, one in 65 people in the higher-income Asia Pacific region are affected by autism.
As this issue went to press a new NDIS Minister was announced, with former Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth moving into the portfolio. In a statement the minister said she would “continue the important work of its reform”.
We report on a unique research and evidence based training project from the University of Queensland that embraces both rehabilitation and top-level training.
Living with the adage – ‘when the going gets tough the tough get going’ is Nina Crumpton. Her stirring story about dealing with bureaucracy, surely the bane of many of our lives, is on pages 16-17.
Also taking the spotlight in the field of mobility are smart innovations that tick all the boxes. Read about these on pages 30-38.
The expo scene is buzzing too with ATSA showing in Tasmania for the first time; the Impact Institute rolling out its biggest program to date; and the Brain Injury Conference making its debut in New Zealand.
Finally, for happy snaps to wrap up this edition…turn to pages 52-53.
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ParaSTART- where it is just the beginning
By Jayne Keogh
People with disability are among the most inactive in the community with a high incidence of preventable diseases, but Sean Tweedy is well on track to change this with a unique training program.
Professor Tweedy leads ParaSTART, the Sports Training and Research Team program at the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences at the University of Queensland.
This sports training project provides one-on-one and group-based training to anyone with a disability, specialising in people with high support needs in swimming, athletics, strength and conditioning.
“The program is about finding pathways for people with disabilities to re-engage through sport and a healthy lifestyle, not just those
interested in high performance sport,” Tweedy told Link
“As a university we have access to every possible health discipline including medicine, dentistry, human movement and nutrition sciences, as well as all the therapies and allied health services.”
What makes ParaSTART different to other sports programs is that it is research and evidence based.
can lead to adverse outcomes if not managed properly” he said. Our skilled team of clinicians and researchers can help deliver the findings that can enhance both rehabilitation and Paralympic level training.”
“How sport is good for people, but high support groups with severe needs have very low rates of participation and
Since graduating from Human Movement Studies in 1984, Tweedy’s aim has been to assist people with disabilities lead physically active lives to improve health, fitness, functioning and quality of life. In his current role with the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Tweedy has three main areas of
Sean Tweedy, Chloe Tookey and Bridget Dodds
Malcolm Wilson
Chloe Tookey
activity - Research, Community Service and Teaching. Research is conducted in two main areas, evaluating physical activity interventions for people with disability in community settings and Paralympic classification. Community Service includes the ParaSTART program as well as the Adapted Physical Activity Program (APAP) a physical activity promotion program delivered to people with disability in their home or community setting. Teaching covers courses on physical activity and disability to undergraduate and postgraduate students of clinical exercise physiology at the university.
There are no costs for participants to be involved in the research component, however there are costs in the service delivery, and these costs usually fall under NDIS exercise physiology pricing.
“We try to keep costs as low as possible and work with philanthropic donations to keep it up and running,” he said.
“It requires a multi-disciplinary team to ensure safe and effective participation for our athletes with high support needs. Coaches have a background in exercise physiology, physiotherapy or occupational therapy. We liase with a medical professional for screening and problem solving when it comes to co-morbidities and utilise the dietetics and psychology to ensure the optimal outcome for participants.”
The program started in 2017 when participants were first recruited for the performance focused swim training study. “We have grown from three participants to 20 with a 100 per cent retention rate.”
Charging towards the Paralympics
Chloe Tookey was born with cerebral palsy, living a sedentary life confined to a wheelchair when she underwent surgery to improve her condition four years ago. The operation was not a success, so she investigated what was available to join into sport at a recreational level to help her become more active.
“Through a series of connections, I contacted ParaSTART at the university
and my aim is to compete in the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane,” she said. “My interest is track and field in seated throwing, shot-put and 100 metres Frame Running.” In Frame Running, previously known as RaceRunning, the participant is propelled by a tricycle on all three wheels. It is designed for those with high support needs, with a saddle and a seat which is designed for trunk and weight support. It is propelled entirely by the legs, because it is running, and the arms are only used to steer.
“Most of us have similar impairments to me, like cerebral palsy, it’s in a classification system for people who can’t functionally run,” she said.
The 18-year-old will be 27 when the five Olympic rings arrive in Brisbane. She has been engaged in hobby sport for 10 years and determined to achieve her dream. In terms of the physicality values of ParaSTART, she has been discharged from all her medical teams. “My hips are now normal, they have migrated into position, entirely due to the university training.”
But she is quick to point out the psychological benefits of her journey. “I became a different person when I joined the program, everything about me changed for the better. We have become a little community at ParaSTART and because I have been one of the longest on it, I am regarded as a senior! I enjoy seeing the children coming into it at grass roots level. It’s rewarding being a role model.”
Last year Susanna Wills, 30, was riding her mountain bike at an adventure park when she suffered a T12 injury and broke
her back. She was airlifted to hospital where she stayed for five months.
‘With no feeling from the waist down and in a wheelchair, I knew I had to do something. I heard about ParaSTART and since joining the program have improved a lot mentally and physically, supported by the practitioners all the way.
“I am a freestyle swimmer and love the competitive side of the sport, so my goal is the Paralympics,” she said. “I can see what is possible and how could I ever get into something like that without this sort of support?”
A structural engineer, she works mainly at her desk. The training has reduced her nerve pain and helped her endurance, as she is able to be sedentary for longer and concentrate. It also assists with mental clarity, another positive for sports training. “I have more confidence in myself and my abilities and am now investigating other sports.”
At the other end of the age span is Malcolm Wilson who five years ago suffered a stroke at aged 53, causing injury to his brain and right side, which was a shock for the fit, non-smoker, and non-drinker who swam, ran and cycled to work daily. Wilson came home from hospital in a wheelchair, but now only needs a wheelie walker or walking stick to move around. Forced to retire early and deprived of his fitness pursuits, he and his wife Cindy started to research what was possible for him as a sport.
“I heard that the University of Queensland was starting up this new program and were having a ‘try day’, so we went along.” He slowly hopped onto a running frame, and a new world opened for him. According to Cindy he is now doing 5k runs and is fully engaged emotionally and physically. But is not interested in the Paralympics, his focus is on keeping all the muscles working, which allows him to do simple things like dressing himself that he struggled with before,” she said.
Both are strong supporters of Frame Running as it has helped re-engage with people with disabilities and believe it should be a Paralympic sport.
Susanna Wills
New online resource for those with acquired brain injury
Afree online resource is helping people with acquired brain injury (ABI) consider assistive technology (AT) to plan, organise and remember everyday tasks.
The resource was developed by Monash University researchers in collaboration with people with ABI and other experts.
Believed to be the first of its kind, My Technology Space helps people think about using AT to support memory and thinking in activities after acquired brain injury. AT includes products a person might use, such as a smartwatch or mobile phone, and services like allied health that help with product selection, setup, training and use.
Project leader, associate professor Libby Callaway, from Monash University’s Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre and Occupational Therapy Department, said the resource could also be useful for people who experience other conditions that impact memory or thinking.
“My Technology Space offers information, resources and tools for both people with acquired brain injury and their families, as well as allied health professionals or other assistive technology advisors working with them,” Callaway said.
“Traditionally, people with ABI and their families rely on product marketing materials and user guides to consider the use of technology for cognitive support after brain injury.
“My Technology Space takes the user through six steps in a process to think about their goals and needs, map out current and possible future supports they could use to help them to do everyday activities and consider whether technology could be part of that solution.
“It then offers a tool called the Framework for Evaluation of Assistive Technology (FEAT). This framework asks a range of questions about products across nine domains, such as effectiveness, reliability, cost and risk. FEAT ranks the performance of different products to help with decision-making and identifies where more information might be needed.”
Each section offers written and video information, checklists and other tools to consider a person’s goals and needs…
The simple to use website has sections for people with ABI and their families, and allied health professionals or other AT advisors.
Each section offers written and video information, checklists and other tools to consider a person’s goals and needs, and the types of supports that may help address these.
Josh Taylor who has lived experience of ABI and worked on the projects
said: “After an accident and acquired brain injury, my memory and concentration was just not there. I use AT now to tell me certain things like taking medication, eating lunch or do whatever else I need to do. This technology has really helped me out, 100 per cent.”
According to Callaway the section for people with ABI, their family, and friends was written in plain language, with unfamiliar words defined. She said the goal was to help them use technology for everyday tasks and find the right tools for them.
“It can be used by people with ABI on their own, with the support of family or friends, or with the input of allied health professionals or other assistive technology advisors,” she said.
“Extra support or some professional input may be needed as the technology being considered becomes more complex or unfamiliar, or needs to connect, load onto or sync with other existing technology the person may already use, like a smartphone.
“As an example, a person with brain injury may be able to use the tools to think about off-the-shelf home assistants like Google Home or Alexa and the features of these products. But they may want to get some advice from an allied health professional if thinking about different types of customised movement sensing and audio prompting technologies that may provide cognitive support.”
For allied health professionals, the resource offers customised and published assessment tools and outcome measures, plus a step-by-step process to work through conversations with people with ABI and their families.
Access My Technology Space at: www.mytechnologyspace.org
Our sensory system can be described as a number of pathways for our body to process information to the central nervous system, and includes the senses of touch, taste, sound, vision and smell as well as the proprioceptive system (sense of movement and orientation to objects) and vestibular system (sense of body in space or balance).
All these systems inform the brain about our world and are used to create meaning about the world. For example, we receive visual information through our eyes and auditory information through our ears.
Sensory processing issues is the term to describe unusual sensory responses or reactions to objects or experiences, a child may become very distressed when they have their face or hair washed, hear loud noises, or encounter certain textures, tastes or smells.
My daughter had an aversion to any vegetable she described as “squishy”, that included cooked carrots, squash, overripe cherries or potatoes.
Her twin brother burst into tears at the sound of sirens, thunder, and seals barking at the sea lion sanctuary.
As a parent, I responded to these cues, found other foods that my daughter preferred and comforted my son and if possible or removed him from the noisy environment.
As a little boy, we kept him home during noisy Halloween celebrations at his preschool or other events that may be too loud.
Many parents of autistic children may also notice hypersensitivity around certain foods or experiences,
as their child may be fearful of touching certain materials and sometimes avoid them altogether.
Other children show they are hyposensitive by constantly moving, jumping or engaging in other behaviors that offer sensory input (Arky, n.d).
Reducing the barriers
The function of the sensory system is to provide the individual with information about their environment and to guide their actions and interactions.
As parents or caregivers, we notice when our child looks at an object and we respond by naming it or talking with them about the object of their attention.
In other situations, we may soothe a child when they communicate their distress or remove exposure to objects or situations that children clearly dislike.
We engage with children through this process and create opportunities for communication and connection. Parents and early childhood professionals have an important role in identifying children’s sensory preferences and reducing the barriers to learning and social interactions that can occur.
Understanding and recognising the sensory reactions of children can provide us with so much information about how to engage and support their learning.
The tantrums, tears, and emotional responses give us vital clues about what is going on for the children in our lives. Conversely, it is much harder for children that do not respond so overtly or whose reactions are very intense.
Rather than focusing on deficits, we can draw on our knowledge and observations of children and their reactions to create learning environments and interactions that engage children.
Strategies may include sustaining interactions through sensory experiences and expanding opportunities for connection through sensory objects and actions.
An example of this can be adding sounds or gestures to back and forth play for a hyposensitive child and seeing the unique ways autistic children interact with objects as toys as an opportunity for exploration and not an example of atypical play.
The sensory system is another portal to children-especially those that often seem out of reach.
Dr Olivia Karaolis, lecturer, Special and Inclusive Education, University of Sydney.
Design: Rosie Karaolis
Empowering Mobility and Independence
Empowering Mobility and Independence
Discover
Discover
Partnering
Living with choice and control
Combining mobility and SDA solutions.
Life is all about finding the right balance—between independence and support, between innovation and practicality, and between mobility and a home that works for you. For NDIS participants, achieving this balance often comes down to having access to the right tools, whether it’s mobility aids that let you move freely or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) that provides the foundation for living your best life. We understand how important it is for mobility aids and home modifications to work together. By combining them, you can create a lifestyle that’s both comfortable and full of independence.
Creating a lifestyle that moves with you
Mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters are life-changing tools. They offer freedom of movement, letting you get to where you need to go without relying on others. But when paired with thoughtfully chosen SDA features, they become even more powerful. For instance, a lightweight and foldable wheelchair can help you navigate the world outside. Imagine coming home to an SDA-approved space designed with wider doorways, non-slip flooring, and accessible storage—your wheelchair suddenly feels like an extension of your home, not a limitation. These combinations create an environment where you can move freely, safely, and comfortably, no matter where you are.
Matching tools to goals
The key to creating a truly independent lifestyle is making choices that align with your goals. Are you looking to cook more independently? Lowered benches and pull-out shelves in your SDA kitchen can work beautifully with a height-adjustable chair. Do you love entertaining guests? A mobility scooter paired with SDA outdoor modifications—like ramped garden
paths—can make your home as welcoming as it is functional. NDIS funding can help you access these tools, but it’s important to know what’s available and how they work together.
Why integration matters
It’s not just about convenience, integrating mobility aids with SDA modifications is about making sure your environment supports you rather than limits you. It’s about reducing barriers, preventing fatigue, and making everyday tasks simpler. Consider bathroom accessibility, a common challenge. A strategically placed grab rail can help, but combining it with a roll-in shower, nonslip tiles, and a shower chair can turn a tricky space into a safe, empowering one. Likewise, a powered wheelchair is a fantastic tool but pairing it with a home lift or an automated front door can unlock even greater freedom.
These thoughtful integrations ensure every part of your day is designed with you in mind. That’s where Chooze can help.
Choice and control with
Chooze
At Chooze, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to live independently, confidently, and with dignity. That’s why our online marketplace is designed to make finding the right mobility aids and SDA-friendly products simple and stress-free.
Our platform offers:
• Extensive options: Explore thousands of products from trusted Australian sellers, including cuttingedge mobility aids and SDAcompatible tools.
• NDIS-friendly solutions: Easily search for items covered by your funding, with support item codes
and risk ratings included where needed.
• Therapist letter uploads: You can now upload therapist letters, like those from an OT or doctor, to support your purchases.
• Specialised invoicing: Anyone can shop at Chooze, but for NDIS participants there is special invoicing. No matter how many sellers you shop with we will provide one combined invoice, making it easier to manage your NDIS claims. Plus, we can send invoices directly to your plan manager at checkout or handle agency-managed claims seamlessly.
• Convenient delivery: With our Chooze Freedom Pass you enjoy unlimited free shipping for a year, ensuring you get what you need without added stress.
We also announce our recent partnership with ONCALL | SACARE, which integrates the Chooze range of assistive technology and consumables into ONCALL | SACARE’s supported accommodation facilities. Together, we are empowering participants to achieve greater independence and comfort while providing peace of mind to their carers and loved ones. By shopping with Chooze, you’re not just purchasing products, you’re investing in solutions that empower you to live life on your terms.
Take the Next Step
Integrating mobility aids with SDA solutions isn’t just about making life easier, it’s about creating a future where your space moves with you. Whether you’re exploring options for the first time or looking to upgrade your current setup, Chooze is here to help.
Visit www.chooze.com.au to browse our wide range of products. Your journey to a seamless, independent lifestyle starts here!
Disability Expo program 2025
The Impact Institute My Future, My Choice Disability Expo program is the longest-running and largest of its kind in Australia, spanning nine locations across Eastern Australia in 2025. After a very successful 2024, with more attendees, more exhibitors, and more inspiring moments than ever before, these expos continue to connect people with disabilities and their families to life-changing resources, services, and opportunities.
A world of opportunities under one roof. Each expo showcases a variety of exhibitors, offering everything from accessible travel, financial services, healthcare, and education resources to cutting-edge technology and adaptive equipment. Whether you're exploring mobility aids, home modifications, or support networks, these events are your one-stop shop for enhancing your quality of life. With such a diverse lineup of exhibitors, the expos
truly offer something for everyone. Attendees speak about the ease of having all their questions answered in one place and the chance to connect with providers face-to-face.
Celebrating our ambassadors.
The 2024 program was elevated by the presence of our exceptional ambassadors, including Paralympic champion Ellie Cole and blind surfing world champion Matt Formston, who shared their remarkable journeys and inspired audiences to “dream big”. Their stories of resilience and achievement are a highlight of the program, proving that the sky’s the limit when opportunities align with determination.
WorkAbility Expos: Your path to employment. A key feature of some of the Disability Expos is the addition of the co-located WorkAbility Expos, providing an invaluable hub for job seekers. Attendees can connect
We’re thrilled to present the upcoming 2025 program of Disability & WorkAbility Expos, brought to you by ImpactInstitute. Our Disability & WorkAbility Expos are run as co-located events in Geelong, Newcastle & Gold Coast. Our Expos aim to unite disability product, service and employment providers with attendees, whilst empowering attendees for a brighter tomorrow.
Kicking off the year, we’re excited to present the Geelong Disability & WorkAbility Expo on Friday 14th & Saturday 15th March 2024, from 9am - 3pm, at the Geelong Arena. Best of all, entry is FREE!
Exhibitor space is filling up fast, so don’t miss out. contact us today to secure your spot!
directly with inclusive employers, participate in workshops to boost job-readiness, and gain insights from peers who’ve successfully entered the workforce or launched their own businesses.
A safe, inclusive, and empowering space. From Covid safety measures to quiet sessions for those with sensory sensitivities.
Why attend?
Join thousands of attendees in an inclusive community that celebrates diversity, connection, and possibility. From interactive exhibits to engaging presentations and networking opportunities, these events are designed to inspire and empower.
Register now! Visit the websites for your nearest expo and take the first step toward a brighter future.
Empowering young lives
Why the right paediatric mobility equipment matters.
Mobility is about more than just moving from one place to another—it’s the foundation of independence, self-expression, and participation in life. For children, it’s essential for exploring their environment, engaging with peers, and achieving developmental milestones. Without the right supports, barriers to mobility can hinder these vital experiences, impacting their physical, social, and emotional growth.
For children with mobility challenges, the right equipment can be lifechanging, opening doors to opportunities and helping them thrive in their everyday lives. Here’s why investing in the right paediatric mobility aids is crucial.
Why mobility supports are essential
1. Fostering independence
The right mobility equipment empowers children to perform daily activities, helping them build a sense of autonomy and belonging. Whether it’s a wheelchair, walker, or a custom seating system on a power wheelchair, tailored solutions enable children to navigate their world, promoting independence and engagement. By matching assistive technology supports to the child’s unique abilities, environment, and goals, they can confidently take on new challenges and experiences.
2. Promoting social participation
Access to mobility is a fundamental human right. Without it, children may face isolation from peers, which can hinder their social and emotional development. Proper supports ensure that children can participate fully in school, play, and community
activities, bridging the gap between ability and opportunity.
Interacting with their environment and peers allows children to develop problem-solving skills, build confidence, and grow emotionally. Selecting supports suited to their developmental stage ensures they can connect with their world in meaningful ways, fostering both growth and inclusion.
3. Enhancing physical health
Well-designed and tailored mobility aids help prevent complications that may arise from poor posture, including digestive problems, muscle weakness, fatigue, or pressure-related skin issues. Whether it’s a stander, gait trainer, or manual wheelchair with seating supports, equipment that facilitates safe positioning contributes to a child’s long-term physical
well-being. By promoting good alignment and reducing the risk of these complications, these aids also help maintain health and comfort as children grow.
Finding the perfect fit: One size does not fit all
Every child has unique needs, abilities, and aspirations. Choosing the right mobility equipment involves careful assessment and collaboration between families, allied health professionals, and mobility aid suppliers. This teamwork ensures equipment is comfortable, supports ongoing use, and can adapt to growth or changing needs.
As children develop, their mobility needs often evolve. Transitioning from a stroller to a power wheelchair, for example, requires thorough planning and support to ensure the new equipment meets their goals. A personalised approach is key to unlocking their full potential.
More than a tool: A gateway to a fulfilled life
The right mobility equipment is more than just a tool—it’s a gateway to a richer, more meaningful life. It helps children connect with the world around them, achieve developmental milestones, and reach their potential. By prioritising tailored supports, they help every child experience the joy of movement, inclusion, and independence.
To learn more about Astris PME’s paediatric mobility range and how we can support your child’s needs, contact our team at 1300 131 884 or email sales@astris-pme.com.au.
New Autism Alert cards
For better communication and support.
Aspect has launched updated Autism Alert cards, developed with feedback from over 270 autistic people and parents. Autistic staff at Aspect oversaw the design process to ensure cards meet community needs.
What are Autism Alert cards?
Autism Alert Cards are designed to assist autistic individuals in situations where verbal communication might be challenging. These cards feature an “I am Autistic” statement and offer guidance to both the cardholder and the recipient. The aim is to promote positive interactions, ensuring the cardholder receives appropriate support.
The cards come in two formats:
• A folded cardboard version with space for personal details and tips for assistance.
• A durable plastic card featuring a QR code linking to additional resources.
A recent Aspect study revealed that approximately half of Autism Alert card users have relied on it in various situations, and many feel reassured by having it on hand. Over two-thirds of users recommend that autistic individuals carry the card, emphasising its usefulness. Most users report positive outcomes, noting helpful and supportive reactions from others when the card is used.
How do they help?
For many, the card serves as a safety net, easing anxiety about unexpected situations. Whether taking public transport, accessing healthcare, or dealing with emergencies, the card facilitates communication and helps the public provide appropriate assistance if required.
Order your free Autism Alert Card on Aspect’s website today! aspect.org.au/alert-card
New Autism Alert Cards by Aspect
Aspect has launched updated Autism Alert Cards with input from 270+ Autistic individuals and parents. Designed for situations where verbal communication is tough, the cards ease interactions, offer guidance and peace of mind.
The cards can be personalised and contain a QR code for additional resources. Order your free card today.
An 18-year-old autistic adult participating in the research commented, “I have a fear of dentist surgeries and procedures. The first time I went to a new dentist, I couldn’t talk, but showing the card allowed the receptionist to ask the needed questions differently to get me checked in.”
How to get your card
Autism Alert cards are free and can be ordered through Aspect’s website. While tailored for adolescents and adults, they are available for any autistic individual across Australia. To explore the research behind the cards, you can access the free research article here
About Aspect
Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) is Australia’s largest autism-specific service provider, with one of the world’s biggest autism-specific schools programs.
Raging against the NDIS machine: Nina Crumpton fights the good fight
2024 was a big year for Nina Crumpton, owner and founder of support coordination business The Hand Up Space. She spoke to Danielle Kutchel about how she finds the drive to keep going.
Life can be a bumpy ride, but there is good worth fighting for, according to Crumpton.
She grew up in public housing with a single mother who experienced mental illness, so Crumpton learned at an early age about poverty, social isolation and how the system can fail people. A stint of homelessness in her teenage years only added to that understanding.
Then, in her early 30s, Crumpton was given a life-changing MS diagnosis.
“I see life as snakes and ladders,” she told Link . “Once you’re up, everything can slide down again really quick. And in the space of 12 months, I became so
unwell that I lost the house I was living in, the relationship I was in, the ability to drive, my job – everything just sort of crumbled away. [I had to] start from the bottom again.”
She began a Diploma of Community Services just as the “first rumblings” of the NDIS arrived on scene.
“It was sold as this real social revolution that was going to change the lives of people with disability. And I really started to pay attention to it,” Crumpton said.
She began working as an engagement coordinator, gaining experience with helping people get onto the
NDIS, before moving into a support coordinator role. After some time, Crumpton, who was receiving her own support coordination funding, decided to put it to better use and found her own business, The Hand Up Space. She managed to get employment supports funding too, which helped as she put the necessary processes in place and complete the audit needed to set herself up.
The Hand Up Space now provides support coordination levels two and three, and is NDIS registered for psychosocial recovery coaching.
“The Hand Up Space was based on what the NDIS should be. I wanted it to be participant-led, disability-driven and zero-bullshit. I’m creating what I needed, in a way,” she said.
“For me, it was never about just having a job. It was advocacy, empowerment and making sure that the participants had a fighting chance in a system that is deliberately designed to overwhelm them so that they do not get what they’re entitled to get – filling the gap between bureaucracy and their human needs, while challenging a broken system.”
Using her own experience and understanding of the importance of giving participants choice and control, Crumpton said she listens to each person who comes in, finds out what they need, then finds them the right services.
A bump in the road
But earlier this year, The Hand Up Space faced its greatest challenge.
Nina Crumpton
A mistake during a routine midterm audit meant that her registration was revoked, and she was ordered to close The Hand Up Space.
Crumpton said when she received the email telling her to shut down the business she had worked so hard to build, she thought it was a scam – but after calling the commission, she was told that the auditor had failed to lodge the report. And fixing it wouldn’t be a simple matter. She was given two options: to appeal at the ART, which could take up to two years, or re-register as a new provider and new company, which would cost thousands of dollars.
Neither option was appealing.
“I thought, no, get up off your knees and fight. I’ve done nothing wrong,” she said.
After ensuring that no mistakes had been made on her end, Crumpton decided to get “loud and proud”, and began sharing the story on her LinkedIn page. In the meantime, she arranged a lawyer and reached out to friends in the support coordination space to move her clients to, in case it was needed.
She remains in awe of the people who helped her during this time.
“It was amazing. So many people in the community were calling the commission… putting pressure on them and calling the local MP. And three days later, the commission rang, and they gave [my registration] back!”
But, as she says, “it shouldn’t have taken that. It should have just been them saying ‘oh, sorry, your auditors made a mistake. We’ll fix that up.’”
The debacle underscored to Crumpton the issues inherent in the system for support coordinators – things like no warnings on the audit portal to remind coordinators to check that their audit documents are being put through correctly.
She is still pursuing the auditor for an apology and a refund of the audit fee. But Crumpton said some good has come out of it all.
“I sure have learned how to advocate!” she said. “You’ve got to go fast, go hard, go loud and escalate it.”
A big year for the NDIS
Crumpton has followed the NDIS from its inception to its current state of flux and believes that the government should be doing more to improve the lives of Australians with disability. She is concerned about the funding being stripped out of the NDIS and the impact of that on participants and says this will remove equitable outcomes for many people with disability.
She believes the NDIS has failed in its bid to give participants choice and control, because they haven’t been taught how to “become savvy consumers” in the new network of providers.
“All of a sudden, overnight, everyone became a consumer. But nobody taught participants how to be consumers, did they?”
Crumpton added that many large organisations offering support coordination have conflicts of interest, which clouds the market and makes things harder for participants. Meanwhile, she said, other participants are having requests for equipment and services denied.
“I think [the government] forgets the human beings behind the acronyms. We need a system that does value real consultation with disabled people and stops treating us like problems to be managed and starts treating us as experts in our own lives,” she said.
“I want to see real accountability and removal of the gatekeeping that denies people the support they need. And please stop outsourcing every decision to people who’ve never lived with a disability!”
Asked what she would tell other participants, Crumpton is frank.
“I’d say that they’re really going to have to fight like hell for what they need. The system is not going to give them anything unless they demand it. And
I know that that’s not possible for all participants, but self-advocacy is going to become even more of an essential skill. Know your rights, get informed, and don’t be afraid to call out the bullshit when you see it.”
She added that community is power: other participants, support coordinators and advocates can all provide moral, emotional and advocacy support during difficult times, as she discovered earlier this year.
What’s next for The Hand Up Space?
Crumpton said she has seen other support coordinators shut up shop recently as the NDIS shifts to a new model and as NDIS navigators are potentially introduced. Along with potential plan cuts to her own employment supports, which still help her to run her business, it’s making it difficult to plan for the future of The Hand Up Space.
“I’m living in a state of hypervigilance, fear and anger. I’ve worked hard to get where I am,” Crumpton said.
Nevertheless, she is persisting in following her dreams. She’s just started a new initiative called the Illawarra Support Coordination Alliance, a safe place for support coordinators to get together and support each other through all the NDIS changes.
She said she plans to keep fighting for the wellbeing of people with disability, her business, and the support coordination community.
“What’s the alternative if I quit? What would I do? I really don’t know. I just have to keep going, and the anger fuels me,” she said.
Every Friday, Crumpton posts her good news of the week to Instagram. It forces her to take stock, and to find the good in what’s gone on, and it keeps her going to the next Friday too.
“I’ve got no intentions of going anywhere. I try to change one participant’s life at a time. It’s one day at a time – keep going, keep going, keep going,” she said.
The importance of continuing education: in the AT space
With more regulation across both disability and aged care and sectors where assistive technology plays such a significant role, it’s imperative that those working in the sector have access to formal qualifications and continuing education that ensure they too are seen as professionals in this ecosystem.
For many years, ATSA has provided a seminar program that runs in conjunction with its Independent Living Expos, giving allied health professionals and consumers access to free sessions on everything from pressure care to scripting highly individualised assistive technology to how to travel inclusively.
Alongside this, ATSA partners with business experts to provide online education programs (free to ATSA members, a small fee to the broader industry) that assist AT businesses to find ways of becoming more efficient and effective within their own business processes.
As we move into 2025 you can take advantage of the following sessions being run by ATSA in conjunction with ‘Your Business Momentum’:
Understand your key numbers for business growth – Thursday 13 February, 10am QLD | 11am NSW
What you’ll learn:
• Why KPIs are the foundation of business growth and how to choose the right ones for your unique situation.
• The difference between lead and lag measures, and why focusing on lead measures will transform your business trajectory.
• A practical approach to tracking your KPIs and using them to guide decisions, optimise operations, and drive results.
• Real-world examples of businesses that used key numbers to grow smarter and faster.
Scaling your business with systems that work – Thursday 13 March, 10am QLD | 11am NSW
What you’ll learn:
• Understand why systemisation is non-negotiable for sustainable business growth.
• Identify the effectiveness of your systems and strategic areas that are ripe for systems improvement.
• Discover how to identify your 10-15 mission critical systems that, when documented, revolutionises the way you do business.
• Learn five things you should do when systemising your business.
• Real-life case studies showing how systemisation drive our clients to scale and increase their business value.
Leading multigenerational teams –Thursday 10 April, 10am QLD/NSW
In this session, you’ll discover:
• Why multigenerational leadership matters more than ever—and why sticking to outdated methods may hold your team back.
• Key traits of each generation —from communication styles to work expectations—and how to align your leadership to fit.
• Learn how to tailor your message to resonate with every team member.
• A step-by-step framework to help you refine your leadership approach for a multigenerational team.
• Actionable steps to bridge generational gaps and create an environment where everyone thrives.
To register for these sessions, visit https://atsa.org.au/business-education/
Certified AT technician training
More recently, ATSA partnered with FIOS DMERT international and MySkill NZ to deliver internationally accredited AT technician training.
Technicians are the backbone of our industry, yet for most, on the job training is the only training they receive. By delivering this certification, ATSA provides technicians with the opportunity to gain formal qualifications and recognition of the skills and experience required to build, adjust, maintain and repair life changing assistive equipment.
There are two levels that technicians can complete, beginning with online training and exams (through MySkill NZ) then a practical assessment for each level (delivered by ATSA).
Technicians must complete and pass the online training prior to undertaking the practical assessments.
ATSA ran their first practical training in November, with 10 technicians successfully completing the training and three also undertaking assessor training allowing them to run future training courses on ATSA’s behalf.
ATSA will deliver two more Level 1 and Level 2 practical courses in mid-2025: Perth - Tuesday 13 May and Melbourne - Monday 19 May. Book your place early to ensure a spot as numbers are limited.
To find out more and to register for the online and practical courses - visit atsa. org.au/educational-resources/assistivetechnology-repairs-and-maintenance/
If you would like to learn more about ATSA, ATSA membership or ATSA Independent Living Expo’s call (02) 8006 7357 or email info@atsa.org.au
Community insights making a difference: our progress in 2024
Throughout 2024, the Knowable Me community contributed valuable insights that led to meaningful improvements across several industries. Through thoughtful collaboration between our members and businesses, we've seen encouraging developments in accessibility and inclusion.
In the beauty sector, member feedback helped inform the development of accessible beauty tools. This initiative showed how user perspectives can contribute to making personal care products more inclusive.
The transportation sector has also seen impactful improvements. Their contributions have focused on refining navigation systems and redesigning seating configurations, enhancing the daily public transport experience by prioritising accessibility and comfort.
Our retail mystery shopping program has yielded valuable insights that are shaping the future of shopping environments. Member observations are actively informing the redesign of store layouts and the enhancement of staff training, ensuring that accessibility is at the forefront of retail operations.
Digital accessibility has taken a focus as well. The feedback from our community on online store locators and digital platforms is guiding companies to implement features that accommodate diverse needs, paving the way for more inclusive digital experiences.
In product development, member input contributed to discussions about packaging design. These conversations are helping companies consider new approaches and innovate how products are presented and used.
Documentation and complaint management systems have also been refined through the lens of our members. Their perspectives have informed enhancements in both government and corporate sectors, making information accessibility a standard practice rather than an afterthought.
At Knowable Me, we see the value in every voice. Our members receive recognition and actively contribute to shaping a more inclusive world. Your experiences and insights are vital in pushing for continual improvements across various sectors. By joining us, you help extend the reach of our collective impact, ensuring that changes reflect the needs of those living with a disability.
Visit knowable.me/signup to learn about becoming a member and sharing your valuable perspectives.
Technology and work
Transforming employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, technology is revolutionising the way we approach employment. For individuals with disabilities, these advancements are breaking down longstanding barriers, fostering inclusion, and empowering people to reach their full potential. Employers, too, are discovering a highly motivated and talented workforce ready to contribute to organisational success.
The Digital Age has ushered in new opportunities for creating inclusive workplaces that enhance both employee satisfaction and productivity. By leveraging assistive technologies, employers can open doors to previously inaccessible roles and cultivate diverse, dynamic teams. Here are some key ways technology is reshaping the employment landscape:
Assistive Technologies: Unlocking Accessibility
• Screen readers: These tools convert text into speech or magnify content, enabling individuals with vision impairments to navigate and
process information effectively.
• Voice recognition software: Employees with mobility challenges or limited typing abilities can utilise speech-to-text systems to control computers and compose documents seamlessly.
• Adaptive keyboards and input devices: Customised tools tailored to individual needs allow employees with dexterity or motor impairments to perform tasks with ease.
Attending Disability Expos is an excellent way to explore the latest innovations in assistive technology. For instance, Toyota’s cutting-edge stair-climbing wheelchair demonstrates the exciting potential of advanced engineering to improve mobility and independence.
Training and skill development through technology
Technological innovations are also transforming the way individuals acquire and refine workplace skills:
• Virtual reality (VR): VR platforms provide immersive training
environments where users can practice real-world scenarios, such as hospitality tasks, in a riskfree setting. These simulations prepare individuals with intellectual disabilities for roles like customer service, meal preparation, and complaint handling in an engaging, supportive way.
• Self-paced learning: Technology enables flexible training schedules, allowing individuals to learn at their preferred pace and accommodate personal needs, such as adjusting for peak productivity hours.
• Customisable learning experiences: Adaptive learning systems cater to various learning styles and speeds, ensuring employees with disabilities receive tailored support to thrive in their roles.
Augmented and virtual reality: The future of training
In addition to offering practical skills development, augmented and virtual reality tools provide cost-effective and repeatable training scenarios. These platforms reinforce learning through experiential methods, helping users build confidence and competence in their chosen fields.
Embracing the future
While the pace of technological change can be daunting, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. Embracing these innovations not only improves accessibility but also empowers individuals to achieve their potential. For employers, the opportunity to harness the talents of a diverse workforce has never been greater.
Technological progress is an unstoppable force. By marvelling at its potential and embracing the possibilities it offers, we can all contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world of work.
Having a diverse workforce really creates an opportunity for everyone to collaborate their unique set of skills and experience that they bring into the team. NOVA have been fantastic.
Sarah
- Head of People & Culture – Custom Denning
How business can build an inclusive workplace
Talking about diversity and inclusion is one thing, but making it happen can often be quite daunting, especially when it comes to creating a workplace that not only welcomes people with disability but gives them every opportunity to thrive shoulder-to-shoulder with every other team member.
It’s an area Asuria Australia has been investing in extensively, reaching out to understand more about the roadblocks, misconceptions, and missteps that can often derail businesses in their ambition to meet the needs of people with disability.
Asuria recently launched ‘Impact for Inclusion’, an initiative to support businesses in their ambition to make Australia’s workplaces more diverse and inclusive.
“Employers want to learn more about what makes a job “good” and how they can create roles that give all employees, including those with disability, access to work”, Asuria Australia CEO Nicole Grainger-Marsh told Link
“We know that wanting to create good jobs and being able to do just that are two very different things,” she said. One of the biggest hurdles to hiring people with disability is the stigma that's still hanging around at all levels of management. “These old-school ideas can sneak in through the back door, from unconscious biases when hiring, to just not understanding what reasonable accommodations really mean.”
Everyone needs to personally invest in disability awareness, especially those at the top, she said. “We need to get people talking about disability at work like it isn’t a big deal, because it shouldn't be. One of the easiest ways to do that is to shout from the rooftops about the amazing work employees with
disability are doing or seek out examples of businesses you admire doing this.”
Bridging communication canyons
For larger companies even with the best intentions, communicating across all layers of management and teams can be a daily challenge. “The aspiration to embed diversity and inclusion can get lost or diluted and while bosses might have the best intentions, if those ideas aren't making it to the shop floor, then the best intentions will fail to materialise.
“Businesses should look to create crystal clear policies on disability inclusion that everyone, from the CEO to the newest intern, understands,” she said.
One thing the company has encountered from talking to hiring managers, is the desire to know
more about candidates’ disabilities during the recruitment process, rather than finding out and trying to make accommodations later.
Instead of asking people with disability to be more upfront about themselves during the recruitment process, employers should first look at their own recruitment practices and ask themselves if they are supporting candidates’ ability to be honest and upfront.
“This might mean creating an application process that feels more like a friendly chat than an interrogation. It means training people doing the hiring to have respectful, productive conversations about disability and what accommodations might be needed. And talking about how committed your organisation is to being inclusive and supportive for people with disability.”
Building a truly inclusive workplace isn't a ”set it and forget it” transaction, but like tending a garden, it needs constant care and attention. She said one simple way of achieving this can be achieved by setting up channels for employee feedback on diversity and inclusion issues.
According to Grainger-Marsh flexible work arrangements should also be your friend and can be a game-changer for employees with disability.
And the payoff...“You could be opening the door to a whole pool of talent you might have been missing out on, while diverse teams can also be the secret weapon when it comes to innovation, problem-solving, and outthinking the competition.
“Creating an inclusive workplace for people with disability isn't about meeting quotas or being seen to do the right thing. It's about recognising that everyone has something unique to bring to the table and creating a safe space where they can do just that,” she said.
Nicole Grainger-Marsh
SIL vs SDA – the differences explained
Navigating NDIS funding can be tricky, especially when it comes to understanding Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
These two terms are often confused with the other, but they play very different roles in supporting people with disability to live independently.
Put simply, SIL is about how you are supported, and SDA is about where you live.
SIL: The ‘How’ SIL funding provides support services to help with daily tasks, like cooking, cleaning, or personal care. These supports are aimed at helping you live as independently as possible while building important life skills.
SDA: The ’Where’ SDA funding covers the cost of specially designed homes for people with extreme functional impairments.
These homes include modifications and features to make life safer and easier, like wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, or smart home technology.
Can You Access Both? Yes. If eligible, you can have both SIL and SDA funding in your NDIS plan. For example, you might live in an SDA home and receive SIL-funded supports to help with your daily routines.
At Endeavour Foundation, we are proud to be both a SIL and SDA provider. We are here to help you find the right support to suit your needs and make your move to independent living a smooth transition.
Want to learn more?
Call our friendly team on 1800 112 112 or visit endeavour.com.au
Increase Your Independence with SIL and SDA
Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) can seem confusing, but these NDIS funding pathways help guide you towards greater independence.
In short: SIL funds your support; SDA funds the home.
At Endeavour Foundation, we are a provider of both, helping you live independently.
Learn more about finding the right support for your needs today. Contact 1800 112 112 or visit endeavour.com.au
WorkAbility Expos: your gateway to employment success
After the success of the first three events in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Wollongong, the WorkAbility Expos are back and bigger than ever. These events have already proven to be a game-changer for people with disabilities, creating vibrant spaces where attendees connected with employers, discovered valuable resources, and left inspired to take the next step in their employment journey.
Whether you are job-seeking, considering starting your own business, or simply exploring your options, the WorkAbility Expos are designed to empower you with knowledge, confidence, and opportunities. Attendees have shared feedback about the practical, informative workshops and how these expos provide a fantastic hub to meet
people who genuinely want to help them succeed.
What makes the WorkAbility Expo special?
At a WorkAbility Expo, you'll find a range of activities tailored to support you:
• WorkAbility employment zone: Meet inclusive employers who are ready to recognise your potential.
• Practical workshops: Participate in hands-on sessions that will boost your job-readiness or help kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
• Support services: Discover training organisations and service providers committed to helping you step into the workforce.
• Networking Opportunities: Build connections with employers and support networks dedicated to
inclusive hiring practices.
• Inspiring stories: Meet peers with disabilities who have successfully navigated the workforce or launched their own businesses.
• Workplace accommodations: Learn how to access the tools and resources needed for a supportive work environment.
• Legal & financial resources: Gain valuable insights into workplace rights, self-advocacy, and funding options to support your goals.
Upcoming WorkAbility Expos
Mark your calendars and join us at an upcoming expo near you:
• Darwin WorkAbility Expo – Tuesday 17th June 2025
Why attend?
These expos are more than just events—they are a chance to discover your potential, build meaningful connections, and find real pathways to employment. Whether you're attending in person or joining us for the virtual expo, the WorkAbility Expos are your opportunity to embrace new possibilities and take your career to the next level.
Don't miss out—register now! Visit our website to secure your spot and take the first step toward a brighter future. Go to: workabilityexpo.com.au
Possible
Bringing choice and control to budgeting
With the goal of making finances accessible, SpendAble is shaking up banking and budgeting, as Danielle Kutchel found out.
SpendAble is a financial independence tool that allows people to budget their money for specific expenses and goals. It was partly inspired by the experiences of its founders, who previously operated a NDIS service provider and understood that people with disability often face financial risk.
Determined to reduce the financial risk and make understanding money easier for people with disability, the SpendAble team built a system that would enable smart budgeting,
spending and saving and promote financial literacy. Spendable allows participants to allocate money to particular expense categories, check their balance and select a budget to stick to.
“The idea was to just remove that arithmetic and maths… and make it very behaviour-driven” CEO Reece Miller said.
“We knew there was a vulnerable participant problem that banks just weren’t going to solve.”
But the plan is not to rival the banks.
“The banking environment is quite massive. We’re very niche. We’re trying to prove that this group of people has spending power, and they deserve respect.”
Uncomplicated banking
Miller says SpendAble also makes it easier for participants to do their banking – they don’t have to constantly make time to duck into a branch, or call a 1800 number. And in an era in which
bank branches are closing or restricting services and trading hours, this is a boon for SpendAble’s participants.
He describes SpendAble as being like having several envelopes for different expenses, with money placed into each one, but in this case, the envelopes are digital.
Accessibility has been built into SpendAble from the ground up, which Miller contrasts to other bank apps which he said can be complex.
The first step in building SpendAble was to determine the minimal amount of information that needed to be provided to people, “essentially, we’re trying to get as close to easy read in an app as possible,” he said.
It’s highly visual, with red and green colouring used to show a person
financial management may not be top of mind, helped the team understand better what they needed to make and how to solve the problem.
“People just want time and simplicity. That was our big learning, Miller said.
They also needed to work out how people with different disabilities would use the product. Spendable CFO Chris Kessaris has muscular dystrophy, and Miller said the way he uses SpendAble is different to the way that other testers use it. He can see a future in which they create different apps that are tailored to different types of disability.
He’s also keenly aware that inaccessibility in banking is an issue not just in Australia, but around the world.
“Banks are historically extremely poor on accessibility, vulnerable participants get defrauded, financially abused, or end up with negative financial wellbeing.”
whether they’ve got money, and the amount clearly featured on the screen. Icons act as signposts for functions. Big buttons ensure everything is easy to find. The team also made sure to minimise the number of clicks needed to find information, so necessary details aren’t buried.
The team was guided by the lived experience of some of SpendAble’s staff with disability and that lived experience of disability has proved to be extremely important when it comes to building the product, he said.
“The biggest thing it gives you is empathy. You have to go into it with empathy and you have to understand your clients’ lives a little bit too.”
Understanding that users of SpendAble would be extremely busy, and that
SpendAble hopes to fix that before possibly moving into other financial products in future.
And so far, the community is embracing the new banking tool. Miller said many had found it “lifechanging”, with SpendAble giving them choice and control over their finances. They’ve also had a positive response from trustees and guardians, who are allowing those under their care to have more responsibility now that they have SpendAble in their lives. For busy parents, SpendAble takes care of budget education for children as they grow older.
“We see people that would spend their whole wage in the first three days of getting it. And now, because they’ve segmented out their different budgets, they’re planning ahead. They’re starting to smooth their expenses out. And it’s way less stress when they get to that end of the week or end of the fortnight or end of the month, then they’re not going without food or medication,” he said.
CEO Reece Miller
The Go Go Carbon revolutionises portability
Mobility technology is evolving rapidly, and the Go Go Carbon scooter from Pride Mobility is leading the charge in portable travel solutions. As a lightweight, foldable, and user-friendly four-wheel scooter, the Go Go Carbon is designed to transform the way people with mobility needs experience travel. By blending advanced engineering with modern convenience, it presents an exciting option for those seeking independence and ease of movement on the go.
The Go Go Carbon’s frame, rims, and tiller are crafted from high-quality carbon fibre, a material known for its strength-to-weight ratio. This engineering choice allows the scooter to weigh only 17.7 kg (excluding battery), making it one of the lightest and most durable scooters available. Its innovative folding mechanism is designed with travellers in mind, enabling it to be collapsed quickly into a compact shape that can be towed like luggage. Whether you need to store it in a small closet, fit it in a car trunk, or take it through airports, the Go Go Carbon offers unmatched portability for a travel-friendly lifestyle.
In addition to its lightweight design, the Go Go Carbon includes a range of features tailored for modern mobility needs. The scooter comes equipped with an NFC ignition system, which
provides added security by allowing only authorised users to start it. This feature adds peace of mind for users who frequently travel in public spaces. The digital display screen keeps the rider informed with real-time data, displaying key information such as battery life and speed. Speaking of power, the scooter's lithium battery is airline-compliant, though it’s always advisable to confirm specific regulations with airlines prior to travel. This means users can bring their scooter along on flights, extending their mobility options even across long distances.
Designed for both durability and convenience, the Go Go Carbon maintains a top speed of 6 km/h and a battery range of up to 16 km per charge, making it ideal for day trips and short excursions. Its 136 kg weight capacity and 3.8cm ground clearance ensure that it can comfortably accommodate a range of users while navigating various surfaces. Other thoughtful additions, like non-scuffing tyres and easy-to-clean, removable seat components, contribute to its practical, low-maintenance design.
Key features of the Go Go Carbon:
• Quick-fold mechanism: Collapse and tow it like luggage.
• Ultra-lightweight: Weighs only 17.7 kg (without battery).
• Top speed and range: Reach up to 6 km/h with a range of 16 km per charge.
• NFC ignition: Offers enhanced security for public spaces.
• Airline-compliant lithium battery: Suitable for air travel (confirm with airline).
• 136 kg weight capacity: Supports various user needs.
• Non-scuffing tyres and easyto-clean components: Keeps the scooter looking fresh.
Pride Mobility Australia sales and marketing director Matt Herbert, describes the Go Go Carbon as ”a game-changer in travel mobility. Its lightweight, durable carbon fibre design and quick-folding feature make it an essential companion for anyone seeking freedom and convenience.”
This innovative scooter is re-shaping what’s possible for individuals seeking a modern, lightweight, and hassle-free mobility solution.
To explore the full range of Pride Mobility scooters including the Go Go Carbon visit www.pridemobility.com.au/scooters or view on the PQ365 app, which is available to download on the App Store or Google Play.
• Its unique, foldable design allows the scooter to be easily compacted into a shape similar to a wheeled suitcase so it is easy to travel with. This shape also allows the scooter to be conveniently stowed upright or laid down.
Removable seat back and base for easy cleaning
Light-weight carbon fibre frame and rims
Conveniently folds in just seconds
Telescoping carbon fibre tiller
Front and rear
Linds Rehabilitation expanding in 2025
“The Wheelchair People” are gearing up for a big year in 2025, with three new locations opening to the public in February and March.
Founded in 1965, Linds Rehabilitation Equipment is a family owned and operated business and supplier of quality mobility and rehabilitation products to the healthcare industry. Over the last two decades, Linds have specialised in providing customised wheelchairs for individuals rather than off the shelf items, although its workshop is equipped to customise most manual and power wheelchairs, with products available to speed up the delivery process for some consumers.
Linds currently operates two locations in Melbourne, as well as Perth, and a sales office in Cairns. The company has an inclusive team approach, ensuring processes are followed to capture consumers’ choice, prescribing therapists’ therapeutic goals and the technicians’ vision for a strong, reliable build. Linds has collaborated with third-party models for over 55 years. The inception of the NDIS in 2013 has allowed Linds to review the global market, ensuring the products available here are world class, well-built and
deliver solutions to ensure mobility and functional goals can be met.
2025 will see opening events, Cairns and Traralgon, Victoria along with the relocation of the Broadmeadows office to Tullamarine. The showroom will have displays and equipment to trial the mobility range, as well as clinical assessment rooms and hot spot desks for those requiring a space to work while on the road.
Linds Rehab has global partnerships, distributing high quality products throughout Australia from Motion Composites, NXT, CG Air, Seating Dynamics, Amylior, PDG, Active Controls and TrackMaster. Linds expanded its product portfolio in 2024 to include the CoMoveIT and Munevo power wheelchair alternate drive systems. Its strong partnership with industry manufacturers will see the release of Dreamline seating positioning supports in 2025.
The company’s mission is to assist its clientele to pursue and achieve
as active a lifestyle possible through the provision of quality leading rehabilitation products and superior service. The team has expanded to include four senior occupational therapists to provide specialist consultancy and product knowledge services to support the consumer and prescribing allied health teams navigate the expanding rehabilitation equipment market. Its wheelchair technician team have over 60 years combined experience in the industry, providing insight and product knowledge to the market. Linds Rehab aims to build a community of support, where consumers feel welcome to return for configuration reviews, repairs and modifications, as well as new prescriptions.
With so many great wheelchair products, Linds is the one-stop-shop for choice and control for your next wheelchair prescription, confident that Linds will customise your chair to match the life you want to lead. This is what makes Linds Rehabilitation Equipment “The Wheelchair People”.
‘Freedom’ is the word
The dictionary defines ‘freedom’ as the power or right of being able or allowed to do, say, think, whatever you want to, without being controlled or limited. The state of not being imprisoned or enslaved. The quality or state of being free.
That is exactly what freedom refers to in our business name ‘Freedom Motors Australia’. Our mission is to deliver freedom to those who require wheelchair accessible vehicles throughout Australia. To get users safely to important appointments or work, catching up with friends and family, or even going to the local shopping centre. Wherever it may be, ‘you choose the destination’.
Have a read of what our customers have to say:
“The modifications are very professionally done with care and attention to detail apparent. As a family, we can now enjoy days out together and not be concerned with how many transfers are required to get
our daughter in and out of the car. We now just wheel her in! Our daughter is thoroughly enjoying the freedom of being able to access the community and visit places she enjoys without all the physical stress of transfers.”
“I got approved for car modifications through NDIS. Our local representative kept us up to date throughout the whole process from signing the service agreement through to pick up and delivery of the modified vehicle. We had a second-row conversion done and advice surrounding this was spot on. I am so glad I went through Freedom Motors for our modification. Since having the car back, I have been able to keep up with my son! I’ve truly been gifted Freedom”.
Have a read of what our team member Dom has to say:
What does freedom mean to you? “To be free – to travel the world, without a care or worry, and to be happy.”
Do you have any memorable stories or feedback from customers that highlight
the impact of your work on their freedom and mobility?
“One man who was very happy with everyone at Freedom Motors. Not just happy with our modification but also had good things to say about every staff member he interacted with throughout the process. His feedback every time was singing our praises, and it really highlighted the impact of what we do here.”
In what ways do you feel your work helps give individuals with mobility challenges more independence?
“My work particularly relies on having the right details – from organising a vehicle to get to our production facility, right up until it leaves us after modification is complete. My work as the sales administrator helps to keep things organised for our sales and production team and for our customers. I always try to go the extra mile to help our clients, and when I can’t, I find out how to help them.”
Our expertise
Our modification expertise lies with the popular Hyundai Staria and Kia Carnival. You might ask, out of these two vehicles, how many exactly has Freedom Motors modified?
“Original Kia Carnival– 32 modified; Kia Carnival Grand – 230 modified; Kia Carnival YP – 701 modified; Kia Carnival KA4- 270 modified and Hyundai Staria- 126 modified.
“We have also modified many other vehicles over the years, such as Volkswagen Caddy and Multivan, Kia Seltos, Kia Soul, Toyota Tarago, Renault Kangoo, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Voyager, Toyota Rukus, LDV G10, and many more.”
If you want to find out more about Freedom Motors Australia, visit our website - www.freedommotorsaustralia.com.au or call us on 1800 672 437.
How DROVE supports you
For wheelchair users, maintaining independence and engaging fully in daily life can be challenging, particularly in the home environment. DROVE, a revolutionary mobility innovation, is transforming how wheelchair users navigate and interact within their homes, enhancing independence, fostering stronger connections, and reducing the strain on carers.
DROVE's core strength lies in its ability to empower users with greater autonomy. By enhancing mobility in confined or traditionally hard-to-reach spaces, it enables wheelchair users to complete tasks independently.
Whether it’s preparing a meal in the kitchen, organising belongings in a storage area, or accessing various parts of the home with ease, DROVE offers a level of freedom that significantly enhances day-to-day living.
This increased independence naturally leads to better social engagement. Home is often where family, friends, and caregivers gather, and the ability to navigate and participate in shared activities seamlessly enhances these interactions.
DROVE eliminates barriers, allowing wheelchair users to join conversations, move between rooms effortlessly, and engage in collaborative activities, strengthening bonds with loved ones.
A standout benefit of DROVE is its role in reducing reliance on carers. By equipping users with the tools to perform more tasks independently, DROVE alleviates the physical and emotional demands often placed on family members or professional carers. This shift not only boosts the user’s self-confidence but also fosters a healthier balance in caregiving relationships, ensuring both parties feel more supported and empowered.
In an era focused on inclusivity and innovation, DROVE stands as a beacon of progress. For wheelchair users and
their families, it offers not just a tool, but a gateway to a more engaged, independent, and fulfilling life at home.
Where can you trial DROVE today?
We have established three new DROVE trial sites across Australia. You can now experience the world’s first autonomous driving wheelchair mobility system in these locations: Belmont, (Geelong), Cremorne (Melbourne), Stones Corner (Brisbane).
DROVE is revolutionising mobility for wheelchair users, offering greater
independence, improved interaction with others, and reduced reliance on carers.
This is your opportunity to see how DROVE can transform daily living for you or someone you care about. During the trial, you’ll have the chance to experience how DROVE works and its numerous benefits under the guidance of our trial site hosts.
Don’t wait — schedule your trial today by reaching out to drove@controlbionics.com and discover a new world of possibilities!
DROVE is a world first, Australian made autonomous wheelchair module that enhances mobility for power wheelchair users with limited joystick control. Experience increased independence and safety with our innovative in-home solution that autonomously drives your wheelchair to the chosen destination.
Features
- Safe, reliable navigation to multiple destinations within the home
- Ability to precisely traverse through doorways in the home
- SAFETRAK obstacle detection safety system
Benefits
- Provides you the independence to take yourself where you want to go
- Use your existing speech generating device to control DROVE
- Simple and easy to use interface
- Promotes active movement and engagement with surroundings
“Brodie was more relaxed than we have seen her in such a long time.”
Donna Shaw, Mother of Brodie Shaw, DROVE case study
see it in action
Anniversary bonus for Magic Mobility customers
When it comes to enjoying social occasions, many users name the lift function on their powerchair as one of the most important and life-enabling features. If you haven’t got one yet, maybe it’s time to consider it on your next chair.
Why is lift so important in a social context?
Luke explains how he felt when he first got his Magic Mobility
Extreme X8 fitted with a lift function:
“The seat raising function made me feel so much more comfortable, included and confident in a social setting. I enjoyed being at the same level of people who were standing. Being at eye level with someone to chat was a game-changer for me. I hated always looking up at people when I was talking.”
It’s not just about getting a sore neck from having to look up. In most social contexts, standing while engaging someone who is sitting may be seen as disrespectful. In body language terms, it can be a signal of social dominance. The problem is, if no other seating is available, wheelchair users without a lift function may be unavoidably placed in a position of implied social inferiority, which may feel emotionally and socially uncomfortable for many wheelchair users.
Having elevated seating is socially beneficial for a variety of other reasons:
• Being able to reach high shelves without having to ask someone else for help.
• Being able to see over obstacles or other people in crowded social situations, such as sporting or music events.
• Being able to reach over the counter to order drinks or food at a café or restaurant.
How can I get funding?
Getting funding for a lift and tilt function may be difficult solely on the
basis of social disadvantage. So, you should know that apart from the social benefits, lifts may also be important for a range of medically necessary reasons.
• Transferring (independence, safety) – by adjusting the height of the powerchair to match that of a bed or chair, lift and tilt functions may make transfers easier and safer for users.
• Access (independence) – a lift may enable better manual access to places typically within reach for the able-bodied.
• Comfort (pain. avoidance, pressure care, safety) – a lift and tilt unit may enable easier adjustment of the body position to relieve pressure-related pain, and allows the user to angle their body appropriately across slopes or when climbing obstacles (for stability and footplate clearance).
Having a lift function makes reaching things on high shelves easier.
In February 2025, as part of their 30th anniversary celebrations, Magic Mobility and their AU/NZ dealer network are offering a free lift function on all powerchair quotes received in February. You can learn more about the promotion and read the terms and conditions at: www.magicmobility.com.au/lift-promo.
Magic Mobility is a leading Australian power wheelchair designer, developer and manufacturer based in Melbourne. Their focus is on creating powerchairs tailored to individual needs, and they are determined to push the boundaries of what electric wheelchairs can achieve and – above all – provide users with choice.
New power-assist device from Sunrise Medical
The Empulse R10 is a powered push assist device, designed specifically for care givers.
The unit attaches simply and easily to a wheelchair providing mobility indoors and outdoors. Intuitive, easy to use and a snap to transport, the R10 allows families to push smarter, not harder, every step of the way.
With the new Empulse R10 power-assist device, mobility has never been so easy. Whether uphill, downhill, or on long trips, the R10 helps in every situation. It features a simple three push button speed setting and a thumb throttle for times when extra assistance is required.
This foldable and lightweight powerassist device is engineered for people on the move, is easily transported, either attached or detached from the wheelchair with its handy backpack.
Turns slopes flat and heavy loads weightless
Inclines can be especially challenging for wheelchair attendants, but with the R10’s Constant Speed Assistance mode, you get continuous speed at the press of a button – even when tackling inclines up to 8 degrees.
Want even simpler control? There’s no need to push a button in Automatic Assistance mode. When detecting
wheelchair motion this mode provides just the right amount of propulsion to match your pace, without touching a button. The faster you walk, the more assistance you receive. Plus, because you’re only supplied power when you need it, your battery lasts longer too.
Distance detection sensor
The R10’s distance detection sensor automatically pauses the device if it doesn’t detect an attendant gripping the push handle. This ensures the wheelchair only moves when someone is in control, adding an extra layer of safety for both you and the wheelchair user.
The Empulse R10 is designed with ease in mind.
For more information or to trial this power assist unit, visit www.sunrisemedical.com.au
PUSH SMARTER, NOT HARDER, EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.
The power assist device designed specifically to support the caregivers.
LIGHTWEIGHT
At just under 6.9 kgs. the R10 is one of the lightest power assists on the market.
PERFORMANCE
No compromise on performance. The R10 achieves a 12 km range, climbs up to 8° slopes, and handles a max user weight of 130 kg.
RELIABILITY
A solid, long lasting tire, lithium-ion battery, and a 3 year motor warranty promising quality and reliabilty.
Victorian Disability Worker Commission
Helping you choose a quality disability worker.
It’s important that people with disability feel safe and empowered when using disability services.
There is a huge amount of trust involved between a disability worker and a person with disability, and in a sea filled with different service providers and funding sources, it can be hard to find a ‘quality catch’.
What makes a quality worker will be different for each person with disability, depending on the level of support or service they require. How a worker makes you feel should always be considered and it’s important to ask yourself a few questions about this:
• Does my worker make me feel safe?
• Do I feel respected by my worker?
• Does my worker provide me with high-quality care?
Disability workers who are registered with the Victorian Disability Worker Commission (VDWC) have been assessed on their background, qualifications, experience and skills, so you can be assured knowing they have the right attributes for safe practice.
All Victorian disability workers must comply with the Disability Service Safeguards Code of Conduct (the Code), regardless of their funding source. The Code is a legal obligation underpinned by Respect, Quality and Safety and identifies the requirements workers must follow when providing supports or services to people with disability.
If you’re concerned that a disability worker’s behaviour or quality of their work isn’t in line with the Code, you can make a complaint to the VDWC. They provide an independent, free, and confidential complaints service where you can discuss your concerns. Whether you’re a person with disability, a family member or carer of someone with disability – you have the right to make a complaint.
This was the case for Tom*, whose parents made a complaint about Sonia*, an unregistered disability worker engaged to provide wound management, personal care and monitoring of skin integrity for Tom, a child with a fragile skin condition. Tom’s parents had seen Sonia touching Tom’s skin without using the necessary protective materials, which was inconsistent with Tom’s personal care plan.
The VDWC contacted Sonia about the complaint. Sonia acknowledged that on several occasions she had not used the required protective materials, which increased the risk of skin tears and infections.
Sonia explained that she did not feel comfortable using the materials but had not checked in with Tom or his parents about her concerns.
Sonia was counselled about her obligations under the Code, which requires disability workers to provide supports and services in a safe and competent manner with care and skill, and the importance of following care plans to achieve this.
If you’re unsure whether your concern is something you can make a complaint about, you can call the VDWC on 1800 497 132 to discuss. Don’t wait until the issue is serious.
To learn more visit vdwc.vic.gov.au
*This case study shows a type of matter the VDWC responded to. Pseudonyms are used and some details have been changed to protect the anonymity of the participants.
If a disability worker does something that doesn’t feel right, we’re here for you.
The Victorian Disability Worker Commission can deal with your concerns about a disability worker’s behaviour or quality of their work. Our complaints service is confidential, and we can take action if something isn’t right. Because people with disability deserve to feel safe.
Living a gold medal life with my health app
Former Paralympian Marayke Jonkers has a decorated sporting career, winning three swimming Paralympic medals and a paratriathlon world championship medal, but there was a price to pay. In 2011, she retired from competitive swimming after being diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome, an overuse injury of the upper body which prevents lifting of arms.
Now 43, Jonkers lives in excruciating pain and the Sunshine Coast resident regularly visits Brisbane to see specialists and uses the Australian Digital Health Agency my health app to keep track of key health information.
Whether it be viewing medical history, checking for the latest blood tests or
pathology results, or being up to date with vaccinations, the app holds all her key health information.
“I’m looking forward to using the new features of the app, which includes the ability to store electronic prescriptions effortlessly, along with the rest of my key health information,” she told Link
“My ability to move around isn’t what it used to be. I frequently rely on others to run errands and one of the most difficult is to get something from a chemist, especially when my identification is required for the specific types of medication I need. Having prescriptions digitally on the app would be so handy when you find yourself in a situation where you need to be in a
capital city to see a specialist, like me, but my GP, who holds my prescriptions, is somewhere else.
“The ease with which I can get a medical professional to assist me makes a big difference when I have my health information in the palm of my hand,” she said.
“Life is like a jigsaw puzzle, and what the agency is creating with my health app, making life easier by having access to prescriptions digitally, is just one of those puzzle pieces that builds a fully inclusive world.”
“The latest enhancements have been made with accessibility in mind...”
Australian Digital Health Agency CEO Amanda Cattermole said my health app has come a long way since its launch in February 2023, with the latest features particularly useful for people with disabilities.
“The latest enhancements have been made with accessibility in mind, so all Australians can have access to their digital health information where and when they need it,” she said.
“Since the pandemic, the introduction of electronic prescriptions into the Australian healthcare system has made
an enormous difference for people with disabilities. It’s now easier than ever to see your prescriptions listed securely and safely in my health app, along with other key health information powered by My Health Record.”
Jonkers became a paraplegic following a car accident as a baby. She won two swimming bronze medals at the 2004 Athens Paralympics in the Women’s 150m individual medley SM4 and Women’s 50m breaststroke SB3 events. Marayke has broken 70 Australian records in butterfly, breaststroke, individual medley and freestyle.
In 2010, she became Australia’s first paratriathlete in the female category and paratriathlon medalist, winning bronze at the ITU world championships in Budapest, Hungary.
In November 2024, completed her second and final term as president of People with Disability Australia.
“I’m so excited for the future of the organisation. There are some young, amazing skilled advocates on the board who will take PWDA forward,” she said.
These days, her passion for life and spirit of adventure is as strong as ever. She has travelled around the world, skydived, studied life coaching and ridden a camel at the Pyramids in Egypt.
Her current goal is to share this passion for living what they call a ‘Gold Medal Life’ with the corporate world.
“The majority of my work today is about bringing the athlete mindset into the corporate world, or in the personal development space,” she said. “Everything I ever wanted to do, whether representing my country in sport or going to university and having a career, I’ve done. People like me are just going about our lives, we just happen to have a disability and are proud of it.”
New features of my health include:
• Storage of electronic prescription tokens
• Once registered for Active Script List (ASL) there are options for linking and delinking
• A redesign to enhance user experience
• The ability to manually add or edit medicines, allergies, and adverse reactions
• Updates to the organ donor status information screen
• Options to add, update and view emergency contact information
• It can switch between light and dark modes.
International speaker headlines inaugural Traumatic Brain Injury NZ conference
Atraumatic brain injury from a motor vehicle accident has not deterred Holly Kostrzewski, who will deliver the keynote at the first Traumatic Brain Injury Conference to be held in New Zealand in March.
Kostrzewski, who has a Masters in
Another speaker is Tori Dent from Brisbane, a perioperative theatre nurse at Logan Hospital until 2020 when she was diagnosed with an undifferentiated brainstem lesion. She defied the odds of the medical team, learning to walk, talk and smile, proving
language impairment and is now a passionate advocate for how wellbeing can be enhanced by including brain fitness in everyday living to maintain and enhance cognitive health.
The conference theme: “Keeping
ATSA Expo to debut in Tasmania
For the first time, the ATSA Independent Living Expo is going to Hobart, bringing the latest in assistive technology, mobility aids and daily living solutions to Tasmania. This milestone event is your chance to explore innovations designed to support independence, whether for yourself, your child or someone you care about.
What you will discover:
Interactive product demonstrations: Get hands-on with cutting-edge mobility devices, compact power wheelchairs, lift chairs, beds, commodes, and more. Explore solutions tailored to everyday needs.
• Expert advice: With over 60 exhibitors on-site, you will have access to experienced professionals who can help you identify solutions tailored to your unique needs.
• Inspiring presentations from leading experts: This year’s speaker lineup is packed with valuable insights:
o Sarah Collison will walk you through ”NDIS Rules - An OT's Playbook to AT Prescription.”
o Andrew Lopez will explore ”Breaking Boundaries: Clinical Considerations for Off-Road Power Wheelchairs.”
o Jacelyn Goh shares strategies for ”Managing Behaviours of Concern Through Wheelchair Interventions.”
o Gain a deeper understanding of postural care from Prithy Sivaraman and learn how Catherine How and Liz Stenhouse elevate safety with ”Mastering Manual Handling.”
o Don’t miss Helen Widdowson and Seema Cardoza on addressing ”Post Fall Syndrome,” and many other topics led by industry leaders.
• Community connections: Engage with others who already use assistive technologies and learn from their experiences in a welcoming, inclusive environment.
When and where: Thursday, 6th March 2025, 8:30am - 4:30pm Princes Wharf No. 1, Hobart
Why attend?
Whether you’re a healthcare professional, caregiver, or someone exploring ways to live more independently, this free event is your gateway to the tools and expertise that can transform lives. By attending, you will not only gain valuable insights but also receive a complimentary coffee when you pre-register. This expo is more than a showcase; it’s an opportunity to join a growing community committed to improving accessibility, independence, and quality of life.
How to register: Visit https://expo.atsa.org.au or call (02) 8006 7357 to secure your spot.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to discover, learn, and connect. Spread the word and join us at the ATSA Independent Living Expo this March!
• Explore
and technologies.
• Gain insights from industry leaders by attending seminar sessions.
• Build connections with peers and experts to enhance your practice.
Register now at www.expo.atsa.org.au or call (02) 8006 7357. Pre-register for free entry and a complimentary coffee!
Sydney Showground opens new inclusive facilities
The Sydney Showground has been upgraded with a new sensory room, adult assisted change room and updated parent room to enhance comfort, accessibility, and inclusivity for visitors. As part of the upgrade the organisation has worked with ASPECT Australia to train key customer service staff.
The facilities will be available for select Sydney Showground events including The Saviors Tour happening in March, and the Sydney Royal Easter Show in April.
The Sydney Showground and Royal Agricultural Society have partnered with Hidden Disabilities, a globally recognised symbol for non-visible disabilities that provides a discreet way for individuals to signal that they may need extra time, support, or understanding in public spaces.
Sydney Showground general manager Darryl Jeffrey said the new facilities will makes the showground more inclusive for the community.
events. Bags include headphones/ earmuffs and fidget toys to help manage sensory overload.
The parent room is a light and bright space equipped with essential amenities to cater to the needs of parents and young children. The space includes a family toilet room and separate accessible toilet facilities, nursing spaces with privacy curtains, multiple change tables, and a family relaxation space with kitchenette facilities.
“As a venue we want patrons to feel confident when attending events at Sydney Showground and having easy access to the facilities you need while enjoying a great day out with family and friends is an important part of this,” he said.
The quiet room provides a sensoryfriendly space to help patrons manage sensory sensitivity and features calm lighting, acoustic panelling to reduce noise, and tactile and visual elements to help patrons desensitise. It will be available for select events where the facility can be staffed. Visitors will be able to check if the room is open for a particular event they are attending by visiting the relevant event page on the Sydney Showground website.
Sensory bags will also be available for patrons to collect at the sensory room for designated Sydney Showground
The adult assisted change room is designed to cater to individuals with disabilities, offering a safe and hygienic environment equipped with the necessary facilities to support their needs. The room includes a fully electric hoist and height-adjustable adult change table. Use of the room requires a NSW issued MLAK key and approved harness and a trained carer/helper must be present at all times.
Staff at the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, provided insight to help guide the development of the space, ensuring events at the venue can be enjoyed by everyone.
To see which events will have these facilities open and staffed visit the event page on the Sydney Showground website (www.sydneyshowground.com.au) or visit the Hidden Disabilities interactive map for events where the Quiet Room will be activated.
To learn more about the facilities, visit Visitors on the Sydney Showground website.
VIP – making access easy
At VIP Access, we specialise in providing accessible, temporary solutions tailored to meet a variety of needs. Our rental options include accessible Careports, pop-up bathrooms, Decpac ramps, modular ramps, and platform lifts, all designed to ensure accessibility, convenience, and safety.
We are dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service, and our commitment to quality means that you can expect an outstanding experience with our products. We assess with you on site, locate the required utilities and install your unit to ensure maximum safety for you and your guests.
The accessible Careports and pop-up bathrooms offer a convenient and innovative solution, designed for easy delivery and installation right to your home. Thanks to its unique pod design and portability, our team can set it up quickly without sacrificing comfort, convenience, or safety. Whether you’re
staying home during renovations or returning from the hospital, our solution ensures you can fully enjoy your home with ease.
The accessible Careport units can be provided as either a standalone shower or shower and toilet combination, thereby providing an immediate solution for accessible showering and toileting.
If you work with clients who are unable to access their bathroom due to an illness, medical condition, physical ailment, or even simply home renovations, Careports and pop-up bathrooms provides an invaluable short or long-term solution.
Those who benefit from accessible bathrooms:
• Clients that have a single bathroom in the home and require renovations
• Discharge from hospital and waiting on funding for home modifications
• Rental properties
• Palliative care patients.
VIP Access also offers a range of ramp hire options, including the lightweight, portable Decpac ramps, perfect for navigating curbs and small obstacles around the home or workplace. These ramps fold easily, are strong and light, and feature a nonslip surface for all-weather use. For more extensive access needs, we provide modular aluminium ramps, custom-built to ensure proper gradients and fully compliant with accessibility standards. Our modular ramps are designed for long-term durability, providing peace of mind with a reliable, safe, and adaptable solution.
Features of modular ramp solutions:
• Versatile use for various access ramp and walkway applications
• Able to suit sites of varying heights (up to 2.4m for stairs) and contours
• Relocatable and easy to set up.
CONVENIENT, PORTABLE SOLUTIONS FOR HIRE
3mL x 2.2mW x 2.3mH
At VIP Access, we specialise in providing accessible, temporary solutions tailored to meet a variety of needs. Our rental options include Accessible Carport and Pop-Up Bathrooms, Decpac Ramps, Modular Ramps, and Platform Lifts, all designed to ensure accessibility, convenience, and safety.
Take off – in a wind tunnel
Want an adrenaline-fuelled trip that replicates a sky dive…but you are using a wheelchair? If you live in Sydney or the Gold Coast, then indoor skydiving could be for you.
Link asked Greg Pinson, a 38-year-old with spina bifida who has always wanted to do the real thing, but his circumstances prevented it from happening, for a lesson. It went something like this.
After being fully able bodied until he was in his mid-thirties when he transitioned to a wheelchair, he was looking for a bit of sporting adventure and it was suggested he try indoor sky diving.
On his days off work, he visited the iFly Indoor Skydiving Downunder centre at Penrith in Sydney, watching other people flying in a giant glass wind tunnel, taking his first flight in January 2022.
His training session started with two instructors, both professional skydivers, who taught him about body positions he needed, and depending on his progress he was shown how to do the different manoeuvres necessary until he was comfortable for the instructors to let him go.
Pinson said the best flying position for a beginner was similar to lying on the floor with arms above your head and legs straight out, but apart…“like Superman!”
Over the past few years’ adjustments have been made as his mobility has decreased, but he finds the experience addictive, going as often as he can. “For me it is the freedom of getting out of my wheelchair for a few minutes.”
Pinson wears protective clothing, a flying suit and full-face helmet with a visor. First timers wear goggles and a helmet. And age is no barrier, recently a 102-year-old woman took up the challenge and children as young as three. He said people with all abilities are joining, including amputees, the vision impaired and those with autism.”
“The instructors initially held onto me until my body position was stable and they had worked out the best way for me to fly by myself, but everyone does it differently,” he said, describing the flying sensation as: “floating in a pool with an adrenaline-rush suspended in mid-air.”
Each session comprises two, 50-second flights, equivalent to a freefall in normal skydiving, from jumping out of the plane to when the parachute opens… only this is all happening indoors, propelled by a wind generator, that lets the flyer take in the surrounding indoor and outdoor environment.
There are weight restrictions up to 136kg and anyone with a recent shoulder dislocation as the movements can be strenuous on the shoulders. The cost is $50 per person for each all-abilities session, run on the last Sunday of the month.
Pinson who is also iFly’s All Abilities ambassador, recently started working at Disability Sports Australia as events organiser. He has an iFly sticker on the back of his wheelchair which attracts enquiries from people in shopping centres.
He recommends anyone contemplating this accessible sport to give it a go. However, Pinson is still to take on the real outdoor skydive, admitting it is still on his
“This is how the whole experience started when I went to the indoor site, to see what it would be like before doing the real thing. And it is possible, according to the instructors, and I am going to get up there one day, it’s just finding the time to do it.” iFly also has a location on the Gold Coast.
Flying with a disability
Flying can be exciting, but for travellers with disabilities, it may also bring concerns about accessibility, navigating airports, and managing equipment like wheelchairs. Leisure Options is here to help, providing expert support to make flying smooth, stress-free, and enjoyable.
Understanding the challenges
Common concerns include handling mobility aids, receiving proper support during security checks, and managing last-minute assistance requests. Leisure Options has direct relationships with airlines, special handling departments and airports to manage paperwork, arrange accessibility accommodations, and ensure support is ready when needed.
Flying with wheelchairs or mobility aids
Travelling with mobility aids involves navigating airline policies on dimensions and handling. Leisure Options works with you and airline staff to make sure that every part of your travel and airport
experience is smooth. For wheelchair and mobility aid users, we arrange for safe and special handling of your equipment. Airlines often have specific requirements, and we ensure that your mobility aids meet any size or weight guidelines. We also advocate for proper handling to ensure that your equipment arrives in the same condition it left in.
We arrange for your travel group to be seated together as far as possible, according to your needs.
Hidden Disabilities and Sunflower Lanyards discreetly signal the need for extra assistance during security checks and boarding. Leisure Options can provide these lanyards, an effective symbol for a less stressful and smoother airport experience.
Airport security and boarding
When you travel with Leisure Options we use alternative security lanes (where available) for less stressful screening. We support you with
seating arrangements, transferring in and out of your seat, and organising your belongings. Our team works with airline staff to ensure your journey is comfortable and stress-free.
Building confidence in travel
With Leisure Options’ expert coordination and support, flying with a disability becomes a confidenceboosting, enjoyable experience. From booking to arrival, we manage every detail, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead.
As a licensed travel agency and nationally registered NDIS provider, Leisure Options has over 30 years’ experience in organising supported travel. We understand the importance of providing the right levels of support. We offer a range of supported travel services tailored to meet each traveller’s needs from small group travel, individual holidays and respite care. Let us help make your next journey seamless. Explore our holiday planner or contact us at 1300 363 713
Great holidays and travel for people with disabilities
With more than 30 years’ experience in both the travel and disability industries, Leisure Options is Australia’s only national award-winning, accredited travel agent specialising in supported travel for the disability sector.
Focus on providing holidays that allow maximum choice, loads of fun, high staffing ratios, commitment to individual needs, and a supportive holiday environment
• Choice of either group or individualised touring
• Respite care offered in a stimulating and fun-filled environment
• Over 80 departures annually to local, national and international destinations Passionate, energetic, and professional tour leaders with extensive qualifications and a world of experience
• Registered service provider with the NDIS
or visit our website
New 3D print support tools for blind students
Researchers at Monash University have developed guidelines to create 3D printed educational and accessible tools that for the first time will support those who are blind or vision impaired.
The guidelines which are freely available, provide information specifically attuned to the needs of blind and low vision users including inclusive design considerations, directions to create braille or audio labels and accessible resources.
The information can be used by teachers, parents, orientation and mobility specialists and occupational therapists to create educational materials like braille learning aids, maps, curriculum-based models such as historic artefacts, landforms or anatomy, maths manipulatives, educational games and adaptive tools for the classroom.
Project Lead and inclusive technologies researcher Leona Holloway said the guidelines were created specifically to support people who have ‘print disabilities’. This includes those who are blind or have low vision, people with physical disabilities limiting their ability to interact with 2D materials, who are unable to follow a line of
print or have a disability that impacts their concentration.
“One of the advantages of 3D printed models over raised line drawings, is that they can be used by blind, low vision and sighted students together in educational settings, and they can also be useful for people who are not trained in ‘touch reading’,” Holloway said.
“However, not all models can be understood well through both vision and touch. Instead, as described in the guidelines, thoughtful design, printing and finishing techniques are required to ensure that 3D printed models are optimised for touch reading and inclusion.”
According to Sonali Marathe, Round Table president and accessibility manager at not-for-profit organisation NextSense, keeping pace with emerging technologies opened new unexplored avenues for learning and teaching for students living with disability.
“3D printed models can help these students get spatial and dimensional understanding of things that they may have never experienced before. For the first time students are learning different architectural concepts through 3D printed models of the Burj Khalifa,
Taj Mahal and the Statue of Liberty,” Marathe said.
In addition to educational materials, they also have an opportunity to be included in games through objects such as tactile dice and noughts and crosses.
“Though there is a lot of information available about 3D printing generally, the accessibility-specific information in these guidelines about how to design and use 3D prints for the blind and low vision community has never been available before. We hope these standards are shared and adopted by as many organisations and people across the world as possible,” she said.
South Australian School and Services for Vision Impaired (SASSVI) orientation and mobility teacher Adrian Riessen, said students who struggle with mapping concepts, when they can explore something in 3D, takes on more meaning. “They can feel that it's a building with a door and a window, and not just a square on a white sheet of paper," he said.
“These guidelines and the research project have increased the visibility of 3D printable options for use within the classroom. It has opened more conversations within the school, Statewide Support Service, and with other providers that we work with about the potential benefits of 3D printed resources.
“The networking and sharing of ideas and projects because of this research has been invaluable to developing my knowledge of 3D design, and understanding possibilities for the continual improvement of access and inclusion to areas of the curriculum that are historically challenging to teach,” he said.
To access the full guidelines visit: https://printdisability.org/ guidelines/3D-prints
Get moving for a cause
Looking for a way to feel good, get active, and make a meaningful difference? Vision Australia’s 100K Your Way is back this April, offering the perfect opportunity to move your body and raise funds to help support people living with blindness, low vision, or print disability.
Vision Australia Radio (VAR), a national not-for-profit community radio network, is joining the challenge and inviting Link magazine readers to participate by walking, running, rolling or moving their way to 100K across the month.
VAR’s fundraising coordinator, Jason Gipps, describes the initiative as a cornerstone of the station’s annual fundraising efforts. “Even with the dedication of over 500 volunteers across Australia and the generosity of our sponsors, our annual operational costs exceed $2 million,” he said. “It’s becoming harder for community radio stations like ours to cover essential broadcast costs. 100K Your Way is a
fun and impactful way to support a vital service that benefits anyone living with a print disability.”
Friendly competition for a good cause.
This year, VAR has upped the ante with a touch of friendly rivalry. Four fundraising teams have been formed, representing broadcast regions in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, and regional Victoria. Whether you join a Vision Australia team or go solo, the goal is simple: move 100k your way throughout April and raise funds for this essential community service.
For Sam Colley, presenter of VAR’s weekly program Talking Vision, the challenge holds special meaning. Colley, who has lived with low vision since birth, sees the radio network as an essential lifeline. “VAR is close to my heart. It provides crucial information to listeners across Australia and around
Vision Australia Radio
the world, helping them stay connected to their communities,” he said.
He was among dozens of participants last year who took part in 100K Your Way, which brought together staff, volunteers, and listeners to raise vital funds. For him, the event wasn’t just about getting active, it was about stepping out of his comfort zone. “I’ve always wanted to be more active, but having low vision can make navigating outdoor spaces challenging. This challenge pushed me to try something new, and I’m so glad I did.”
His friends and family went above and beyond, helping him exceed his $1,000 fundraising goal last year. Now, he’s training to beat his personal best in 2025—both in fundraising and distance.
How to get involved.
Join a team, form your own or go solo. Visit varadio.org to sign up.
Bondi Beach buzzing with activity
The first Driving Change Disability Employment Summit has been hailed a great success.
Hosted by Bus Stop Films, the event explored disability employment opportunities across film, TV and commercial production. It was held at the Bondi Pavillion, Sydney in November.
“For two days we had over 200 delegates in person and online, with more than 55 speakers,” Bus Stop Films CEO Tracey CorbinMatchett told Link
It was opened by Governor General Sam Mostyn who brought energy and passion for creative leadership and inclusion to the event.
One of the speakers, writer, Keely Cat-Wells provided an insight into disability advocacy in Hollywood, and a notable quote from her was, ‘stop donating to people with disability and start investing in us’”.
One of the standout sessions was the all-deaf First Nations, hosted by actor Nathan Borg. “It was a first for many people who had not seen an all-deaf panel at any events previously,” Corbin-Matchett said.
People were buzzing about the atmosphere, the inclusivity and access, especially the Ikea quiet room, she said.
Feedback from one delegate was: "The moment I walked in the door, I felt at home. The event was expertly organised and the panels finely crafted. The conversations were immensely important and gave me comfort knowing that change is on its way. I felt very empowered to continue my advocacy journey and pursue a career in the disability, access and inclusion space."
Corbin-Matchett wrapped the summit speaking about the Equity: the Arts and Disability Associated Plan and the importance that screen be included in the policy. The plan is a four-year roadmap of activities to build the foundations for equity for artists, arts workers and audiences with disability across Australia.
“We facilitated a Driving Change survey of industry and individuals that will lead into focus groups to set the tone for the 2025 summit,” she said.
The event was supported by Screen Australia, Netflix, ABC and Screen NSW and Cat-Wells attendance was supported by the US Embassy in Australia.
A rewarding night
One Community held its fourth Disability Services Awards at a gala dinner for over 400 guests in Sydney. There were 13 award categories acknowledging the achievements of people and organisations across the disability sector.
The 2025 event will be held in Melbourne in November.
Yoga glasses and surf lessons on Bondi Beach
Anna-lee Hamilton and EllenHester
Australian Disability Service Award panel members, Peter Simpson and Di Pass.
Keely Cat-Wells
A wedding in Tuscany
Total Ability educator Michelina Pelosi celebrated her wedding to David Brannon in Tuscany, Italy. It followed a civil wedding in Australia in April 2024. Their journey began 8 ½ years ago when they met online, a meeting that transcended all barriers. Adding a personal touch to the celebration, Michelina’s sister, Pasqualina, a fashion designer, created her wedding dress and was maid of honour. Set against the rolling hills near Siena, their wedding brought together their global family and friends.
A Merry go round at Minda Markets
Minda's annual Community Christmas Carols and Markets in December, held at Minda’s North Brighton site in Adelaide, filled the air with festive cheer. The event featured market stalls, live music, special guest performers, food trucks, rides and a visit from Santa Claus, assisted by volunteers, supporters and the community.
Where is My Coffee?
A new café has opened in Nunawading that gives people with disability the opportunity to gain job and training skills. Where is My Coffee? is a partnership between disability organisation VMCH and Whitehorse City Council. It is nestled within the council’s community hub, which is also home to various sporting groups on Springvale Road. The café is modelled on the VMCH’s original Where is My Coffee? café in Wangaratta that opened in 2021 that has since supported 46 people with training and paid work.
Global recognition for charity
MACA (Mobility & Accessibility for Children & Adults) has been recognised for its groundbreaking work to improve transport safety for children and young people with disability. The charity was awarded the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award at a ceremony in London for its “outstanding” national program just five years after the charity was established. The program includes a website of information, resources and training courses along with evidence-based information about safe transport for children with disability.
The bridal party
MACA chief executive Helen Lindner, director Emma Clarkson with Prince Michael.
The bride
at Minda
With What I Have Left by Mel James
Melissa James rose to the top of her career and had everything, including international travel, a house and a husband. Then cerebral atrophy struck, and she lost it all. This would be devastating to most people, but not the former model and gymnast (she was accepted into the Australian Institute of Sport, but her mother wouldn’t allow her to go).
This memoir examines the physical, psychological and emotional trauma that she experienced at the hands of an unstable mother (her mother had Munchausen by Proxy of the psychiatric type, who raised her daughter telling
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her she was mentally incompetent) and the healing process she went through that took years.
The book details what it’s like to have a progressive disease and gives readers an insight into the struggles, funny moments, frustrations, friendships, medical tests, NDIS, self-talk, sex, mental health and many other facets of living with cerebral atrophy. Her story is a testimony to hope, endurance and positive thinking.
Available from: Amazon, Booktopia, Dymocks and QBD Books.
RRP: $29.99
February 21: Workability Expo Adelaide www.workabilityexpo.com.au
February 22: Source Kids Disability Expo Adelaide www.sourcekids.com.au/disability-expo/
MARCH
March 6: ATSA Disability Expo – Hobart www.atsaindependentlivingexpo.com.au
March 12-13: Traumatic Brain Injury Conference NZ
March 12-15: AGOSCI Conference – Brisbane register.agosciconference@arivexgroup.com
March 14: Workability Expo Geelong www.workabilityexpo.com.au
March 27-28: Inclusive Schooling Conference – Brisbane https://inclusiveschoolingconference.com.au
APRIL
April 11-12: Source Kids Disability Expo – Melbourne www.sourcekids.com.au/disability-expo/
April 29: WorkAbility Expo Adelaide www.workabilityexpo.com.au
