STRATEGIC ROADMAP GUIDES OUR FUTURE Uluru travel adventures Get ready for storm season

Cairns Healthy Living Centre on the way

A voice for accessible, equitable and empowered lives Spring 2018

Making Life’s Experiences Possible

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SPRING 2018 THE ADVOCATE 3

To gain permission to reprint any material that appears in The Advocate, please contact theadvocate@spinal.com.au or write to us at the above address.

The views expressed in The Advocate do not necessarily reflect the views of Spinal Life Australia. Spinal Life Australia takes no responsibility for equipment, products or service/s advertised in The Advocate.

Stock images used are sourced from ©iStock.com

Cover photo of Liam Downes and family by Dominic Chaplin.

Contents

CEO’s message

Making Life’s Experiences Possible

Birdie Compact 150

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THE BIRDIE COMPACT 150 IS IDEAL FOR

EVERYDAY LIFTING IN THE HOME OR AN

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SPOTLIGHT .............................................5NDIS .........................................................6OUR STRATEGIC ROADMAP .............. 12NEW BOARD DIRECTORS .................. 13CAIRNS HEALTHY LIVING CENTRE ... 14PERTH NEWS ....................................... 17ALLIED HEALTH ................................... 19BE PREPARED ...................................... 20BACK2WORK ........................................ 22MEMBER STORY .................................. 24ADVOCACY ............................................ 26MEMBER NETWORKS ......................... 29TRAVEL .................................................. 30TRIBUTE ............................................... 32RESEARCH ............................................ 34ACCESSIBILITY ..................................... 35SOCIALS ................................................ 36TRAINING SOLUTIONS ....................... 37UPCOMING EVENTS ........................... 38

I’m incredibly excited to report that the start of construction is in sight for our Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre in Cairns.

As this issue goes to print, we are in the process of finalising the builder for this innovative project, who will be announced soon.

We plan to break ground at the end of September, with an event for our members and key community stakeholders to mark this momentous occasion.

This is a flagship project for Spinal Life and one we hope to mirror in other regions in the future, bringing specialist services closer to home for people with spinal cord damage and related disabilities.

There are many elements that set this facility apart, including the fully-accessible accommodation options to support people in their transition home from the Spinal Injuries Unit, which are also available for respite and holidays.

The Centre also features a rehabilitation gym and a café that will assist people to return to the workforce, creating a vibrant hub for the Cairns community.

You can read more about the project on Page 14, and we will be providing regular updates in our email newsletter, on our website and Facebook.

With the NDIS now underway in most of Queensland, we are on the home stretch

of supporting our members and clients to transition into the scheme for the first time.

Throughout August we held a series of workshops in the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay regions to share more about preparing for the scheme, ahead of the roll out in these areas from 1 January 2019, including Strathpine, Caboolture, Noosa and Gympie.

We are providing support to many NDIS participants with specialist services including plan management and supports coordination, as well as allied health and personal support and home care.

Spinal Life members also have access to our advocacy team, who can offer valuable assistance with any issues that may arise, such as in Tony’s case (see Page 26) when he did not receive funding for air-conditioning.

There’s plenty happening across our whole organisation, and I look forward to sharing an update in the next issue.

Until then, don’t forget to keep an eye on our website and Facebook for news, events, research opportunities and much more.

Michael Powell Chief Executive Officer

The Advocate is the official publication of Spinal Life AustraliaEditor: Jaclyn McKeown

Editorial team: Rachel Toune and Callum Johnson

Design and Production: Stephen Lawrence

Advertising: Megan Turner

Printing: VRC Printing

Contact The Advocate: theadvocate@spinal.com.au PO Box 5651, West End QLD 4101 1300 SPINAL spinal.com.au

Spring construction on horizon for Healthy Living Centre

4 THE ADVOCATE Now supporting you closer to home. spinal.com.au

SPRING 2018 THE ADVOCATE 5

SPOTLIGHT

When Jaimen Hudson first held a drone controller in his hands he was understandably cautious – drones aren’t cheap and he didn’t want to be left with an expensive piece of wreckage after his maiden flight.

What he didn’t know at the time was that in just a few years, he would be on a mission for Greenpeace, driving a van 1400km from Western Australia to South Australia to get spectacular drone footage of whale migrations.

Jaimen’s passion for drone photography has seen the resident of beach-side Esperance, WA, work with clients like National Geographic, Vice, Tourism Western Australia, Tedx and even McDonalds, just to name a few.

What started as a hobby became a way for Jaimen to reconnect with nature, after he sustained a serious spinal cord injury in a motorcycle accident in 2008.

“After my accident, I could no longer continue hobbies like surfing and diving,” he said.

“I really missed the outdoors but getting into drone photography let me reconnect with it and continue exploring the beautiful oceans and beaches we have in Esperance.

“You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful place to live in – just a few days ago, I was filming dolphins during my lunch break.

“It doesn’t get much better than that.”

Jaimen said his positive mindset and determination to continue working in the tourism industry helped keep him focused after his injury.

He recently shared his story to attendees of at a meet-and-greet event held in Perth by Spinal Life Australia.

“It was a great event, I learnt about a bunch of new innovations such as the Navability program to use an app to track accessibility of routes in Perth, as well as

recent accessibility innovations by Virgin,” he said.

“If Spinal Life can keep providing useful or interesting info on accessibility or bring more services to Western Australia, it can only be a good thing.”

You can learn more about Jaimen and see his portfolio at jaimen.com.au For more information on our Perth event, see Page 37.

Jaimen’s passion takes him to new heights

Profile Jaimen Hudson

› Spinal Life member

› Currently uses the DJI Inspire 2 drone for his photography work

› Dream shoot would be to film great white pointers from a diving cage

› His video “Paddle Boarding with Whales” has nearly 7 million views on YouTube

› Learnt how to dive at the age of 10

› Works in the marine tourism industry.

6 THE ADVOCATE Now supporting you closer to home. spinal.com.au

NDIS

Townsville

Rockhampton

Bundaberg

Fraser Coast

Cairns

Toowoomba

Mackay

Cape York

Gold Coast

Brisbane

GympieSunshine CoastMoreton Bay

The NDIS will roll out progressively, with participants in these regions receiving different dates for their planning meetings to take place over the next few months.

The next and final NDIS rollout will begin from 1 January 2019 for the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Gympie regions.

This means by June 2019, all eligible Queensland participants should be fully transitioned to the NDIS.

If you’ve moved to the NDIS recently or will be transitioning soon, you can expect to be contacted towards the end of your first 12 months on the Scheme for a plan review.

For most participants, the review will take place after your first year on the NDIS and will allow you to provide input on your plan, what is working and what isn’t, as well as how you are progressing regarding your personal goals.

You are welcome to invite a family member or support person to the plan review.

From 1 July 2019, Queensland participants will be able to access the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, an independent body established to oversee the quality of services delivered.

The NDIS Commission will implement the NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework which was released by the Council of Australian Governments Disability Reform Council in February 2017.

The Framework will come into effect as each state and territory completes the introduction of the NDIS, aiming to uphold the rights and responsibilities of participants, providers and their staff.

A snapshot of the NDIS: the roll out so far

The Queensland NDIS rollout started with Townsville and Mackay in late 2016, followed by the Toowoomba region from 1 January 2017.

The NDIS has now been fully introduced in most states and territories in Australia, except for Victoria and Western Australia.

Like Queensland, the final NDIS rollout in Victoria will take place from 1 January 2019.

Western Australia is currently in the process of moving from the State-run NDIS to the national Scheme, with the rollout to be completed by 2020.

We look forward to assisting WA residents with this transition, as part of our new member services in the state.

To find out more about how we can help you achieve your NDIS goals, visit spinal.com.au/ndis or call 1300 SPINAL.

Rollout from January 2019

Rollout underway

As of 1 July 2018, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) began the biggest Queensland rollout yet in the Brisbane, Logan, Redlands, Cairns, Gold Coast and Fraser Coast regions.

QLD

SPRING 2018 THE ADVOCATE 7

NDIS

Gold Coast member Lyn Clark hopes to be riding high when she fully transitions to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) later this year.

For the past few years, Lyn has been getting into horse and carriage driving and hopes to take it further and compete in dressage events soon.

She also plans to continue teaching riding classes for people with a physical or intellectual disability, something she has been doing for more than 20 years.

Lyn said receiving extra support and independence from the NDIS could help make that happen.

“I wasn’t receiving any financial support for my spinal cord injury, I must have slipped through the cracks somehow,” she said.

“My husband, Bob, was my carer and that’s all the support I had.

“I’m very excited about what opportunities I can explore under the NDIS, including being able to use professional carers for the first time so my husband can have more spare time.”

She admitted she was unsure about what to expect about moving to the Scheme but received assistance from Spinal Life’s Alison Kidd, who is part of the team supporting clients and members with their NDIS transition.

In May, Alison helped Lyn prepare for her first NDIS planning meeting by talking through what she could expect and what she would like to achieve under the Scheme.

“It was so helpful having Alison around, she ran through everything I would need

and she helped ensure my first NDIS planning meeting went smoothly,” she said.

“Going from no financial support to the NDIS is very overwhelming, so having someone to guide me helped tremendously.”

The NDIS began rolling out on the Gold Coast from 1 July this year, along with the Brisbane, Logan, Cairns and Fraser Coast regions.

Spinal Life provides a range of specialist services for NDIS participants, including plan management, supports coordination, allied health and personal support and home care.

For more information, visit spinal.com.au/ndis or call 1300 SPINAL.

Lyn awaits new opportunities after her NDIS transition

8 THE ADVOCATE Now supporting you closer to home. spinal.com.au

NDIS

As part of the NDIS, you can choose how you manage your funding, along with your service providers.

Below is a quick guide to your options for making the most of your plan, including connecting with service providers who will assist you to achieve your goals.

What is Plan Management? Managing your NDIS plan means the way you manage the financial transactions involved with accessing supports as part of your plan.

There are several options available to you, including self-managing, having the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) manage on your behalf, selecting a Plan Management service provider.

Approved service providers, such as Spinal Life, can oversee aspects of your funding, including:

› helping you pay your service providers

› processing expense claims

› paying invoices

› providing monthly statements.

What is Supports Coordination?Supports Coordination can be part of an NDIS plan and is designed to support participants to make the most of their NDIS funds, including connecting with providers.

Supports Coordination is designed to give you a helping hand with your NDIS plan, beyond the finances, including:

› assistance in reviewing your plan and goal setting

› evaluating what services and providers best suit your needs

› obtaining quotes for services from the relevant providers

› liaising with the NDIA and other agencies on your behalf

› developing your financial management skills so you can take control of you plan.

If these services are not currently part of your NDIS plan and you would like to enquire about your funding options, you can contact your Local Area Coordinator (LAC).

A quick guide to Plan Management and Supports Coordination

Spinal Life Australia member Mez McDonald said when transitioning to the NDIS, it’s very important to know what you can and can’t get funding for.

The Redcliffe resident, who was living in Tara in Western Queensland when she first transitioned to the NDIS two years ago, said she had learned a lot in her first year in the scheme.

“It was very difficult for the first year, there seemed to be a lot of funding available but not much certainty on how to access it,” Mez said.

“It was difficult to understand what I could and couldn’t claim – for example, I experience back and neck pain because of my spinal cord injury, yet I could not claim things like heat packs and electric blankets that would assist with problems that were directly related to my injury.

“It’s been easier in the second year, I barely accessed funding at all in my first plan but now I’m accessing more because I’ve learnt more about what I can and can’t claim.”

Mez receives her NDIS Plan Management and Allied Health services through Spinal Life Australia and said she was assisted by them in finding a great orthopaedic surgeon, as well as securing her a quality wheelchair.

Spinal Life Executive Manager - Commercial Services Pauline Davis said transitioning to the NDIS was often a learning process for many.

“It can be difficult to understand exactly what you can and can’t claim funding for, especially when you first transition,” she said.

“It helps to be able to talk to someone who has experience supporting people to transition and achieve positive outcomes.

“We also offer advice and guidance for our members who are transitioning or who have transitioned to the NDIS, through our workshops, information sessions and our Plan Management and Support Coordination services.”

To find out more how Spinal Life Australia can assist you with the NDIS, contact 1300 SPINAL (1300 774 625) or email enquiries@spinal.com.au.

Member faces learning curve

after transitioning to the NDIS

SPRING 2018 THE ADVOCATE 9

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Queensland’s Disability Services and Health departments are working with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and the Commonwealth Department of Health to further clarify NDIS responsibilities under nursing services.The departments are looking to determine where responsibilities for nursing services should lie within the NDIS and the mainstream health system, including wound care and catheter changes.

In the meantime, Disability Services has established a Health Interface Support funding arrangement to provide these services.

If you are currently receiving community nursing services through Queensland Community Care (QCC), you should be able to continue to access your service at the current level, subject to capacity and review.

If you have a disability and are new to community nursing type services, you will need to check what options may be available.

If no suitable services are available, you can contact the Queensland Community Care Access point on 1800 600 300 for assistance.

Alternative options for community nursing type services include:

› Exploring training for your support staff or informal carers under your NDIS plan review.

› Contacting Local Area Coordinators or Support Coordinators to connect with mainstream community health and home visiting medical services.

› Discussing options with your General Practitioner.

› Purchasing equipment or technology through MASS or NDIS that may assist in reducing nursing care requirements.

A full review of your health and nursing care needs will be required, to ensure the best possible health care response.

If you have any further enquiries, please contact healthinterface@communities.qld.gov.au

Nursing services to be better clarified under the NDIS

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Message from the Chair

The new Roadmap is the culmination of many months’ work for the Board, and sets out our renewed purpose, mission, vision and core values.

One of our key focus areas is advocacy, as we continue to support our members and empower them to become advocates in their communities.

We are also continuing to lead advocacy campaigns on a local, state and national level, addressing issues that impact people with a physical disability every day.

To guide us in this endeavour, we’re proud to launch our new Advocacy Charter, which details the principles that drive us and our key priorities based on your feedback.

Our advocacy principles As an advocate for people with spinal cord damage, we will:

› support our members to advocate on their own behalf when possible, and advocate with or for our members when appropriate.

› work to identify and remove barriers to participation in mainstream services and the general community.

› advocate to all levels of government, organisations providing disability-related products and services, and other organisations with interests in physical disability.

› understand our current and future members’ needs and priorities through regular engagement on issues of importance to them.

› communicate our advocacy initiatives with our members and stakeholders, to provide an opportunity for interested people to become involved.

› provide feedback to members on advocacy efforts and the outcome of initiatives.

We will officially launch the Charter as part of Disability Action Week (9-15 September), when you will hear more about our plans and how you can become involved.

Visit spinal.com.au/advocacy for resources, information and more.

Advocacy Charter focuses our efforts We’re launching a new Strategic Roadmap for Spinal Life Australia, which gives a clear direction of where we are heading.

Welcome to our new Board Directors I’d like to personally welcome our new Board Directors, Daryl Kibble and Professor Phillip Morris, who bring many years’ professional knowledge in their relevant fields, along with personal experience of spinal cord damage.

Under our Constitution, new Board Directors are appointed and must then be voted through by members at the next Annual General Meeting, which will take place in November.

You can read more about Daryl and Phillip on Page 13, and we look forward to benefitting from their expertise and guidance over the coming months.

Our ‘charter for change’We have identified seven key priorities through speaking with our members, as well as exploring current issues impacting the wider disability community.

› Accessible accommodation

› Accessible local communities

› Employment

› Access to funding, aids and equipment

› Research

› Transport

› Health

Visit spinal.com.au/advocacy to find out more.

Alan Ashford Chairman

OUR STRATEGIC ROADMAP

Throughout the past year, our Board has focused on reviewing and clearly defining Spinal Life Australia’s purpose and key goals, to guide our activities now and into the future.

This project was particularly timely given the introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which has created significant changes for the organisation and the wider disability sector.

Our Board’s objective is to ensure we continue to remain sustainable in an ever-changing environment, yet also grow and evolve as an organisation.

We have now launched a new Strategic Roadmap for Spinal Life, which describes our goals and the projects that will help us to achieve them.

These goals include:

› developing our organisation and our team members

› becoming as efficient as possible, to ensure we are financially sustainable now and into the future

› sharing our expertise on a national level to support more people with spinal cord damage

› completing our organisation’s transition to the NDIS and National Injury Insurance Scheme Queensland (NIISQ) funding schemes, and growing our service areas

› increasing our membership and the support we provide our members, giving us strength in numbers to assist us in our advocacy efforts on a local, state and national level

› improving the lives of people with spinal cord damage through new rehabilitation and therapy services.

Strategic Roadmap points us in the right direction

12 THE ADVOCATE Now supporting you closer to home. spinal.com.au

To support a life journey approach to assist people with spinal cord damage.

OUR PURPOSE

To enable solutions to live an accessible, equitable and empowered life.

OUR MISSION

We will be recognised as the leader in specialist services for people with

spinal cord damage.

OUR VISION

Empathy – not sympathyPioneering – to continually pursue

a vision of something betterExpertise – to be knowledge experts

Never Underestimate Capability – to encourage potential

OUR CORE VALUES

SPRING 2018 THE ADVOCATE 13

NEW BOARD DIRECTORS

Strategic Roadmap points us in the right direction

Our Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre in Cairns is an important project to achieve many of the above goals and is a model we hope to replicate in other regions; giving people in regional areas access to our services and reducing their need to travel.

Another of our key projects is the introduction of our member services in Western Australia, after we received feedback from people with spinal cord damage who live in the state about the need for more information and resources, and opportunities to connect with each other.

We are also exploring opportunities to introduce further new services, in line with the needs of our members and clients.

As part of the Strategic Roadmap, the Board has also redefined our purpose, mission, vision and core values (right) which are the foundation of our organisation.

Our aim is to support people with spinal cord damage to live an accessible, equitable and empowered life, where and when you need us, as a leader in specialist services and a pioneer in everything we do.

If you would like to see a copy of our Strategic Roadmap, or provide your feedback, visit spinal.com.au or call us on 1300 SPINAL.

Daryl Kibble Daryl joins the Board with an impressive background in finance with the Seven Network, along with leadership and consulting roles across a variety of commercial sectors.

Daryl is determined to support people with spinal cord damage in memory of his younger brother, who became a Spinal Life member after sustaining quadriplegia in a motor vehicle accident.

While his brother passed away eight years ago, Daryl said his work in promoting spinal cord injury prevention and awareness and accessibility in the Mackay community was inspirational.

“If I could achieve a fraction of the impact that my brother had during my term on the Board at Spinal Life Australia, I will be well pleased,” Daryl said.

Daryl has served on various Boards and Committees for more than 20 years, including charitable organisations such as Asthma Australia and Mater Foundation.

He has also led multiple successful business start-ups and has expertise in business restructuring, mergers and acquisitions.

Daryl holds an MBA with Dean’s Award from QUT and is a Fellow of both the Australian Institute of Company Directors and CPA Australia.

Professor Phillip Morris Phillip is a passionate advocate for improving outcomes and quality of life for people with spinal cord damage, having sustained incomplete quadriplegia in 2005 in a cycling accident.

He became a member of Spinal Life shortly after his injury, receiving assistance from our Peer Support team in hospital before accessing our Personal Support and Home Care Services once he returned home.

Phillip has an extensive 40-year history in research and 20+ years’ experience teaching in universities in Queensland and South Australia, and brings expertise in successfully applying for grants, developing new technologies and more.

“I know that the services provided by Spinal Life can have a huge impact on the quality of life and independence of people with spinal cord damage,” he said.

“After my experience with spinal cord injury, I am keen to understand what factors influence the recovery and rehabilitation of people with a spinal cord injury.”

Phillip retired from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) 2009 yet continues to mentor students and researchers at QUT’s Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation.

He is also a Board Director for the Australasian Spinal Network.

Board Directors bring personal experiences to role

14 THE ADVOCATE Now supporting you closer to home. spinal.com.au

SPINAL LIFE HEALTHY LIVING CENTRE

Our flagship Healthy Living Centre will be the first of its kind in Queensland and regional Australia, offering short-term accessible accommodation, allied health, a rehabilitation gym, community café and more.

We will soon be announcing a local builder for this innovative project, before an official sod turning ceremony takes place in late September.

The project received $4.4 million from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (Infrastructure Projects Stream) which provides grants for projects that will create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities.

Spinal Life Chief Executive Officer Michael Powell said the $12 million Centre was part of the organisation’s commitment to bringing specialist services closer to home, reducing the need for people to travel and giving them access to support where and when they choose.

“The Centre will also provide transitional accommodation and support for people who are returning home from Queensland’s only specialist Spinal Injuries Unit, located in Brisbane, ensuring they can return home to their loved ones sooner,” he said.

“There was a clear need for these services in Far North Queensland and surrounds, and it’s a beautiful location for anyone wishing to take advantage of the holiday accommodation.”

Excitement builds for Cairns support hub

The project will deliver:

› supported transitional, respite and holiday accommodation for people with spinal cord damage and related physical disabilities, and their families

› a full suite of specialist allied health services including occupational therapy, physiotherapy and more

› training opportunities to share our expertise with the local workforce across FNQ, which will have a flow-on effect for rural and remote areas

› new and ongoing healthcare jobs in the region

› improved physical, social and economic outcomes for clients, through ongoing support.

Artist impression

Artist impression

SPRING 2018 THE ADVOCATE 15

The development includes a rehabilitation gym and hydrotherapy pool, along with a community café which will support people with spinal cord damage and related physical

disabilities to transition back into the workforce.

A number of fundraising projects are underway

to support the Centre, including the opportunity to sponsor a commemorative tile and more.

Other supporters include the Australian

Government’s Department of

Industry, Innovation and Science – Regional Jobs

and Investment Packages, which has provided $247,500 for essential rehabilitation equipment.

We are also incredibly grateful to Cairns business leaders Mr George Chapman AO and Mrs Margo Chapman for their support.

The Centre will be built on the corner of Lake and Smith Streets, close to the Esplanade, hospital and other health services.

Liam Downes once travelled to the United States to access rehabilitation services after his spinal cord injury, now he’ll have a resource right at home.

The Cairns resident is looking forward to the upcoming construction of our Healthy Living Centre and hopes it will allow him to continue his personal rehabilitation journey.

“It will be good to have something in Cairns to work with, it can be very difficult to find accessible resources around here,” he said.

For member Luke Crawford, the most exciting part of the construction of our Healthy Living Centre is the opportunity for him to return home to his friends and family.The Cairns resident, who sustained a spinal cord injury after a motor accident in 2015, has been living on the Gold Coast for the last few months as it is the only place in Queensland he can currently access specialist rehabilitation services.

Luke said once the Cairns Centre was complete, he hoped it would allow him to return home and continue his rehabilitation work there.

“I’ve made some great progress in just the first few weeks, but I would definitely rather be in Cairns,” he said.

“I like the Gold Coast and I have a few friends here, but I grew up in Cairns; it’s home to me.“At the moment I’m not sure how long I’ll have to stay on the Coast, I want to keep up my rehab as it’s been working well but it also means spending more time away from my family and friends.

“Having an accessible gym, therapy pool and access to professional physiotherapy services would be a great help, especially having it in my home town.”

Liam said he’s been making some great progress with his rehabilitation after sustaining incomplete quadriplegia after a fall in 2012, including spending three months in the US at physical rehabilitation centre Project Walk.

While he made valuable progress in the States, Liam is happy to keep his journey going at home.

“If I could continue my rehabilitation closer to home, it would be fantastic.”Luke said his brother had a property near the future site of the Cairns Centre, on the corner of Lake and Smith Streets.

“I guess he can give me first-hand updates about the progress,” he joked.

“I heard about the Centre on the grapevine, but I didn’t realise construction was starting this year.“I’m very much looking forward to the Centre’s completion as it could be my ticket home.” Luke has also previously been assisted by Spinal Life’s Allied Health and Peer Support teams.

Liam looking forward to accessing services at home

Cairns Centre a chance to return home for Luke

“Hopefully the Cairns Centre will be a good place to continue all my exercises,” he said.

“It’s been a lot of hard work, both physically and mentally, but after a lot of effort I’ve managed to stand and even use a walker.”

Liam is currently a managing director for Cairns plumbing business LJ’s Plumbing and Gas and lives with his fiancée Meaghan and sons Spencer and Fletcher.

SPINAL LIFE HEALTHY LIVING CENTRE

Artist impression

16 THE ADVOCATE Now supporting you closer to home. spinal.com.au

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We recently opened an office space in Perth for people with spinal cord damage to access our member services, and connect with others in their community.

To celebrate, we held a meet-and-greet event for residents and their families, to learn more about their needs and share more about our services.

As part of the event, guest speaker Jaimen Hudson gave an insight into his life with a spinal cord injury, and his passion for drone photography (read more on Page 5).

Spinal Life Executive Manager – Member Services Ross Duncan said the organisation was planning more events and activities in the Perth region.

“We have proudly worked with and represented our members for more than 58 years, and wanted to give more people the opportunity to access our valuable experience and resources,” he said.

“This includes our advocacy work to support individuals and empower them to advocate for themselves, as well as campaigning for change on a range of important issues.”

“We now have a dedicated Member Liaison Officer based in Perth, Debbie Nobre (pictured above), who recently met with members in early August as we begin to increase our services.

Spinal Life boosts Western Australia presence

“We have also established a Community Reference Group to inform the development of our services in Western Australia in future.”

To stay connected with Spinal Life, or to express an interest in participating in the Community Reference Group, contact Debbie Nobre on dnobre@spinal.com.au or call 1300 SPINAL.

App trial tracks accessibility One of our first activities in Perth saw residents with a physical disability take part in a trial to record the accessibility of various routes and streets.

Through our work with mapping software application Navability, people who use a wheelchair or mobility scooter were provided with access to a trial version of a smartphone app that records route information such as gradient, speeds and effort required.

The data was sent to Briometrix, the company developing the Navability app, which will show the most and least friendly routes for wheelchair users depending on their level of ability.

Life-long Perth resident Clint Morgan volunteered for the initiative and said he hoped the data will be useful for residents with a physical disability, mobility issue or the aged.

We have previously undertaken trials in Mackay and are currently exploring other regions to participate, along with further trials in Perth.

If you are interested in participating in future trials, contact members@spinal.com.au or call 1300 SPINAL.

“We now have a dedicated Member Liaison Officer based in Perth”

18 THE ADVOCATE Now supporting you closer to home. spinal.com.au

Touch Free Hydrophilic Intermittent Catheter

Continence CarePeople First

VaPro

VaPro touch free hydrophilic intermittent catheters, can help you focus on what matters in your life. The catheters are easy to use and handle. Plus, the touch free design of the protective tip and sleeve helps keep germs away. Simple, clean, independence.

We’re for the women andmen who make their dreams a reality.Our best wishes to allparticipants, family, friends and clinicians supporting the2018 Commonweath Games inBrisbane.

Call our Continence Care support team on 1800 880 851 or visit hollister.com.au to request a sample. We're here to help.

The Hollister logo and VaPro are trademarks of Hollister Incorporated © 2015 Hollister Incorporated. 922800-415

SPRING 2018 THE ADVOCATE 19

Touch Free Hydrophilic Intermittent Catheter

Continence CarePeople First

VaPro

VaPro touch free hydrophilic intermittent catheters, can help you focus on what matters in your life. The catheters are easy to use and handle. Plus, the touch free design of the protective tip and sleeve helps keep germs away. Simple, clean, independence.

We’re for the women andmen who make their dreams a reality.Our best wishes to allparticipants, family, friends and clinicians supporting the2018 Commonweath Games inBrisbane.

Call our Continence Care support team on 1800 880 851 or visit hollister.com.au to request a sample. We're here to help.

The Hollister logo and VaPro are trademarks of Hollister Incorporated © 2015 Hollister Incorporated. 922800-415

Finding the right wheelchair: our tips on prescriptions and maintenance

Preparing for equipment prescriptions Getting equipment that is the best fit for you is a team effort. Prescribers (Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists) will assess your needs and wants and prescribe a tailored solution, then work with suppliers to achieve these specifications and submit reports to funding agencies.

Don’t forget that you also play a key role in this process. The more information you provide on your goals and lifestyle, the more tailored any prescription can be. Below are some things to think about before seeing your OT for your next assessment and prescription:

› What is your environment? Do you have lots of ramps or slopes to navigate? What about tight turns?

› What are your skills? Have you used a wheelchair for a long time? How confident are you in your handling of your chair?

› What are some common activities in your life?

› What features of your current chair work well? Why?

› What are things you’d like to try that you think aren’t possible with your current equipment? Whether it’s going to the beach, off road, being able to fully recline or stand up in your chair – there may be add-ons for your primary chair, or you may need alternative equipment options.

Maintaining wheelchairs and equipment Under the NDIS you are responsible for maintenance and repairs so this should be included in your plan. If you are not eligible for the NDIS, MASS will continue to assist.

Wheelchairs are like any other mode of transport, and need to be maintained in order to function as they should.

Below are some tips for taking care of your manual or power chair:

Manual and power chairs: › Keep your chair clean

Use appropriate polishes and cleaning products on the various surfaces of your chair. This means a damp cloth and mild detergent on frame and fabric protection products on upholstery. Dry well to prevent rust. Never use bleach.

› Cracks or rust require professional assessment

› Keep everything where it should be When things feel loose, missing or out of place get professional advice. This includes everything from brakes to individual nuts and bolts.

› Keep your wheels in top shape Check for loose spokes for manual chairs, as well as damage to the tread and tyre pressure for all chairs. Correct pressure is printed on side of tyre.

Additional tips for power chairs: › Charge your battery correctly

Charge more than 4 hours before use. Charge 8-12 hours each day. If the battery or charger is heating up, ensure it’s plugged in correctly and if so, then have it checked by a professional. Do not charge when lightning is nearby.

› Regularly inspect for cracks near controls Any cracks near controls/joystick should be assessed by a professional immediately or controls can suffer water damage.

Speak to a Spinal Life Occupational Therapist for more information on your chair. Call 1300 SPINAL or email SAHS@spinal.com.au for details.

We recently held an event at our Brisbane office as part of our Wellbeing Series, which focused on the principles of posture, pain management, wheelchair prescriptions and maintenance.

Below are some of the tips that were shared on the day. Keep an eye on our Facebook and website for details on upcoming events in the Wellbeing Series!

ALLIED HEALTH

20 THE ADVOCATE Now supporting you closer to home. spinal.com.au

BE PREPARED

Storm season is almost upon us again, and there are measures you can take now to make sure you are ready.

Thunderstorms are frequent throughout southern Queensland from late October to around March, with the most severe often experienced before Christmas with strong winds, hail and flooding.

For residents in the central to northern parts of Queensland, the tropical cyclone season runs from November to April.

Ways you can prepare We can assist members and clients to prepare an emergency plan, including working individually with clients of our Personal Support and Home Care Services.

The ‘Get Ready Queensland’ website has a range of resources available to assist you, including templates for making an emergency plan and emergency kit, preparing your home for an emergency, and staying informed.

The Australian Red Cross also has a RediPlan template, which you can complete to have all your information in the one place, including contacts, evacuation options, details of your medical conditions or disability, insurance and more.

Important information for our clients We will support clients of our Personal Support and Home Care Services throughout a natural disaster or storm situation.

This includes checking on your welfare and providing updates on your services, along with offering assistance to get things back in order afterwards.

While we always aim to continue delivering services, our Personal Support Workers will not attempt to attend a client’s home if it is unsafe to do so, and will contact us to advise if this is the case so we can make alternative arrangements if available.

In this situation, if we cannot get a support worker to you and you do not have the support of family, friends and neighbours, you should contact the State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 and ask for assistance.

If you do not have an emergency plan in place, contact your Client Service Officer for assistance.

For clients of our other services, including Allied Health, we will continue to communicate with you and reschedule any appointments as soon as possible.

Things you can do now › Prepare an Emergency Kit (see below) › Register for severe weather alerts through your local

council › Have an emergency contact phone list – include 000

(triple zero) and SES (13 25 00) › Arrange for gutters, downpipes and stormwater drains

to be cleared › Arrange for tree branches to be trimmed and cleared

from around your house › Check your insurances (home and contents, and car)

are current and provide enough coverage › Understand your property’s risk of flooding › Make sure you think of your pets in preparing for any

emergency: include pet food in your emergency kit and make sure your dog is registered and microchipped.

› Know which loose items in your yard like outdoor furniture and toys will have to be put away if a storm approaches

Put together your Emergency KitYour kit should include:

› Non-perishable food items and bottled water › Medical and sanitation supplies › Light such as a torch or battery-powered lantern

with extra batteries › A battery-powered radio with extra batteries,

and other communications devices › Clothing and footwear › Tools and supplies › Other items that you may need, for example, any medical,

sanitary or hygiene items, spare keys and pet food. › Important documents in sealed plastic bags (consider

scanning copies and place on a USB in a waterproof bag).

Useful linksGet Ready Queensland – getready.qld.gov.au Bureau of Meteorology – bom.gov.au Emergency RediPlan – redcross.org.au/prepare

You can also visit getready.qld.gov.au/mobile-apps for useful mobile apps, or search the app store.

Be prepared for storm season

SPRING 2018 THE ADVOCATE 21

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Drop in to see our extensive range for yourself or visit powermobility.com.au anytime. Our team would love to help you get mobile!

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In less than 45 minutes, you can ensure you and your family are adequately prepared in the event of a house fire.

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) runs a free program for Queensland residents called Safehome, which offers assistance from volunteer firefighters in recognising fire and safety hazards around the home.

Spinal Life has recently shared program information at member meetings at the Sunshine Coast, Bundaberg, Rockhampton and Fraser Coast.

The meetings focused on how members can prepare themselves for an evacuation during an emergency.

QFES Senior Community Engagement Officer Tom Simpson said it was important to ensure you have a strategy in the event of an emergency, especially

Free program helps residents prepare themselves in case of fire

for people with a physical disability or mobility issues.

“People with a physical disability may have to take extra consideration in the event of a fire in their home,” he said.

“For example, carefully considering the charging location of your electric wheelchair or mobility scooter to ensure you have a clear path of exit or have alternative arrangements in case the equipment is involved in a fire.

“If you charge your mobility equipment inside your home or apartment, it’s a good idea to ensure a working smoke alarm is within close proximity.”

If you would like to book a free visit to assess safety hazards and evacuation routes in your home, call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or visit qld.gov.au/emergency/safety/safehome-booking

Fire safety tips: › If you live with others, identify

a meeting place outside the residence in case of fire

› Identify areas of safe refuge if a fire is blocking your only path of exit

› Ensure fire blankets and extinguishers are mounted in accessible places

› If possible, have access to a charged mobile or portable phone at all times to contact emergency services or family and friends.

BE PREPARED

22 THE ADVOCATE Now supporting you closer to home. spinal.com.au

BACK2WORK

Bradley Mairu’s career was spent building up brick walls – now he’s hoping to break some down.

The Cairns resident and life-long bricklayer was uncertain about what would happen with his work after he sustained a spinal cord injury in a fall late last year.

After going through Spinal Life’s Back2Work program, Bradley is more optimistic about his future and hopes to break down the barriers caused by his incomplete quadriplegia and return to his workplace.

“I’ve been a bricklayer my whole life so after I had my injury, I just assumed that was the end of it for me,” he said.

“After talking with Tania (Goossen from the Back2Work program), I’ve realised there are other options available and modifications can be made to help me get back into things.”

Bradley lays foundations for the future of his career

Bradley (pictured) has been working with Tania and his boss to work out a way for him to change his working conditions to allow him to continue.

“It may start slow with me doing things like mixing mud, but my boss has been really supportive and we’re exploring ways I can continue to work for the business,” Bradley said.

“I’m also seeing if study might be another opportunity, I’m considering exploring a degree in architecture.”

Tania said Bradley’s situation was not uncommon.

“For a lot of people who sustain a spinal cord injury, especially ones with careers in manual labour, it’s easy to assume the injury means the end of your working life,” she said.

“But there are options out there, even if it means picking up a whole new skill set.

“Through the Back2Work program, we hope to show people that returning to work or study doesn’t have to be a scary or impossible challenge.

“Bradley is the 100th person we have assisted with the program so far.”

For more information about the Back2Work program, visit spinal.com.au/back2work.

“After talking with Tania, I’ve realised there are other options available and modifications can be made to help me get back into things”

SPRING 2018 THE ADVOCATE 23

Because ‘your more’ is your ownThe NDIS is here and we’re ready to support you. Our team is dedicated to finding unique solutions across a range of specialist services to suit you:

› Personal care and lifestyle support › Mobility, seating and equipment prescriptions › Occupational therapy › Home modifications and driving assessments › NDIS Plan Management

and Supports Coordination

24 THE ADVOCATE Now supporting you closer to home. spinal.com.au

Spinal Life member Jeff Wright is returning to the Invictus Games this year, better trained and more determined than ever.

After competing in wheelchair rugby and basketball at last year’s Invictus Games in Canada, the Townsville resident hopes to do his country proud when the Games come to Sydney in October.

The Invictus Games is an international sporting competition created by Prince Harry for current and former armed services personnel who have been wounded or injured.

Jeff (pictured), who previously served as a Sergeant in East Timor in 1999, sustained a spinal cord injury after a motorcycle accident in 2015.

He said as soon as the 2017 Games were finished, he knew he wanted to compete again.

“As much as I loved going to Canada, knowing the audience for this year’s Games will be full of screaming Australians cheering me on will be a huge plus,” he said.

“I’ve been training non-stop since the 2017 Games finished and we’re looking to approach this year smarter, bigger and better.”

Jeff said his basketball team had been receiving coaching from Ben Ettridge, who helped lead the Australian Rollers to a gold and silver medal at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Paralympics.

“We’re going to play for a medal this year, doesn’t matter what colour, we want that bit of metal around our necks by the end of it,” he said.

Jeff will be competing again in wheelchair rugby and basketball at this year’s Games and will be returning to his role as Captain of the Australian rugby team.

The 2018 Invictus Games will run from 20 to 27 October.

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MEMBER STORY

Jeff shoots for a medal for his return to the Invictus Games

“Screaming Australians cheering me on will be a huge plus”

SPRING 2018 THE ADVOCATE 25

“Of course, as an athlete, you demand a lot from your equipment. The same goes for catheters. You want the best material”

Peter Genyn, 40, SCI

The Coloplast logo is a registered trademark of Coloplast A/S. © 2018-06 CON630. All rights reserved Coloplast Pty Ltd, PO Box 240, Mount Waverley, VIC 3149 Australia.

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26 THE ADVOCATE Now supporting you closer to home. spinal.com.au

ADVOCACY

Wheelability provides a one stop shop to maintain, personalise and improve your ride, whether it be ergonomic push rims, soft roll casters or under chair storage. We have it all with top named brands at great prices.

p: 03 9876 2576 e: enquiries@wheelability.com.au w: www.wheelability.com.au

– Wheelchairs – Casters – Wheels – Tubes

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– Tyres – Gloves – Tools – & lots more

So come check us out at www.wheelability.com.au

Registered NDIS Provider

Spinal Life member Tony Puhakka will be one of the first Australians to receive funding for air conditioning through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) after the results of a recent appeal.

The Toowoomba resident’s spinal cord injury makes it difficult for him to regulate his body temperature, leaving him susceptible to potentially life-threatening complications.

Tony said he was initially denied funding but argued his requirement for air conditioning was reasonable and necessary due to his disability.

“Words cannot describe how happy I am with the result, not just for me, but what it could mean for others in my position,” he said.

“There are a lot of people worse off than me who could really use air-conditioning funding, especially in such places with extreme heat like North Queensland.”

Spinal Life’s Advocacy and Allied Health teams assisted Tony with his appeal.

Chief Executive Officer Michael Powell welcomed the result and said the organisation hoped Tony’s win will help lead the way for similar funding allowances in the future.

“Air conditioning is often viewed as a luxury or a non-disability related expense in the eyes of the NDIS,” Michael said.

“But for many people with spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis, air conditioning can help prevent heatstroke, hypothermia, or potentially fatal conditions like autonomic dysreflexia, and is something we believe is worthy of being included in future NDIS plans.”

Tony said he was delighted with the result and the assistance he received from Spinal Life in the appeal.

“I’ve been supported by Spinal Life for 20 years and they’re still constantly helping me with issues like this,” he said.

“The amount of work the Advocacy and Allied Health teams put into helping me was fantastic, I’d be lost without them!”

Our advocacy support is available to Spinal Life members. Visit spinal.com.au/advocacy to find out more.

“Words cannot describe how happy I am with the result, not just for me, but what it could mean for others in my position”

Tony celebrates NDIS air conditioning funding win

Tony Puhakka (right) celebrates his NDIS win with wife Megan and children Bree and Tristan.

SPRING 2018 THE ADVOCATE 27

ADVOCACY

When the carer and the person with a disability need a break.

•Experienced staff •Foxtel and Wi-fi•All meals etc •Five minutes to Petrie Train station

An outbreak of the polio virus in Papua New Guinea (PNG) earlier this year has sparked concerns the disease may return to Australia after its initial eradication from the country in 2000.

Spinal Life Australia has written a letter to all members of Queensland parliament and the State and Commonwealth Health Ministers about the issue to increase community awareness of the lifelong effects of polio and the need to vaccinate against it.

The letter, which is signed by several facilitators for Spinal Life’s post-polio network, calls for mandatory vaccination programs for people visiting Australia from PNG, as well as encouraging further training and monitoring efforts.

Executive Manager – Member Services Ross Duncan said a response received from the Australian Government Department of Health has advised precautionary measures are taking place.

“We’ve been advised the Department of Home Affairs has updated its visa application policy for travellers from PNG to align with other polio affected countries,” Ross said.

Spinal Life advocates for action against polio after PNG outbreak

“This means evidence of vaccination is required from visa applicants that have spent 28 days or longer in PNG, aged six weeks or over.”

Ross said he was pleased to see action was being taken as the outbreak has the potential to be disastrous if the disease returns to Australia.

“Through the Spinal Life post-polio network, we’ve heard the stories of many polio survivors who still live with the late effects of polio,” Ross said.

“Their stories really bring home how devastating the disease was and still can be, which is why it’s so important to be cautious of another outbreak here.”

The outreach was part of Spinal Life’s ongoing advocacy efforts to work with members to raise awareness of the late effects of polio.

World Polio Day24 October 2018 will mark World Polio Day, an international day that looks at the progress made in completely eradicating the disease world-wide and how close the immunisation efforts are in making polio history.Spinal Life Australia will be holding a polio awareness event for World Polio Day at the Woolloongabba office on 24 October from 10am.Guest speakers will include people from the fields of physiotherapy and psychology as well as renowned specialist Dr Richard Bruno, one of the world’s leading expert on post-polio syndrome, who will be joining via video link.The event will also discuss Spinal Life Australia’s advocacy efforts to raise awareness of the late effects of polio through the medical community, including a medical alert card and guide for GPs.

Invitations will be sent out to the Spinal Life polio network closer to the date however you can RSVP or find more information by contacting members@spinal.com.au.

28 THE ADVOCATE Now supporting you closer to home. spinal.com.au

ADVOCACY

Events promote action and inclusion Our Spinal Life Networks will be holding activities throughout Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week and Disability Action Week in September.

Our Networks provide the opportunity to connect, share experiences and discuss community issues, as well as participate in advocacy campaigns and research projects.

Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week (3-9 September) Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week is held each year to raise awareness and challenge perceptions of the daily lives of people who have a spinal cord injury.

The national week is an initiative of the Australian Spinal Injury Alliance, which represents eight of the country’s largest spinal cord injury support organisations including Spinal Life.

World Spinal Cord Injury Day also forms part of the week and is held on 5 September by the International Spinal Cord Society.

Disability Action Week (9-15 September) Held annually in September, Disability Action Week aims to empower people with disability, raise awareness and improve access and inclusion throughout the wider community.

During the week, we will be launching our new Advocacy Charter through our Spinal Life Networks and online, sharing more about the principles that guide our advocacy efforts, our key priorities for the year ahead and how you can become more involved.

You can read more about our Advocacy Charter on Page 11. Photos and a full wrap-up of events will be published in the next issue of The Advocate magazine. Visit spinal.com.au or follow us on Facebook for the latest news.

In late July, Spinal Life Australia representatives attended the Senate committee hearing on the Inquiry into the need for regulation of mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs.Chief Executive Officer Michael Powell and Chief Advisor – Government John Mayo travelled to Melbourne for the hearing, with John providing evidence that stressed the difference between mobility scooters and power wheelchairs and the impacts additional speed and licence regulations could have on people with a disability.

The Senate Inquiry explored if additional regulations were needed on speed limits and a required licencing system for users of mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs.

John invited the Senate to look at the Queensland model, which he said was currently a nation-leading model for mobility device regulation.

“Reducing the speed limit for all mobility devices does not consider the varying mobility and functioning needs of people with a disability,” he said.

“You also can’t just throw power wheelchairs and mobility scooters in the same category for regulation as they are very different.“Pedestrians often share a pathway with cyclists and joggers who regularly reach speeds in excess of 10km/h, it would be discriminatory to single out one group here.”

Spinal Life member Charlie Ford (pictured), who has quadriplegia from a spinal cord injury and builds his own power wheelchairs, agreed with keeping regulations the way they are.

“Imagine crossing six-lanes of traffic at a pedestrian crossing on a mobility device or trying to get home in pouring rain – your speed becomes an important factor,” Charlie said.

“I can see the merits of introducing a licence system, but your doctor already has a duty of care to declare you fit enough to operate a mobility device when you’re issued the required medical certificate.”Spinal Life Australia had previously made a formal submission to the Inquiry, which led to an invitation to appear at the hearing.

You can read this submission at spinal.com.au/publications.

“Reducing the speed limit for all mobility devices does not consider the varying mobility and functioning needs of people with a disability”

Spinal Life encourages putting the brakes on mobility device

regulations

SPRING 2018 THE ADVOCATE 29

MEMBER NETWORKS

Come and share your experiences and discuss issues that matter to you with locals in your community through our networks across regional Queensland.

Spinal Life NetworksBribie Island: Contact Bill Peacock on 0403 686 998. Combined with Post Polio Network.

Brisbane: 11am, first Wednesday of the month. Contact Bill Simpson on 0412 729 843.

Bundaberg: 10.30am, third Tuesday of the month. Contact Pat Allison on 4153 1005.

FNQ (Cairns): Contact Del Childs on 4032 5379 or Lynn Barnes on 4055 6675. Combined with Post Polio Network.

Fraser Coast: 12pm, third Wednesday of the month. Contact Brian Willcox on 4121 4358.

Mackay: 12pm, first Friday of the month. Contact Debra Reaves on 0487 021 735.

Moreton Bay: 1pm, first Wednesday of the month. Contact Tom Dutton on 0448 949 910.

Rockhampton: Second Thursday of the month. Contact Jeanette Kretschmann on 1300 774 625.

Toowoomba: 12pm, third or fourth Friday of the month. Contact Wendy Adams on 0422 799 580. Combined with Post Polio Network.

Post Polio NetworksBrisbane: Contact Jeanette Kretschmann on 1300 774 625.

FNQ (Cairns): Contact Joy Hay on 4055 5795. Combined with above Spinal Life Network.

Gold Coast: 10.30am, second Monday of the month. Contact Lyn Glover on 0448 206 856 or Joan Radanovic on 0413 178 073.

Rockhampton: first Thursday of every month. Contact Robynne Clifton on 0473 576 107 or Anne Guthrie on 0407 116 035.

Sunshine Coast: 10am, second Friday of the month. Contact Cathy Newman on 5447 6608.

Toowoomba: Combined with above Spinal Life Network.

Townsville: 2pm, second Sunday of every second month (Feb, April, June, Aug, Oct, Dec). Contact Eric Collins on 4729 0275.

Transverse Myelitis NetworkContact Louise Remilton on 0414 254 531.

Human Rights Act to be introduced We recently welcomed news that a Human Rights Act will be instated in Queensland.The Queensland Government announced funding for the Act, as part of the 2018-19 Budget.

The Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland has been allocated funding of $2.3 million over four years, in addition to $616,000 per year in ongoing funding, for the operation and administration of the new Act.

Spinal Life Chief Advisor – Government, John Mayo, said the Act was aimed at protecting the rights of all Queenslanders, including people with a disability.

“We have been campaigning for the introduction of this Act for many years, as we want to ensure that all human beings are protected and receive the same rights no matter who they are,” he said.

“There is existing legislation in place to prevent discrimination in some areas such as transport, however this Act will encompass all human rights and improve equity and inclusion in the community.“We would like to see this eventually lead to the creation of a nationwide Human Rights Act, so there are no discrepancies between states.”Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory are currently the only states that have legislation in place for human rights.

Spinal Life has been part of a group that has collaborated on a campaign for a Human Rights Act for Queensland, along with lobbying directly to the State Government.

Spinal Life Member Meetings

Fees cut for transport access People with a disability who use a TransLink Access Pass no longer need to pay fees to renew the card each year.

The Access Pass is used by people who independently travel on the public transport network but have difficulties with the ticketing system, particularly touching on or off with a go card.

The Queensland Government recently announced changes beginning 1 August 2018, removing fees.

Previously, Access Pass holders were required to pay $72 each year to renew their card.

An expiry date for the Access Pass has been retained to ensure eligible cardholders can be confirmed as Queensland residents every five years.

Further information on TransLink ticketing concessions and passes can be found at translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/ticket-types/disability or by calling 13 12 30.

30 THE ADVOCATE Now supporting you closer to home. spinal.com.au

Having seen lots of interesting holiday clips on the Red Centre over the years, we thought 2018 would be a great time to spend a week in Alice Springs and Uluru without the extremes of hot weather in the summer months.

Our time was limited, so we kept our driving to a minimum and booked flights in and out of Alice Springs.

We hired a car at the airport (Jen was doing the driving so there was no need for a car to be fitted with hand controls).

We booked into the Hilton Hotel at Alice Springs, which was advertised as being wheelchair accessible.

Mostly it suited our needs, but it did not meet the full disability code requirements. However, everything was level with easy to access to restaurants and walking paths nearby.

Alice Springs is built on flat ground with Anzac Hill in the centre, with a lookout which overlooks the city and surrounding area.

We drove up, parked the car and ate our breakfast while enjoying the view, and then pushed to the monument and lookout on top.

On our first morning, we visited the Old Stuart Town Gaol which also houses The Women’s Museum, which was all wheelchair accessible and very informative for tourists.

The Alice Springs wildlife centre was our next stop, which was wheelchair accessible with a fully sealed path providing easy entry to the bird show and other park attractions.

The next day we ventured out to Simpsons Gap, about an hour drive west from Alice Springs which is very popular with bushwalkers as a lot of the walks are in dry river beds where it is easy to navigate.

We found a walking track with a wheelchair accessible sign so decided to give it a go.

The track had been cut into the side of the hill, which gave a level platform approximately 1.2m wide following the contour of the hill and went for about 1.5km – with a drop of 4m on one side and a red dirt surface that was poorly maintained, with solid rock protruding in some areas due to erosion.

It was here we met two park rangers

coming the other way and made a comment about maintenance as we were trying to pass each other – without anybody falling off the cliff face!

They have put in an application for funding to get an all-terrain vehicle supplied and were surprised we had got as far along the track as we had.

Simpsons Gap was great to experience up close, but a normal day chair is not my suggested form of transport – and make sure you always have a net over your hat to keep the flies away.

We continued west to the Ochre Pits about 100km away, which had wheelchair access to a viewing platform overlooking the beautiful colours.

It was a six-hour drive to Uluru along the Stuart Highway, and only one of the service stations along the way had a suitable accessible bathroom.

We checked into the Desert Gardens Hotel, which is approximately 20km from the Rock and along with four other hotels and shops creates a small town. The drive to Uluru is sealed road and costs $25 each for a three-day pass.

To see the Rock and The Olgas by

Fred’s journey: from Alice Springs to Uluru Words by Fred Nitz, Spinal Life Australia member

TRAVEL

SPRING 2018 THE ADVOCATE 31

TRAVEL

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helicopter was just great and many thanks to Ayers Rock Helicopters and especially Carmen our pilot for such a great experience.

Before we departed from Brisbane, I tried to book plane or helicopter flights, however was told it would not be possible due to workplace health and safety, and the risk of injuries for the people doing the lifting.

This was reinforced when I enquired at the different flight companies when I visited their office two days before our flight.

When I was talking to the owner of Ayers Rock Helicopters, Mike, and explained that I weighed 65kg and could assist with the transfer into the helicopter, it was agreed that we could make it work quite easily so at 8am we were collected from our hotel by a minivan and taken to the airport for what was a fabulous experience on a clear day.

The next day our visit on ground to see the Rock started with a temperature of 5°C at 8am to meet the local Ranger for a guided tour, which was wheelchair accessible.

The push in my day chair was possible but to keep up with the group and hear the commentary from the Ranger I did need assistance.

We also went to the Field of Light, a dinner setting on a hill which overlooked a field full of fairy lights. There were drinks before a three-course meal, all catered for in the middle of the desert with views of the Milky Way.

An astronomer with a laser pointer highlighted the different galaxies and star combinations. It was very cold and next time I will wear my long johns.

We were transported to and from the dinner by coach, arriving back at the hotel at 11pm. This gets a 10 out of 10 from Jen and me.

The drive back to Alice Springs was now a breeze as we knew where the most accessible service station was, and which one had the best food (where the most caravans and four-wheel drives were parked)!

32 THE ADVOCATE Now supporting you closer to home. spinal.com.au

TRIBUTE

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Gavin Leyshon joined Spinal Life Australia in 1991 when the organisation (then called the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association of Queensland) started connecting with Queenslanders experiencing the late effects of polio.

Gavin took a leadership role in achieving integration and profile for people with polio at a time when health professionals had not seen a case of polio since the early 1960s.

Gavin was an active member of the organisation for many years and was awarded an Honorary Life Membership in 2010.

He served on the Board from 1993 to 2003 and was Treasurer from 1995 to 2002.

Determined, positive, owning a great sense of humour and a jovial laugh, Gavin was popular with members and staff, going as far as to visit the office every Christmas Eve with a seemingly never-ending tin of lollies.

He will be remembered as an advocate who fostered greater awareness and understanding of physical disability and for being a cornerstone for this organisation.

Judy Collins was an active member of Spinal Life Australia for many years.

She was a long-serving Board member, joining in 1997 and serving as Vice President from 2008 to 2009.

Judy was acknowledged for her contributions and awarded with an Honorary Life Membership during Spinal Life’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2010.

A passionate advocate for access and inclusion, Judy unfailingly attended meetings, workshops and events at the Brisbane office even when it meant travelling day or night from Ipswich via maxi taxi.

A woman who had the courage of her convictions, Judy’s concern was for the welfare and wellbeing of members, advocating for the best service outcomes at the least cost to them.

Judy recognised the cost of disability to the individual and reinforced that lived experience to government, organisations and business.

Her valued contributions over the years have shaped the platform we operate from in delivering on the mission of Spinal Life.

In so many ways, Judy showed the way.

Gavin Leyshon 21.09.1930 – 18.07.2018

Judy Catherine Collins 14.11.1954 – 24.05.2018

Farewell to dedicated members by John Mayo

SPRING 2018 THE ADVOCATE 33

34 THE ADVOCATE Now supporting you closer to home. spinal.com.au

RESEARCH

As part of Spinal Life Australia's renewed strategic direction, one of our key goals is to engage more in research to improve the lives of people with spinal cord damage and the wider community.

Through partnerships with The Hopkins Centre and other leading research institutions, there will be more opportunities than ever for our members to take part in a range of exciting projects.

We have formed a Research Committee including member representatives with a spinal cord injury, post polio or transverse myelitis, who will work with our team to evaluate potential opportunities and our involvement.

To stay up to date, visit spinal.com.au/research or follow us on Facebook.

Share your feedback on access to health services We know that quality health services are critical to enable people who have a spinal cord injury to maintain their health and participate in their communities.

That’s why we have partnered with Griffith University on a research project focusing on these vital services.

Health services include general practitioners, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dentists, hospitals, specialists (such as urologists or neurologists) and pharmacists.

The research results will be used to understand how to improve the accessibility of health facilities for people with spinal cord damage and other mobility impairments.

The first phase of the project involves a confidential survey for participants to share their personal experiences, which will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

By taking part, you will go into the draw to win one of ten $50 Coles/Myer Gift Cards.

Griffith University researchers are also attending several of our member meetings throughout the state to discuss the project, which will later include an audit of services in a chosen region.

The research project has received ethics approval under guidelines from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia; and is funded by a Griffith University New Researcher Grant.

To find out more, including a link to the survey, visit spinal.com.au/health-research or call 1300 SPINAL for a copy to be posted to you. If you have any questions about the project, please contact Dr Ali Lakhani on 0450 752 541 or a.lakhani@griffith.edu.au

Participate in research

The research results will be used to understand how to improve the accessibility of health facilities for people with spinal cord damage and other mobility impairments.

SPRING 2018 THE ADVOCATE 35

ACCESSIBILITYInspired. The way

travel should be

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Planning your holiday should be as exciting as

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Hi, I’m Fiona, a personal travel manager with over 20 years’ experience in the travel industry.

I have insight into the travel needs of a person with a disability, as I am a wheelchair user myself, however I am available to help anyone with their travel plans.

Using years of knowledge and resources to secure the most competitive rates, plus my natural ability to go the extra mile, ensures that all my clients receive the highest quality service. For a tailor-made itinerary that’s designed for your way of travel, contact me today.

Spinal Life hosted a meeting in July aimed at strengthening future relationships and connections between Cairns Regional Council and the region’s disability community.

Representatives and managers from Cairns disability service providers met with members of Council to discuss ways the organisations can work together to improve accessibility in the region and the quality of life for residents with a disability.

Spinal Life’s Executive Manager – Member Services Ross Duncan said the initiative started from a previous meeting held by the organisation in May on making Cairns more inclusive.

“We invited representatives from Council and local disability groups to take part in discussions about accessibility and inclusion in Cairns,” Ross said.

“After the meeting, Cairns Regional Council expressed interest in engaging more with local disability groups to strengthen connections and improve services for people with disability.

“It’s great to see they’ve taken an active

interest in the Cairns disability community and all involved are hoping this leads to a more inclusive and accessible city in the future.”

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the aim of the meeting was to enable Council to engage and share information and ideas with disability service providers, particularly in relation to the rollout of the NDIS which started in Cairns on 1 July.

“We are always looking for opportunities to expand our knowledge base regarding disability services and to create a stronger voice to advocate for improved service provision in the Far North,” Cr Manning said.

Cairns Regional Council is looking to hold similar meetings in future to ensure relations remain strong between Council and the region’s disability community groups and service providers.

Spinal Life will also be contributing to the long-term accessibility of the Cairns region with the upcoming construction of the $12 million Healthy Living Centre.

You can read more about the project on Page 14.

At the recent Cairns meeting (from left): Alex Christensen from Advanced Personnel Management, Alan Blackshaw from Cairns Regional Council, Elizabeth Cockcroft from Cassowary Community Group, Ian Chill and Brett Spencer from Cairns Regional Council and Spinal Life Chief Executive Officer Michael Powell.

Meeting bolsters Cairns disability community relations

36 THE ADVOCATE Now supporting you closer to home. spinal.com.au

SOCIALS

Members share stories to raise fundsThank you to everyone who supported our 2018 Tax Appeal, which raised more than $27,000!

The annual campaign takes place before the end of financial year, and saw members Dane Cross and Kristy Banks share their stories and more about their lives after sustaining spinal cord damage.

The funds we raise will help us to provide valuable assistance to people who have recently sustained spinal cord damage, along with supporting our advocacy efforts which are creating change on a local, state and national level.

Thank you to Dane and Kristy (pictured below), and their families, for taking part and raising awareness about what is possible after sustaining a life-changing injury, not only among our supporters, but also our members, clients and the wider community.

Visit spinal.com.au to read the full stories.

Play for Purpose supports Spinal Life We have partnered with charity lottery Play for Purpose to offer the chance to win some great prizes, and we need your help to spread the word! From each $25 ticket purchased, $15 goes directly to help us provide advocacy, advice, peer support and education to people with spinal cord damage or related physical disability.

Prizes include $500,000 worth of gold bullion, a $150,000 luxury car package or a $25,000 travel experience.

Entries close 25 September 2018. To share with your networks, visit us on Facebook.

Perth event

Toowoomba members bowl to winThe Toowoomba Spinal Life Network held a Ten Pin Bowling Challenge in June, bringing together members, their families and the Spinal Life team including CEO Michael Powell. There were great prizes to win, before lunch at the bistro. Thanks to everyone who attended and took part.

We held a meet-and-greet event in Perth to celebrate the launch of our member services in WA, with guest speaker Jaimen Hudson (above right) sharing his story with the audience. We look forward to holding more great events in Perth!

SPRING 2018 THE ADVOCATE 37

TRAINING SOLUTIONS

Active Adaptive

Clothing and Accessories

Australian Design & Made

Phone: 0402 917 043narelle@activeadaptive.com.au

www.activeadaptive.com.auwww.splittbacks.com.au

Gym Wear

Swim Wear

Street Wear

Palmar Pocket

Push Mitts

Daily Living Accessories

These patterns are inspired by the OT’s at the PA and Talbot

Hospital Spinal Units

Active Adaptive

Clothing and Accessories

Australian Design & Made

Phone: 0402 917 043narelle@activeadaptive.com.au

www.activeadaptive.com.auwww.splittbacks.com.au

Gym Wear

Swim Wear

Street Wear

Palmar Pocket

Push Mitts

Daily Living Accessories

These patterns are inspired by the OT’s at the PA and Talbot

Hospital Spinal Units

Active Adaptive

Clothing and Accessories

Australian Design & Made

Phone: 0402 917 043narelle@activeadaptive.com.au

www.activeadaptive.com.auwww.splittbacks.com.au

Gym Wear

Swim Wear

Street Wear

Palmar Pocket

Push Mitts

Daily Living Accessories

These patterns are inspired by the OT’s at the PA and Talbot

Hospital Spinal Units

Active Adaptive

Clothing and Accessories

Australian Design & Made

Phone: 0402 917 043narelle@activeadaptive.com.au

www.activeadaptive.com.auwww.splittbacks.com.au

Gym Wear

Swim Wear

Street Wear

Palmar Pocket

Push Mitts

Daily Living Accessories

These patterns are inspired by the OT’s at the PA and Talbot

Hospital Spinal Units

Active Adaptive

Clothing and Accessories

Australian Design & Made

Phone: 0402 917 043narelle@activeadaptive.com.au

www.activeadaptive.com.auwww.splittbacks.com.au

Gym Wear

Swim Wear

Street Wear

Palmar Pocket

Push Mitts

Daily Living Accessories

These patterns are inspired by the OT’s at the PA and Talbot

Hospital Spinal Units

Active Adaptive

Clothing and Accessories

Australian Design & Made

Phone: 0402 917 043narelle@activeadaptive.com.au

www.activeadaptive.com.auwww.splittbacks.com.au

Gym Wear

Swim Wear

Street Wear

Palmar Pocket

Push Mitts

Daily Living Accessories

These patterns are inspired by the OT’s at the PA and Talbot

Hospital Spinal Units

GYM WEAR SWIM WEAR

STREET WEAR PALMAR POCKET

PUSH MITTS DAILY LIVING

ACCESSORIES

These patterns are inspired by the OT’s at the Princess Alexandra Hospital

and Talbot Hospital Spinal Units

Our team of qualified educators delivers a wide range of training courses, from first aid to personal care and medication support.

These are available for our employees including Personal Support Workers, along with other individuals and businesses.

We recently introduced a new course, Mental Health First Aid, a comprehensive two-day course to educate first responders in identifying mental health problems and provide initial support.

This can include dealing with a developing problem such as depression and anxiety, to assisting someone experiencing an immediate mental health crisis.

Senior Clinical Facilitator Aaron Buckner said the workshops were introduced to give attendees the confidence and knowledge to deal with any scenarios.

Mental health first aid training now on offer“We aim to give people the skills they need to support a person’s wellbeing, until professional help becomes available or the crisis is resolved.”

Other courses on offer include personal care such as continence management and pressure injury prevention, manual tasks such as hoist and equipment training and handling techniques, along with educational workshops about disability and the impact of a spinal cord injury.

To find out more, visit spinal.com.au/training-solutions or call 1300 SPINAL.

38 THE ADVOCATE Now supporting you closer to home. spinal.com.au

Upcoming events

Follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/spinallifeaustralia) or Twitter (twitter.com/spinallife)

Don’t miss out on the latest news and events!

About our services We are here to support you to find ‘your more’, as part of your trusted team for life.

NDIS Plan Management and Supports Coordination Our experienced Transition Officers can help you navigate the NDIS and assist with pre-planning, plan management and supports coordination.

Member ServicesOur members can access a range of services including peer support, individual advocacy assistance, events and activities, equipment hire, discounted rates on specialist services, high-quality advice, volunteering opportunities and more. You can also help set our course and have an active voice in our organisation, with member views and feedback truly valued.

Allied Health Services Our dedicated professionals include physiotherapists and occupational therapists, who can assist with:

› Access to expertise and funding schemes › Mobility, seating and equipment solutions and prescriptions › Specialist personal advice and assessments, including

driving assessments › Workplace assessments, home modifications

and pressure mapping › Continence and wound assessment and management › Specialised physiotherapy.

Personal Support and Home Care Services Our team provides reliable services seven days a week* throughout Queensland, including:

› Personal care at home and work › Specialist complex personal care › Domestic assistance around the home › Lifestyle support to attend appointments, activities,

holidays and events › Transition support from hospital to home.

*Seven-day service available in most locations. Contact us for more information.

Employment, Study and Workplace Assistance Our Back2Work program supports patients in the Princess Alexandra Hospital’s Spinal Injuries Unit to return to work or study, while our Allied Health team also provides detailed workplace assessments and equipment solutions. Plus, we deliver disability awareness workshops to educate staff on inclusiveness, conducted by our Training Solutions facilitators. Contact us today on 1300 SPINAL or enquiries@spinal.com.au to find out how we can support you.

SEPTEMBER3-9 September Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week

5 September World Spinal Cord Injury Day

9-15 September Disability Action Week, Queensland

26 September Healthy Living Centre sod turning event, Cairns

OCTOBER10 October World Mental Health Day

20-27 October Invictus Games, Sydney

24 October Polio Awareness Day

NOVEMBER29 November Annual General Meeting

SPRING 2018 THE ADVOCATE 39

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