Here’s a quick snapshot of what happened in August 2021:
The Paralympics kicked off this week in Tokyo.
It’s official, the 2020 Paralympics have begun! Find everything you need to know on their website here. We’re cheering on every single athlete that made it to the games (with a little extra cheer for ParaQuad ambassador Luke Bailey)
Like the Tokyo2020 Olympics, you can stream the Paralympics on Channel 7. Make sure you set a reminder, so you don’t miss your favourite event. Or do what we do, and have it constantly playing in the background.
#WeThe15 goes viral
WeThe15 is sport’s biggest ever human rights movement to end discrimination. They aim to transform the lives of the world’s 1.2 billion persons with disabilities, who represent 15% of the global population.
Launching at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, WeThe15 plans to initiate change over the next decade by bringing together the biggest coalition of international organisations from the world of sport, human rights, policy, communications, business, arts and entertainment.
At a time when diversity and inclusion are hot topics, the 15% who have a disability want effective change to remove the inequality and inactivity. Like race, gender and sexual orientation, they want to have a movement all persons with a disability can rally behind. This global movement is publicly campaigning for disability visibility, inclusion and accessibility.
WeThe15 will shine a light on the 15% of the world’s population. It will build greater knowledge of the barriers and discrimination persons with disabilities face daily at all levels of society. By doing so, they aim to break down these barriers so all persons with disabilities can fulfil their potential and be active, visible members of an inclusive society.
Keep up to date on their website here.
Changes to DSOA:
When NDIS was introduced, those approaching their 65th birthday retained funding from state bodies under the Continuity of Supports program. Since July 1, 2021, this has been updated and consolidated across the country under the Disability Support for Older Australians (DSOA). We see a greater parity in processes under DSOA with NDIS, such as Individual Support Plans and Change of Circumstance requests. We are hopeful that the final funding for individuals will also align more closely. We know that consumables continue to be a point of difference, and the change is also seeing some flow onto nursing supports. We are interested to know how this change has impacted you. Tell us your story by emailing us at editor@paraquad.org.au.
Read more about these changes here.
It’s wound awareness week:
Chronic wounds are a largely unknown problem, despite causing significant personal and financial costs. That’s why Wounds Australia has built a campaign to raise awareness and deliver innovative reform to health and aged care. From August 23-29, you can attend free webinars to educate and raise awareness about chronic wounds. Head to the Wounds Australia website to find resources to keep updated with their latest news and research.
Introducing the Care passport:
For many people living with physical disabilities, receiving appropriate care in a hospital can be a challenge. Specific needs may not be automatically identified or included in a patient’s care routine by hospital staff. At its mildest, this can result in patients living with a physical disability having an uncomfortable and frustrating hospital experience; at its worst, the effects of inadequate care can be dangerous or even fatal.
Your voice is important and needs to be heard. If you have ever had a poor communication experience in an NSW hospital, please fill out this short survey conducted by the Physical Disability Council of NSW (PDSN). Https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BQYMN5H.
Read more about this on the PDSN website here.
Transport NSW trial accessible care share:
Transport for NSW is investigating the use of car share at transport interchanges. At Katoomba station, a trial of three cars, two hybrid vehicles and one wheelchair-accessible minivan will be run for six months starting in September this year. The trial will be in partnership with car-share company GoGet. We are looking to capture experiences of and attitudes to car share for users and non-users, particularly those of customers using wheelchairs.
Your input will help them understand car-share opportunities at transport interchanges in Sydney and regional NSW. Please consider your answers to pre-Covid and post-Covid restrictions when completing this survey. We hope to see you in the Blue Mountains to try out this service when restrictions lift.
Survey Link: https://forms.office.com/r/RfEzEcsB3U