Meet Josh Brass – by Eliza Ault-Connell AM
Josh Brass is a pocket rocket of dynamo proportions. When asked about just how many sports he participates in he says “I just do heaps, I can't keep track!'
Josh, who is originally from New Zealand but now resides in Queensland Australia, goes on to name track, tennis, obstacle course racing, triathlons, swimming and personal training to name a few. His attitude towards life and being active
is insatiable. When asked about his dream sport to get involved in he is quick to answer ice hockey, because he adores being on the ice and loves going fast.
Becoming Independent - by Alicia Kapa
Life has changed a lot this year for the entire world but it is about to change a whole lot more for my family and I. For the last year I have wanted to go flatting as every 21 year old wants to do but I discovered that it’s not that easy to find a house that is accessible. This means that I am staying at home and my parents are moving out, this is happening next weekend. To be exact, the 4th of July, Independence Day which is ironic.
11-year-old Lucas Pedersen tells us about his experience with wheelchair racing
Hi, my name is Lucas and I am 11 years old. I was born with spina bifida, I am a full-time wheelchair user. I am a member of Parafed Waikato and part of their Youth Club.
My favourite sport is push rim wheelchair racing. I love it because it is fun and you can get some speed up, also I am with other people who are like me.
Reframing the meaning of disability – by Marlena Katene
The other day my flatmate went outside and found his car with a flat tyre. After around 20 minutes of struggling to get the wheel off, he came in swearing and blaming not having the right equipment rather than admit his “inability” to change the wheel.
Facing Adversity: Life with a Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) - by Ian Walker
You may have a great career, be in a loving relationship, partaking in activities you are passionate about, in essence, life is progressing well for you. Then in a split second, it is all turned upside down!
In 2006 I became a paraplegic after breaking my back in a cycling accident and then in 2019 I became a quadriplegic when run over by a 4WD while out handcycling. How did I manage to not only face but also come through these adversities?
Celebrating Disability in Film - By Susan Seipel
While we are all staying home to protect each other from the spread of COVID-19, what better time than now to enjoy a movie marathon. These titles feature a protagonist that has a disability and storylines that empower people with disabilities. As society becomes more inclusive, so should representation of disability in film. What other films can you recommend that show people living with disabilities in a positive way?
37 Seconds(2020) Drama
Powered Mobility - A Practical Approach to Environmental Challenges – by Helen Widdowson, OT
When it comes to prescribing powered wheelchairs there are many factors that need to be considered, one of which is the environment. When there are several environments in the mix, all with very different demands on the user and the chair, finding the right powered wheelchair can be tricky.
Take Sam* for example; at the time of assessment he was a young adult diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, living with his family.
Music As Therapy - By Jess Cochran
My voice started off meek like a mouse, wavering, faltering, trying desperately to hide behind the strum of the guitar. As the weeks passed and with each session, my voice grew stronger, louder, more confident and I began to open up about what each song meant to me and the emotions that came bubbling to the surface with the memories that they stirred.
Looking to the other side of COVID-19 – by Geoff Trappett OAM
What will COVID-19 and all the experiences it has brought us force you to change when we finally emerge?
Plenty has changed for all of us during the past few months. As Eliza Ault-Connell AM said in her recent Invacare blog on living through COVID-19 “These indeed are challenging times for everyone on the planet. The simple things we took for granted before the rapid rise of COVID-19 like being able to pop to the shops or meet a friend for a coffee... and adjusting the way we live, work and play.”
Living through COVID-19 with a disability – by Eliza Ault-Connell AM
That which doesn’t break you reinvents you.
These words have played over and over in my head these last few days as I navigate the online learning system with three primary school-age children whilst also working from home and training for the Tokyo games next year.
These indeed are challenging times for everyone on the planet. The simple things we took for granted before the rapid rise of COVID-19 like being able to pop to the shops or meet a friend for a coffee... and adjusting the way we live, work and play.