Getting Creative with Adaptive Mobility Equipment Solutions in Complex Cases – by Geoff Edwards, OT
Having recently started work with Invacare as a Field Sales Consultant (with an emphasis on mobility and seating), here are some recent examples of successful adaptive equipment solutions our team has identified whilst working in the community.
COVID-19 – Invacare Australia and Invacare New Zealand Operational Update
Dear Invacare Customers,
Invacare continues to monitor the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) via the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Australian Government Department of Health as well as the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organisation (WHO). The COVID-19 outbreak is rapidly changing, and we will continue to monitor its status and impact to our customers. We will keep communication channels open and will relay necessary information as it becomes available.
University with a Disability - by Alicia Kapa
Ever since I was young I knew I wanted to do something with my life, I just didn’t know what. When I was in year 12 at school I decided I wanted to work with young people who have been caught up in the justice system. I am going into my fourth year at university and this is what it is like going to uni in a wheelchair.
Where There's A Wheel, There's Always A Way - by Marlena Katene
Is 2020 the year that you plan the holiday that you always dreamt of?
Travelling with a wheelchair is an experience in itself. Some places are easy, some are hard and some are just downright impossible. Sometimes Google will help and sometimes it will annoy you or give inaccurate information.
Here are my top five travel tips that I found while travelling the world in a wheelchair. These simple tips will get you on your way to having the holiday that you are dreaming about.
Rob Rees Kitchen Challenge - By Tracey Leong, Invacare ANZ's Quality Assurance Associate
Tracey Leong is one of the six Invacare staff members who was selected to participate in the Rob Rees Kitchen Challenge along with people from Presbyterian Support Northern and Invacare community members. Here is her take on her experience to date:
Is it okay to use the accessible toilet when you don’t have a disability? - A User Guide to Toilet Etiquette - by Susan Seipel
Currently, there are no laws that mandate accessible facilities for the exclusive use by people with disabilities. Unlike Disability Parking, which will earn you a substantial fine if you don’t have a permit. It is comforting to know you will not be arrested with your pants down for using the lavatory. However, just because something isn’t illegal to do, is it socially acceptable?
Exploring the world on wheels: from Egyptian pyramids to souvlaki atop Santorini - By Marayke Jonkers
Travel is on many peoples’ bucket lists for the new decade as we bring in the 2020s, but doing so in a wheelchair holds unique challenges and rewards. Having visited all continents of the world by myself independently in either a manual or powered wheelchair I’m here to let you know it can be done.
Staring out the car window at the great pyramid of Giza in Egypt, my initial reaction was awe at this ancient wonder of the world. Awe promptly turned to feeling perplexed as the four wheels of my wheelchair bogged into the sand before I even left the car.
When man’s best friend is also their lifeline – By Jess Cochran
Heading down the hospital corridor the hall echoes with the squeal of rubber tires on linoleum and the soft pitter-patter of paws. As we wait in the crowded waiting room I feel a light pawing followed by a gentle push of weight against my legs. Curious eyes watch on and people smile gently at what they assume is a small gesture of love.
What they don’t realise is that Riley, my Assistance Dog in Training, has picked up on the rise in my heart rate and is hard at work. This seemingly small action is, in fact, one the keys to independence as I know it.
When is a holiday more work than your everyday life? – by Geoff Trappett OAM
Having just enjoyed the festive holiday season I wonder how many outside of the disabled community thought of some of the extra little nuances that a holiday period brings to a disabled person's life?
For instance, when you choose somewhere to stay for a holiday, you probably thought about price and location right? Well for a disabled person they thought of that plus accessibility, plus whether they could get rental adaptive equipment, plus whether they could access support workers in the area to name just a few.
How should I talk to my children when they ask about disability and difference? – by Eliza Ault-Connell AM
“Mummy look at that ladies legs”.
Each and every time I set foot in public I can be assured of two things. Comments from children who say it as they see it. Parents madly trying to hush their child to avoid an awkward moment or hoping that I may not have heard what their child had said.