Don’t call me an Olympian – by Susan Seipel
I am a proud Paralympian, by calling me an Olympian you dismiss the rich history of the Paralympic movement and the pioneering figures that stood up against injustice and prejudice to transform society’s views on people with disabilities through sport.
Those who have inspired me to be me – by Tyrone Cook
As disabled people, we often feel we are different and think “who can I look up to, there is no one like me in the media, or who is famous”, we forget that throughout history there have been many disabled people who have made a true impact. I am going to talk about 4 well-known people, who are not only disabled but who inspire me to stay true to myself.
How can you drive personal inclusion? – by Geoff Trappett OAM
Something I have found getting back into sports, specifically the fun run circuit, way after my professional wheelchair racing career ended, is that you need to be much more a part of your own destiny when it comes to your inclusion in events.
The Fall – by Jess Cochran
And just when you think the struggle couldn’t get any harder; the problems continue, the rain falls harder, the darkness is darker, and the challenges keep coming. It’s then that you must remember that yes, the struggle is difficult, and it feels like it will never end but you’ve been here before and you’ll be here again.
My journey with inclusive fashion – by Eliza Ault-Connell AM
I will never forget the day I was rolling through the mall when had my brand-new denim jacket on in my spanking new green wheelchair. 19-year-old me thought I was looking pretty darn cool. That coolness was soon horror as the large metal button on the jacket sleeve got caught between my push rim and wheel suddenly bringing me to a screeching halt. I fumbled around for what seemed like an eternity and finally released the button and tentatively went on my merry way. At that moment I realized not all fashion was created equal.
Challenging Perceptions about Disability one Adventure at a Time – by Alicia Kapa
In 2015 my best friend Leah and I founded a project called Wheely Wacky Adventures. Leah graduated with a Bachelor of Communications majoring in television and film production. So with her technical skills, my Cerebral Palsy and our love for adventures, we decided to share them with the world.
My thoughts on Inclusion – by Marlena Katene
“Inclusion isn’t a word that is commonly used by the general community. However, the word is used quite commonly by people that are fighting for themselves or others for the very right... to be Included”
I have never really known anything else but to be included and accepted in my various communities throughout my life. As a person with a disability, I consider myself blessed that this is so. However, the reality is that not all with disabilities are included as I have been.
Wheelie Travelling: My Top Tips - by Ian Walker
Image: Ian Walker at the 2017 New York City Marathon Expo with race number
With the opening of the Trans-Tasman bubble flights between New Zealand and Australia having resumed this is providing a much-needed boost to each nations' tourism sector. This got me thinking about travelling as a wheelchair user and the added complications that can and usually are faced as opposed to an able-bodied traveller.
Flying with a wheelchair – by Susan Seipel
Travel is something that I have really missed lately due to the Covid19 travel restrictions. But while I love an overseas adventure my least favourite part of the journey is the airplane flight. My experiences have varied greatly as a wheelchair user that requires legroom due to having a fused knee joint. While having a straight leg means I can weight bear and walk using crutches, it can be awful trying to fit in a plane seat!
Meet Eric Yau, Product Manager of Respiratory and Ramps at Invacare Asia Pacific.
Eric sees his role at Invacare as an opportunity to transform the company vision into products that meet his customer’s needs. “People are looking for suitable equipment and Invacare is offering those products along with innovation, value and care. What we offer can truly change people’s lives for the better.”