LIFE COACHING – TO IMPROVE AND ACHIEVE – By Ian Walker
Toward the end of every year, countless numbers of us set ourselves new year’s resolutions. These are usually aspects of our lives that we believe changes, positive changes would improve our ‘lot’. But how many of us actually do something about adopting these resolutions? Actually make them work for us to achieve what we want out of our life? How many of us truly look at our lives, seriously enough to set a course of direction to achieve the things we really want? Life coaching can be the answer to these questions we pose ourselves.
Healing with Animal-Assisted Therapy – By Susan Seipel
Historian’s quote Greek physician Hippocrates, the so-called ‘Father of Medicine’, as saying ‘Riding in clean air strengthens body muscles and keeps them in good form,’ referring to horse riding having therapeutic value. Thousands of years later and from my own experience, I couldn’t agree more!
Unemployment and Disability - by Tyrone Cook
“The Unemployment rate is at its lowest since 2007, it is at 4.0%”, every time the media announces the unemployment rate here in New Zealand I sigh because we are never included in the statistics... in fact, if we were, the total would be higher and never lower.
Unemployment is a huge issue for disabled people worldwide, and what’s worse is the attitude we get of “go get a job, stop taking hand-outs” or “people on benefits are lazy and drug addicts”. Then you have organisations like Occupational Health and Safety NZ which makes our lives harder still.
MEET NANNAPAT PARIYAPATSAKUL (AKA KATE), INVACARE'S ACCOUNTANT IN THAILAND
Nannapat Pariyapatsakul (aka Kate) is our Thailand Accountant, and she would very much like people to know that Invacare is helping to make life’s experiences possible: “we really do!”
“I work as the Thailand Accountant. As part of my role, I have to make sure that the company is efficiently operating. My duties include studying accounting records, analysing data, creating financial reports and completing tax returns.”
Telehealth, The Silver Lining in 2020 - by Jessica Cochran
There are many lessons that New Zealanders and Australians have learnt throughout COVID-19. Whether it be the importance of getting daily sunshine and a walk, taking time for self-care or staying connected with friends, family and work colleagues. Even though there are many things that I’ve absorbed during COVID-19 in metro Melbourne, there is one thing particular that I will take with me as we go into the new “COVID normal” and it is something that I hope we continue to implement as time goes on and we rebuild our country.
How Safe do you Feel? - by Geoff Trappett OAM
How safe do you feel in your community? Do you feel disability leaves you vulnerable to abuse or assault? Ever thought what you could do about it?
I grew up sporty. Despite living with a disability my entire life I never saw myself as inherently vulnerable. I still don’t for the most part. But the world we live in certainly has been taking a weird and wacky turn lately so I came to examine not only my safety but being able to protect my family.
Intimate Relationships with a Disability - by Eliza-Ault Connell AM
'Oh, I thought she was your carer, is that actually your partner?'
In the world of disability and intimate relationships sadly this is a line that is heard too often. The assumption made purely on the basis of one person looking more able, that they must, in fact, be a caregiver, and that it's a shock an inter-ability relationship could possibly take place. Inter-ability relationships are described as a relationship between a person living with a disability and one who is not disabled. Basically, attraction over ability.
It’s Ok to Not be Ok – by Alicia Kapa
Life can get really hectic at times. Sometimes for a few days or weeks, but sometimes it can feel like forever and that there is going to be no end. Today, the world is completely different from what it was in January. It is full of uncertainty, anxiety, stress and a lot of tears. But there is also a lot of love and things to be grateful for if we take a moment to stop and think.
Meet Nutthaya Taeng-on (aka Nutty), Invacare’s Customer Service Representative in Thailand
Nutthaya Taeng-on (aka Nutty) is our Customer Service Representative in Thailand, and she loves the flexibility her role offers and dealing with so many different people from around the world.
“My responsibilities involve both export and domestic, and they provide me with many opportunities to connect with people, which I love. My role also includes a great deal of cultural diversity and I enjoy learning about different cultures and relish supporting these people in meeting their goals.”
When standard mobility equipment doesn’t work, what other options are there? – by Luke Meighan, Biomedical Engineer
Throughout my professional career, I have used a considerable amount of time and brainpower looking for solutions to people’s equipment needs. The cookie-cutter approach rarely works best, everyone is different, each situation is unique. This is reflected in the mountain of products available today, try Googling ‘wheelchair’ and see what comes up. How you navigate through the jungle can be no easy feat, thankfully there are many in this area who can help guide you through the selection and trial process, funding applications and more.