DisABILITY Accessibility Information Resources

November - December 2005
Number 36

e-Bility News is a bi-monthly newsletter distributed by e-Bility Inclusive IT. It presents information on updates to e-Bility's web site, news about disability related issues on the Web, as well as other information and resources of interest to the disability and health sector.

What's new on e-Bility.com?

Brochure stand

GTK Rehab: GTK Rehab supplies an extensive range of rehabilitation technology products and has recently taken on some exciting new equipment, including the A4 titanium and Action 3 lightweight manual wheelchairs, Meuris Club nursing chair, R82 Panda Futura high low child's wheelchair, as well as the Hydra, Pronto, Storm TDX electric wheelchairs.
Disabled Equipment Solutions: Disabled Equipment Solutions designs and manufactures modular adjustable seating, positioning and mobility equipment for children and adolescents. Recent additions to their range include the Astride (saddle) seat, school tables and accessories/modifications to existing equipment (eg standing frames) in response to customer feedback.
ARATA Conference - Second and final Call for Abstracts: The ATATA 2006 National Conference 'Connecting People and Community Through Technology' has extended the closing date on the Call for Abstracts until Friday 27th January 2006. Documents are available on the conference web site.

Buy & Sell

Wheelchair accessible home for sale: This spacious four bedroom family home in Sydney NSW has been fully modified for wheelchair access, including accessible bathroom, kitchen, conservatory and gardens. The owners are hoping to find a buyer who will enjoy the easy mobility and accessible design as much as they have.
Noosaville holiday unit for sale: Located just off Gympie Terrace in quiet Robert Street and beautiful accessible Noosa, this gorgeous 2 bedroom, spacious ground floor pool side apartment offers easy mobility and has been partially modified for wheelchair access.
Odd shoe exchange project: The odd shoe exchange has received some encouraging feedback since our last newsletter as well as interest from shoe companies. This project is only for exchange of new shoes, that have never been worn. There are lots of reasons why people with a disability may have odd shoes, for example people who are amputees or people with different sized feet (requiring the purchase of two pairs of shoes to get one that fits). Please let us know if you are interested in this service. Creative ideas for a name are also welcome.

Articles

A taste of travel in Tasmania: Greg Killeen's travel diary of his trip to Tasmania. This article discusses disability wheelchair access to Tasmania's many accessible tourist attractions as well as accessibility of the Spirit of Tasmania cruise and web resources.
Look after your mental health: People regularly talk to each other about the best way they found to lose weight or treat a cold, but very few of us actually share tips about how we stay well mentally, how we cope with stress and what keeps us feeling good. Admitting to how we feel and sharing our ways of coping is just one way of looking after your mental health. There are also other simple things that we can all do to stay mentally well …
Asperger's syndrome: The "invisible" autism: There is a common misconception that people with autism are so profoundly affected that they can't talk or that they have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Rhonda Brunett and Wendy Williams discuss their experiences as parent of children with Asperger's Syndrome, an autistic disorder that is at the high-functioning end of the spectrum.
Accessible housing strategy: The Skillnet Group has written this easy to read, accessible report about accessible housing. At the moment there is not enough supported housing available for people with learning disabilities. Skillnet believe that people with learning disabilities have a right to choose where they want to live and the support that they need.

Directory of disability links

Seniors - Ageing and disability: Information and resources for older people.
Podcasts: A collection of links to MP3 audio podcasts on disability related topics

Book reviews

Making the Journey: arts and disability in Australia: Recently launched, this free publication offers 12 case studies as examples of approaches, issues and achievements in the Australian field of art and disability. The case studies show initiatives from the arts, health, education and training sectors and responses by cultural organisations that remove barriers to participation. A theme across all of the examples is the leadership of artists, audience members and advocates with a disability.

What's new on the WWW?

Christmas cards making a difference: If you live in Sydney you can't go past the Goodwill Charity Card Shop in Bathurst Street. The card shop comprises twelve Australian charities who each supply their own unique range of Christmas cards. There is a great choice in price and design, with all the proceeds returned to the charity. (There may be similar card shops in other cities too).
Noise and Accessible Arts: NOISE is launching a call out for young artists with a disability across Australia to submit all forms of media-friendly works. You will be in the running for micro-grants to make more art and the chance to have your art seen or heard.
Age friendly built environment: A community for all ages includes community spaces that encourage social and physical activity, with homes universally designed so they are accessible for people of all ages and abilities. This topic is part of a National Speaker's Series that will travel to major capital cities and some larger regional centres in Australia over the next year.
Carers NSW research on respite for carers: Carers NSW invites you to participate in their research on respite for carers in NSW. The purpose of this research is to examine how current models of respite meet the support needs of carers. Service providers and carers are encouraged to participate by completing a short online survey.
Novita accessible telecommunications road show resources: This web page has been specifically set up as a telecommunications information resource, and features a number of documents that can be freely downloaded for your interest and personal research.
AQA Victoria Forum: A new forum for people with spinal cord injuries where members can participate in a variety of discussion topics, including issues such as SCI research, tips and tricks, health matters, equipment, wheelchair sports and general chat.
Radio 3SER: 3SER is a community radio station that has accessibility for everyone as its aim, as well as creating better networks with people at home and overseas. The station encourages people with or without disabilities to participate in their shows, which run from Midnight every first and third Saturday. Participants can e-mail their requests beforehand for the show that night. E-mails are received from all parts of Oz and from people overseas.
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 - Call for review: WCAG 2.0 addresses accessibility of Web content for people with disabilities. A new Working Draft of the WCAG 2.0 as well as two supporting documents were published 23 November 2005. WCAG 2.0 introduces a new format and a document, "Understanding WCAG 2.0" that provides explanatory information for each success criterion. Please send your comments by 21 December 2005 to: public-comments-wcag20@w3.org