DisABILITY Accessibility Information Resources
June 2006
Number 39
What's new on e-Bility.com?
e-Bility redesign stage 2 in progress
Search e-Bility
Since its inception in 1998, the amount and diversity of content on e-Bility's web site has grown considerably and now includes over 256 MB of information and resources. To make this information more usable and easier to find, a new site search option is now available (following the 'You are here' orientation links at the top of every web page). And, if this doesn't turn up what you were looking for, then try a wider search by Googling the Web using the search form at the end of the results page.
Fast find navigation for articles
The focus of e-Bility's redesign has been to make the volume of content easier to use. We've also recently added a 'Fast find' by category option for the articles section. The 'fast find' feature is available on sections of the web site with large amounts of information and always appears in the right hand column with a magnifying glass icon.
Brochure stand
Snowy Mountains Cottage
Featuring comfort and views, this two bedroom, luxury, access friendly holiday cottage is located at Talbingo, in the heart of the Australian Snowy Mountains. Bedroom, bathroom and living areas are wheelchair accessible (in accordance with AS1428 access standards). So why not treat yourself to a winter alpine holiday. Organise a skiing weekend with friends or simply soak up the mountain air and atmosphere. Special offer: Mention e-Bility and receive a 10% "opening season" discount on all bookings.
Unified English Braille
The Australian Braille Authority has published a number of new resources to assist in the learning, teaching and transcribing of Unified English Braille.
ARATA
The ARATA conference committee is pleased to announce the 2006 National Conference 'Connecting People and Community Through Technology'. The conference program and registration form are now available.
Innovative Communication Programming (ICP)
ICP Online is running a series of accredited training courses in areas of Augmentative and Alternative Communication. The next course is titled "Using AAC to develop emotions and problem solving skills" and commences 4 July 2006.
Disability classifieds
Buy and Sell
An Easy Rider Tub Chair has recently been listed. There are also other second hand items, including mobility, seating, personal care and pressure relief equipment for sale.
Shoes Without A Partner
This service is slowly growing, with some new listings for children's shoes (and some orthopaedic shoes available soon).
Articles
Travelling with a disability: Europe
The first in a series of articles about access travel, with tips for people with a disability holidaying in Europe, including accessible accommodation, accessible toilets, getting there and getting around.
Travelling with a disability: New Zealand
There are many reasons why tourists with a disability should travel to New Zealand. Bruce Mumford has multiple sclerosis. He recounts his travels in New Zealand and talks about the accessibility of places he visited.
Caregivers of the world, unite
An article about carers and living with multiple sclerosis by Janine Lodato.
Overcoming your challenges
Robert Ward talks about his experiences finding a job as someone with a learning disability and gives suggestions for others in a similar situation.
More on the TGA
There still seems to be a lot of confusion and misconception regarding the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Medical Devices Act and Regulations, and how it affects Australian clinical practices. This article on the ARATA web site provides a helpful overview.
Disability news
Educational scholarships for students with print disabilities
Freedom Scientific and Quantum Technology have pledged to make life a little easier for sixteen lucky students who will make the move into tertiary study in 2007. Eight students who are blind will receive a free copy of JAWS Professional and eight students with learning disabilities will receive a copy of the WYNN Program enabling software.
Motivational speakers
Al Foxx
Al is both a person with a disability and a person with excellent speaking skills. Because of his disability, his message has influence when shared with others. Al's insights and practical, down-to-earth suggestions, with just the right amount of humor helps his audiences to understand and appreciate the skills, talents, and abilities of those with disabilities.
Robert Bennett
A motivational christian speaker, Robert is an advanced Toastmaster and trained presenter. As a person with disabilities, born with a speech impairment and learning difficulties, he shares his experiences, achievements and positive approach to life.
What's new on the WWW?
Travel
Accessible bus stops
The Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport specified under the Disability Discrimination Act are due to be reviewed at the end of 2007 and will require 25% of bus stops to comply (an increase on current requirements). The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission has provided comment on the maintenance of bus stops and encourages people using bus stops to inform HREOC of their experiences.
Virgin backs down in disability row
Virgin Blue has recently backed down on its proposed policy change that would have meant passengers with a disability who are unable to put on an oxygen mask or push themselves in an "aisle" wheelchair must be accompanied by a carer.
Rights of Disabled Persons and Persons with Reduced Mobility When Travelling by Air
This European Union (EU) policy has recently been ratified. It was signed on 14 June and the regulation will take effect from the end of this month, except for Articles 3 and 4 (on denied boarding) which will apply with effect from one year after the publication.
Sports
Mobility Cup
The Mobility Cup is Canada's annual international regatta for sailors with a disability. This year's event, held in Vancouver from 11 to 15 September, is open to all, regardless of the extent of their disability or limitations of their sailing experience.
Healthcare
Directory of Medical and Allied Health Practitioners
Each year The Spastic Centre publishes a directory of medical and allied health practitioners who have accessible premises and an interest in the particular health needs of people with cerebral palsy. The 2006 edition will be available soon. For a copy of the directory or to provide feedback, please contact the CP Help Line on 1300 30 29 20.
Friends with Cancer
Friends With Cancer online support is a free Community Service that provides counselling, mentoring and life coaching support via the Internet. People who have been diagnosed with cancer, their families, carers and friends are welcome. By combining experiences of many cancer recoverers, the group has adopted a simple, natural approach to recovery by focusing on health rather than the disease.
Older People Speaking Out
An independent, free-spirited group of older people who share their skills and experience with others to help empower older people to speak out and promote positive ageing.
Virtual House
Virtual House helps individuals and caregivers reduce risks of domestic accidents and improve the safety, comfort and quality of life for people with chronic illnesses (such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, asthma) who are living at home.
Communication
Enable Blogs
Blogs or web logs are online journals that can be personal, professional or simply a place for sharing your thoughts and views. If you would like a free blog and if your blog is connected in some way to disability, then you can create one at Enable Blogs.
Accessible Content
A free magazine devoted entirely to accessibility issues, including how-to articles, skill building exercises, product profiles and accessibility community news of interest to people who create and maintain accessible content.
Government initiatives
Stronger Together
The NSW Government has launched 'Stronger Together: A new direction for disability services in NSW 2006-2016' to deliver better services for people with a disability and their families. The plan follows extensive state-wide consultation and is available for immediate download in plan, summary and accessible formats.
'Do Not Call' register
The Australian Government has recently announced that a national, legislated 'Do Not Call' register will be created to protect consumers from nuisance telemarketing phone calls. The register is expected to be up and running in 2007. Individuals and small businesses will not be required to pay a fee for registering their telephone numbers.
Centrepay
A free direct bill-paying service offered to customers receiving payments from Centrelink. Instead of having large bills every month or quarter, your bills can be deducted in small regular amounts from your Centrelink payment, making it easier to budget.
