DisABILITY Accessibility Information Resources
August - September 2004
Number 29
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 of general interest to the disability and health sector. Please contact e-Bility regarding suggestions for news items.
What's new on e-Bility.com?
Brochure Stand
- GTK Rehab
- GTK Rehab have added some exciting new products to their online catalogue, including the popular Invacare Storm (built in Australia) and Invacare Spree powerdrive wheelchairs, Reliant Stand-up Lifter, Softform pressure reducing mattress and bedding accessories, V-Trak cushion sets and DECPAC portable ramps.
- ARATA Conference Proceedings
- A number of CDs are still available from the 2004 National Conference which contain most of the conference abstracts and papers. The cost is AU$59 inclusive of GST (while stocks last).
- equibuilt
- equibuilt is a specialist consultancy with a record of achievement in providing services on matters of access to the built environment for people with a disability. Their web brochure has recently been updated.
Exhibit Hall
- Quantum Technology
- Quantum Technology is a leader in the manufacture and distribution of technology for people who have a print disability (people who are blind, vision impaired or have a learning disability). Their products help those for whom glasses no longer work, right through to those who are totally blind.
- SayIT
- SayIT is an Australian software package to assist users who have lost the power of speech and/or lack sufficient dexterity in their upper body to operate a personal computer. The SayIT software offers an alternative to the traditional keyboard and mouse, enabling people with disability to access any program on a personal computer using just a single switch.
Buy & Sell
- Second hand equipment
- e-Bility's equipment warehouse is the place to buy and sell wheelchairs, mobility, sporting, daily living and other rehabilitation equipment, including second hand, demo or discontinued lines. New items listed include Combi Folding Manual Wheelchair and PCP (Patient Care Product) Commode/Shower Chair, as well as other items.
Articles
- Let's Dance: Technology: Everyone, Everywhere, Everyday
- Judith Geppert is a regular contributor to e-Bility and a great story teller. Born in the 1950s with Cerebral Palsy, Judith talks about the freedom and possibilities assistive technology has brought her.
- Accessible Tourism in Argentina
- Although, Argentina is not fully accessible, there are plenty of places and activities that can be visited and enjoyed without worrying about accessibility. Adriana from Latitud Sur Accesible describes three possible trips.
- Mal Wilson's Motivations
- Following a heart attack ten years ago, Mal woke from surgery scarred and sore. Then one afternoon, standing in a gym in the City he watched a man workout on a running machine. All of a sudden he realised that the man was his heart surgeon, who then invited him to have a run on the treadmill. So with great trepidation he decided to give it a go. This is his story.
- Adaptable, Accessible or Adjustable?
- Around Australia, many local councils demand that developers include a certain quota of accessible and adaptable homes within the development site. However, construction industry personnel sometimes confuse "accessible" and "adaptable", and when confronted with "adjustable" components within a home, the three "A" words become further confused. This article explains the difference.
- Reducing AT abandonment
- Despite the key role that assistive technology can play, the rate of non-use reported highlights the complexities of the interaction between the person, the technology, the activity and the environment in which the activity is to be undertaken. This research explores best practice processes and principles for assessing and providing assistive technology.
Book Reviews
- Building Accessible Homes
- The Building Accessible Homes pocket guide is a handy reference for the minimum and preferred dimensions of fittings and fixtures as well as facilities such as carparks, pathways, and bathrooms/toilets. For the cost of a AU$5 donation this publication is a bargain!
Speakers
- Tim Piccirillo
- Having learned to live with Tourettes Syndrome "one day at a time", Tim shows audiences that it's not what happens to you that matters, it's what you do about what happens to you. Learn more about the magic or your potential!
What's new on the WWW?
Site Updates
- 2004 Paralympic Games
- Let the games begin! Bookmark the official Paralympic web site and stay up-to-date with all the news and competition results.
- Sharing Australia's Stories
- Communities can apply for grants of up to $50,000 for projects which will showcase Australia's distinctive national character. Eligible projects include the social, cultural or spiritual history or life of a particular community or cultural group, and can include oral history projects or publishing a book. Deadline for applications is: 15 October 2004
- People from a NESB with disability
- The Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of NSW has recently published statistics about people from a non-English speaking background (NESB) with disability who live in NSW
- My Postie - Aged Care Communications Services
- Currently being tested in a retirement village in Melbourne, MyPostie allows people to write a letter (often preferred by seniors) and scan it at a purpose-built kiosk for delivery as webmail. The kiosk uses a touch screen that can be operated without technical skills, enabling people to correspond electronically with their family and friends.
- International Day of People With a Disability
- By taking part in International Day of People With a Disability you are helping to promote a culture of inclusion, understanding and awareness. Join in the action, submit an event and celebrate IDPWD on 3 December 2004! See also state based IDPWD web sites at NSW: Don't DIS my ABILITY and QLD: Building Inclusive Communities Grants
Coming Events
- IDEAS Expo 2004
- "On Common Ground"
18-20 September, Dubbo NSW
- Out of Sight - Tactile Art 2004
- The exhibition encourages visitors to get 'hands on' and experience contemporary works of art through their sense of touch at Object's new gallery.
18 September until 31 October at 415 Bourke Street, Surry Hills NSW
- Out of the Blue - Valuing the Disability Market in Tourism
- NICAN's 5th National Conference aims to create dialogue between the Tourism Industry and the Universal Access Market
20-22 September 2004, Perth Australia
- World Retina Day
- "Give Two Hoots About Blindness" and order an owl badge for your car or office
25 September 2004
- AAC Online Courses 2005
- eClasses in augmentative and alternative assessment and intervention of Intentional and symbolic communicators run by Innovative Communication programming.
Commencing 17 January 2005
