Tasmanians with Disabilities Inc.
TASLINK
RPH : Print Radio Tasmania
Broadcasting 24 hours every day
on 864kHz on AM in the Hobart Area
and 106.9 FM in the Launceston Area
** NEW PROGRAM OUT NOW (SUMMER EDITION) **
Studios located at 136 Davey St, Hobart
Telephone (03) 6224 1864
Have a problem with seeing things such as reading and getting around.
Maybe Royal Guide Dogs Association of Tasmania can assist you.
For further information please phone:
Hobart: (03) 6232 1222
Launceston: (03) 6331 8100
President’s message….
Welcome to the Christmas issue of Taslink.
At our Annual General Meeting on the 12th of September, the amendments to update our Constitution were approved.
The Constitution is available on our website, or you can contact the State Office to have a print copy sent to you.
Also your State Council for 2009-2010 Was elected.
They are:
President: Jan Miller,
Vice President: Margaret Davidson,
Secretary/Treasurer: David Gordon,
Regional Representatives:
Southern, Shane Fenner,
Northern, Merran Thurley, Val Emerson,
Organisational members: Tasmanian Amputee Society Margaret Davidson, TASVIC Peter Gordon.
Just a reminder that your regional representatives are your direct link to State Council and they, and other members of State Council can be contacted through the state office.
As you will read later in this issue of Taslink the all terrain wheelchairs which we purchased with part of our recent grant from the Tasmanian Community fund have now been handed over to Surf Lifesaving Tasmania, to be located at popular beaches around the state. This is a great way to end a very successful year for TwD.
I hope you all have an enjoyable festive season, and hope that 2010 is all that you would wish it to be.
Jan Miller.
People with disabilities by David Gordon
The Consumers Health Forum of Australia provided permission to reproduce ‘People with Disabilities’ by David Gordon, which was first published in Health Voices Issue 5, October 2009.
Social interaction is a very important part of living a fulfilling life. We must work harder at ensuring disability, depression and anxiety is not experienced behind closed doors, and that all Australians can share their abilities and take their place in our community
Depression is one of the leading causes of debilitation in our community, and it is a significant and complicating health factor for those living with other disabilities.
When people stop to consider disability they often think of someone in a wheelchair or with a visible physical disability, not ‘hidden’ conditions like depression. Depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-esteem, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy and poor concentration that people with depression may experience can severely impact their ability to function. They may be unable to work and find it difficult to interact with others or do much of anything. Some resort to excessive use of alcohol and drugs, increasing the debilitation.
These problems can become chronic and/or recurrent and lead to substantial impairments in an individual’s ability to take care of their everyday needs and responsibilities. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide, something that has happened within my own family. Depression also affects our ability to manage other conditions and for those with existing disabilities, it can have a far reaching and dramatic impact on life.
The key to helping people with disabilities to reduce and eliminate depression from their lives is to provide support, opportunities and encouragement to enable them to have their physical and social needs met so that they can take their place in the community and live productive lives. Unique cost burdens need to be addressed, and social support mechanisms provided to ensure no matter what a person’s disability, they are able to share their abilities in an inclusive society.
Dealing with the everyday requirements of disability is difficult enough. But those with disabilities often face other stressors that can contribute to depression and anxiety. Being turned down for employment or pushed out of work because of disability can lower self-esteem and lead to depression. Recent changes in government housing policy have placed the onus on disabled people to take care of accommodation maintenance on their own. With rising costs it is increasingly difficult to live on a low income. Disabled people often find themselves unable to afford to pay someone to do work for them, leaving tasks undone. This can result in declining quality of life, potentially contributing to the onset, or worsening of, depression and anxiety.
Rising costs of adaptive equipment and technology can seriously impact people with disabilities. The non-affordability, and thus lack of equipment to help with everyday needs can cause stress, frustration and despair. Coping can become a struggle and lead to the ‘straw that breaks the camel’s back’, and the onset or worsening of depression.
Governments, both Federal and State, need to take a much closer look at what they can do to assist those in our community with disabilities to live a more fulfilling life. More must be done to ensure the disabled are not forgotten, or left behind closed doors to endure a potentially miserable existence.
A good place to start to address these issues is to fund specialised committees that include consumers. There is also a need for greater interaction between local and State governments and consumer groups. Much can be learned from organisations such as Tasmanians with Disabilities, which provides disabilities training to broaden understanding within the community of what it is like to live with disability.
David Gordon is Secretary/Treasurer, Tasmanians with Disabilities Inc.; Director, Royal Guide Dogs Association Tasmania; State Secretary, Tasmanian Visually Impaired Children’s Support Group Inc.; Access Committee Member, Hobart, Glenorchy and Clarence Councils.
ALL TERRAIN WHEELCHAIRS ARE FINALLY HERE!
Tasmanians with Disabilities Inc. in conjunction with Surf Lifesaving Tasmania Inc. have finally made this dream a reality!
After a most successful Southern launch at Sandy Bay Beach last week, the response from the public was absolutely fantastic.
We were inundated with congratulatory responses from members of the community who indicated that they had for so long been unable to enjoy the beach because of inaccessibility and now could join their families on a day out like everyone else.
Unfortunately some fine tuning needs to be made as we suspected, due to the lack of chairs we can make available, but this will, hopefully be overcome in the future if we can gain support from the Local Councils and perhaps Government (to place these wheelchairs in the National Parks) with them purchasing an additional unit during the year.
Early in 2010 there will be a Northern launch where an additional 2 chairs will be presented to Surf Lifesaving Clubs where they are also sorely needed.
It will be wonderful to see elderly couples taking advantage of the chairs and giving their partners a relaxed walk along the shallows.
Many in the community who experience a disability or are associated directly with a family member who needs assistance are asking the question—Why has it taken so long to make these chairs available?
At TwD we have unearthed many other interesting pieces of equipment that can be used also -
BEACH PADS
These are easily changeable discs which fit onto standard crutches or walking sticks. These discs displace your weight and allow you to readily access the beach.
FISHING EQUIPMENT
The Strong Arm is a versatile fishing rod holder. This is an excellent product for anyone with limited or no grip. With this rod holder even lower level quadriplegics can cast by themselves. Made of 6 oz. oil treated leather, it can be worn over or under most clothing. One size fits all. Specify right or left.
LAWN BOWLS
This device allows the bowler to deliver the bowl without bending down. Suitable for both social and pennant bowlers this popular device is ideal for people with back problems, poor balance or decreased strength. The Bowling Arm also has the option of a special hand grip for bowlers with arthritis.
GOLFING
This innovative golf glove assists a person with very poor grip in one hand to firmly hold the golf club allowing a controlled swing.. Easily fastened with velcro this glove makes choosing and gripping a club a simple and quick (seconds) action. This glove assists the person with a reduced level of hand grip strength on one side to grasp a golf glove with the assistance of their other fully functioning hand.
SOUTHERN REGION CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
On Sunday the 13th December some Southern Region members enjoyed a festive luncheon at the Granada Tavern.
Good food, company and conversation ensued and everyone who attended had a good time and chatted over the year’s events.
It was nice to see attendees from other organisations join us and enjoy themselves with the luncheon, and it is hoped that in the coming year perhaps other social functions can be organised to accommodate everyone again.
Next year if our membership numbers again increase as they have this year, we hope to see more at our Christmas function, as it is a most enjoyable occasion and should be enjoyed by everyone that possibly can attend, as is seen by the pictures on the following pages...To those who could not attend, we wish you all the best for Christmas and the festive season.....
Everyone present enjoyed themselves and relaxed after another year of hard work.
FROM THE COORDINATOR’S DESK....
Well readers, I have decided it is time to resurrect the article that I introduced some years back.
I have done this specifically to keep everyone fully informed of what actually does cross my desk and how it is handled.
This year has been one of great achievement, as was last year, with the complete renovation of our building and this year with the purchase of our all terrain wheelchairs that we have mentioned earlier in this edition.
I now hopefully will find myself with some time to actually begin to organise functions, meetings and other innovative projects that should benefit those in the community who either have a disability or are directly involved with others who have.
It is time that we get you all out of the house and into some enjoyable pastimes, so keep in touch.....
Please be aware that this message is trying to convey the availability of accessibility……
Access for members of the community, to feel free to contact us if you have any situations that are becoming impossible for you and you have exhausted all avenues to try to fix, or perhaps you don’t actually know the first thing about trying.
We can help you with this, so call us and we will be pleased to discuss any problems you may be having and hopefully point you in the right direction, or actually rectify for you.
Everything is going well; this organization is moving onwards and upwards, gaining strength with every day that passes and becoming more established in the Tasmanian Community as a provider of disability awareness training, and advocacy as well as a modern venue to relax and socially interact.
In conclusion, most of you will know that I am only employed on a part time basis—namely Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and am available from 10am to 3 pm.
Finances unfortunately do not permit this to be increased so please be aware of these times and allow for any delay you may experience with me replying to phone messages emails etc.
It is advisable that you always call if you can before coming to the office as sometimes I may be unavailable due to other commitments.
Our contact numbers are...
03 62788023 or 0417 388966
I wish everyone a very merry & safe Christmas..
Susan Baldock
State Coordinator
NORTHERN REGION CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON
Another year has come and gone, and this was celebrated with a get-together of some of the stalwarts of the Northern Region membership.
It was once again a most enjoyable gathering, and those attending all had a great time.
The year’s achievements and foibles were all discussed at length and plans were deliberated for the coming year.
It is hoped in the early months of 2010 to have the Northern launch of two more all terrain wheelchairs, which will allow those members in the North who would like to enjoy the beach and water but to date have been unable to do so, to fully explore them at their leisure.
Merran Thurley and Ida attended and both had a great time as did everyone attending.
Next year our regular get-togethers will again commence and it is hoped to see some new members attending as the membership in the South is steadily increasing, and we need to see a reciprocation in the North.
If anyone knows of someone who may enjoy being a member of TwD, please draw their attention to our website, or point them in the right direction and some informative pamphlets will be mailed out to them.
Life is way too short to be wasting it, and there are so many enjoyable pastimes just awaiting those in need.
So from the Northern Region of TwD we wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year, and look forward to your friendship in 2010....
For Release Thursday 26 November 2009
New social media tools for people with disabilities
Social networking is revolutionising Internet communications and today Media Access Australia (MAA) has launched two new products as part of a review of accessibility features in popular social media websites to enable people with disabilities to take advantage of this change.
The first is the Social Media Guide to help people with disabilities to find accessibility features in a number of popular social media tools, including Skype, Facebook, YouTube and many others.
MAA has also developed the Social Media Accessibility Review, reporting on the overall state of accessibility across social media.
“Social media are the cornerstones of modern communication and it is essential that people with disabilities, who can become socially isolated, are able to use these tools and stay connected with the world. The Guide and Review are part of MAA’s ongoing contribution to make all forms of electronic media accessible,” said MAA CEO Alex Varley.
Martin Cahill, New Media Coordinator at MAA, who has been preparing the review says, "Technology is changing all the time and we expect to continually improve and update this review with new social media services. And in true social style, we welcome any further ideas or suggestions that you might have to help others in their pursuit of accessible web services."
The products are available from www.mediaaccess.org.au/newmedia, which is fully accessible for people with disabilities. You can access these products by navigating to the Social Media Guide and the Social Media Review.
(Ends)
Media enquiries:
Martin Cahill, New Media Coordinator
Phone: 02 9212 6242
Email: martin.cahill@mediaaccess.org.au
Belinda Kerslake,
Marketing Communications Manager
Phone: 02 92126242
Mobile: 0414 804 368
Email: belinda.kerslake@mediaaccess.org.au
Representatives of Amputees Meet in Hobart
Article by: Margaret Davidson
(President TAS inc)
On Saturday November 28th we held our final meeting for the year at Tasmanians with Disabilities Training and Information Centre at 20 Creek Road Lenah Valley.
There were 7 people present. We were pleased to welcome David Gordon as a new member.
We met Gillian Little for the first time. She has been a member for some time now.
After a short meeting we enjoyed a very nice lunch catered for by Harry’s Catering in Hobart.
It was a privilege to have the State Manager of OPST, Richard Dyson-Holland, share lunch with us. After lunch he was our guest speaker.
After introducing himself and telling us of his experiences he talked about the changes that are being made to the TALS (Tasmanian Artificial Limb Scheme) document as he said that much of it is outdated and no longer applies in many cases.
A short time of discussion followed and questions were answered.
He said that he is intending to get the SPIC Committee (State Planning and Implementation Committee) started in 2010.
Richard provided an overview of DHHS funding arrangements that Tasmanian Amputees are better off than other states due to having one cost centre rather than 3 0r 4 as in other states.
He mentioned the major challenges the Health system faces over the next few years.
Thank you to David for having everything ready for us.
Thank you also to TwD for the use of the room.
Margaret Davidson
(President)
Patients demand immediate end to cataract saga!
The Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) and National Seniors have joined together for the first time to condemn the ongoing cataract saga which is putting the wellbeing of thousands of cataract patients at risk.
The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists indicated today that they were unwilling to seek a way forward in negotiations with the Government on the issue of Medicare benefits for cataract surgery.
Australia’s largest senior’s organisation, National Seniors Australia, has today demanded that the issue be immediately resolved through negotiations.
National Seniors chief executive Michael O’Neill said the cataract dispute had reached crisis point, and needed to be immediately resolved.
“Ophthalmologists should think long and hard about why their patients will have to pay $300 extra or more because of their apparent unwillingness to
commit to a way forward.
On average, ophthalmologists are charging $1,260 for basic cataract surgery.
“With around 140,000 older Australians undergoing cataract
surgery each year this issue is simply too big to be allowed to continue to fester and create uncertainty for patients.”
CHF executive director, Carol Bennett, said ophthalmologists can no longer justify their ongoing refusal to engage in serious discussion.
“For this profession to deliberately use older Australian health consumers as cannon fodder in their industrial campaign is completely unacceptable and certainly not reflective of sound professional ethics,’’ she said.
“It is time the ophthalmologists laid down their arms and started thinking more about the health and wellbeing of their patients and less about the health and wellbeing of their inflated bank balances.
“If Medicare is to survive, there needs to be ongoing review and, where previously complex procedures have become much more efficient, the payment provided by the taxpayers through Medicare needs to be adjusted accordingly.”
For further comment, contact:
Michael O’Neill 0448 125 898
or
Carol Bennett 02 6273 5444.
International Day for People with Disabilities
Report by Margaret Reynolds
The International Day for People with Disabilities was celebrated in Hobart at a Festival of Entertainment at Tolosa St Park in Glenorchy.
More than 200 people enjoyed a barbecue lunch, music and dancing in the Festival atmosphere on a real Tasmanian summers day.
Many sponsors assisted National Disability Services to provide the days activities for people who came from a range of employment and day services to mark the day set aside by the United Nations. Timsbury School and a number of visitors joined the crowd for lunch.
Glenorchy Lions Club provided a very tasty lunch and many people lined up for a second helping. The Balloon Man made a guest appearance . Special Olympics and Paraquad and the Sporting Equipment Mobile Van offered a range of games and opportunities to test skill and fitness.
Zoo Doo brought along cuddly animals from their petting zoo so many people met and patted rabbits and goats .. Throughout the festival Bluey’s Band kept everyone on singing along to their favourite songs.
There was a Surf Life Saving demo, Tai Chi ,Life Style Solutions tent, Fun and Games 2 U, sack races, face painting, bubbles, make up and nail pampering,
Parliamentarians Lin Thorp and Cassy O’Connor joined in the fun.
Lyndell George and work experience student Eliza Debnam assisted people to paint on the International Day for People with Disabilities Banner.
It was good to have St Johns Ambulance members in attendance but fortunately there were no accidents.
Everyone seemed to agree it was a good way to enjoy December 3rd so we plan to make this an annual event.
Special thanks to Jennifer White who coordinated the great ideas and organized all the wonderful volunteers. Congratulations and Many Thanks to Everyone.
See you next year!!!
Message
from the Hon. Lara Giddings
Minister for Health and Deputy Premier of Tasmania
Dear fellow Tasmanians,
Have you ever been at home, or with a loved one who is sick, and not known what to do.
I know there is nothing more important to you than your health and the health of your family and friends. That is why Tasmanian Government is proud to have a leading role in a new incentive that will provide a strong addition to your existing health services.
Healthdirect Australia is a new, free'health advice line. It will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, whenever you are in Tasmania.
Registered Nurses will be at the other end of the phone to help you decide what to do next with your health concerns.
So I put this phone number [1800 022 222] in an accessible spot as a reminder and enjoyed the extra peace of mind healthdirect Australia can give us all.
Lara Giddings
Minister for Health and Deputy Premier of Tasmania
Your 24 hour health advice line Healthdirect Australia
1800 022 222
Calls from landline phones are free, mobile charges may apply.
A joint incentive of the Australian Government and the governments of the ACT,NSW,NT,SA,TASMANIA and WA.
How healthdirect can help
Are your symptoms serious or nothing to worry about?
Your baby won't stop crying - what can be wrong?
You're away from home and you need to find a doctor.
You need to know more about managing diabetes, asthma or another health condition.
Tasmanians with Disabilities would like to
acknowledge
the contribution from
The
Tasmanian Community Trust Fund
And
Senator Carol Brown
without whose assistance it would not have been possible
for them to improve the
Annual production and presentation of
Documents such as this, their newsletter
TASLINK.
Best wishes from us all at
Tasmanians with Disabilities Inc.
(Tasmania)
we look forward to assisting you all in 2010,
Remember,
We represent and speak for
YOU!
Our members....
DISCLAIMER:
Tasmanians with Disabilities Inc. Does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained in it’s newsletter. Neither are the views and comments expressed by contributors necessarily endorsed by Tasmanians with Disabilities Inc.
