Accessibility is the design of products, devices, services, vehicles, or environments to be usable by people with disabilities.
History of the Adelaide Festival Centre The focus of this blog is Adelaide Festival Centre accessibility, however, a short history of the centre is a good start. Three months before the Sydney Opera House, Australia’s first multi-purpose arts centre, the Adelaide Festival Theatre opened in 1973. Over time the theatre was joined by the Playhouse and … Read more
Australian Human Rights Commission. The Australian Human Rights Commission was established in 1986 by the Australian Government, and one of their roles is to ‘resolve complaints of discrimination or breaches of human rights under federal laws’. In 1992 the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act made it an offence to treat people unfairly because of a disability. The Australian Human … Read more
Tell me about sleeping with a SCI. I am glad you asked the question, and the short answer is on my back, and the long answer is below. This is part 2 of the blog, please click here to read part 1. Altogether there are 19 SCI sleeping tips. SCI Sleeping Tips #10 – GETTING INTO BED. … Read more
Tell me about sleeping with paraplegia I am glad you asked the question, and the short answer is on my back, and the long answer is below. Altogether there are 19 paraplegia sleeping tips. As with all aspects of my life now, there is much planning to ensure I can live as independently as possible. … Read more
Wheelchair accessible taxi introduction In Adelaide, catching a wheelchair accessible taxi is co-ordinated by Adelaide Access Taxis. Passengers that use mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and scooters make use of these vehicles that are fitted with hydraulic lifters. The drivers of each wheelchair accessible taxi have received training to ensure they provide a good service … Read more
Carpet Court Review from a wheelchair user In the past six months, I have selected items for my new home including tiles, wall colour, kitchen appliances, sanitary items, joinery, blinds and other items. My interior designer, Lindi Venter, arranged to meet me at a carpet retailer to choose carpet tiles and hybrid flooring. I didn’t … Read more
Advocacy and Dignity Party Before my accident, my knowledge about disabilities was limited. I considered people in wheelchairs only had issues with walking. I soon discovered many difficulties, obstacles and roadblocks in the world for people with disabilities. I contacted organisations such as Ticketek, Qantas, Norwood Football Club, and TFE Hotels to resolve accessibility issues. … Read more
Midnight Oil World Tour I’ve been an Oils fan since the 80s after being introduced to the band by my friend Richard. During a concert at Memorial Drive in Adelaide, we lined up early and ran to get a spot at the front and centre of the stage, as this was in the days of … Read more
Wheelchair accessibility for weeing and parking As I drive and urinate, I make use of accessible parking and toilets. If you are wondering if I drive and urinate at the same time, the answer is yes. I have an indwelling catheter (just below my belly button) and drain into a leg bag. This blog relates … Read more
Why travel around Australia? I have paraplegia at the T3/T4 level, which is around the level of my chest, and therefore cannot use my body below my chest level. Combined with chronic pain, this presents many problems when it comes to travelling around Australia. My favourite band, Midnight Oil, announced they were reforming and setting out … Read more
