Inform issue 26 – Summer 2019
This issue of Inform is all about closing odd 2018 and welcoming in a brand new year. We hear from Jarad, a presenter with Radio Adelaide about why he is bucking the 'people with disabilities cannot work' myth. This issue of Inform is all about closing odd 2018 and welcoming in a brand new year. We hear from Jarad, a presenter with Radio Adelaide about why he is bucking the 'people with disabilities cannot work' myth.
YOUR HEALTH Sensory overload 101 NDIS FEATURE How to kick start your NDIS plan COVER FEATURE Why I'm bucking the 'disabled people can't work' trend SUMMER EDITION 2019
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YOUR HEALTH<br />
Sensory overload 101<br />
NDIS FEATURE<br />
How to kick start your NDIS plan<br />
COVER FEATURE<br />
Why I'm bucking the 'disabled<br />
people can't work' trend<br />
SUMMER EDITION<br />
<strong>2019</strong>
<strong>Inform</strong> is<br />
Independence<br />
Australia’s crossdisability<br />
magazine.<br />
We encourage readers to<br />
submit suitable content<br />
for consideration by<br />
Independence Australia. All<br />
correspondence of this nature<br />
should be directed to:<br />
inform@iagroup.org.au<br />
While every effort has been<br />
made to ensure the accuracy<br />
of the information in this<br />
publication, Independence<br />
Australia assumes no<br />
responsibility for errors<br />
or omissions of any<br />
consequences of reliance in<br />
this publication. The opinions<br />
expressed in this publication<br />
do not necessarily represent<br />
the views of Independence<br />
Australia. Medical information<br />
included is not intended to be<br />
a substitute for professional<br />
advice.<br />
Your NDIS journey<br />
of care starts here<br />
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)<br />
is a new way to provide support for Australians<br />
with a disability, their families and carers.<br />
CORE<br />
SUPPORTS<br />
Daily activities: In-home<br />
& in the community.<br />
Consumables &<br />
continence products.<br />
CAPACITY<br />
BUILDING<br />
Therapy, skills<br />
development &<br />
co-ordination<br />
of support.<br />
CAPITAL &<br />
ASSISTIVE<br />
TECHNOLOGY<br />
Household aids &<br />
mobility equipment.<br />
As a leading service provider, our dedicated team of co-ordinators are here to<br />
support your journey to the NDIS. We’ve got you covered with a wide range of<br />
products, equipment, services and supports for your NDIS package, all from our<br />
one organisation.<br />
ABN 80 973 805 243<br />
Building 1, 9 Ashley Street<br />
West Footscray VIC 3012<br />
inform@iagroup.org.au<br />
www.independenceaustralia.com<br />
independenceaus<br />
independenceaus<br />
STEP 1.<br />
Preparing<br />
your plan.<br />
STEP 2.<br />
Developing<br />
your plan.<br />
STEP 3.<br />
Getting your<br />
plan approved<br />
by the NDIA.<br />
STEP 4.<br />
Choosing your<br />
providers and<br />
implementing<br />
your plan.<br />
Visit independenceaustralia.com/ndis<br />
to learn more about the NDIS<br />
and how it affects you.<br />
STEP 5.<br />
Reviewing<br />
your plan.
Welcome<br />
informonline.org.au<br />
3<br />
ISSUE #<strong>26</strong><br />
contents<br />
Waves of<br />
change<br />
This <strong>issue</strong> of <strong>Inform</strong> is all about closing off<br />
2018 and welcoming a brand-new year<br />
ahead. While starting a new year can be<br />
exciting for some, it can also be a time<br />
of anxiety and uncertainty for others. In<br />
this <strong>issue</strong> we hope to equip you with some<br />
skills and strategies to cope with these<br />
emotions.<br />
Also in this <strong>issue</strong> we hear from Jarad, a presenter<br />
with Radio Adelaide about why he is bucking the<br />
‘people with disabilities cannot work’ attitude.<br />
In his feature Jarad addresses his challenges in<br />
finding work in the media sector and why he is now<br />
being up-front with potential employers about his<br />
disability. He also shares with us his advice for any<br />
job-seekers out there who might be struggling too.<br />
In our NDIS feature in this <strong>issue</strong> we offer advice on<br />
how to kick-start your NDIS plan, and what options<br />
you have available if you are happy (or unhappy)<br />
with what you have received. We also work to<br />
break down the key funding categories, so you can<br />
better understand your plan, and what your funding<br />
can do for you.<br />
The <strong>Inform</strong> team is committed to bringing you<br />
quality, informative content wherever you are in<br />
Australia, so we encourage you to get in touch with<br />
us if you have a story of independence to share.<br />
You can reach the team at inform@iagroup.org.au<br />
4<br />
10<br />
14<br />
16<br />
18<br />
20<br />
22<br />
24<br />
30<br />
Feature: Why I’m bucking the<br />
‘disabled people cannot work’<br />
trend<br />
NDIS Feature: How to kick start<br />
your plan<br />
Supports for school leavers<br />
If you can’t say something nice…<br />
Flying with mobility equipment<br />
The What, Where and How of<br />
accessible beaches<br />
Surviving the heat<br />
Sensory overload 101<br />
How to find a hobby<br />
Managing Editor: Alison Crowe<br />
Deputy Editor: Rachel Tyler Jones<br />
Design: Mark Lovatt<br />
Cover Story Photography:<br />
Lee Knowles<br />
4<br />
Alison Crowe
4 informonline.org.au Feature<br />
Bucking<br />
the trend<br />
People with disabilities can’t work?<br />
Think again<br />
As one of the presenters of De-Stigmatised<br />
with Radio Adelaide, Jarad McLoughlin is an<br />
up-and-coming voice in the Australian media<br />
industry. From his perspective as someone<br />
with Asperger’s Syndrome, Ayme-<br />
Gripp Syndrome and other sensory<br />
impairments, Jarad shares his<br />
thoughts and advice on getting<br />
work, tenaciously following your<br />
passion and breaking into the<br />
media industry.<br />
Words: Jarad McLoughlin<br />
Pics: Lee Knowles
Feature<br />
informonline.org.au<br />
5
6 informonline.org.au<br />
Feature<br />
It can be said that if you have never worked<br />
an honest day in your life, it brings on a horrid<br />
feeling of discontent and rejection if you’re<br />
applying for jobs in a heavily neurotypical<br />
workplace. Unfortunately, problems with getting<br />
disabled people into casual or permanent jobs<br />
won’t address some of the <strong>issue</strong>s employers<br />
are not interested in resolving, including digital<br />
convergence, diversity recruitment and awareness<br />
training.<br />
In the radio broadcasting industry, particularly in<br />
community and commercial networks, people with<br />
disabilities still have no influential, managerial<br />
or strategic voice. This misaligns the balance of<br />
representation and inclusiveness in having a range<br />
of presenters, producers and directors/managers<br />
with good skills and knowledge in both presenting<br />
and using technical equipment.<br />
When I started writing and sending off my resume<br />
in my early 20s, I was quite unadventurous in what<br />
I wanted to do. From my earliest memories of being<br />
educated at special schools as a young child,<br />
thinking about my career goals was never in my<br />
inner subconscious. Even when I was 19 years old,<br />
I didn’t believe that I had enough talent to host and<br />
produce a radio show without supervision.<br />
In 2005, I spent six weeks at 5RPH 1197 AM (now<br />
known as Vision Australia Radio Adelaide), where I<br />
received some mentoring and guidance on working<br />
in a radio studio and transferring calls for on-air<br />
and pre-recorded interviews. After that, I tried to<br />
apply as a volunteer with several community radio<br />
stations spread across metropolitan Adelaide, but<br />
not one took me on.
Feature<br />
informonline.org.au<br />
7<br />
“I had to persist in fighting to<br />
be heard by an industry that<br />
still has a very low percentage<br />
of employees with a disability<br />
or impairment”
8 informonline.org.au<br />
Feature<br />
“I believe that<br />
disclosing who you are<br />
to potential employers<br />
is important in<br />
promoting your work<br />
ethic”
Feature<br />
informonline.org.au<br />
9<br />
I didn’t fare better with employment<br />
agencies, as nobody could offer me any<br />
advice or refer me on to work that catered to<br />
my skillset. While undertaking my Bachelor<br />
of Media undergraduate degree at the<br />
University of Adelaide, I approached Radio<br />
Adelaide 101.5 FM about doing a 60-minute<br />
program on disability-related content,<br />
but was knocked back due to having no<br />
proper framework. Often it occurred to me<br />
that management misjudged my interests<br />
in joining the station, but ableism never<br />
interfered with my later involvement at Radio<br />
Adelaide after completing my training in May<br />
2016.<br />
According to 2014-15 figures from the<br />
Australian Government’s Australian Institute<br />
of Health and Welfare, of those aged 15+<br />
who identify as being autistic 42% say<br />
that they are not in the labour force, while<br />
24% say they are employed and 34% are<br />
unemployed. Of the 2.1 million Australians<br />
with disability who are of working age, only<br />
1 million have found themselves a job, and<br />
over one-quarter of autistic jobseekers are<br />
involuntarily unemployed.<br />
A recent survey conducted by Autism<br />
Spectrum Australia (Aspect) discovered<br />
that most adults with Asperger’s Syndrome<br />
can’t get access to the support they need in<br />
achieving their career goals and aspirations.<br />
I had to persist in fighting to be heard by an<br />
industry that still has a very low percentage<br />
of employees with a disability or impairment.<br />
I was lucky <strong>–</strong> eventually Radio Adelaide did<br />
listen, and over the last five years I have<br />
involved myself with the radio station. My<br />
immersion at Radio Adelaide has made me<br />
to be more self-confident and self-assured<br />
in what my short- and long-term goals are<br />
in my career: to become the first radio<br />
presenter or journalist who is openly autistic<br />
and gay.<br />
Since then I have dabbled in some freelance<br />
journalism work with SBS, writing opinion<br />
editorials encapsulating the realities that<br />
Australia’s disability community faces daily.<br />
I do it without worrying about censoring or<br />
retracting what I say with my argumentative<br />
and personified opinions.<br />
Back in February this year, I applied for the<br />
ABC’s Media Cadetship Program as I thought<br />
I was ready to venture into the next stage<br />
of my career. When writing out my cover<br />
letter about having Asperger’s Syndrome,<br />
Ayme-Gripp Syndrome and other sensory<br />
impairments, tweaking or distorting the truth<br />
didn’t seem all that appealing to me.<br />
I believe that disclosing who you are<br />
to potential employers is important in<br />
promoting your work ethic, particularly when<br />
marketing your eligibility and productivity as<br />
a reliable employee. When deciding what to<br />
put into your resume before sending it off to<br />
businesses, double-check that everything is<br />
accurate and factual. The worst thing is to<br />
have two or more referees who are unable<br />
to be contacted by phone or email.<br />
My advice to future disabled jobseekers,<br />
including those who are autistic, is to refrain<br />
from suppressing or erasing your disability<br />
or impairment. If an employer is verbally<br />
or passively ableist, you shouldn’t sacrifice<br />
your mental health for financial stability. Also,<br />
remember to be well groomed and punctual<br />
when going to job interviews, as I guarantee<br />
you will be looked at more favourably. Who<br />
knows, you might just get that congratulatory<br />
call-back saying that you have been hired.<br />
Jarad will be a guest in our upcoming podcast<br />
episode on work and including your disability<br />
on your resume. You can find out more here<br />
www.informonline.org.au/listen
10 informonline.org.au<br />
NDIS Feature<br />
NDIS:<br />
How to kick<br />
start your<br />
plan<br />
So you’ve successfully received an<br />
NDIS plan <strong>–</strong> congratulations! But are<br />
you finding yourself a bit unsure and<br />
confused about what is supposed<br />
to happen next? This next step can<br />
be daunting, particularly if you have<br />
never accessed funding before.
NDIS Feature<br />
informonline.org.au<br />
11<br />
Where do I start?<br />
The first step is to get familiar with<br />
it all. There is a lot to learn and<br />
remember when it comes to the<br />
NDIS, so it is important that you take<br />
the time to understand what the NDIS<br />
is doing for you.<br />
Firstly, read through your plan lineby-line<br />
and make sure that you fully<br />
understand what you are covered for.<br />
As mentioned in <strong>issue</strong> 25 of <strong>Inform</strong><br />
magazine, if this read-through causes<br />
any questions or concerns for you,<br />
make sure that you write them down<br />
for later. Once you’ve got your head<br />
around your plan, log into your NDIS<br />
participant portal and get familiar<br />
with this interface. This is particularly<br />
important if you are self-managing<br />
your plan and your funds, as this<br />
interface allows you to access your<br />
funds and pay invoices.<br />
Hang on, what if I’m not happy<br />
with my plan?<br />
If you have done your initial readthrough<br />
of your plan and you think<br />
that it doesn’t meet your needs, you<br />
are able to question these decisions<br />
and request a review.<br />
If you would like to request a<br />
review of the NDIS’s decision you<br />
can contact the NDIA <strong>–</strong> either in<br />
writing, over the phone or via email<br />
<strong>–</strong> and request an internal review<br />
of a decision. In this initial contact,<br />
briefly explain why you think this<br />
decision is not correct. This will<br />
start a process where someone at<br />
the NDIA will review your plan and<br />
will be in contact with you when a<br />
new decision has been made. This<br />
process can take some time.<br />
It is important for you to<br />
know that you can still<br />
use your NDIS plan even<br />
when you have submitted<br />
it for a review<br />
review, as using the funds doesn’t<br />
mean that you ‘accept’ the plan you<br />
aren’t happy with. So although your<br />
plan might be in review, it doesn’t<br />
mean that you have to go without<br />
supports while you wait!<br />
What if I am happy with my plan?<br />
If you have received your plan and<br />
you’re happy then you are all ready<br />
to go.<br />
If you are already receiving services<br />
from a service provider and you want<br />
to continue to use this provider, the<br />
first thing you should do is contact<br />
them and tell them that you have<br />
received your plan. Doing this means<br />
that your provider can prepare for<br />
your plan, and ensures that your<br />
service continues without any<br />
interruptions. When telling them about<br />
your plan, your provider may ask<br />
for some information from you, and<br />
they will use this to create a service<br />
agreement which outlines what<br />
services you’ll receive from them.<br />
If you are new to receiving services, or would<br />
like to try a new provider, why not use our<br />
‘How to pick a provider’ guide in <strong>issue</strong> 25 of<br />
<strong>Inform</strong> magazine and on our website?<br />
Find out more at:<br />
www.informonline.org.au/how-to-pick-a-ndisprovider/<br />
It is important for you to know that<br />
you can still use your NDIS plan even<br />
when you have submitted it for a
Effective in flattening, fading and softening<br />
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CICA-CARE <strong>–</strong> Let the anxiety fade 1,2<br />
CICA-CARE Gel Sheets have been shown in studies to flatten,<br />
fade and soften red and raised scars in up to 90% of cases. 4,5<br />
This includes both new and existing hypertrophic and keloid<br />
scars. Additionally, CICA-CARE Gel Sheets have been shown to<br />
be effective in the cosmetic appearance of scars up to 20 years<br />
old, 3 making them potentially suitable for patients who have<br />
experienced the long-lasting impact of scarring. When used<br />
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2<strong>–</strong>4 months. 4,5<br />
More than “just a scar”<br />
For many patients, a scar is more than an imperfection <strong>–</strong> it’s a<br />
source of physical and emotional distress. 1,2 Given the significant<br />
impact scarring can have on patients’ lives, international guidelines<br />
now recommend that following surgery or trauma, the first priority<br />
should always be the prevention of abnormal scar formation. 6<br />
Before After 1<br />
CICA-CARE Frequently Asked Questions<br />
How do I know if CICA-CARE will work on scar(s)?<br />
The scar needs to be red and raised for CICA-CARE to be effective<br />
<strong>–</strong> it doesn’t work on white and flat scars.<br />
How is CICA-CARE used and how long will it take for the scar to<br />
get better?<br />
It can vary from person to person and from scar to scar. Some<br />
people may see an improvement within days. When used correctly,<br />
best results are seen after 2-4 months of treatment. CICA-CARE<br />
wear time should be increased from 4 hours per day for the first<br />
two days up to a minimum of 12 hours per day. Refer to the pack<br />
insert for details. If possible, CICA-CARE should be worn 24 hours<br />
per day. This build up is necessary to get the skin accustomed to<br />
the gel sheet. Painless to remove and easy to replace, CICA-CARE<br />
stays in place, although a light bandage or tape may give extra<br />
help to hold it in place. CICA-CARE can be cut to size to fit most<br />
scars. Each separate cut piece will last up to one month in use. It is<br />
durable and reusable.<br />
How soon can CICA-CARE be used after an injury?<br />
CICA-CARE Gel Sheet may be used on any old or new closed<br />
wound. This includes red and raised scars resulting from<br />
surgical incisions such as Caesarean section, cosmetic surgery<br />
or accidental injuries, such as burns or cuts. Always ensure the<br />
wound is fully closed before using CICA-CARE Gel Sheet. Do not<br />
use on open or infected wounds, scabs, over stitches or anywhere<br />
where there is broken skin.<br />
Products listed may not be right for you. Read any warnings before purchase.<br />
Smith & Nephew Pty Ltd 85 Waterloo Rd North Ryde NSW 2113 Australia T +61 2 9857 3999 F +61 2 9857 3900. Trademark of Smith & Nephew. SN14231.<br />
References 1. Newell R. Psychological difficulties amongst plastic surgery ex-patients following surgery to the face: a survey. Brit J Plast Surg 2000; 53: 386-392. 2. Rumsey N, et al. Exploring the psychosocial concerns of<br />
outpatients with disfiguring conditions. J Wound Care 2003; 12: 247-252. 3. Quinn KJ. Silicone gel in scar treatment. Burns 1987; 13 (supp) : S33-S40. 4. Carney SA, et al. Cica-care gel sheeting in the management of hypertrophic<br />
scarring. Burns 1994;20: 163-167. 5. Mercer NSG. Silicone gel in the treatment of keloid scars. Br J Plast Surg 1989; 42: 83-87. 6. Monstrey S, et al. Updated scar management practical guidelines: non-invasive and invasive<br />
measures. JPRAS 2014; 67:1017-1025.
NDIS Feature<br />
informonline.org.au<br />
13<br />
What do<br />
the funding<br />
categories<br />
mean?<br />
One of the first things we<br />
recommend you do when<br />
you receive your NDIS<br />
plan is to read through it<br />
thoroughly and make sure<br />
that you understand what<br />
you are funded for. But<br />
how can you understand<br />
your funding if you don’t<br />
quite understand what the<br />
funding categories mean?<br />
Don’t worry, we’ve got you<br />
covered.<br />
Core Supports<br />
Core supports is your flexible funding that covers activities that<br />
help you in your everyday life. For example, this funding can be<br />
used for in-home care, cleaning assistance, any needs-related<br />
products or assistance to access your community. This funding is<br />
flexible so you can use it across a number of support categories.<br />
Capital Supports<br />
Capital supports is funding for your ‘big ticket items’, such as<br />
car modifications or assistive technology. Sometimes you may<br />
need a quote or report from a specialist to be able to access<br />
this funding, so it is best to check with the NDIA if you have any<br />
queries regarding your capital supports funding.<br />
Capacity Building<br />
The final funding category is the capacity building category.<br />
This is to fund activities that help you build your skills and reach<br />
your long-term goals. This funding is not as flexible as your<br />
core supports, and can only be used for specified activities as<br />
mentioned within your plan. This funding can be used for things<br />
like support coordination, finding and keeping a job or improving<br />
your relationships, and much more.<br />
If you’re still feeling a bit lost the NDIS has a number of<br />
‘Understanding the NDIS’ booklets on its website at www.ndis.<br />
gov.au. We also recommend looking at the ‘NDIS Price Guide’ to<br />
help you understand how much each service can cost you, and<br />
therefore how far your funding will go.
14 informonline.org.au<br />
Your future<br />
Supports<br />
for school<br />
leavers with<br />
disabilities<br />
Leaving school and figuring out what to do<br />
next is a process most people go through, and<br />
it’s hard for everyone. If you’re considering<br />
getting some help because of a disability,<br />
there are a few extra things you need to think<br />
about. Here we have tried to give you a simple<br />
guide, to help you get started.<br />
After you leave school, you might want to:<br />
• pursue further education<br />
• gain employment<br />
• undertake vocational training<br />
• participate in volunteering and/or other<br />
community based activities.<br />
When deciding what you want to do, you<br />
should think about:<br />
• what is involved with each option<br />
• what each option might mean for you long-term<br />
• how you might access your chosen option<br />
• what kind of assistance you might need to<br />
achieve your goal
Your future<br />
informonline.org.au<br />
15<br />
For example, if you like technology you<br />
might want to get a job in IT. Working<br />
backwards from that end goal, you will need<br />
training, either through TAFE or a university.<br />
To get training you will need to apply and get<br />
accepted. Before that, you might need a part<br />
time job to support yourself. To get to your<br />
part time job or to university you might need<br />
travel training. You can get support through<br />
each of these steps, so it’s important to work<br />
backwards from your end goal, break the<br />
process down into steps, and figure out what<br />
assistance you might need along the way.<br />
Types of assistance you can access:<br />
• Job-ready training<br />
• Assistance finding employment<br />
• Assistance with independent living<br />
• Travel training<br />
This is not a complete list, but it might get<br />
you thinking about what is possible.<br />
What has changed for school leavers<br />
Previously school leavers were supported<br />
through the My Future: My Life program.<br />
This program will continue to be available<br />
until the NDIS rolls out in your area, at which<br />
point you will move over to the NDIS. You<br />
can apply for NDIS school-leaver support<br />
up to six months before the NDIS rolls out in<br />
your area.<br />
How the new system works<br />
If you are eligible for the NDIS you can<br />
access School Leaver Employment Supports<br />
(SLES) during your final two years of<br />
schooling, or up to two years after leaving<br />
school. The earlier you start this process,<br />
the better your chances of getting all the<br />
support you need.<br />
in your NDIS plan. To access this, you need<br />
to contact your Local Area Coordinator to<br />
develop a plan. You can do this up to two<br />
years before you leave school.<br />
Before you go to your meeting, you may<br />
wish to identify which supports you may<br />
need. For example:<br />
• assistance in getting work experience<br />
while you are still at school, so you can<br />
identify what sort of work you might want<br />
to do<br />
• undertaking job skills training, to improve<br />
your employability<br />
• undertaking travel training, so you can get<br />
to and from work independently<br />
• assistance in creating a CV or in applying<br />
for roles<br />
• assistance with your application for<br />
further study or training<br />
• assistance finding a community<br />
organisation or volunteer position<br />
Your Local Area Coordinator will help you to<br />
think through the options, and help you to<br />
develop a plan that’s right for you.<br />
If you would like to read more, to help<br />
you consider all your options, the Better<br />
Health Channel has created a very<br />
comprehensive resource, which can be<br />
found at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/<br />
ServicesAndSupport/postschool-options-forpeople-with-a-disability.<br />
If you’ve got a story about leaving school, or think you<br />
could offer some advice to other school leavers based<br />
on your own experience, we’d love to hear from you.<br />
Email us at inform@iagroup.org.au<br />
SLES is one of many supports available<br />
through the NDIS. As with all things NDIS, it<br />
is available if it is deemed reasonable and<br />
necessary for the school leaver. Because<br />
SLES is a support, it needs to be included
16 informonline.org.au<br />
Your health<br />
If you<br />
can’t say<br />
something<br />
nice…<br />
Dealing with stigma is part of everyday life<br />
for those living with a disability, and for those<br />
that don’t have the right coping strategies it<br />
can take a toll on your emotional health. Here<br />
are some ways in which you can deal with<br />
unwanted advice and opinions.<br />
Speak up<br />
Stigma can often mean that an<br />
individual is thought of as being<br />
‘other’ and there is often a separation<br />
created between the different parties.<br />
It is important to be able to speak up<br />
and inform people that you are equal<br />
and deserve to be treated as so.<br />
Educate<br />
A lot of people may be creating these<br />
differences because they genuinely<br />
don’t understand someone’s<br />
disability, so informing and educating<br />
these family members is key. This<br />
will also give you the opportunity to<br />
correct inaccurate statements and<br />
misunderstandings.<br />
Participate<br />
People may not understand your<br />
capabilities so leaving you out of<br />
an activity may seem like their only<br />
option. In this case, speak up and<br />
let them know that you would like<br />
to participate and suggest a few<br />
activities that you may be able to do.
Your health<br />
informonline.org.au<br />
17<br />
The anticipation of a new year<br />
can sometimes bring about<br />
feelings of stress and anxiety<br />
for some children and adults<br />
with disabilities.<br />
Connect with your support<br />
system<br />
If all else fails, remove yourself from<br />
the negative situation and surround<br />
yourself with people who are<br />
respectful, accepting and understand<br />
your disability.<br />
Be prepared<br />
Preparing yourself for an<br />
uncomfortable situation may be a<br />
useful strategy for being able to take<br />
care of yourself on the day if things<br />
go south. Having already developed<br />
strategies for situations that may<br />
upset you or make you angry may be<br />
helpful in being able to cope with the<br />
circumstance. For example, removing<br />
yourself from the situation, breathing<br />
exercises, going outside for some<br />
fresh air, sitting in another room and<br />
doing an activity that relaxes you such<br />
as reading.<br />
Realistic thinking<br />
Remember that thoughts and opinions<br />
are not facts! It is critical to remember<br />
that you are your own expert, you<br />
know your ability and being able to<br />
identify the unrealistic thoughts and<br />
opinions of yourself and others is a<br />
necessity.<br />
Tips for family<br />
and friends<br />
While the new year can bring times of<br />
joy and excitement to some of us, it<br />
can sometimes bring about feelings of<br />
stress and anxiety for some children<br />
and adults with disabilities.<br />
Here are a few tips and ideas for<br />
family members and friends to try, to<br />
help create a positive environment for<br />
those living with a disability.<br />
<strong>Inform</strong> and educate <strong>–</strong> who<br />
needs to know?<br />
There are many situations where<br />
extended family gets together and<br />
some family members or friends<br />
may not completely understand an<br />
individual’s disability or know how<br />
to act when around them. It might<br />
be useful for family members or the<br />
individual with the disability to send<br />
out a quick update to other family<br />
members before any big events, and<br />
this update may include:<br />
• Achievements and events that<br />
have happened during the year<br />
• Activities and topics that the<br />
individual may enjoy discussing<br />
• Activities and topics that people<br />
should avoid<br />
• Things that the individual<br />
may enjoy or find difficult and<br />
challenging during the festive<br />
celebrations<br />
A designated safe area might also<br />
be helpful, if an individual starts to<br />
become overwhelmed and requires<br />
a quiet and designated space where<br />
they can retreat. This area can be<br />
a calming place where they can<br />
complete an activity or task that they<br />
may prefer (e.g. reading their favorite<br />
book or listening to music).
18 informonline.org.au<br />
Our advice<br />
Flying with<br />
mobility<br />
equipment<br />
Requiring mobility equipment shouldn’t hold<br />
you back from taking to the skies, but the<br />
reality is that it does take a bit of extra<br />
planning before you can board the plane.<br />
Most airlines have improved their mobility<br />
assistance services over the last couple of<br />
years, and it’s now much easier than it used to<br />
be to communicate your needs. So what can<br />
you take, and how can you make sure it arrives<br />
in one piece?<br />
Do your research<br />
The first step is to do your research.<br />
Each airline has its own restrictions,<br />
procedures and costs around<br />
bringing your own mobility equipment<br />
on board. For example, some airlines<br />
charge extra if you need a lift to get<br />
up the stairs for planes that don’t<br />
have an aerobridge, while others<br />
offer this service free of charge.<br />
Each airline will have this information<br />
listed on its website. Alternatively<br />
you can call the airline and talk to<br />
someone about your needs. Another<br />
complicating factor is that while<br />
many newer, larger aeroplanes<br />
can accommodate full-size mobility<br />
scooters and wheelchairs, older<br />
and/or smaller aircraft may not have<br />
this capability. Where you can go or<br />
what you can take may be restricted<br />
by the aircraft that flies this route.<br />
Again, this is a question you can ask<br />
the airline. Finally, it’s important to
Our advice<br />
informonline.org.au<br />
19<br />
let the airline know that you will be<br />
bringing a mobility aid early, as many<br />
aeroplanes can only accommodate a<br />
small number of these, and there may<br />
already be other people who have<br />
booked a spot for a wheelchair or<br />
scooter on your flight.<br />
Communicate early and often<br />
Once upon a time airlines understood<br />
“I need mobility assistance” as<br />
“I need a wheelchair”, but these<br />
days you can communicate your<br />
needs with a level of nuance.<br />
Communicating your specific needs<br />
with the airline well ahead of time will<br />
ensure you have the best possible<br />
experience. Start by calling when you<br />
are booking your ticket to ensure<br />
the airline can accommodate your<br />
needs. Then call again the day<br />
before your travel, to confirm your<br />
plans and go over what will happen<br />
when you arrive at the airport. Finally,<br />
ensure you arrive at the airport<br />
with plenty of extra time, as it may<br />
take you longer to get to your gate.<br />
Whatever your specific needs are,<br />
if you communicate them early and<br />
often you are more likely to get<br />
the individual support you require,<br />
rather than being treated as ‘generic<br />
disability’.<br />
When you arrive at the airport<br />
If you give them enough notice some<br />
airlines will meet you at your car<br />
with a wheelchair. You can request<br />
a golf buggy ride if you are more<br />
mobile, but may still find the long trip<br />
between check in and the final gate<br />
too long and strenuous. If you use<br />
crutches or walking sticks let the staff<br />
at security checkpoints know that you<br />
require these aids to walk <strong>–</strong> if you<br />
communicate your needs, they can<br />
pass your walking stick(s) through the<br />
scanner, and then bring them back<br />
to you, to allow you to walk on your<br />
own through the security checkpoint.<br />
Alternatively, they may provide a<br />
wheelchair to get you to the other<br />
side. Finally, if you are checking in<br />
a wheelchair or scooter, ensure you<br />
bring the manual and any tools you<br />
may require to disassemble it. Most<br />
airlines will require that tall backrests<br />
are removed, or they may have other<br />
requirements. Ensure you arrive with<br />
plenty of time to undertake these<br />
tasks, and that you bring someone to<br />
assist you, as airlines may not be able<br />
to do so.<br />
On the plane<br />
Remember that being on the plane<br />
itself may take some planning. Airline<br />
staff are not expected to assist with<br />
eating, administering medication,<br />
using the toilet or lifting or carrying a<br />
passenger. If you are likely to require<br />
this type of assistance, you’ll need<br />
to bring someone with you who can<br />
perform these tasks. If you need<br />
a carer, they may be eligible for a<br />
Companion Card discount from the<br />
airline, which can provide tickets at a<br />
significantly reduced cost.<br />
Touchdown<br />
If you have a stopover, it’s worth<br />
checking whether you will have<br />
access to your mobility aids. If<br />
they have been stored under the<br />
aeroplane, the answer is likely no, so<br />
come up with a plan for the stopover<br />
ahead of time in consultation with the<br />
airline. It’s also important to plan what<br />
will happen at your final destination.<br />
Talk to the airline about where you<br />
can pick up your mobility aids, or<br />
what assistance may be available<br />
in terms of commuting through the<br />
airport to pick up your luggage.
20 informonline.org.au<br />
<strong>Summer</strong><br />
The What,<br />
Where and How<br />
of accessible<br />
beaches
<strong>Summer</strong><br />
informonline.org.au<br />
21<br />
What are accessible beaches?<br />
Accessible beaches have been made<br />
more accessible for people with wheels<br />
<strong>–</strong> whether you’re in a wheelchair, using a<br />
mobility scooter or even pushing a pram.<br />
There are usually a few considerations when<br />
making a beach accessible. Accessible<br />
beaches offer ramps or stair-free access to<br />
the sand. They also have beach matting, to<br />
make rolling across the sand possible in a<br />
standard wheelchair. Many also offer beach<br />
wheelchairs for hire. Beach wheelchairs<br />
have buoyant armrests and wheels that<br />
allow the chair to float in the water. They<br />
also have straps to secure the rider. Beach<br />
wheelchairs are designed to enter the water,<br />
up to the waist height of a support person,<br />
so that everyone can enjoy the beach and<br />
have a dip. Finally, some accessible beaches<br />
may offer access to Changing Places<br />
facilities.<br />
Changing Places<br />
Changing Places is a project to advocate for<br />
public toilets with full sized change tables<br />
and hoists in major public spaces across<br />
Australia to meet the needs of people with<br />
disabilities. If you are looking to hire a beach<br />
wheelchair, but will need the help of a hoist<br />
to transfer from a standard wheelchair to<br />
a beach wheelchair, then looking for an<br />
accessible beach that also has a Changing<br />
Place is going to make the process much<br />
easier. Not all accessible beaches have a<br />
Changing Place.<br />
Where can I find my nearest<br />
accessible beach?<br />
The Accessible Beaches Australia website<br />
has a good list of accessible beaches.<br />
You should also check in with your local<br />
city council. And, if you are looking for a<br />
beach with access to a Changing Place,<br />
the Changing Places website offers a<br />
searchable map of accredited facilities.<br />
Beach wheelchairs are<br />
designed to enter the water,<br />
up to the waist height of<br />
a support person, so that<br />
everyone can enjoy the<br />
beach and have a dip.<br />
How can I get my local beach made<br />
accessible?<br />
Although Accessible Beaches Australia has<br />
a vision to make most patrolled beaches<br />
accessible by 2020, local councils need<br />
to know there is a demand for this service.<br />
When they are presented with the idea of<br />
making a beach accessible, most councils<br />
are concerned about the work and the cost<br />
involved. To counteract this, Accessible<br />
Beaches Australia hosts accessible beach<br />
days, where they demonstrate to local<br />
councils both how easy it is to make<br />
beaches accessible, and how high the<br />
demand is in the local community. Councils<br />
can contact Accessible Beaches Australia<br />
through their website to request a trial<br />
accessible beach day. In many cases, the<br />
trial can be provided free of charge. As a<br />
local resident you can always contact your<br />
local council to let them know that services<br />
like these exist <strong>–</strong> the fact that they can be<br />
tried risk (and cost) free makes it a much<br />
more appealing proposal!<br />
To find out more, visit<br />
accessiblebeaches.com and changingplaces.org.au
22 informonline.org.au<br />
Your health<br />
Surviving<br />
the heat<br />
There are a range of reasons people’s bodies don’t cope well with<br />
the heat. Some medications, such as blood pressure medication,<br />
antidepressants, antihistamines and more can interfere with a person’s<br />
ability to manage hotter weather. As we get older we don’t perspire as<br />
much, so our bodies have more difficulty cooling themselves. Those<br />
with a cognitive disability may not ‘feel’ the heat, or may not be able to<br />
communicate their discomfort.
Your health<br />
informonline.org.au<br />
23<br />
Getting too hot can be<br />
dangerous, especially when<br />
the person has trouble<br />
communicating their discomfort<br />
Whatever the reason, if you or a<br />
person you are caring for are at<br />
an increased risk from the heat<br />
of summer, there are a number of<br />
steps you can take to stay cool. It is<br />
important to know the signs of heatrelated<br />
distress, and how to avoid<br />
it, as in extreme cases becoming<br />
overheated can be life-threatening.<br />
Signs of heat-related distress:<br />
• Headache, nausea and fatigue are<br />
all signs of heat stress<br />
• Cool, moist skin; a weakened<br />
pulse and feeling faint are all signs<br />
of heat fatigue<br />
• Thirst, giddiness, weakness, lack<br />
of coordination, nausea, profuse<br />
sweating, cold and clammy skin,<br />
possible raised pulse, possible<br />
contracted pupils and possible<br />
vomiting are all signs that the body<br />
is getting too hot, which is known<br />
as heat exhaustion<br />
• If not treated, heat exhaustion can<br />
lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke<br />
is life-threatening and immediate<br />
medical attention is required.<br />
Symptoms can include confusion,<br />
combativeness, bizarre behaviour,<br />
faintness, staggering, rapid pulse,<br />
dry hot and flushed skin, lack of<br />
sweating, possible fast, shallow<br />
breathing and possible dilated<br />
pupils. Later stages can include<br />
delirium, seizures and coma.<br />
Getting too hot can be dangerous,<br />
especially when the person has<br />
trouble communicating their<br />
discomfort, so it’s important to know<br />
the signs ahead of time, and to take<br />
steps to remain cool during hot<br />
weather.<br />
Ways to stay cool in the heat:<br />
• Stay hydrated. Sip on cool drinks<br />
often. Water is best, but if you<br />
prefer fruit juice then water it down<br />
to improve hydration. Avoid drinks<br />
with alcohol, caffeine or excess<br />
sugar.<br />
• Stay out of the sun during the<br />
hottest part of the day, and if<br />
you have to go out cover up with<br />
loose, cool clothing and a hat.<br />
Natural fibers such as cotton will<br />
keep you cooler than polyester.<br />
• Take a cool shower or bath, or<br />
splash yourself with cool water.<br />
• Identify the coolest room you have<br />
access to ahead of time, so you<br />
know where to go in the heat.<br />
• Avoid turning on the oven or<br />
stove, as this will introduce heat<br />
into the house. Instead, opt for a<br />
cool, fresh meal, such as a proteinrich<br />
salad.<br />
• Check in with others. If you know<br />
someone who lives alone, or you<br />
yourself live alone, check in with<br />
others throughout heatwaves, to<br />
ensure everyone is staying safe<br />
and keeping cool.<br />
Other things to consider include<br />
checking medications to ensure<br />
they are being stored at a safe<br />
temperature, and putting them into<br />
a cooler room or even the fridge if<br />
it’s getting too hot inside the house.<br />
If you are ever concerned about<br />
how you will cope with the heat, or<br />
whether a medication will affect how<br />
your body responds to the heat you<br />
should have a chat with a medical<br />
professional, as they can help you<br />
make a plan. If you are worried that<br />
someone may be suffering from<br />
heat-related distress, it is important<br />
to seek medical attention urgently, as<br />
heat-related distress can become lifethreatening<br />
if not treated.<br />
Please note the information supplied is<br />
general in nature. Please consult your medical<br />
practitioner for individual advice.
24 informonline.org.au<br />
Your health<br />
Sensory<br />
overload 101<br />
Anyone can experience sensory overload, but some<br />
conditions can make sensory overload debilitating.<br />
Conditions such as sensory processing disorder, chronic<br />
fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, post-traumatic stress<br />
disorder and Autism spectrum disorder all exacerbate the<br />
experience of sensory overload, and can make access to<br />
safe spaces and sensory friendly environments a necessity<br />
for participating fully in everyday life.
Your health<br />
informonline.org.au<br />
25<br />
Everyday environments where sensory<br />
overload is more likely to occur include<br />
shopping centres, cinemas, festivals, public<br />
transport, noisy cafes and even busy roads.<br />
Some sectors are becoming more aware of<br />
sensory overload, and are starting to create<br />
safe spaces to become more inclusive for<br />
people with differing sensory needs.<br />
The below list is by no means exhaustive <strong>–</strong><br />
these are just some examples of businesses<br />
doing good work with safe spaces for<br />
sensory overload. You can look online for<br />
programs running in your local area, and if<br />
you can’t find any why not take the first step<br />
and make a proposal for a program you’d<br />
like to see run near you?<br />
Shopping<br />
With their harsh lighting, banging trolleys<br />
and beeping machines, supermarkets can<br />
be a big ask for someone who suffers from<br />
sensory overload. Coles Supermarkets<br />
has partnered with Autism Spectrum<br />
Australia (Aspect) to run a sensory overload<br />
friendly ‘Quiet Hour’ every Tuesday from<br />
10.30<strong>–</strong>11.30am across a number of its stores<br />
nationally. During Quiet Hour the lighting is<br />
dimmed, and noise is reduced by ensuring<br />
that shelf-restocking carts are removed<br />
from the shop floor, and beeps on checkout<br />
machines are turned off. You can find a<br />
participating store by visiting the Coles<br />
website. The Good Guys is running a similar<br />
initiative, and the concept is beginning to<br />
catch on with other retailers.<br />
Some shopping centres, for example the<br />
Northland Shopping Centre in Melbourne,<br />
are creating sensory safe spaces for<br />
shoppers who need some down time. These<br />
are quiet rooms with gentle lighting and soft<br />
fittings to give shoppers or their children<br />
some time out to reset and relax before<br />
continuing with their shopping.<br />
These quiet rooms with gentle<br />
lighting and soft fittings are<br />
designed to give shoppers or<br />
their children some time out<br />
to reset and relax<br />
Driving<br />
Drive Smart Driving School in Adelaide has<br />
partnered with Autism SA to train staff to run<br />
programs specifically for teaching learner<br />
drivers with Autism Spectrum Disorder, to<br />
help them to become safe, independent<br />
drivers.<br />
Hairdressers<br />
There are a number of hairdressers who<br />
specialise in giving haircuts to children and<br />
adults who find the experience of getting a<br />
haircut overwhelming. Giggle and Scissors<br />
are a mobile Brisbane based company.<br />
Shear Abilities salon in Maitland offers a<br />
friendly and inclusive space.<br />
Cinemas<br />
Some cinemas run sensory-friendly sessions,<br />
which include dimmed lighting and lowered<br />
volume, and no judgement for getting up<br />
and moving around during the film. Event<br />
Cinemas and Village Cinemas both run<br />
sensory-friendly sessions, so check out their<br />
websites to find a session near you.<br />
Sensory overload can be debilitating, but<br />
initiatives like those mentioned can help to<br />
make everyday activities bearable, and for<br />
some, possible for the first time. It is always<br />
worth encouraging your local businesses<br />
and councils to look at the success of these<br />
programs in other areas and to consider<br />
doing something similar, so we can all enjoy<br />
being out in the world.
Abri-Form Junior<br />
Supporting the changing needs<br />
From child to young adult<br />
Shop online at store.independenceaustralia.com or call 1300 788 855<br />
Skincare Lotion<br />
With age, the skin changes and can become dry, which can cause irritation. Moisturising twice<br />
a day helps to maintain skin integrity.<br />
The Abena Skincare Lotion is a gentle, effective product suitable for daily care of the<br />
skin. The lotion contains both nourishing ingredients that moisturise the skin, and stearates<br />
that increase the speed of absorption. Assists with regenerating the skin’s own defence<br />
system, and assists with skin elasticity.<br />
• CLINICALLY PROVEN*<br />
• Skin neutral pH<br />
• 16% fat content<br />
• Nordic Swan certified<br />
• Dermatologically tested<br />
*The effectiveness of a twice-daily skin-moisturising regimen for reducing the incidence of skin tears Carville K et al (2014) International<br />
Wound Journal ISSN 1742-4801<br />
Shop online at store.independenceaustralia.com or call 1300 788 855
Melbourne Disability Expo<br />
informonline.org.au<br />
27<br />
The Melbourne<br />
Disability<br />
Expo 2018<br />
My future, my choice<br />
The Melbourne Disability Expo was<br />
more relevant than ever in 2018.<br />
The NDIS is now fully rolled out<br />
or being rolled out progressively<br />
across most of Victoria’s metro<br />
and regional areas. Under the new<br />
scheme thousands of Victorians with<br />
disabilities are expected to make<br />
decisions about their own care, or the<br />
care of their loved ones, and with so<br />
many services on offer this can be an<br />
overwhelming task.<br />
The yearly expo allows people with<br />
disabilities to find out about the<br />
latest products, services, technology,<br />
aids and equipment, by talking<br />
face-to-face with people working<br />
for those companies. It can be an<br />
important step in finding a provider<br />
who feels trustworthy, capable and<br />
respectful of your choices. This year<br />
the expo took place over Friday<br />
16 and Saturday 17 November at<br />
the Melbourne Convention and<br />
Exhibition Centre. Over 150 service<br />
and product providers exhibited at<br />
a stall, and visitors were able to try<br />
products, talk to industry experts,<br />
listen to information sessions and<br />
take advantage of the children’s<br />
entertainment.<br />
Independence Australia’s photobooth was<br />
particularly popular <strong>–</strong> turn over the page to<br />
see some fantastic snaps from the day!
28 informonline.org.au<br />
Photos<br />
The Melbourne<br />
Disability Expo
Featured Products<br />
informonline.org.au<br />
29<br />
TENA takes<br />
special care<br />
of skin<br />
TENA is a name better known for<br />
continence products but did you know<br />
they are also the skincare specialists.<br />
Continence and skincare are closely<br />
linked, skin breakdown can be caused by<br />
the repeated wetting and drying of the<br />
skin with the affected area being more<br />
susceptible to damage.<br />
Lanna Ramsay, head of Ozcare Aged<br />
Care used the TENA skincare range on<br />
her father “My father has always had very<br />
sensitive skin and is prone to easy bruising.<br />
As he is quite active and he often gives<br />
himself small skin tears, and sometimes<br />
big., I have had him using TENA Wash<br />
Cream and Skin Lotion for about three<br />
years. Over that time, there has been a<br />
significant improvement in his skin and a<br />
decreased number of small skin tears”<br />
Traditional soap and water can also be<br />
very harsh on delicate skin, and conditions<br />
like Incontinence Associated Dermatitis<br />
(IAD) can be painful however the TENA<br />
3-in-1 range does not require soap or water<br />
to cleanse and ensures that the skin is<br />
cleaned, protected and moisturised.<br />
Daily checklist for healthy skin:<br />
✓✓<br />
Prevention is the best treatment, cleanse<br />
the body daily<br />
✓✓<br />
Cleanse the skin well when using the<br />
toilet or after every pad change<br />
✓✓<br />
Moisturise the skin after cleansing to<br />
avoid dehydration and form a protective<br />
barrier<br />
✓✓<br />
Protect the genital area (perineum<br />
specifically) with a barrier cream if area<br />
is exposed to regular faecal or urinary<br />
incontinence<br />
Tena Skincare Products<br />
TENA wet wipes<br />
3 in 1 cloth that is premoistened<br />
to clean<br />
the perineum<br />
TENA wash cream<br />
3-in 1 no-rinse cream<br />
that cleanses the<br />
body or perineum and<br />
acts as three products<br />
in one, a gentle<br />
cleanser, moisturiser<br />
and protective cream.<br />
It can be safely left on<br />
the skin and is ideally<br />
applied with the TENA<br />
soft cloth<br />
TENA skin lotion<br />
deep moisturizer that<br />
contains natural oils<br />
that make it gentle<br />
and suitable for<br />
delicate/sensitive skin<br />
and for use on the<br />
whole body<br />
TENA Barrier Cream<br />
forms a protective<br />
layer over the skin;<br />
keeps moisture in;<br />
prevents irritants<br />
penetrating the skin.
30 informonline.org.au<br />
Our advice<br />
How to find<br />
a hobby<br />
Finding the right hobby for you can be<br />
tricky. Many people leave hobbies behind in<br />
childhood, and then never quite figure out how<br />
to get back to spending weekend afternoons<br />
engrossed in a good book, or letting it all out<br />
in drama class.<br />
So, if you’re stuck, here are some steps that<br />
might help you to start the process.<br />
First, think about the sort of person<br />
you are. Do you want a hobby that is<br />
just a bit of fun, or do you need to be<br />
doing something productive in order<br />
to relax? This may determine the<br />
type of hobby you look for. Do you<br />
want a hobby where the activity is the<br />
main focus, or are you looking for a<br />
group of like-minded people, where<br />
the hobby itself is less important<br />
than being social? Are you a morning<br />
person who would enjoy sunrise<br />
meditation, or would you prefer to<br />
do a hobby in the afternoon on the<br />
weekends, when you are at your<br />
most relaxed? If you factor these<br />
things in when choosing a hobby,<br />
you are more likely to find something<br />
you can stick with and enjoy for more<br />
than a few weeks.<br />
Second, think about what makes<br />
you happy, and the activities you<br />
already enjoy. It’s important to think
Our advice<br />
informonline.org.au<br />
31<br />
about why you enjoy them, too. For<br />
instance, two people may enjoy<br />
playing board games with friends, but<br />
for one person the important thing<br />
is spending time with friends, and<br />
for the other person it’s the mental<br />
challenge and strategic thinking that<br />
keeps them coming back week after<br />
week. If these two people were to<br />
pick new hobbies, they would likely<br />
pick two different activities, despite<br />
both enjoying board games. It’s the<br />
why that’s important here.<br />
Next, look for inspiration. Think about<br />
the things you enjoyed as a child.<br />
Spend some time in a bookstore, and<br />
be aware of which sections excite you<br />
<strong>–</strong> are you drawn to the cookbooks?<br />
Or do you spend all your time in the<br />
history section? Think about projects<br />
you may have undertaken in the past,<br />
and see if you could turn this into an<br />
ongoing hobby. Take a look at local<br />
notice boards, and just see what’s on<br />
offer in your area <strong>–</strong> the avenues for<br />
inspiration are endless.<br />
Finally, try a few hobbies out. You<br />
likely won’t be sure whether you<br />
enjoy something until you try it,<br />
and hobby collecting can become<br />
a hobby itself. We’ve put together<br />
a list of different hobbies to help<br />
inspire you <strong>–</strong> why not pick twelve,<br />
and commit to trying a new one every<br />
month for an entire year? Who knows,<br />
maybe something will stick.<br />
Try a few hobbies. You<br />
likely won’t be sure whether<br />
you enjoy something<br />
until you try it, and hobby<br />
collecting can become a<br />
hobby itself.<br />
25 hobbies to<br />
inspire you<br />
Hobbies to help you learn a skill<br />
• Learn a language<br />
• Improve your cooking<br />
• Take up gardening<br />
• Take up film photography<br />
• Learn a musical instrument<br />
• Enroll in an online degree<br />
• Attend free lectures<br />
Hobbies you can do alone<br />
• Become a podcast listener<br />
• Become a Wikipedia editor<br />
• Rate and review movies online<br />
• Take up meditation<br />
• Write letters to people<br />
• Hobbies to do with friends<br />
• Learn to play a team sport<br />
• Get together and play board<br />
games<br />
• Start a documentary watching club<br />
• Become a computer gamer<br />
• Form a pub trivia team<br />
• Join a historical reenactment<br />
group<br />
Hobbies that could make you<br />
some pocket money<br />
• Become a blogger<br />
• Take up a craft and sell your wares<br />
• Write a book<br />
• Become a decluttering guru<br />
• Make a podcast<br />
• Learn to decorate cakes<br />
• Buy and resell items on eBay (for a<br />
profit!)
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DHHS service provider<br />
Our services include:<br />
In-home care<br />
Accommodation<br />
Psychology and counselling<br />
Case management<br />
Support Coordination<br />
<strong>Inform</strong>ation<br />
Post polio support<br />
Health care products and equipment<br />
1300 704 456<br />
service.enquiry@iagroup.org.au<br />
www.independenceaustralia.com.au<br />
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