A note from our President, Good day members of Polio SA,
Well winter is almost over they tell me, but I for one am still feeling the cold, the most I can remember, as I mentioned in my last letter, even wore socks to bed a couple of times …gee !!!
Carol Francis
Information Bulletin 06 August 2024
People with Disability Australia (PDWA) Survey
PWDA alongside other disability rights organisations have been campaigning to improve disaster and emergency responses for people with disability.
We are currently asking our members to share their experiences and understanding on disaster preparedness by completing the survey now
Due to the extensive coverage of People with Disability Australia (PWDA) following the release of federal, state and territory government responses to the Disability Royal Commission only a selection of articles have been included.
July 2024 Newsletter – Out now
What’s in our July 2024 Newsletter
- President’s Message -Since our last newsletter, Robyn and I have attended the ARIIA (Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia) Conference. This year’s theme was “Living Well, Ageing Well, Dying Well.” The conference lasted two full days and featured speakers covering various topics.
- Sister Kenny Polio Timeline Exhibit Unveiling – Queensland – Opening 16th August at 2.00 pm – Polio Australia would like to inform you about the upcoming opening of the Sister Kenny Timeline Exhibit at the Sr Kenny Museum. The hosts and museum curators Tricia and Tony Wallen would be delighted to have members of the post-polio community attend this special occasion. Please share this event information with your network.
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Maggie Beer’s aged care crusade hits the screen -THE inspirational Maggie Beer’s crusade to improve the food and nutrition in Australia’s aged care sector hits TV screens this month with Maggie Beer’s Big Mission – a three-part series premiering on Tuesday 9 July on ABC TV.
Information Bulletin – 12 July 2024
Please consider filling out following survey from Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts by 02 August 2024 – 5pm AES
The Department has identified there’s low public awareness of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards) among people with disability.
Awareness of the Transport Standards is important so people with disability are aware of their rights and what to expect when accessing public transport in Australia.
June 2024 Newsletter
What’s in our June 2024 Newsletter?
- President’s Message – Robyn & I had the privilege of attending the National Summit on Neurological Conditions at Parliament House Canberra, a significant event organised by the Neurological Alliance Australia (NAA). This summit was a crucial platform for us to stay informed and involved in the advocacy efforts for neurological conditions.
- Polio Survivor and Paralympian, Brian McNicholl’s OAM, Early Polio Story -Brian’s life has been full of competition and energy, despite the need to overcome his early Polio experience. This is his story and a description by his Mother of the early Polio years
- Passing of Donald Sutherland – Donald McNichol Sutherland was born on 17 July 1935, in Saint John, New Brunswick and passed away 20 June 2024 . As a child, Sutherland suffered from multiple diseases, including hepatitis, rheumatic fever and polio.
Information Bulletin – 06 June 2024
Whats in our Information Bulletin – 06 June 2024?
13th June 2024 – 9.30 to 12.30pm, Melbourne Town Hall, 90-130 Swanston St, Melbourne
The Warm Safe Home project campaign launch and exhibition. Please refer to our Events page for more information.
22nd June 2024 – 11.00am, Meet Wilson Ave/Sydney Rd open space, opposite Barkly Square, BRUNSWICK
Permanent Accessible Tram Stops on Sydney Road. Please refer to our Events page for more information. Please refer to our Events page for more information
- Please sign the following petitions:
EN6225 :- Support at Home: Exclusions requested by Peter Willcocks
EN6242 :- Support at Home: Choice requested by Paul Absalom
- Donations – please help keep our Advocacy Work alive and can make a real difference to our voice being heard. Please donate here
May 2024 Bulletin – Out Now
- Whats in our May 2024 Issue?
- Minister Bill Shorten is presenting his intent to change the NDIS Act, which is debated in the Upper and Lower House this week. Whatever the outcome, it will greatly impact all polio survivors, our state Government, and My Aged Care. More troubles = more advocacy.
- Global Accessibility Awareness Day – Was on Thursday, May 16, 2024, marked the 13th Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD), and it doesn’t need to end there. Please join us to continue to spread awareness. The purpose of GAAD is to get everyone talking, thinking and learning about digital access/inclusion and people with different disabilities.
- How to reduce your income tax with donations. You can claim a tax deduction for donations of $2 or more, as long as these donations are made to an organisation that has been endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as a deductible gift recipient (DGR). Post Polio VIC, is a registered charity, sub-type Health and Wellbeing, and has DGR status so your donation will be tax deductible.
April 2024 Bulletin – Out Now
Whats in our April 2024 Issue?
- Friendly Reminder to book your flu vaccination – Some people are more at risk of complications from the flu and are eligible for the free flu vaccine. You can get a flu vaccine from your GP, local council immunisation service, or local pharmacist immuniser.
- Given mother’s day is soon, following are some Committee members polio stories from their mothers. Susan Shaab – Polio rehabilitation from a Northcote barber’s shop.
- My Son…Jeff Stewart 1952… Polio by Joan Stewart. A toddler 1 year, 11 months, fit and healthy, full of mischief to a toddler with a limp. My son was diagnosed with polio.
- Read more here
‘Nothing inventive about it’: Polio survivor’s idea to fix station access. Article published in the Ballarat Courier, 11th August, 2024: By Nieve Walton
Our own polio survivor, Jeff Stewart knows how difficult it can be to get from one platform to another at the Ballarat Train Station.
Especially if the train is not at a platform you expect, which has caused Mr Stewart to miss his train on multiple occasions.
He was an electrical engineer before retiring and has lived in Ballarat for most of his life.
Mr Stewart is frustrated the proposed overpass for the station is a significant walk from the main buildings.
UN asked to rule on whether NDIS age cap is a human rights breach – 02 November 2023
Our own, Dr Peter Freckleton, an Australian with a severe and permanent disability, is alleging the Australian Government is discriminating against him by denying him access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) because of his age.
In a complaint to the UN, Dr Freckleton says this breaches his fundamental right to protection from discrimination under the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.