Talking Disability

The latest health and disability news in Australia

Canine companions like Dobby (above) are helping Australians who are deaf or hard of hearing feel independent in their homes and communities again [Source: Australian Lions Hearing Dogs]

Australian Lions Hearing Dogs set to train its 600th dog

Posted 1 month ago by Nicole Pope

Australian Lions Hearing Dogs (ALHD) is looking to train and rehome its 600th dog this year, a sentiment to its valua… Read more

Ignition Point is three performances rolled into one [Source: Villa Maria Catholic Homes]

Adelaide Fringe show the ‘ignition point’ for performers with disability

Posted 1 month ago by Nicole Pope

South Australia is once again embracing the return of the Adelaide Fringe Festival and with hundreds of amazing perfo… Read more

Disability advocates are calling for a clear timeline following the successful vote for a Royal Commission into disability [Source: Shutterstock]

Disability Royal Commission passes in parliament but timelines still required

Posted 2 months ago by Nicole Pope

The motion for a Royal Commission into the violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability in ins… Read more

The trial is open until Thursday 28 February [Source: Shutterstock]

New Victorian public transport digital ticketing system trialled on people with disability

Posted 2 months ago by Nicole Pope

Victoria’s public transport system is expecting to become even more user-friendly with a new digital ‘myki’ car… Read more

Jack was diagnosed with schizophrenia and advanced post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at only 18 years old [Source: Supplied]

Nextt stop: improved mental health

Posted 2 months ago by Nicole Pope

CONSUMER STORY - Fear can be crippling! It can keep you awake at night second guessing every noise you hear and can … Read more

The calls for a Royal Commission had the support of the Australian Labor Party and cross bench and is expected to be passed when Federal Parliament resumes next week [Source: Shutterstock]

Royal Commission into disability expected to pass through parliament next week

Posted 2 months ago by Nicole Pope

Twitter was abuzz yesterday following news the motion for a Royal Commission into the violence, abuse and neglect of … Read more

The new NDIS Worker Screening is expected to start in July 2019 in all States and Territories except Western Australia [Source: Shutterstock]

National database to ensure safe and quality workers for NDIS participants

Posted 2 months ago by Nicole Pope

A new screening approach to be introduced this year will ensure safe and quality support for National Disability Insu… Read more

MS Xplained uses a character named Sommer, who shares her experience of dealing with a sudden MS diagnosis [Source: MS Australia]

New online resource helps those diagnosed with multiple sclerosis

Posted 2 months ago by Nicole Pope

A new interactive resource is helping educate people on multiple sclerosis (MS) by harnessing the power of storytelli… Read more

People with disability from CALD backgrounds have half to one-third of the rate of the usage of mainstream services that people born in Australia have had [Source: Shutterstock]

New policy paper reveals more culturally diverse disability support required

Posted 2 months ago by Nicole Pope

A new policy paper to be released tomorrow highlights the need for mainstream services to meet the needs of people wi… Read more

The Emoji v12.0 update features 230 new emojis, including a range of disability icons [Source: New York Magazine - Intelligencer]

Inclusive emoji update sees better representation of disability

Posted 2 months ago by Nicole Pope

An emoji update set for release this year will include icons representing a range of disabilities, introducing emojis… Read more

A number of changes will help eligible NDIS participants access SDA housing [Source: Shutterstock]

New reforms to Specialist Disability Accommodation announced

Posted 2 months ago by Nicole Pope

The announcement of new reforms to Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) will address the outcomes of a review by… Read more

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a new funding investment of $12 million at the rebrand launch event in Sydney on Wednesday [Source: Paralympics Australia Twitter]

Government backs Australian Paralympics ahead of Tokyo 2020 Games

Posted 2 months ago by Nicole Pope

It’s been an exciting week for Australia’s para-athletes with the rebrand of the Australian Paralympic Committee … Read more

The new sensory wall display units boast vivid imagery, sound and light projections and detect touch gestures, similar to those used on smartphones and tablets [Source: Achieve Australia]

Participants enjoy new sensory technology at Achieve Australia

Posted 2 months ago by Nicole Pope

Clients at Achieve Australia’s three New South Wales locations in Epping, Seven Hills and Casino are benefitting fr… Read more

More and more disability advocates are taking to social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to educate, share thoughts and bring attention to ableism in society [Source: Shutterstock]

Social media plays vital role in disability education and calling out ableism

Posted 2 months ago by Nicole Pope

Social media has the power to transcend across countries and is playing an important role in calling out ableism and … Read more

Professor Rhonda Galbally received the Companion in the Order of Australia for her achievements as a disability activist [Source: Shuttertstock]

NDIA board member and disability activist takes home top gong at Australia Day awards

Posted 2 months ago by Nicole Pope

A number of community members influential in the disability sector were recognised at this year’s Order of Australi… Read more

The Productivity Commission’s final report has shown a new National Disability Agreement is required [Source: Shutterstock]

Productivity Commission review calls for new National Disability Agreement

Posted 2 months ago by Nicole Pope

A final report by the Productivity Commission on the National Disability Agreement (NDA) has found the agreement is o… Read more

The project will explore seven interconnected housing options [Source: University of Melbourne - Melbourne Disability Institute]

New project to delve into NDIS housing options

Posted 2 months ago by Nicole Pope

A new research project will help National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants navigate the challenging di… Read more

Pat Macrossan is Autism Queensland's new CEO effective today [1 February 2019] [Source: Autism Queensland]

Autism Queensland appoints new CEO

Posted 2 months ago by Nicole Pope

Autism Queensland has welcomed a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following the retirement of former CEO Rod Cameron… Read more

The copper-dependent processes are disrupted in the brain and spinal cord, but a potential drug could penetrate and restore function [Source: Shutterstock]

New research into the role of copper in multiple sclerosis uncovers potential treatment

Posted 2 months ago by Nicole Pope

New research at The University of Melbourne is looking into the role copper plays in multiple sclerosis (MS) with a p… Read more

Vision Australia hosts school holiday programs for children in Queensland and New South Wales and is now planning a similar program for the Easter school holidays [Source: Vision Australia]

Vision Australia celebrates success of Melbourne school holiday program

Posted 2 months ago by Nicole Pope

While thousands of students return for the 2019 schooling year, Vision Australia is reflecting on the success of its … Read more