Every year on December 3rd we see a flurry of activity in the media about the International Day of People with Disability. There will also be a burst of activity on the various days devoted to specific disabilities such as Autism and Down Syndrome, but as Kurt Fearnley, Australian paralympian and new CEO of the … Continue reading International Day of People with Disability
inclusion
World Down Syndrome Day
Do you know anyone with Down syndrome? We do. One of my closest friends has a daughter with Down syndrome. Jess is now 23 and she lives here in Toowoomba in her own unit with the support that she needs. We have known Jess for just over 20 years now. She likes to dress up … Continue reading World Down Syndrome Day
Dylan Alcott – Australian of the Year and Totally Able
Don’t worry if you have a disability. I don’t care that I’m in a wheelchair - in fact, I love it. Go to work with what you’ve got. I live the best life ever. Please get out there and enjoy life. Even though it’s a bit different, being different is definitely good. This week Dylan … Continue reading Dylan Alcott – Australian of the Year and Totally Able
International Day of Education
“Education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility” UNESCO Today the world is celebrating the fourth International Day of Education. Education has been a hot topic in Australian politics over the last few weeks as state governments debate delaying the start of the school year due to Covid concerns, but we … Continue reading International Day of Education
Capability Before Disability
Since early last year the news headlines have mostly consisted of Covid…Covid….and more Covid. There hasn’t been a lot of good news for quite some time, so when the Olympic Games started a few months ago I was quite relieved to have something else garner my attention. My poor covid fatigued brain really enjoyed having … Continue reading Capability Before Disability
Inclusion – Side by Side
Like many other proud Australians, our eyes have been glued to the television screen to cheer on our athletes competing at the 21st Commonwealth Games, here in Queensland, on the Gold Coast. The Commonwealth Games have a long history and have many things in common with the Olympic Games. Since the first games in 1930, … Continue reading Inclusion – Side by Side
Special Needs Disco
Dan attended his first disco on Saturday night. With Christmas just around the corner, there was a theme of silver or gold, so Dan wore a sparkly silver hat and a silver tie with his black shirt. He looked pretty spiffy, although I'm probably biased. The disco is a monthly event run by … Continue reading Special Needs Disco
Living on the Downs 