Hoping to keep updated

No promises, but I will try to do at least a weekly update on my blog. I am still trying to get my head around the NDIA, as I have mostly been a self advocate but it seems that the NDIA (or NDIS) seemingly considers that I need a Case Manager?

I now have a new manual wheelchair which is far better than my old one which has served me well despite being 20 or so years old. My new one is far better for my posture.

Some sad news, my good mate Colin James died peacefully in his sleep on Monday, August 25. It was sad that I was unable to attend his funeral but it was a bit late for me to organise cancelling support workers and arrange accommodation overnight.

There hasn't been much work recently from Scope but I am sure more will come soon. 

Heaps more room!

It has been a bit of a problem moving around in my unit, but I made a few guesstimates to make more room, with the help of some people from St Laurence, the couch was moved under the window. The TV, etc moved to the other side of the room near the kitchen.

It would have been far better there in the first place. I reckon I could hold a dance there now!

Picture coming as soon as I can get the photos off my iPhone.

Off to Bairnsdale soon to help Scope promote the Communication Access Symbol. For far too long communication has been missing from the generic ones for wheelchair access, Deaf/hearing impaired, etc.

Been a while....

Sorry for not posting for quite a while! No excuses - just been busy. I am pleased to be back on SACDI for another 2 years as it means a lot to me to to be able to represent the speech impaired community in telecommunications.
Of course it's not restricted to telecommunications as I have various other interests including equal and equitable access to ALL goods and services.
My presentation at AGOSCI went well, but I would have preferred it to be a bit "fancier" if you know what I mean.
Nevertheless, I got my message across
On a different note, I decided to cut my Support Worker (I dislike the term Carer) hours by over half, as I got rather tired of twice a day, seven days a week. I realise that some people need it, but as I prefer my 'own' time and don't have to be home by a certain time, it suits me!
Until next time,
Hank.

Sydney

In my last post, I mentioned a trip to Sydney. Well, the trip went exceptionally well, I had no hassles with my motorised chair, the Jetsar staff were very efficient and did an excellent job.

However, I wish I had taken an earlier flight back as I didn't get home until about 12:30am. There was also a minor hiccup at the Sydney airport with the Allen Keys I always carry with me to tighten any loose connections on my motorised chair. They refused to allow them on the airplane, but put them in the hold with a few items. Thankfully, they got to Avalon fine and all was well. Sort of.

Prior to leaving Sydney, I learned that the plane was going to be about half an hour late, and as I booked a maxi for its arrival, I asked the staff to phone them (I wasn't going to spend money on my mobile to explain things). They did and thankfully, my maxi was waiting.

The SACDI meeting went extremely well as much was gained for pwd.

Until next time. Hank.

My support workers, especially the one who does most of my cooking, is rapt in the new stove! The old one died and the landlord was very efficient in replacing it.

It's a pity that I haven't got gas as it's far cheaper and more efficient.

Keep your eyes open for a new symbol for people who are speech impaired which will be launched in August.

A symbol is long overdue as is awareness of the difficulties faced daily by people who are speech impaired is often a 'hidden' and misrepresented community. There is the internationally recognised wheelchair symbol, the 'ear' sign for Deaf and hearing impaired, the 'cane' symbol for blind or vision impaired, so it's well overdue as the number of people who are speech impaired are almost equal to the number of people who are Deaf or hearing impaired.