by Megan on April 18, 2011
An Easter road safety message from Spinal Injuries Association President David Riley:
Just a few seconds can change your whole life. I know from firsthand experience – I sustained high-level quadriplegia when I was hit by a car while cycling 16 years ago.
While you’re travelling this Easter, remember that safety is your number one priority. Who cares if it takes longer to get to your destination. You want to arrive alive and uninjured – and – without injuring someone else.
Take it from someone who is now paralysed from the neck down and requires 24 hour support and a ventilator to breathe – shortcuts just aren’t worth it.
Yours sincerely
David
by Megan on April 15, 2011
More than 100 local and international artists, jewellers and fashion designers have donated their pieces to the first ART for SPINE art auction on Sunday, 22 May, in Fortitude Valley. Association member Jocelyn Bartlem has coordinated this fantastic event – which is open to the public – with funds raised going towards improving technology and equipment for people at the Spinal Injuries Unit. There’ll also be great raffle and door prizes on the night!
by Megan on April 11, 2011
Today, our CEO Mark Henley will speak at the Productivity Commission’s public hearing into a National Disability Insurance Scheme in Brisbane. Mark is one of 21 people from various groups across the disability sector chosen to provide feedback on the Commission’s draft report.
Mark, one of our members Scott Stidston and his wife Lisa also featured in today’s The Courier-Mail about the NDIS.
by Megan on March 30, 2011
In a move to strengthen its advocacy for its members and the wider community, the Spinal Injuries Association announces a graduate entrant position for law students who have recently completed their university degree. It is a similar opportunity to that offered by the Courts and private law firms. To be considered for the Association’s position, applicants must have in interest in Human Rights and Inclusive Communities. The Association welcomes Michael Cranley, a 2010 graduate from QUT as its inaugural graduate appointee. Michael will be engaged in individual, community and systemic advocacy working with John Mayo, the Association’s Executive Manager – Community Relations.
The Association is the peak body in Queensland for spinal cord injury which encompasses Paraplegia, Quadriplegia, Polio and Transverse Myelitis. The majority of its members require mobility aids in order to be a pedestrian.
Since the Association came to public prominence in 1994 as a community advocate for its role in seeking equitable access to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, it has continued to promote inclusion, choice, access to services and venues and participation by all people to enhance the social and economic performance of regions, state and nation.
Currently, it is working with the three tiers of government in the development of Inclusive Communities through policy and action plans – and an Inclusive Community Champions Awards program, with the 2010 regional winners and overall State champion being announced at the Rick Hansen Man in Motion State reception hosted by the Premier on 15 February.
by Megan on March 28, 2011
Townsville’s Member Network group is looking forward to welcoming Federal Member for Herbert Ewen Jones to its monthly meeting at the Spinal Injuries Association tomorrow (29 March).
Read more.
by Megan on March 22, 2011
A strong legacy started by his father has inspired Townsville’s Steven Pack to join the board of the Spinal Injuries Association.
by Megan on March 21, 2011
Members, check your letterboxes – the March/April edition of the advocate will be arriving this week! It’s a jam-packed issue with a feature on how some members fared following the floods and Cyclone Yasi; three thrill-seeking members share how they participated in extreme sports (including bungy jumping!); and our newest SEAT presenter shares her story.
by Megan on March 18, 2011
by Carol on March 10, 2011
The Spinal Injuries Association has congratulated the Minister for Disability Services and Mental Health, Curtis Pitt, for describing the National Disability Insurance Scheme as an “historic opportunity” in State Parliament yesterday.
“We wholeheartedly agree with Minister Pitt and welcome his support to bring about real change for people with a disability,” said Spinal Injuries Association CEO Mark Henley.
“This is very much an opportunity to make history in that an NDIS would completely transform the lives of people with a disability in Australia – and for all Australians in the future who sustain, develop or are born with a disability.
“It would mean that 1.4 million Australians could finally get adequate support, without fear of where they or their families are going to find and fund the support they need. They will be able to contribute to their communities and have the dignity of choice and control over their lives again with appropriate, realistic funding that is individualised and portable.
“What an amazing legacy for future generations if, in 2011, we could all unite and agree to introduce such a scheme in Australia.
”I strongly encourage and urge all Australians to support an NDIS.”
by Megan on March 7, 2011
Today (Monday, 7 March) will be the tenth year in a row the Spinal Education Awareness Team (SEAT) program has inspired Brisbane Grammar School (BGS) students to stay safe and injury free.
For the past several years Robert Spencer (pictured below), who speaks to around 10,000 primary and secondary school students each year about how he sustained quadriplegia and how to prevent it from happening to them in his role with SEAT, has visited the school.
Robert will return today to speak to the Year 10 students as part of their learning and development curriculum.
Robert said he was looking forward to visiting the school because he always received such a good reception and could see the impact his presentations had on the students.
“Because males aged between 15 and 30 are the most common demographic to sustain spinal cord injuries, my annual visit to BGS is a great way of educating young men about the potential consequences of risky behaviour,” he said.
