Program raises awareness and fosters understanding

With more than four million Australians having some form of disability, today (23 September) the Spinal Injuries Association proudly launched its new awareness program as part of Disability Action Week (18-24 September) celebrations.

Association volunteer presenter Robert Spencer unveiled the disability awareness stream of the successful Spinal Education Awareness Team (SEAT) program at Yellow Cabs in Woolloongabba.

The iconic Queensland cab company is dedicated to providing an equitable and accessible service. The presentation is assisting drivers to be more aware of the challenges faced by passengers who have a physical disability and use a wheelchair.

Robert, who sustained quadriplegia as an 18-year-old apprentice, shares his personal experience with thousands of Queensland workers and school students each year, with the ultimate aim of inspiring people to stay safe and injury free.

“It takes a split second for your whole life to change,” Robert said.

“After my accident I went from being a busy, sports-loving apprentice to spending a year recovering in the Spinal Injuries Unit, learning to do everything again.

“While I’ve regained a lot of my independence, after 35 years using a wheelchair I still have to spend a lot of time educating people I meet every day in the community about my spinal cord injury and how it affects the way I do things.

“The most recent ABS figures show that 20% of our population has some form of disability.

“So this means next time you’re at a restaurant or cinema or shopping centre, one in five of the people around you will have a disability.”

The aim of the SEAT at WORK disability awareness stream is to encourage employees to focus on the customer as a person and not on their disability; to promote an understanding of physical disabilities; and foster an understanding of the ways in which the needs of people with a physical disability can be met in a specific industry such as hospitality, tourism or public transport.

Yellow Cabs Qld Pty Ltd Fleet Operations Manager Marty Ord said the company welcomed the opportunity to be involved in the SEAT at WORK program.

“The company’s disability training program for drivers is extensive and this will further complement the existing training modules. We believe this program will give our drivers the knowledge and skills to transport a person who uses a wheelchair safely.”

Spinal Injuries Association Chief Executive Officer Bruce Milligan applauded Yellow Cabs for being the organisation’s first SEAT at WORK client for the new awareness program.

“As an organisation dedicated to empowering our members to live as independently as possible following their injury or illness, we’re delighted that Yellow Cabs recognises the importance of informing their drivers about the needs of some of their clientele, especially those who use maxi taxis,” Bruce said.

“Having a spinal cord injury has many more repercussions than not being able to walk. Hearing from someone firsthand the challenges of having a permanent disability is extremely powerful and gives employees a real insight into some of the issues faced by 20% of the population.”

Since 1960 the Spinal Injuries Association has supported Queenslanders with spinal cord injuries, post polio and Transverse Myelitis.