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NEWSLETTER NO. 141 WINTER, 2007
TECHNICAL AID TO THE DISABLED (SA) INC.
Telephone: 08) 8261 2922 Fax: 08) 8369 1051 PO Box
540
(Mon-Thurs 9.30am – 5.00pm) Website:www.technicalaidsa.org.au MODBURY, SA 5092
State-wide Local Call – 1300 663 243 Email – tadsa@arcom.com.au
NEWSLETTER
No. 141 - AUTUMN, 2007
NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS TADSA’s Mission -
WEEK
―To improve the quality of life of
TH TH
Held 14 – 20 MAY 2007 people with disabilities, the frail
aged and those who care for
them through the application of
technology using the skills of
Volunteers make such a difference in our
volunteers‖
community. Management and Staff of TADSA
thank all our volunteers who have made a
difference for our many clients. You are very TADSA’s Aim is to –
much appreciated. We strive to improve the quality
of life for the ageing and people
with disabilities by a dedication
to –
. Design and manufacture of
innovative equipment
otherwise unavailable
DISABILITY EXPO – 2007
. Modification of commercially
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WORKSKIL available equipment to suit
Access to information on disability services statewide clients‘ special needs
When: Friday, 28th September 2007 . Provision of specialised
technical advice to clients
Where: Allan Scott Park (Morphettville and those concerned with
Racecourse) their welfare and referral to
Times: 10.30am to 6.30pm other organizations able to
assist when we cannot.
We gratefully acknowledge the sponsorship
of this issue of our Newsletter by the
Lions Club of Blackwood Inc.
NEWSLETTER NO. 141 WINTER, 2007
TADSA acknowledges and thank the people from HETA for the setup and
maintenance of our website.
TADSA Info
www.technicalaidsa.org.au
Technical Aid to the Disabled (TAD) – Is an Australia wide voluntary Organization,
with branches in every State. Technical members are people with skills in many fields, who
give their time to helping people with disabilities and elderly people with practical problems for
which no completely satisfactory commercial solution is available. This may require modifica-
tions to existing equipment, or the construction of new, specialised aids. Sometimes we can
provide the means to overcome difficulties that had seemed insurmountable.
Technical Aid to the Disabled (SA) Inc. is based at The Royal
Society for the Blind, Gilles Plains, on site with The Royal Society for the Blind,
Options Co-ordination, Independent Living Centre, ILEP and Adult Therapy
Solutions. Our members meet regularly to exchange ideas and experiences and work, where
necessary, in close cooperation with health professionals.
If you have a problem for us to solve, or if you know someone who has, contact us at the
address given below. No referral is necessary; cost is normally only that of materials used,
service charge and expenses actually incurred and is usually small.
Volunteers Needed - If you have skills in the mechanical, carpentry, electrical or electronic
fields, or in computer applications, you might like to use some spare time on this challenging
and most rewarding work. TADSA is always seeking more volunteers. If you would like to know
more about how you could be part of our team, please telephone either the Project or Office
Manager on 08)8261 2922.
Page-Turner Loan Program - TADSA have 12 mechanical page-turners for loan to people
with severe disabilities. A small fee for this loan is requested. Each machine has been modified
to allow connecting the most suitable control device. Contact Julie in the office for further
information.
Rugged Terrain Electric Wheelchair Program - TADSA has two Electric Wheelchairs
available for loan to people with severe disabilities living in rugged terrain. For further
information, contact Julie in the Office.
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NEWSLETTER NO. 141 WINTER, 2007
Welcome to our new Project Manager – Travis James
Travis James joined TADSA on 5th March, 2007, following Mike Gray‘s sudden resignation.
It has been a difficult transition period for everyone concerned, but Travis quickly adapted to
TADSA‘s operational and management systems and already has a very good understanding of
the unique services that TADSA offers. Welcome Travis to our team.
“I started here at the beginning of March this year. I’m working very
hard to fill some very big shoes left behind by Roger.
I’ve had a wide and varied working background, from electronic
design and sales through to production engineering. Also I’ve
written manuals for the Australian Navy and mentored people
setting up new businesses. While I have worked with people with
TADSA Project Manager,
disabilities, it was many years ago and as the manager for a group
Travis James in a supported employment environment. TADSA is very different to
any position I’ve had before; where else could I use my knowledge
and experience to help so many people while working with a group of dedicated volunteers.
I’m very buoyed by the positive response and helpfulness I have received from all the
Technical Members and the other organizations I’ve approached for help or information.
Currently I’m working to up grade the systems in use here to make tracking jobs easier. I see
the ability to monitor the progress of projects as being critical in achieving reasonable
deliveries to our clients and the sharing of projects to the volunteers.
At present we are very short of technical volunteers of all skills, so if you know of anyone who
would like to become a technical volunteer, please ask them to call Julie or myself.
I’m looking forward to working with the technical volunteers in the creation of new and unique
devices to help people whose lives have been touched by a disability.”
Travis
Project Manager
Update on Roger
For those who know Roger Davis, (previous Project Manager), it will
be no surprise to read that he is steadily improving following his stroke
last November. His determination to make a good recovery is
certainly yielding some good results. At this stage, Roger is now
having short visits at home and staying overnight. During this time
assessments are made of his future home requirements. Technical
members Joe Tieste, Tony Scully and Ken Lawson have been
Roger Davis
instrumental in helping Roger with some devices that will be needed.
Meanwhile, Roger is keeping busy at Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre working on his
exercises, thinking about some TADSA projects and writing his memoirs of his time during the
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NEWSLETTER NO. 141 WINTER, 2007
War and his involvement with Ultra at Bletchley Park (the Enigma coding centre in England). It
is very pleasing for all of us at TADSA to see the amazing progress that Roger has made so far.
URGENTLY NEEDED – New Technical Members
TADSA has a very heavy demand right now for projects and we NEED MORE TECHNICAL MEMBERS.
Do you know of anyone with some time to spare who may be interested in joining our team? Out of
pocket expenses are covered, monetary reward is negligible, but the personal rewards are great.
Expertise and time spent very often can change a person‘s life, adding independence and quality.
Perhaps you have a family member, a neighbour or fellow club member who may be interested in
helping people with disabilities in our community. Please contact the office if you would like more
information or brochures to hand out. Please have a think about it – our technical volunteers are the
―backbone‖ of the Organization, without technical members there is no TADSA to help people with
disabilities.
Disability Expo – 2007
In Partnership with Workskil
This is the 4th DisAbility Expo held and due to the success of last year‘s expo, it was agreed to
amalgamate with Disability SA Post School Options Expo. This will be called the DisAbility
Expo 2007 in partnership with Workskil, resulting in one great expo.
Care givers and the greater community will gain access to information that will educate them on
disability services statewide. Organisations which represent the disability/mobility sector can
inform and educate people who have a disability; parents, caregivers and the general
community about what services are available for themselves and how to access them. People
who have a disability can then make better informed health choices.
A great atmosphere where service providers can network with each other on the different
services they offer.
When: Friday, 28th September 2007
Where: Allan Scott Park (Morphettville Racecourse).
Times: 10.30am to 6.30pm
*************************
Statistics Some Silly Trivia -
Feb Mar Apr Backward Drivers
Projects Assigned 8 7 24 Charles Creighton and James Hargis drove
Info Delivery 22 15 16 non-stop from Los Angeles to New York
Referrals 5 2 7 and back again in 1930. It may not sound
Public Relations - - - spectacular, but they did it without stopping
the engine and they did it in reverse!
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NEWSLETTER NO. 141 WINTER, 2007
New Technical Membership
TADSA welcomes new Technical Member Glynn
Projects Assigned to Members
th
1st February – 30 April, 2007
(tp = technical project ap= assessment)
Proj. No. Project
2007-091 tp Computer Microphone fitting
2007-092 tp Gameboy puff tube mouthpiece
2007-093 tp Seat for walking frame
2007-094 tp Supply and setup Pilot Senior
2007-095 ap Assess use of household equip
2007-096 ap Showering support
2007-097 tp Mouse Button Alternative
2007-098 ap Remote Control & Door Lock Problem
2007-099 ap Cordless phone holder/shampoo holder
2007-100 tp Repair Poker/ snooker stick
2007-101 ap Lifting chair
2007-102 tp Portable table
2007-103 ap Access to Letterbox
2007-104 ap Computer access
2007-106 tp Cushion for Walker
2007-107 tp General Maintenace of Person Lifter
2007-108 tp Fit locking device for oxygen bottle
2007-108 tp needs help to assemble work-Mate and computer
2007-109 tp Repair sound switch
2007-110 ap Remote control bidet
2007-111 tp Use of wheelchair when walking dog
2007-112 ap Mod to bed rail
2007-113 tp Repair bed legs
2007-114 ap Suck/blow system demonstration
2007-115 ap Assess needs
2007-116 ap Raise Height of Computer Desk
2007-117 tp Shower chair modifications
2007-118 tp Re-upholster office chair and provide back pillow
2007-119 tp Needs footrest repaired on her wheelchair
2007-120 ap Assess motorised exercise unit
2007-121 tp belt for a shopping trolley
2007-122 ap Fit castors to motorised reclining chair
2007-123 ap Raised toilet seat
2007-124 tp Arm extending blocks
2007-125 tp Arm rest on shower chair – repair
2007-126 ap Fit castors to recliner chair
2007-127 tp Repairs to suck switch
2007-128 ap Assess further equipment needs
2007-129 tp Mounting for tounge switch
2007-130 tp Rod holder for one handed fisher
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NEWSLETTER NO. 141 WINTER, 2007
2007-131 tp Repairs to invalid chair
2007-132 tp Re-program remote control
2007-133 ap Check switching for microwave
2007-134 ap Motorise manual recliner - investigate
2007-135 tp Raise floor in shower
2007-137 ap Walkframe modification
2007-138 tp Body Alignment Tool
How it Was Done
Please Note – Personal names have been altered to respect client’s privacy
Project No: 2006.062 - PLAYSTATION CONTROLLER
Technical Member: - Richard
Angus is a young man with Duchenne Muscular
Dystrophy who loves his Playstation. As he has
lost strength in his arms and hands, it has
become increasingly hard for him to hold and
operate a standard PS controller. TADSA was
asked to come up with an alternative.
Tech member Richard looked at the possibility of
mounting the standard controller in a way that Angus could use it but the buttons and joysticks
were still to hard to reach and operate. So it was decided to rebuild it into a more suitable form.
The only bits from the original that were used
were one joystick, a ―top hat‖ button and the
main circuit board. The new case consisted of a
printed circuit board as the base and a piece of
12mm white PVC for the cover. The first step
was to design a lay-out for the switches and
joystick on the PVC cover. This was drilled to
suit the components and the inside milled out to
give clearance. The position of the 15 miniature
surface-mount switches, one joystick unit and an
LED were then marked on the circuit board and
a place for the original controller chip decided.
The next step was to trace out the circuit of the
original controller and design a pattern in the
copper of the new base so all the new bits could
be correctly connected to the chip. This was
drawn with an etch-resistant pen and the new base
etched.
The final step was to fix the switches to the PCB in
the correct places, solder them in, fit the joystick
unit and attach the original controller chip still on
its own circuit board. Wire links were then added to connect up all the bits to the chip and the
original cable attached. The cover was fitted with small screws from the back and a new
handle fitted to the joystick.
The result was a very low profile PS controller that Angus could place on his wheel chair tray
and play his games. And to everyone‘s surprise, it worked perfectly first time!
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NEWSLETTER NO. 141 WINTER, 2007
Total Design/Construction Time: 100 Hours Photos taken by
Richard
Digital Photos
Many volunteers are now using digital cameras, so why not take the opportunity to email us
photos of your projects. Progress shots and completed photos would be very much
appreciated. Remember, a nice uncluttered background is needed, a blank wall is ideal.
Digital photos can be emailed to tadsa@arcom.com.au.
Project No. 2005.067 - TILTING BOOK HOLDER
Technical Member - Michael
Pam has multiple sclerosis and was needing to be
able to read a book whilst lying down. She already
had a book holder, but it was flimsy, tilted back and
could not be adjusted easily. Because of Pam‘s
condition, she only had limited manual dexterity and
strength.
Technical Member Michael made up an
automatically adjustable ―Tilting Book Holder‖
that could hold the book in a reading position,
and then be moved back so a page could be
turned. The device is attached to a bed pole
and can be swing out of the way easily as
needed.
This was a complex project, but eventually enabled
Pam to be able to read her book whilst in a lying
down position.
Photos taken by Michael
Total Design/Construction Time: 120+ Hours
Project No. 2007-067 - EXTENDED ARMS FOR PODIATRY CHAIR
Technical Members - Michael and
Paul
The residents of a nursing home were finding it difficult
to move on to and off the podiatry chair due to the short
length of the arms. TADSA was asked if we could come
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NEWSLETTER NO. 141 WINTER, 2007
up with a solution; this could be either by extending the existing arms, or providing some form of
hand grips to give the residents greater confidence and safety when they used the chair.
Technical Member Michael Green designed and made a pair of power coated arms that could
be bolted on to the base of the sides of the chair. This then led to an ideal opportunity to involve
new Technical Member Paul Harrland, who volunteered to fix the new arms to the chair.
The podiatrist reports that the new chair arms have given the residence greater confidence
when they move on to and off the chair.
Total Design/Construction time: 16 hours Photo taken by
Travis
Occupational Health & Safety
Router Incident
Routers are a common item of fixed plant used in a variety of wood machining settings and
workplaces. The purpose of this alert is to advise industry of a recent incident where a worker
was killed using a router to complete a job.
Background - The worker was operating an industrial router at a cabinet-making factory when
the bit disintegrated and a piece of metal hit her in the chest. The contributing factors that led
to this incident included:
. use of an inappropriate bit for the tool—in this case, a bit with wings too large for the shank;
. use of a bit with a shank not long enough to be properly grasped in the collet;
. the tool not being marked with the maximum permissible speed;
. the tool not being balanced before use.
No etching of the maximum speed on the side Router bit’s wings are too large for the
shank
of the bit
Control Measures
Manufacturers, users of router bits, and their employers should be aware of the safety
requirements involved in the use of routers.
Ensure that the maximum permissible speed is clearly marked on the tool (preferably by
etching).
Ensure that the bit is properly balanced prior to being put on the market or into use.
Tools should only be sharpened by a competent person or organisation and regular checks of
collets should be carried out to ensure they hold router bits firmly.
Under no circumstances should local modifications be made to bits or collets to allow the use of
non-compatible components. Staff should be trained and supervised in using these pieces of
plant.
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NEWSLETTER NO. 141 WINTER, 2007
For further information on occupational health and safety, go to WorkSafe‘s website:
www.worksafe.vic.gov.au.
Note: This material has been prepared using the best information available to WorkSafe Victoria. Any information
about legislative obligations or responsibilities included in this material is only applicable to the circumstances
described in the material. You should always check the legislation referred to in this material and make your own
judgement about what action you may need to take to ensure you have complied with the law. Accordingly, the
Victorian WorkCover Authority extends no warranties as to the suitability of the information for your specific
circumstances.
Julia farr - choice and inclusion for people living with disability
New Julia Farr, New CEO
The Julia Farr name is being taken forward in a brand new non-Government organisation, as
recently announced by its inaugural Board Chair, Peter Stuart.
―The new Julia Farr Association takes forward the values of its award-winning predecessor,
Julia Farr Services, which has been absorbed into the Government‘s Department for Families &
Communities as part of Minister Weatherill‘s reform agenda‖.
Mr Stuart explained that the new Julia Farr, which carries forward a social movement started by
Mrs Julia Farr in the 1880s, would not be involved with any of the services at the Fullarton
campus, which are now part of the DFC‘s Disability Services SA. Instead its focus will be on
supporting improvements through research and evaluation, innovative service delivery in
partnership with others, training and consultancy, and the administration of private grants to
organisations with good ideas. Through its Housing Association it provides accessible housing
to people with a disability.
―We will also be speaking up on any issues that we think are stopping people with a disability
from enjoying the same choices and opportunities as other South Australian citizens‖, said Mr
Stuart. ―We are determined to ensure that the disability community gets a fair go‖.
Mr Stuart confirmed that Robbi Williams, formerly CEO of Julia Farr Services, was appointed
this week as the first CEO of the new Julia Farr. ―We are delighted to have Robbi‘s
involvement. During his time at JFS, he transformed the organisation, giving it a more
community-based profile with an emphasis on customer service and innovation, and winning a
national Business Excellence Australia award. We are confident that Robbi will help establish
the new Julia Farr as an opinion leader in South Australia‖.
Mr Williams, who has over 20 years experience in disability, mental health and other areas both
here and overseas, will lead activities at the new Julia Farr, and also the Julia Farr Housing
Association and the Julia Farr MS McLeod Benevolent Trust. For further information please
call 1300 857 327.
In search of better practice – Julia Farr carries out research and service evaluation to find out
what works best for people living with disability in our communities.
Service delivery - Julia Farr develops services that lead the way in delivering excellent
outcomes for people living with disability. For example, through the Julia Farr Housing
Association we provide housing. We design accessible housing, and support our tenants in
their goal of home ownership.
Raising awareness – Julia Farr contributes to a better informed community that includes
people living with disability and their families. We promote positive views of people with
disability.
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NEWSLETTER NO. 141 WINTER, 2007
Training, consultancy and development - Julia Farr is available to assist other organisations
with strategy planning, governance, developing networks for the consumer voice, accessible
housing design, business practice, event management, and more.
Policy development - Julia Farr supports the full participation of people living with disability
and their families in all relevant policy debates. We promote policies that support choice and
inclusion.
Giving financial support – We consider grant applications from organisations with a good
idea, especially where the idea supports our vision, and is consistent with the goals of choice
and inclusion.
The Independent Living Centre –
Bathroom Safety - December, 2006 - Part 2
Thermostatic Mixers:
Thermostatic mixers are designed to prevent scalding through incorrect water temperature
adjustment or inability to manipulate conventional taps. Thermostatic mixers have a single
control for adjusting the temperature and/or the volume of water passing through the units. They
can be used to control one outlet or the entire house.
• If scalding is a concern, adjusting the hot water system at the thermostat may be an option.
On some hot water systems, the maximum water temperature can be adjusted and
lowered.
• Anti-scald devices can also be fitted to the hot water supply piping. These devices have a
valve which reacts to water temperature at a certain level; if a rise in temperature is
detected by the valve it automatically reduces water flow.
Taps:
Turning taps on and off may be difficult for a number of reasons; including painful hands, weak
grasp, taps turned off too tightly or the style of tap may simply be too difficult to grip. Options
include:
• Quarter turn taps feature a ceramic disc operation which enables the tap to be turned on
and off within 90 degrees, decreasing the amount of hand twisting required.
• A lever style handle is often easier to manage and can sometimes be extended to enable
use with the side of the hand or elbow, reducing the pressure placed on small joints of the
hand. These can be quarter turn or standard.
• More expensive options include foot controlled taps which involve pedal valves which
control the flow of water when pressed. Infra-red/electronic sensor taps operate via a radar-
sensing transmitter which is sensitive to movement, so when hands are placed in the basin
the water flow commences.
• Replacing or installing new taps is not always practical, therefore options for modifying
existing taps may be considered. The first step may be to replace existing rubber washers
with an ‗o‘ ring or hydro-seal. Less force is then required to turn the tap on and off.
• A ‗tap turner‘, a device which fits over the existing tap head creating a lever tap, may be the
answer. These are available in a large range of options to suit various tap heads. It is
important to know exactly which tap head you have before looking into
this option. Some tap turners are adjustable to fit a number of different heads. In some
cases a piece of slip resistant material may be enough to provide extra grip.
• When designing a new bathroom it is important to take the style of taps into consideration,
as future difficulties may be eliminated with a bit of forward planning. Attention should be
paid to the ability of the user to reach and use the taps effectively and safely e.g. a person in
a wheelchair must be able to reach and use taps from a seated position. Ensure that there
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NEWSLETTER NO. 141 WINTER, 2007
is adequate clearance space between tap handles, especially if using a lever handle, and
nearby walls, bench tops, basins or other plumbing fixtures.
… Part 3 in Newsletter No. 142
Independent Living Centre, 11 Blacks Road, GILLES PLAINS SA 5086
Ph: 1300 885 886 (SA/NT callers only)
Ph: (08) 8266 5260 Fax: (08) 8266 5263
E-mail: ilcsa@ilc.asn.au
Web: www.ilc.asn.au
Free Advice on Equipment and Techniques to Help You with Everyday Tasks
DISABILITY GUIDE
SPINAL CORD INJURIES
For more information on any disability or contact phone numbers for support groups – telephone
Disability Information & Resource Centre (DIRC) 195 Gilles Street, Adelaide.
Telephone 08) 8236 0555
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPINAL CORD - The spinal cord is responsible for
communication between the brain and all parts of the body. The vertebral column houses the spinal
cord. The vertebral column is made up of (from top to bottom) 7 cervical vertebrae, 12 thoracic
vertebrae, 5 lumbar vertebrae, 5 sacral vertebrae and 4 coccygeal vertebrae. The spinal cord is shorter
in length than the vertebral canal. In an adult, the lower end of the spinal cord is found no lower than the
level of the first or second lumbar vertebrae. 31 pairs of spinal nerves divided into 8 cervical C to C8;
12 thoracic T to T12; 5 lumbar L to L5; 5 sacral and 1 coccygeal leave the spinal cord and travel to
their appropriate vertebrae level, where they exit the vertebral column through a space at each side.
These nerves supply all the motor and sensory functions of our limbs and body.
TRAUMATIC INJURY - Traumatic spinal injury can result in total or partial loss of function below the
level of injury to the cord. Injuries to the cord can be diagonal, which results in greater preservation of
function on one side of the body than the other. The most common types of traumatic spinal cord injury
occur from car accidents, diving accidents, gunshot wounds and knife wounds. Spinal cord injury is
designated by the last segmental level of the cord that is preserved. For example, with C6 quadriplegia
due to a complete lesion, all functions mediated by the nervous system at the C6 level of the cord and
above are preserved.
Here is a simplified table to indicate how the level of injury corresponds with the level of
functioning the person with the spinal injury should have.
(TABLE 1 – Level of Injury)
LEVEL OF
NERVE MOVEMENTS CLIENT CAN DEVICES / ASSISTANCE NEEDED
DAMAGE USUALLY PERFORM
C4 has head & neck movements uses electric wheelchair
(C= cervical) movements of respiration uses mouthstick to operate computer, phone.
shoulder elevation will need attendant to assist with personal care
C5 all the above plus: will need the above devices,
elbow bending, some forearm but manages these with more ease
rotation
C6 all the above plus: pushes wheelchair with friction material on wheel
most shoulder movements rims
wrist extension uses hand splints, can feed & dress independently,
using splints can write, type
C7 all the above plus: pushes wheelchair easily
stronger arm straightening, gross can use adapted car, independent dressing,
grasp & release, can transfer from feeding, bathing.
chair to chair
C8 all the above plus:
full arm control including fine greater independence in above tasks
coordination
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NEWSLETTER NO. 141 WINTER, 2007
T6 all the above plus: can stand wearing full braces, active wheelchair
(T = Thoracic) better trunk control sports, some heavy lifting
increased endurance
T12 all the above plus walks with difficulty, uses crutches, needs
better trunk control wheelchair
increased endurance for energy conservation
L4 all the above plus: independence in walking, uses walking sticks,
(L = Lumbar) hip bending, knee straightening wheelchair is a convenience
Note: - From C4 to C8 the person would be considered to be a quadriplegic. In quadriplegia all limbs are affected.
- From T6 to L4 the person would be considered to be a paraplegic. In paraplegia both legs are affected.
The person may not be completely paralysed.
Reading & Viewing Matter
The following articles and videos are available from the DIRC library. Videos (and
books etc) can be borrowed from the library. Articles can be photocopied for 10c a
page. DIRC contact phone number - Library - 8236 0555
New Additions to the DIRC Library- (as reviewed in DIRC’s Current Awareness ServiceNo.117)
A POSITIVE OUTLOOK? THE HOUSING NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF WORKING AGE
PEOPLE WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS.
By John Percival, Julienne Hanson, and Dorota Osipovic. UK., University College, London, UK.
This paper arises from research, funded by the Housing Corporation and the Thomas Pocklington Trust,
which investigated the housing needs and priorities of vision impaired people of working age living in
London. The study outlines the need for flexible procedures in the transition to independent housing
and family issues. It also reports on some suggestions, including considerations should be given to
equipment storage, garden space for a guide dog, safety and security, location, proximity, familiarity
and inclusion. This paper presents findings, based on qualitative research, which help clarify important,
sometimes unmet needs in relation to access to housing services, specific housing requirements and
specialist provision.
DISABILITY AND SOCIETY, Vol. 21, No. 7 (6429)
WHEELCHAIR SAFETY AND TRANSPORT (Part 1 & 2)
By Greg Killeen, Information Officer
On 21st July 2006 Engineers Australia held its 4 th Symposium on wheelchair Safety and Standards
‘Wheelchair Design and Related Transport Issues’ in Parramatta, NSW. The presentations mainly
focused on the current Australian and international wheelchair standards and the safety of users when
travelling in different types of transportation. Two topics featured were aircraft travel and pedestrian
safety at level rail crossings. Wheelchair restrains that are used in various modes of transport were also
discussed, occupational health and safety issues for airport staff and stowage of wheelchairs. Advice is
also given for people who travel with a motorised wheelchair.
HOTLINKS@www.scia.org.au/accord (6423 & 6424)
PROMOTING HEALTHY HABITS
This article, which is in interview form, is about the actress Sally Field, who has recently been
diagnosed with osteoporosis. She is now joining with others in learning more about bone health and
helping others along the way. To join Sally Field in Rall with Sally for Bone Health, visit
www.bonehealth.com.
ABILITY (6448)
TRAINING YOUR OWN SERVICE DOG By Roxanne Furlong
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NEWSLETTER NO. 141 WINTER, 2007
This article discusses the many benefits that can be achieved by training your own four-legged friend.
Owner-training the dog eliminates time on training school waiting lists and creats a steady routine of
challenging your dog to learn new tasks as your needs change. Depending on your lifestyle and dog
knowledge, there are several ways to owner-train your service dog. This paper outlines the main steps,
the first one being choosing the appropriate dog for its temperament and your personality. Teaching the
dog simple one line commands led to wheelchair user Melissa being able to have assistance in getting
dressed, helps her with laundry and shopping, pulls her in her chair to save her strength and knows what
to do in case of a fire emergency. There are many tips in this article for anyone interested in training
their own service dog.
NEW MOBILITY (6440)
13
