Author Archives: Kymberly Martin

Acting Disability Commissioner Susan Ryan has convened a national disability forum for September. While details are still to be finalised in preparation for the forum the Australian Human Rights Commission will release a survey asking people with disabilities to identify key issues they face, especially in relation to jobs access. Survey responses will be used to guide the Commission’s future work priorities when it comes to advancing the rights of people with disabilities.
The proposed survey follows advice Ryan received from departed Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes, who had earlier called for a jobs plan to engage people with disabilities into the workforce.
“I want to reinvigorate a national discussion about how we create opportunities for people with disabilities to enter the workplace.” Ryan added that it is an area where there has been inadequate progress for the past 20 years.
The former Labor minister and Age Discrimination Commissioner, takes on the role until a permanent appointment is made.

Former ACCC chairman, Graeme Samuel, has been appointed national president of Alzheimer’s Australia. Samuel was previously vice president and is a member of the National Board for the organisation. He brings first hand understanding of the impact the chronic disease can have on a family after taking care of his mother who lived with dementia.

The first Braille mobile phone for people with vision disabilities is now available in Australia. Launched by UK based telecommunications company, OwnFone, the phone uses  3D printing technology  to produce […]

A new website is set to make it easier for children with disability to be included in community events. Developed by disability service provider Northcott and the NSW Family and […]

Nine News presenter, Sylvia Jefferies has joined national charity, Youngcare, as an ambassador. She joins the organisation that, with the combined support of community, business and government, is helping to […]

Professor Froyen, who was born with one hand, gives a broad perspective of Universal Design. Universal Design is about an environment that can be easily and safely accessed, understood and used by […]

For the second year running Guide Dogs has been voted Australia’s most trusted charity. In the annual Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brand poll taken from 2400 respondents nationally, the charity took […]

The first edition of what will be a yearly publication on dyslexia will be launched in August.  It is part of an effort to reach as many teachers, parents and […]

Brain Injury Australia has a one-day workshop for professionals working in domains where behaviour is a concern. The workshop will be presented by Dr Tim Feeney (pictured), a leading US […]

Plans to install additional talking signs in the Brisbane Brunswick Street Mall Revitalisation Project.

Parents are the most common source of help for two-thirds of people living with an intellectual disability. This is according to the latest survey from the Australian Bureau of Statistics […]