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Accessibility Tools

Hi, my name is John Dickinson and I am a Community Engagement and Event officer for IDEAS. I cover a large area encompassing the Sydney metropolitan area, parts of southern NSW and parts of western NSW out to Dubbo and all areas within.

For me, Western NSW is a great part of the world with contrasts in real beauty and stark

Exclamation on white speech bubble on blue wall

Consultation for a new National Disability Strategy from 2020 and beyond is now open. The initial stage of consultation takes place between April and June of this year (2019). Ten years ago, the National Disability Strategy 2010-2020 began a new era of disability policy and services for Australians with disabilities.

Funded by the Australian Government, keys2drive is Australia's largest national driver safety program for beginner drivers. keys2drive is a youth road safety program which provides learner drivers and their parent/supervisor with a free 60-minute session with an accredited driving instructor.

Colourful alphabet blocks which spell out "autism".

Travel is particularly difficult for many families with autistic children. They may have trouble adapting to change in their surroundings and routines. They can become quickly overwhelmed by sensory input, can wander off in an unfamiliar location, and experience a range of other issues. As awareness grows, so does the thinking behind how to cater for all families.  

Sweet potato is a vegetable that is full of flavour and has great health properties. Even better there are so many ways we can use it in our cooking, including this variation on the humble Sheperd's Pie.

Image of a selfie of a lady and a dog. They are outside and she holds the lead

Did you know there is a way to travel, enjoy new (or favourite)destinations, and not pay for accommodation? This article tells you all about house and pet sitting.

small boy with hearing aid

On Monday, the federal parliament agreed on a motion to support a royal commission into the abuse of disabled people. This is a good thing, but we still need a timeline, terms of reference and a whole lot more detail.

Mountaintop with terraced ancient city ruins

Machu Picchu, the mysteriously forgotten city hidden for centuries, built by the Incans as an architectural fortress and refuge, is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Poised high in Peru in the South American Andes, well known for its multitude of steps, relentless and challenging terrain, Machu Picchu is now within wheeling distance. 

wheelchair accessible walking track sign with mountain peak behind

Travellers with access needs are more likely to require specialist resources - to ascertain accessibility - before travelling. 

detail of older person holding hands in lap

Formally known as the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Aged Care Royal Commission began hearing evidence on Monday 11 February 2019. The standard of treatment of a number of patients at a nursing home in Adelaide SA alerted concerned family members and they, in turn, made the situation known to authorities.