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australia’s national
disability magazine
June 2017 | Volume 26 Issue 3
linkonline.com.au
In this issue: FEATURE // Car Conversions & Equipment | News | Opinion | Travel | Music
JIMMY
BARNES
TALKS MUSIC, FATHERHOOD
AND CEREBRAL PALSY
FEATURING
YOUR WORLD
WITHIN REACH.
For more information please contact:
info.au@permobil.com l Ph: 1300 845 483
www.permobil.com.au
inside
02 from the editor
20 04 link loves
06 in the news
12 products & services
14 contributions
15 issues
16 people
Meet Paralympic snowboarder
Joany Badenhorst
20 interview
We chat with Jimmy Barnes and
daughter Elly-May
24 features
Car conversions and equipment
38 features
24 48 Cerebral Palsy
46 Industry
In conversation with Jo Toohey,
Benevolent Society
48 travel
Meet new Link contributor Craig
Sheather
52 music
38 Discover a film company for
people with disability
52
54 breakthroughs
56 issues
57 books
58 social scene
60 what's on
Cover photo courtesy of Elly-May Barnes.
from the editor
Just about every Australian
Publisher knows of legendary rocker Jimmy
Inprint Design Barnes and his music but did you
ISSN 1447–2023
know that Jimmy has a daughter,
Editorial Elly-May, with cerebral palsy?
Editor Rebecca Somerfield Having recently opened up about
editor@linkonline.com.au
his violent and often traumatic
Design childhood in the book Working
Rachel Tortorella
Class Boy, Jimmy chatted to our
Digital entertainment writer Marlena
Inprint Design Digital Team Katene to share his experiences
as the parent of a child with CP, as
Contributors
Amy Park, Carole Lander, Anthea Skinner, well as music, his career and the importance of family. Marlena also
Craig Sheather, Heidi Laidler, Louise Proctor caught up with Elly-May, who says that having a disability has made
her stronger and more determined to succeed in life.
Advertising
Michelle Stevens
advertising@linkonline.com.au Also in this issue Carole Lander examine the findings of the Royal
Phone 08 7325 3209
Mobile 0419 822 717
Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Professor Gwynnyth Llewellyn from the University of Sydney, who
Subscriptions presented on behalf of children with disability at the release of
subs@linkonline.com.au
Phone 08 7325 3200 the Commission’s findings, recommended a range of strategies to
keep children with disability safe, including ensuring that staff in
Print/Supporter residential care centres are trained in identifying emotional and
Graphic Print Group
behavioural changes in children that signal possible sexual abuse.
In our People section we meet para-snowboarder Joany Badenhorst,
who is currently ranked the world number one in Snowboard Cross
Enquiries for LL-2 Women. In our Cerebral Palsy feature we meet a young
Inprint Design
woman, Venessa Crane, who has just climbed Mt Kosciuszko, while
Phone 08 7325 3200
Email info@inprint.com.au in Music Anthea Skinner meets the first legally blind person to write,
produce, direct, edit and star in a feature-length film.
Our Car Conversions and Equipment feature is sure to get you
moving with all the latest news on modifications and learning to drive
Like us on Facebook
/linkdisabilitymagazine with a disability, while travel contributor Craig Sheather tells us how
the travel bug has helped him deal with his disability.
www.inprint.com.au
All material appearing in Link Disability Magazine
We hope you enjoy reading our June 2017 edition and look forward
is copyright unless otherwise stated or it may rest
with the provider of the supplied material. Please
to receiving your comments and contributions via email or Facebook.
contact the editor for permission to reprint content.
Link Disablity Magazine takes all care to ensure
information is correct at the time of printing, but the Until next time.
publisher accepts no responsibiltiy or liability for the
accuracy of any information contained in the text of
advertisement. Views expressed does not necessarily Rebecca
reflect those of the publisher or editor. Link Editor
02 from the editor linkonline.com.au
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ADVANCING MOBILITY
section title 03
link loves
loves
fashion forward
A dream career in the fashion
industry is one step closer for
18-year-old Steph thanks to an
innovative partnership between
disability service provider
Barkuma and Australian designer
Paul Vasileff.
The enthusiastic year 12 student,
who hopes to move into a hair
and beauty course via Barkuma’s
Transition Program, got the chance
to meet Paul, the founder and Barkuma ambassador Paul Vasileff with Barkuma client Steph.
designer of the Paolo Sebastian
label, as part of his new role as The Paolo Sebastian label is Barkuma chief executive officer
ambassador for Adelaide-based an international success story, Geoff Blackwood said the
Barkuma. established in South Australia. partnership would provide
Vasileff’s creations have graced Barkuma with new opportunities,
During the meeting Paul told Steph magazine covers and red carpets and would be a great asset in
about the importance of hard work across the globe and are a helping motivate and inspire the
and staying true to yourself. favourite of many celebrities Barkuma family.
including Danni Minogue, Delta
“My current dream job in the fashion Goodrem and Carrie Bickmore. “Like Barkuma, Paul has worked
industry is to be a model and as a hard to be recognised and
start I have enrolled in a four day Paul said he was excited to be included as a quality South
modelling course,” Steph said. involved with Barkuma, which Australian icon. Although working
recently celebrated 50 years in in differing industries, Barkuma
“I’m also interested in fashion South Australia. is at the forefront of ‘individual
design and have learned to sew a design’ offering programs that are
little and have made myself a skirt. “The support they offer in training NDIS compliant and specifically
I love following trends, styles and and helping people to find jobs is tailored to suit each person we
seasonal fashions and I really like so important and does so much for support.”
how fashion is a way to express their confidence and self-esteem,”
your personality.” Paul said.
Share your views and read about all things disability-related at
facebook.com/linkdisabilitymagazine.
04 link loves linkonline.com.au
SAVE THE DATE
16 -17 MAY 2018
Melbourne Showgrounds
On display will be the latest in assistive technology, aids and equipment, as well as options for mobility,
communication, travel services and lifestyle options. The Independent Living Expo is an event that welcomes
all those involved in ensuring better outcomes for people with disability of all ages. The Expo is of interest for
everyone, whether a consumer, care giver, allied health practitioner, equipment funder or support organisation.
For more information phone 1300 789 845 or
visit www.atsaindependentlivingexpo.com.au
Media Partner
news
in the news
jobs for people with mental health issues
Mental health support provider of roles in any organisation and
Flourish Australia has hired 350 perform with distinction.”
people with a lived experience of
a mental health issue. Flourish Australia inclusion
manager and NSW Deputy Mental
The initiative, believed to be an Health Commissioner Fay Jackson –
Australian-first, follows three years who lives with her own mental
of targeted recruiting for a range health issues – is hopeful the
of positions, including executive outcome will prompt employers
management roles through to part- across Australia to take on workers
time support roles. with mental illness.
Flourish Australia chief executive “Our door is open for any
officer Pamela Rutledge said the employer who wants to see how
result demonstrates that people successful employing people with
with a mental health issue have the mental health issues can be,”
skills, knowledge and experience Ms Jackson said.
to contribute to any workplace,
despite often being neglected in “We can show very quickly that
the labour market. people with a mental health issue
are as – if not more – productive
“We’ve actively sought people with than others, because they’re
a lived experience to take up roles hungry to prove themselves.
with us and the response has been
incredible,” Ms Rutledge said. “A key is having the right
workplace education, HR and “Stable and meaningful
“Given that we’re a not-for-profit management strategies to boost employment is vitally important for
supporting people with mental co-worker understanding of what anyone on a recovery journey,”
health issues, it’s appropriate that living with a mental health issue Dr Anderson said.
people with a lived experience means, and to provide a mentally
should make up at least half of healthy workplace for all staff.” “Unemployment can be disastrous
our workforce. and part of a downward mental
Flourish Australia director and health spiral, resulting in
“We’re also showing that people psychiatrist Dr Josey Anderson said incalculable economic and social
with a mental health issue can stable employment was extremely costs. A stable job gives all of
fill positions across the spectrum important to recovery when mental us a sense of meaning, stability,
health issues are in play. participation and independence.”
06 news linkonline.com.au
getting the ndis right environment is presenting major
obstacles – from inadequate pricing
Australia’s peak body for disability to systems that are not holding up in
service providers, National Disability the rapid pace of implementation.”
Services, has released a paper
which details recommendations on NDS’s recommendations include
the way forward for the National proposals to improve participant
Disability Insurance Scheme. planning and pricing; to strengthen
the NDIS’s focus on employment; governments to improve the NDIS.
The paper ‘How to get the NDIS on and improve communication We have recommendations ready
track’ commends the NDIS as the between all parties. to be heard and acted upon. The
right reform for Australia but warns time to act is now.
that the scale and complexity of “The NDIS cannot deliver on its
implementation is placing great great promise to people with “Disability service providers
pressure on stakeholders, including disability and their families unless campaigned for the NDIS
service providers. there is a strong and sustainable alongside people with disability,
disability services sector. That their families and carers. Their
NDS Chief Executive Dr Ken Baker sector is at risk,” said Dr Baker. motive was to improve the life
said: “The commitment of the opportunities and wellbeing of
service sector to the NDIS has never “NDS and the sector are ready people with disability. That same
been in question. But the operating to work with the NDIA and motive remains.”
tennis star named how we can all improve the lives of
as idpwd patron people with disability.”
Tennis champion Dylan Alcott Mr Alcott, who is a dual
OAM has been named as this Paralympian and recent addition
year’s patron for the International to Triple J’s breakfast line-up, said
Day of People with Disability he was particularly honoured to
(IDPwD), on December 3. be named as the 2017 Patron, as
this year commemorates the 25th
The Assistant Minister for Disability anniversary of the event.
Services Hon Jane Prentice MP said
Mr Alcott, also 2016 Paralympian “I have always used my profile
of the Year, is a remarkable young in the community to turn up the
Australian who exemplifies what spotlight and volume on disability
IDPwD represents. issues and awareness in Australia
and IDPwD provides a platform to
“His passion and positivity is do this,” he said. “I want to encourage people of
infectious, making him an excellent all abilities to be more aware,
choice to champion the rights of “As the 2017 IDPwD Patron I am increase their understanding and
people with disability and contribute inviting you all to continue a national be more accepting and inclusive of
to the national conversation about conversation that talks about what people with disability during their
we can do to normalise disability. everyday lives.”
linkonline.com.au news 07
news
all abilities play part of an international group
space breaks developing standards for inclusive
new ground playgrounds, designed the play
space after intensive consultation
A $4 million all abilities play with local user groups.
space is being constructed on the
Nedlands Swan River foreshore Features will include a sensory
in Perth. walkway, flying fox, active climbing,
decks and slide, active swinging,
Six years in the making, the accessible picnic areas, a community
community-driven project at garden and kitchen, an informal
Beaton Park in Dalkeith will provide sports and games area, exercise
an innovative state-of-the-art play equipment, ramps and relaxation Nedlands Mayor Max Hipkins, left, Bella
Hopewell, Justin Lekias and Nedlands MLA
facility for everyone – regardless of areas, parking (including ACROD Bill Marmion officially break the ground for
age or ability. bays), accessible toilets and nature, the All Abilities Play Space.
music, sand and water play areas.
The large-scale, purpose-designed everyone, helping to build physical,
project was initiated by the Rotary City of Nedlands Mayor Max psychological and social health,”
Clubs of Nedlands, Subiaco Hipkins said the All Abilities Play Mr Hipkins said.
and West Perth with the City of Space would bring inclusive play to
Nedlands providing the site and the whole of Perth with everyone Stage one of the development
managing construction. using the same equipment. began in March, focusing on most of
the play equipment and part of the
Award-winning landscape “Research has shown the sheer car park. The final stage is expected
architect Fiona Robbé, who is fun of playing is important for to be completed by 2019.
value of mental “This is the equivalent to the aged under 25, with some as young
health carers work of 173,000 full-time mental
health support workers,” Professor
as eight,” Professor Whiteford said.
exceeds $13 billion Whiteford said. “The dollar Lead author Sandra Diminic
value of this support far exceeds said mental health carers faced
Carers supporting Australians current spending on mental health challenges in accessing services to
with mental illness are providing services, which in 2014-2015 was support their caring role.
services that would cost around $8.5 billion.”
governments $13.2 billion to “Only a quarter of primary carers
replace, according to a new report The majority of Australia’s 240,000 receive Carer Payment, and two
by the University of Queensland. mental health carers were women, thirds don’t receive any assistance
and the biggest age group were at all,” she said. “Carers are to a
Professor Harvey Whiteford, from those in their working years. large extent the ‘hidden workforce’
the Queensland Centre for Mental in the Australian health system and
Health Research, said mental “The number of young people this report sends a clear message –
health carers provided 208 million providing support to family members we need to recognise, appropriately
hours of care nationally in 2015. was also concerning, with 15 per cent train and support them.”
08 news linkonline.com.aufilm festival to “The stories range from the
showcase disability viewpoint of an artist losing his most
vital sense, to the experience of a
The 64th Sydney Film Festival, on queer teen with disability in a body-
June 7 to 18, will include an exciting swapping sci-fi, and a tale of teenage
new platform for screen practitioners love told by a filmmaker immobilised
with disability. by motor neurone disease. These
films, made by those with lived
Developed in partnership with Screen experience of disability, are boldly
NSW and the NSW Department of A scene from Drumming is Like Thunder.
breathing new life into storytelling.”
Family and Community Services,
Screenability will showcase six “These titles offer gripping insights Screenability at the Sydney
cutting-edge works – features and unique perspectives, with Film Festival is part of a suite of
My Name is Emily and Pulse, creatives with disability leading initiatives by Screen NSW designed
documentary Lust for Sight, and the narrative,” said Sydney Film to boost the participation of
short films Drumming is Like Thunder, Festival’s Screenability programmer underrepresented groups in
Struck, and Milky Pop Kid – all by Sofya Gollan. the screen industry. The focus
filmmakers with disability. of Screenability is to grow
“The programming of films for participation with a wide range of
Screenability is an international Screenability has been an exciting industry professionals, showcasing
program showcasing films by process, revealing a depth of films by filmmakers with disability
filmmakers with disability from talent and professionalism, as in a festival context.
France, New Zealand, Australia well as startling, provocative, and
and the UK. authentic cinema. For details visit sff.org.au
new research “Researchers will present “Our aim is to support teachers by
into autism the results of an Autism CRC developing interventions that are
nationwide online survey into how easy to implement and will make a
The latest in Australian autism Australian schools are meeting the huge difference to a student with
research will be discussed at a series needs of students with autism,” Dr autism, but ultimately benefit the
of seminars to be held in Brisbane. Ashburner said. whole class.”
Presented by Autism Queensland, in “A team of researchers from QUT, The Research to Practice series
collaboration with The Cooperative Autism Queensland, Aspect, and will be held at the Autism Hub &
Research Centre for Living with Griffith University surveyed 1,468 Reading Centre. A The Research to
Autism (Autism CRC), the ‘Research participants for the study, from Practice series will be held at the
to Practice’ series will showcase every state in Australia, making it Autism Hub & Reading Centre, 141
the work of Australian clinicians, the largest study of its kind. Merton Rd, Woolloongabba on July
educators and researchers. 21 and October 20.
“Educators face the challenge
Autism Queensland’s manager, of meeting the complex needs Registration cost $185 per workshop,
research and development, Dr of children with autism while or $150 for parents and students. For
Jill Ashburner said the series will maintaining an appropriate learning more information call 07 3273 0000 or
explain the latest Autism CRC environment for all students. email learning@autismqld.com.au
research on improving educational
outcomes for students with autism.
linkonline.com.au news 09news
countdown to
wheelchair rugby champs
The former governor of New South
Wales, His Excellency General The
Honourable David Hurley AC DSC,
has been named as the patron of
the 2018 Wheelchair Rugby World
Championships, to be held in
Sydney in August 2018.
“Seeing the joy that this very Organisers also announced GIO their vision to enrich the lives of
physical sport offers to our veterans as the naming right sponsor of the people with a disability through
whose injuries through service event, which will be the largest participation in sport.”
to their nation resulted in them disability sporting event held in
requiring the use of a wheelchair is Australia since the Sydney 2000 DSA chief executive Ms Jeni Cole
inspiring,” Governor Hurley said. Paralympics. said partnerships with the Australian
Rugby Union and the support of the
“As Patron, I am looking forward GIO spokesperson Mr Matthew Department of Defence had assisted
to fast and furious games of Kayrooz said “sport is an important in DSA’s successful bid to bring
strength, skill and speed, as the part in the wellbeing of all of the GIO 2018 IWRF Wheelchair
11 international teams battle it out our lives, and for people with a Rugby World Championship to
against our champion Australian disability it is no different”. Sydney, and the announcement of
Steelers. I welcome the world to Governor Hurley’s patronage further
play in our city of Sydney, whose “We are very proud of our ongoing exemplified the significance of the
Paralympics brought wheelchair partnership with Disability Sports event.
rugby to the world.” Australia (DSA), and fully support
better access Symbol will be found on the
for sydney home page of 12 leading cultural
organisations in the City of Sydney.
Accessing Sydney Collectively is a
new campaign designed to enable Launched by the Disability
greater access to the arts and Discrimination Commissioner Mr Inaugural participating
cultural life of the City of Sydney, Alastair McEwin at the Sydney organisations include: Sydney
removing barriers online for people Theatre Company Bar in March, the Theatre Company, City Recital Hall,
with disability through just one click. world-first initiative also includes Maritime Museum, Museum of
a free pocket guide that lists the Contemporary Art, Belvoir, Sydney
The campaign includes a new participating organisations and Festival, Sydney Writers' Festival,
Access Symbol that supports directs visitors with disability to Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Film
improved online access awareness, current access programs and Festival, Carriageworks, Australian
connectivity and navigation for initiatives using the campaign short Museum and State Library of NSW.
people with disability. The Access URL, ASYD.CO and braille. www.asyd.co
10 news linkonline.com.auIN DISABILITY SERVICES
JOIN THE UNIQUE, DIVERSE AND DYNAMIC PROFESSION OF
DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION.
• Graduates are recognised by the • Study online or face-to-face.
Developmental Educators Inc (DEAI) to
practice as a Developmental Educator. • Developmental Educators are recognised by the
National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) as
• Our rehabilitation counselling program is fully professionals with disability specific expertise who
accredited by the Australian Society of can provide services under the NDIS.
Rehabilitation Counsellors and Rehabilitation
Counselling Association of Australasia. • Entry pathways available for students with
Certificate IV or Diploma.
CRICOS No. 00114A
LEARN MORE: FLINDERS.EDU.AU/COURSES/UNDERGRAD/BDCR
linkonline.com.au section title 11products & services
products
& services
everyone can play telling your story getting mobile
The All Play app and website aims NGO Communications is a new The Tecla-e is a cloud connected
to encourage kids of all abilities consultancy that aims to help assistive technology device that
to get involved in AFL and sport in not-for-profit and NGOs as provides users with control of
general. It’s based on the premise they navigate an increasingly their devices and environment.
that when everyone can’t play it’s competitive funding environment.
because of the attitudes of those The brainchild of Canadian
involved and the structures and Head of Communications, Benjamin business Komodo OpenLab, Tecla
systems in place, not because of Graham, said the key to the is for anyone who can’t easily use
the abilities of kids. AllPlay targets sustainability of NGOs is the quality a smartphone, tablet or computer,
these attitudes, structures and communication of what they can including those with limited upper-
systems so that everyone can play offer. “The long-term success of body mobility resulting from spinal
and truly be part of the community. an organisation rests on its ability cord injuries, multiple sclerosis,
to define its point of difference, to ALS, muscular dystrophy, cerebral
A joint initiative between the develop its brand, and to tell that palsy, brain injuries, or stroke.
Deakin Child Study Centre at brand’s story with conviction and
Deakin University and the AFL, purpose so it stands out from the Tecla connects to accessibility
it contains practical tips and crowd,” he said. switches (buttons, sip and puff)
strategies for coaches, parents and or wheelchairs and allows an
players, including special sections “Being able to clearly communicate individual to then wirelessly
for specific disabilities such as how you are best placed to service interact with their iOS or Android
autism. It can be downloaded from your client base is the difference devices, computer, internet-
the AppStore or GooglePlay. between success and failure,” he enabled appliances hands-free.
said.
allplay.org.au gettecla.com
ngocommunications.com.au
12 products linkonline.com.auMr Chappel says requesting a carer is than 30 supported employees in
simply a matter of pressing a button Fire & Clay’s Lilydale factory, and
in the app on your smartphone and then sold in selected Mitre 10
waiting for an offer from a nearby stores across Victoria and Tasmania.
carer to appear within minutes. That
response will include the carer’s “This is the first time Fire & Clay
name, photo, star rating, charge rate products have been stocked by
and estimated time of arrival. a large commercial enterprise,”
says Reeni Ekanayake from Wesley
ubercare.com Mission Victoria. “This means Wesley
can continue to grow employees’
care on demand confidence, skills and sense of
personal value for years to come
A new mobile app that enables through stability of product demand.
people to access affordable,
in-home care services on demand “For Fire & Clay employees, this
from qualified care workers has is a very proud moment and an
been launched in South Australia. opportunity to showcase their
quality, hand-crafted pottery
In a world-first, Ubercare allows pieces to the wider community
people to find carers at short notice for purchase, and to educate
in a similar way to how people can the community that people with
order food or request immediate stick it intellectual, neurological and
transport through their smartphones. physical disabilities can and should
Fire & Clay’s new herb sticks not be able to participate in life and
“If you or a family member need only look great in the garden, they’re reach their full potential.”
urgent care or assistance, Ubercare made by supported employees from
can link you with a qualified, insured Wesley Mission Victoria’s social Visit the website to find Mitre 10
and police checked carer who will enterprise, Fire & Clay. stores that stock the herb sticks.
provide affordable personal care
when and where you need it,” says The ceramic sticks are crafted, wesley.org.au
creator Simon Chappel. shaped, painted and glazed by more
linkonline.com.au products 13contributions
everyone
has
disability the same all of the time. People’s
needs are fluid – and among many
something permanent or ongoing.
Disability can be the result of
Accessible design isn’t just things, they can vary depending illness, environment or an activity.
designing for a minority group on each person’s surroundings,
who identify as having a activities or illnesses. A user Temporary state: Light sensitive
permanent ongoing impairment. may be able to perform a task or migraine. Disability = Vision
Accessibility is about designing perceive information in a certain impairment, as unable to look
for diverse user needs and it way in one context, but not be at a screen.
benefits everyone, because able to in another. To illustrate this
everyone has disability, writes point, here are some examples: Temporary state: Broken arm.
Heidi Laidler. Disability = Mobility impairment
Situation: Using your mobile as must rely on only one arm.
With the increased awareness phone while in the sun at the
around user experience, most newly- beach. Disability = Reduced colour Temporary state: Ear infection.
developed products, apps and vision due to sun glare. Disability = Reduced hearing or
websites undergo usability testing hearing loss.
throughout the design process. Yet, Situation: Making a phone call
there is a significant limitation to while driving. Disability = Vision Designing for accessibility allows
this testing, if it’s not done across a impairment as you must pay users to overcome these contextual
diverse range of people. attention to your surroundings and and temporary limitations through
cannot look at your phone. allowing them to interact with
Generally, usability testing is Disability = Mobility impairment, as products, applications and websites
conducted in a testing environment you must use both hands to drive in flexible ways.
– usually a small, quiet space with and cannot touch your phone.
chairs and maybe a desk. Each user For helpful advice and information
is able to focus on performing the Situation: Using your phone while on how to ensure that your online
required tasks without contextual standing on a busy bus or train. apps and digital communications
variables – and in this environment, Disability = Mobility impairment, are accessible to people of all
the needs of users are fixed. as one arm is required to hold on abilities, visit mediaaccess.org.au ,
to keep balance. an organisation dedicated to web
However, outside of testing and digital access for those with a
environments, user needs are not And here are some examples of disability.
fixed, they’re not the same for temporary disabilities – which
every person, they’re not the same serve to demonstrate that the term Heidi Laidler is a former User Experience
in every context, and they’re not ‘disability’ doesn’t always refer to Designer with Media Access Australia.
Send your letters and contributions to Link Editor, Inprint By contributing a letter you authorise Link to publish it in the magazine or
Design, 1B Laffer Drive, Bedford Park SA 5042 or email it to www.linkonline.com.au. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. All published
editor@linkonline.com.au. contributions earn the author a free copy of the magazine, containing the letter (or
current subscribers may specify that they would prefer their free magazine as an
Please include your postal address (not for publication). Letters extension of their current subscription), provided a postal address is included with
should be a maximum of 200 words and may be edited for the original letter. Your name, suburb and state will be published with your letter
brevity and clarity. unless you specify otherwise.
14 contributions linkonline.com.auWhy choose Minda?
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linkonline.com.au advertising 15people
shredding the
scene for australia
Joany Badenhorst is an Australian
para-athlete with incredible
ability, currently ranked the World
Number One in Snowboard Cross
for LL-2 Women.
The South African-born 22-year-
old moved to Australia in 2009,
following a farm accident in 2005
that resulted in her becoming a
lower limb amputee.
“The accident was incredibly
traumatic,” Joany told Link
Magazine, “it left ten-year-
old me with a lot of questions,
responsibilities, and decisions.
“I came out of it the way I did “The sports of snowboarding
because of the type of family I had and track training are similar on a
supporting me; amazing doesn’t physical fitness level,” she said.
do justice to who my parents are
and how they raised me. “However, the skills required
specifically for snowboarding
“I have a number of spectacular couldn’t be more different;
people in my life, strong women snowboarding encompasses
like my mother who forged a way endurance, strength, explosive high heels, squatting and doing
forward for me in my sport, in power and technical racing.” high kicks, all to prove to him that
society, and in everyday life.” I was not a hazard to myself, or
In an odd twist, it wasn’t until anyone else.
Joany didn’t initially see herself Joany was trialling a high-heeled
as a snowboarder, with early prosthetic leg, for her Year 12 “While I was making a fool of
efforts as a para-athlete being Formal, that the winter sport myself, the Australian Paralympic
funnelled into track and field. became an option. Snowboard coach was watching,
She’d been identified as a track while one of this other athletes was
and field athlete with Paralympic “I had to convince my prosthetist being treated.
potential, and narrowly missed that I was capable of managing
out on selection for the London the high-heeled prosthetic leg, so “The coach called me a couple of
Paralympic Games. I was running around the clinic in days later and said; ‘you are female
16 people linkonline.com.auI have a number of spectacular
people in my life, strong women Are you a South Australian
like my mother who forged a way employer looking to increase
forward for me in my sport, in diversity in your workplace with
society, and in everyday life.
committed employees?
and have one leg - do you want to snowboard?’ I
quit my job and moved down to Jindabyne near the
Snowy Mountains the next winter.”
Joany experienced success early in her transition to
the sport when she qualified as Australia’s first female
snowboarder for the Sochi Winter Paralympics in 2014.
But a dislocated knee in a training run would stall her
success, until 2015 when Joany won silver medals in
the Para-snowboard World Cups in Aspen, America,
and Big White, Canada.
More recently, Joany’s conquests have continued,
when she placed second in two events at the 2017
Test Event in Pyeongchang, ahead of the South We can assist you to find the right
Korea Winter Paralympics in 2018.
person quickly and efficiently,
Receiving the two silver medals was a career
as South Australia’s only Deaf
highlight for Joany, whose placings now rank her and hearing impaired specialist
number one in the world for her category. employment service provider.
Ever the athlete, Joany hasn’t let recent successes Our services are FREE
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With less than a year until the games, Joany
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Paralympic Games begin in Pyeongchang, South
Korea, from March 9, 2018.
linkonline.com.au people 1718
19
interview
family
ties
20 interview linkonline.com.aujimmy
I was fortunate enough to see
your book tour show last year
where you discussed some very
born 14 weeks prematurely?
When Elly was born she was so
tiny and beautiful. I held her in
personal stories. Was writing the
Jimmy Barnes is the palm of my hand and bathed
book and the tour a therapeutic her in a kidney dish. We sat with
Australian rock and
way to deal with some of your past her and sang to her for most of
roll royalty. Having experiences? the day. I would put my hand into
migrated to South Writing this book set me free in the humidicrib and touch her face
Australia from Scotland a lot of ways. There were many and whisper that we needed her
in the 1960s, Jimmy very deep personal things in the to fight because her family was
soon became Australia's book that hadn’t seen the light of all waiting for her to come home.
own 'Working Class day since I was a child. It brought From day one there was no way
back a lot of sad and very dark we were going to let go of her.
Man', racking up a
memories, which were hard to deal She was meant to be with us and
string of hits, both with
with, but needed to be dealt with, we were meant to be with her.
iconic band Cold Chisel so in that sense it was good. It When we found out that she had
and as a solo artist, and also brought back memories that cerebral palsy it was just one more
was renowned for his took me back to the innocence of thing to fight. She would still be
wild live performances. childhood; the good things that with us and we would still love
got me through this life. The love her regardless of anything. Elly-
He recently told of myself and my brothers and sisters May was an angel sent to us and
his dysfunctional and shared, how lucky we were to have we were blessed to be with her.
each other. I feel blessed to have Nothing could change that.
violent childhood in the
had the chance to write this down
autobiography Working
and share it with people. As someone who has cerebral
Class Boy, and explained palsy I appreciate the strength and
how music provided What are some of your favourite courage of my family to literally
him with an opportunity memories from the Cold Chisel days? stand up and speak for me when
to escape poverty and There are so many memories from I could not. What were some of
create a better future. the Cold Chisel days. I was a child the challenges or obstacles your
daughter may have faced when
As the father of five when I joined the band. I learned
about life, about friendship and growing up?
adult children, including
about love. Not to mention how to Our baby went through thousands
entertainer David fight for what you believe in. Cold of tests. People poking her, jabbing
Campbell, and a doting Chisel always had a strong belief in her, stretching her beyond where
grandad, Jimmy Barnes themselves, and we fought to make she could go. And we went through
is now very much the our way through this tough business it with her. If she could be so strong
family man. that is the music industry. I toured and fight so hard, what could we do
the world and I met the love of my but fight with her and cry with her
Link entertainment life, Jane. The band helped me and laugh with her. Every challenge
Photo by Stephanie Barnes
achieve everything. she was faced with, she bravely met
journalist Marlena
it. Sometimes I really didn’t know
Katene spoke to Jimmy
Your youngest daughter Elly-May where she got the strength, but she
and his youngest has cerebral palsy. Can you share did. She has inspired me to be a
daughter, Elly-May, a little about what it was like better person and shown me what it
who has cerebral palsy. getting that news after she was is to really fight.
linkonline.com.au interview 21interview
How did you as a father
encourage, support and embrace
each child in the family to become
We all do the best we can during
any stages of our lives but do you
have any regrets as a father?
el ly-may
What it was like growing up in
a house full of music?
I guess I don’t have anything to
the best they could be? I have a lot of regrets. Could I have compare it to but I do feel very
If a child feels loved and feels done this? Could I have done that? lucky to have been exposed to so
safe they will go on to be the best But as I have grown older I have much different music throughout
they can be. I have tried to give learned that every mistake I have my life. Everyone in my family is
them that love and courage to made is an opportunity to learn. I musical, but everyone kind of likes
face what comes. You give your don’t look back and let mistakes different styles.
children the tools to grow up but drag me down. I would rather look
what they choose to do with them forward and see what is coming Aside from having your father’s
is up to them. They make mistakes and think about how I can make music in your life, who were some
and they make the right decisions. the right choices and make the other musical influences growing
All a parent can do is be there to right decisions. Looking back at my up in the Barnes’ house?
encourage them and to offer them mistakes is a waste of time unless I As I said, we all kind of like
help and love when they need it. can learn from what I see. different music. Dad likes a bit of
everything and I have been very
Having a family member with You are a grandfather now. influenced by his taste in music. As
a disability can sometimes be How has that changed you? a kid I really loved Michael Jackson
a juggling act especially in the Being a grandparent is great. and as I’ve gotten older I’ve
younger years. How did you I remember when we first had listened to a lot of Beatles, Rolling
manage these things while being children we would be worried about Stones, Neil Young, Bob Dylan (my
Jimmy Barnes the rock icon? Who everything. Oh my god, she coughed baby boy is named Dylan), Blondie,
were some of the people along the or he’s fallen over and cut his head. Divinyls and David Bowie.
way that helped in this journey? Now as grandparents you are a
Elly-May was so incredible as a little more calm. Yes, we can fix that When I was a teenager I was often
child. We knew she was fighting to cough, let’s go to the doctor. He told to ‘Turn my music down’. I
get on top of her disability but she needs stiches but he will survive. That could imagine it may have been
tried so hard and worked so hard myth about it being so great because different in your house. Am I right?
to get by that most people didn’t you can give them back is untrue. We I used to close my bedroom door
even notice she was disabled. We never want to give them back. and sing at the top of my lungs
treated her with respect, as we because I thought no-one could
did all our children, and she led a What is in store for you say in the hear me with the door closed.
normal life. She struggled with pain next 5, 10 or 20 years? No-one ever told me to turn it
and surgery and having to wear I’m happy being a grandparent down though I think my Silverchair
casts on her legs but the whole and I want to be as involved as I phase wasn’t for everybody!
family struggled with her. Her am needed. I love singing and will
brother and sisters were with her all continue to write songs and sing as You have cerebral palsy but it
the way. We spent a lot of days at long as people are interested. I am hasn’t stopped you from striving
the rehab centre at the Westmead loving writing books and I can see towards achieving goals in your
Children’s Hospital and had help myself doing more of that. I even life. What advice would you give
from so many incredible people have a few ideas for some fiction young people with disabilities to
there – doctors, nurses and parents on the backburner. get out there and begin to dream
of other children going through the or work at their goals?
same struggles as Elly. We never I feel like having something like
felt alone. a disability can just make you a
22 interview linkonline.com.au[Elly-May] has inspired
me to be a better
person and shown me
what it is to really fight.
stronger person. A fighter. I know
it can be hard sometimes but you
have to believe in yourself and
work towards your dreams because
whilst we may have some physical
limitations, our ability to dream is still
very much intact, as is our strength,
strength that no one else can know
about because they haven’t gone
through what we have gone through.
Do not let your disability define you
for the rest of your life. Dream big,
be brave, work hard and be kind. Try
not to be too hard on yourself if it
doesn’t work out straight away. Find
your own unique way of achieving Photo courtesy of Elly-May Barnes
your goals because everyone is
different and there are many ways to my life but over the years I’ve made my limits and he has made me cry
do everything. some really wonderful friends who a few times but he makes me smile
have just been so amazing. There are every day and I am so lucky to have
Growing up with a disability I had too many people to name. One of my baby. I lived a much more self-
many appointments. Your father my amazing friends is actually staying centred life before Dylan came along.
often was on the road performing with me now, helping me while I I am a better person because of him.
and could not physically be present recover from a minor procedure.
at times. What was this like? What is something you would
My father may not have been able How has becoming a mother love to achieve that you have
to make a lot of my appointments changed you as a person? not as of yet?
but I have always been supported I was afraid that my disability would I think there’s always something to
and loved. I am very lucky in this really affect my parenting but there work towards. I am about to start
way. I have a very big and loving have only really been a few times recording my first album which is
family. My dad’s sense of humour where I’ve struggled, as I’m sure is so exciting. I can’t wait to have that
has also really helped me get the case with many new parents. I finished and ready to put out in to
through a lot. Sometimes you just think being a mother is one of the the world.
have to laugh. best things I have achieved in my
life. When I fell pregnant I thought it Jimmy Barnes’ new children’s
Who else (aside from family) were would be too much for my body to book, Och Aye the G’Nu, and
some of the instrumental people handle but now I have this amazing the companion CD featuring
in your life that supported you little person and he’s clever and The Wiggles through ABC Music
especially in the younger years? sweet and I’ve never loved anyone are out now. For details see:
My family are the main support in so much in my life. He pushes me to jimmybarnes.com .
linkonline.com.au interview 23car conversions
& equipment
challenges worth the effort
Getting your learner’s permit is Despite Nick’s fierce willpower, “But, more than that, I find that the
challenging for all new drivers, he said that the process of going order of tasks can be hard. Driving
but even more so if you have to for his licence had been more is all about processes, knowing
face additional tests before you challenging than he expected. what comes next, and executing
can take to the road. that. I can do all the things, but
“Initially it was very simple – I spoke part of my disability means that
Nick Schumi, 31, from Adelaide, to my GP, and I did some very basic putting that together in the right
recently achieved this goal and is reflex tests, and got referred for order can be challenging.”
working toward a Provisional license. more testing at a hospital.
As part of gaining his learner’s
“It was really important to me to get “And I did the L’s theory test, which permit Nick had to spend time in a
my driver’s licence,” Nick told Link. is the same test that all drivers have car with an occupational therapist
to take and really just required a bit to try out different modifications
“I’m really determined because I of learning about the road rules.” to figure out what would work best
know the difference it’ll make in my for him.
life to have more independence Learning to drive using hand
and to get to commitments without controls has also come with its “I imagine that process is different
relying on other people, or access own challenges. for everyone, but for me, my mods
cabs.” are quite generic,” he said.
“If I have to brake or accelerate,
Nick has cerebral palsy, and is a steer, and indicate all at the same “And the time on your L’s for me
wheelchair user, and is determined time, that is a lot for my hands to is quite different to that of other
to drive independently. be doing,” Nick said. drivers – they might be learning
about road rules and how to drive,
but I had all of that, and also
testing different modified vehicles
or instructors and trying to find
what suited my needs.
“One thing I learnt is how
important it is to have access to a
car with the mods you need.
“Initially I thought I’d have to do
all of my hours (in South Australia
learner drivers are required to log 75
hours driving with a qualified driver
before they can go for the next stage
of their license) in an instructor’s car,
paying by the hour to use their car
and have them drive with me.
24 car conversions & equipment linkonline.com.auI’m really determined many examples in my life of people
like me driving”.
car conversions
because I know the and equipment
difference it’ll make in
“And there is was some stigma
my life to have more too, associated with people with a
independence... disability driving.
“But I can actually drive my own “In the early stages of driving, I also “It’s hard because, as far as
modified vehicle, or one that I had a police officer pull me over Disability SA are concerned, there
have access to, and any driving and look at the modifications in my isn’t anything wrong with my current
instructor or qualified driver can car, and he said in a demeaning wheelchair, and so there is no
take me for a lesson, it doesn’t tone ‘what’s all this then?’ as if he’d reason to provide a new one, so that
have to be someone who has never seen a modified car before.” will be another challenge,” he said.
special experience with people
with a disability.” The next step for Nick is to gain his “But, if there is anyone thinking
provisional licence – though to do about this as an option for them,
Before gaining his learner’s permit this he requires a lighter wheelchair I would say go for it. Get on to it
Nick said he wasn’t even sure so that once he has transferred early, start the testing process,
whether it would be possible for into the driver’s seat he can lift his because it does take a while, but
him to drive, as “there weren’t wheelchair into the car. the independence is worth it.”
linkonline.com.au car conversions & equipment 25car conversions
& equipment
can you drive?
The process of getting your licence According to Kate, there are two
if you have a disability can be a main type of modifications –
long one. Link Magazine spoke to Access Mods; which help people
occupational therapist Kate Walker with a disability get into and out of
about her experiences assessing a car; such as ramps, sliders, and
potential drivers. wheelchair storage, and Driving
Mods; which are mods people
“The first thing that happens is a need in order to drive the car.
person goes to their GP to find
out if they are fit for assessment,” “This includes hand controls, for
Kate said. “There is a book called people unable to use their lower “It tends to happen more for
‘Assessing Fitness to Drive’ that sets limbs, left foot accelerators for people who have been driving, but
out minimum standards for driving, people who have an injured or now have a medical condition that
and GPs, specialists and occupational missing right leg, or panoramic impacts on their ability to drive,
therapists (OTs) use this. mirrors for people with poor neck such as advancing dementia or
movement.” visual neglect. It can be hard to do
“Once a person is referred to me, cancellations, but if I can keep others
I generally contact the Roads and For Kate, being a Driving Assessor on the road safe, that is generally
Maritime Services Medical Unit to meant acquiring some additional how I justify the decisions I’m making.
confirm the person has a Learners knowledge and training.
Licence, or I can’t take them out on “And I’ll always discuss alternative
the road.” “To be an assessor you have to transport options with clients,
have been a qualified OT for at and generally call their GP to let
Kate, who runs Upshot least two years, be registered them know the outcome of the
Occupational Therapy in New with the Australian Health assessment, and encourage the
South Wales, said initially she Practitioner Regulation Authority client to link back in with their GP.”
doesn’t discuss modifications, and and have completed a post-grad
uses a more general assessment. qualification for specialist driving For people considering going
assessment,” she said. through the Driver Assessment
“I always see the person for an process, Kate had some advice.
off-road assessment first. During Kate said that part of her job is
this I am clinically assessing the also, at times, cancelling or not- “I would urge people to speak
client in three main areas– vision, allowing a person’s licence. to their regular doctor in the first
biomechanics and cognitive thinking. instance, and then go for it – and
“The main reason to do a if you’re with the NDIS, ask for
“This takes around two hours, cancellation is if we have a ‘critical funding to assist you in reaching
and then I take them on the road incident’ on the road, which means this goal.”
for an hour in my Rehab Driving that the Driving Instructor has to
Instructor’s car and assess how they intervene by braking or steering to Processes and regulations vary
drive, and only then do we start prevent an accident,” she said. from state to state so talk to your
experimenting with modifications GP or occupational therapist to
the person may require.” find out more.
26 car conversions & equipment linkonline.com.aulinkonline.com.au car conversions
mobility
& equipment
feature 27car conversions
& equipment
research the key
to car conversions With some converted
vehicles the wheelchair
may sit above the
Buying a wheelchair accessible Of course comfort is another standard seats meaning
vehicle is a big investment so it pays important factor to consider – both the occupant will have
to do your research in advance. Link for the driver and passengers.”
less headroom.
asked Nick Kotsonis from Norden
Conversion for his advice. Nick said the amount of headroom
available for the wheelchair families who wanted a smaller
“The most important thing to occupant was another important vehicle that still drives like a
consider when purchasing a consideration. car, but has the capacity to be
wheelchair accessible vehicle is converted for wheelchair access.
making sure you end up with a “With some converted vehicles
product that meets your needs – the wheelchair may sit above “The vehicle is fully compliant with
both now and in the future,” the standard seats meaning the all Australian Design Rules and
says Nick. occupant will have less headroom. comes with the option for electric
or standard wheelchair restraint
“Firstly, consider the height of the “Consider also storage options. systems. It is also designed to
vehicle as many converted vehicles As the rear of a modified vehicle accommodate most manual and
will be unsuitable for standard is typically occupied with a ramp automatic wheelchairs.“
underground carparks or garages. and wheelchair occupant, are there
alternative storage locations?” The conversion comes standard with
“Next think about the size of your a modified tailgate and automatic
family – how many people you will Nick said the Norden Converted suspension lowering system, which
and could transport if needed. Caddy is an ideal option for lowers the ramp gradient making
it easier to get in and out of the
vehicle. There are manual and
automatic ramps available.
Established in 1959 and a market
leader in vehicle conversions for
nearly 30 years, Norden Conversion
has traditionally specialised in
disability transport for large
community groups and organisations
by utilising larger vehicles.
“Through the changing needs and
preferences of our customers we
have added smaller vehicles to
our list of competencies so we can
develop vehicles that are tailored
to individuals and families.”
28 car conversions & equipment linkonline.com.auYou can also read
