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Independent Living Journal cover...

Publications

Independent LivingVolume 26 No 1

  published in April 2010

Featured Articles

Recreation: Be in It

- Assistive technology for recreational activities in different environments
By Anna Kardachi, ILC Vic

Recreational activities can have positive outcomes for an individual such as increasing activity level, creating social interaction with others and encouraging involvement in community life. They can be rewarding, provide enjoyment and increase an individual's self esteem.

Some activities can create barriers to participation for people with disabilities or age related difficulties. However, by using appropriate assistive technology (equipment) inclusion in recreational activities is possible. These activities can occur in different environments for example, in the garden, at the beach, near the water, in the snow, on the greens, in the bedroom and at the table.

This article explores a variety of settings for recreation and suggests assistive technology that may assist a person with a disability or age related difficulty to enjoy their chosen pastime.

Freedom on the Water - Regardless of Ability

By Graeme Adam, Sailability Australia

This article talks about Sailability's mission structure, disabilities, participating carer organizations, easy-access facilities, sailing programs, sailboats, benefits of sailing for people with disabilities and how to join up.

Sailability is a community-based organization, fostering inclusive recreational and competitive sailing. Its aim is to help Australians develop and grow through sailing, across the lifespan and across all abilities, from able-bodied to those with minimal residual function.

Freedom Wheels - Helping Children One by One

By Natalie Peterson, TAD NSW

From humble beginnings in the early 1990s, TADNSW’s Freedom Wheels Modified Bike Service has evolved into a streamlined national operation.

Originally the families of the children with disabilities supplied their own bikes for tailor made modification. This required up to 40 hours of work and led to unpredictable delivery times. Nevertheless, the service was well respected among therapists, as well as being popular with clients and their families.

In June 2006, Channel 9's A Current Affair featured a TADNSW assessment clinic, providing valuable publicity for the service. Shortly afterwards, Amway of Australia approached TAD with an offer of financial support, for a national program.

Computing for All

- Computers, Older People and People with a Disability
By John Moxon, Parramatta Computer Pals

Computers - you love them or you hate them. And, either way, perhaps you don't recognise their potential value in leisure and recreation.

Mention the word "computer" to any diverse group and you'll be surprised at the variety of responses, ranging from "I could not live without mine" through to "I have never used one and never will - dreadful things". And some people will say "I use (or used) a computer at work all day - why would I torture myself at home?"

Readers who already regard computers as fantastic tools for making easy work of a whole host of tasks, may find little that is new here. Unless you need some information on adaptive technology, in which case, read on.