Robyn Gobert's DisABILITY column Fax Sunday, March 25, 2001 DISABILITY ACCESS NEWS - MARCH 2000
Destination Marketing has a six-page feature in the LINK magazine featuring Toowoomba, Hervey Bay and Tropical North Queensland. Well done!
Skyrail asked for their brochures to be looked over for the inclusion of useful disability information. My advice is to let people with disabilities know what you have provided and stipulate the width of "tight squeeze" areas. This way everyone can make up their own mind about whether or not things are accessible to them.
There are no accessible and usable public toilets in Chillagoe. The public loos in Dimbulah have a ramp but there's a step up onto it.
ACROD's National Access Forum was recently held in Townsville. Why can't we get anything like this in Cairns? The unsubsidized fee of $420 was also prohibitive. These are two good reasons why we of the Far North still battle so hard to achieve equitable access.
Mario Cortes will come to your home to give computer lessons and he'll even bring a computer! Phone Bisnet on 4091 710.
The Tablelander was complemented on this disability column. Leanne Wood from the Queensland University of Technology said, "What a wonderful, community building initiative. I'm not aware of any other newspapers that provide a disability column, not even in Brisbane."
Being isolated and unable to get out can be a problem. Some of the assistance numbers are Women's Infolink 1800 177 577, The Parent Line number is 1300 301 300 and men in need of assistance can call 4091 3790. The Men's group holds workshops in Atherton.
There were 351 proposals presented by North Queenslanders (from north of Mackay) to the Regional Communities Forum and 272 of those were from FNQ. I applaud the efforts of those who work to make a positive difference. Phone 1300 301 645 if you'd like a copy of the Report.
If you'd like information of the Queensland Parents of People with a Disability Inc phone Jeremy Ward on 1800 805 184. They have a five-year plan that is well worth a look.
Disability Services Queensland's Project Worker Robert Pyne would welcome your call if you'd like to know more about the formation of the Regional Disability Council. Ph 4039 8370.
Reach Out is a service that uses the Internet to help young people get through tough times. It was developed in response to our high rates of youth suicide. www.reachout.com.au
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