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Accessibility Tools

Mel Pym

Melissa first shared her story with IDEAS power blogs in 2019. This is her narrative of how the last few years have changed for Mel.

A dark-haired lady in a wheelchair wearing a bright pink dress

When I first started this project I had little idea of what was required of me, but somehow it has formed into something that makes me feel proud. I worked in theatre, producing and co-directing a performance art and dance piece inspired by the life and works of Frida Kahlo in the early 1990s. This was before I had any noticeable signs of MS.

Woman seated in wheelchair smiling - words say build your dream team

A self-directed approach enables me to recruit and choose my own team of staff who assist me to live in my own home - Carolyn Campbell-McLean

A couple infront of an accesible vehicle in San Fransisco, they are both seated, Carolyn in a wheelchair, Steve in an motorised scooter

Want to know more about how to self manage your NDIS funding? Carolyn Campbell McLean takes us through some of her experiences and shares her tips for success.

A woman with dark and green hair, smiling and sitting behind a Mashblox product display

Hi, I’m Alix O’Hara, and I’m the Founder CEO of startup company Mashblox Pty Ltd, and inventor of an independent feeding tool by the same name. Mashblox is both an assistive tech for anyone who struggles with cutlery, but also a world-first infant obesity intervention research aid, by supporting self-regulation and mindful eating of safe textures from babies’ first exposure to solid foods.

Mel Pym working on Polymer clay while lying down in bed

Melissa Pym's story about how art motivates her to get up every day despite her many disabilities with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Lyme Disease.

Photo of a beach from above

Since I was asked to talk about when my “Moment of Power” was, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Because there isn’t one big one, there isn’t one that goes POW! And wow! Things are amazingly different. I’m living with a brain injury.

Naked figure with head obscured by cloud

My name is Tyler Grace and I am 25 years of age. I have been living with chronic illness all my life. I live with a multitude of illnesses including Fibromyalgia, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Marfan Syndrome, POTS, Neurally Mediated Hypotension, and a few more minor illnesses.

Man sitting in mobility scooter overlooking a beautiful ocean vista

Like many older people, I have a mobility problem. I can walk, but only slowly and for limited distances. That means I miss out on many adventures when I am travelling and I’m limited to visiting places that are easily accessible by hire car or public transport. That rules out most gardens, history walks through towns and much exploring of cities.

My 6-year-old was asked to model for Target. A great opportunity but the photoshoot was taking place back in the Macedon Ranges where we previously lived in complete terror with the violent thug but I was NOT prepared to let MY pain be my daughter’s problem.