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Accessibility News Round-Up: October 2023

There is so much exciting news at the moment – monster trucks, recommended reading, gala dinners, and more – that it’s easy to miss something amazing. Here’s a round-up of everything that’s caught my attention lately. If you have any hot tips, please share them in the comments or over on our Facebook page!

Accessibility News Round Up October 2023 - text overlaid on image of man pushing Braeden in a beach wheelchair through water on Four Mile Beach at Port Douglas on a bright sunny day

Monster Jam® roars into Queensland

Are you ready to roar? The Monster Jam® is coming to the Gold Coast for the very first time, with two adrenaline-charged events at CBUS Super Stadium on Saturday October 21.

The Grave Digger monster truck in the air over a dirt track in a stadium

Eight skilled athletes will battle it out for the championship in competitions of speed and skill. The 12,000-pound trucks on show include the legendary Grave Digger, and the fan-favourite Megalodon. They’ll be doing back-flips, jumping obstacles, and racing at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour – this is motorsport at its jaw-dropping finest. Weather permitting, there will also be a breath-taking Freestyle Motocross (FMX) exhibition at half-time.

Specially-allocated accessible seating is available in the Western Stand and Southern Stand of CBUS Super Stadium. Tickets for accessible seating can be purchased directly through Ticketek (recommended for attendees who will be using a mobility aid, Companion Card, or have other specific needs). Visit the Ticketek Accessible Seating site for more information, or phone 1300 665 915.




The Special Olympics Australia Gala Dinner is back!

Special Olympics Australia will be celebrating our athletes’ medals from the 2023 World Games (15 Gold, 22 Silver, and 26 Bronze) at their annual Gala Dinner – returning after a three-year hiatus during COVID. This spectacular event is also an essential fundraising opportunity, to support our athletes at the 2027 World Games in Jakarta.

Special Olympics Australia Gala dinner banner - Reach For The Stars with logo against a stylised night sky background

Special Olympics Australia’s glamorous fundraising gala will be hosted at Luna Park Sydney on 21st October. It’s a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on the community, celebrate the athletes’ acheivements, and encourage more people living with an intellectual disability or autism to take up sports.

The Luna Park venue is also the perfect choice: all the parks promenades and venues are wheelchair accessible and the friendly Luna Park Sydney team are always on hand to help with any of your special needs or requirements. They were even runners up for the Accessibility Award at the Better Business Awards.

If you’d like to purchase tickets to attend the gala dinner, or find other ways to show your support, visit the Special Olympics Australia website.


Looking for an unforgettable Summer Getaway that caters to all your accessibility needs? (sponsored)

Introducing the exclusive accessible coastal stays from Accessible Accommodation! They truly understand that accessibility is key to a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. These properties are designed with level entry access, wide doorways, accessible bathrooms, and spacious interiors, allowing you to navigate your holiday and respite with ease. Say goodbye to limitations and embrace the freedom to explore!

A collage of polaroid-style images of Accessible Accommodation coastal getaways against a grey background with orange and blue shapes

100 Hitchcock – Barwon Heads, VIC
Luxury accessible holiday accommodation for families. This stunning property features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and is located just a few minutes
to shops and the beach. Park your car when you arrive and stroll everywhere. A beach wheelchair is provided to use during your stay.

7 on Merindah – Coochiemudlo Island, QLD
Enjoy a relaxing island break in this fabulous 3 bedroom, 2 bathrooms accessible island retreat.  Catering to the highest mobility needs, 7 on Merindah has an accessible bedroom, bathroom & kitchen, hoist, electric bed, commode and much more.

Saltwater Beach House – Torquay, VIC
4 bedroom, 2 bathroom beach house. Key accessible features include widened doorways, a modern level entry ensuite bathroom, designer grab rails, and accessible appliances. A range of disability equipment is available including an in-built recessed single-track ceiling hoist and electric single
adjustable bed.

All Access Rollers Retreat – Phillip Island, VIC
The ultimate nature and wildlife escape. This modern 4 bedroom holiday house offers a fully equipped accessible kitchen, 2 accessible bathrooms, mobile hoist, commode, shower chair, single hospital bed and hi lo king split bed.

Sunnynook – Port Elliot, SA
This modern, fresh holiday house is packed with accessible features. The perfect place for respite, a getaway or medium-term accommodation. Features include a mobile hoist, commode, accessible bathroom and electric bed.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create cherished memories this summer. Contact the dedicated Accessible Accommodation team on 1300 180 889 or visit their website. STA packages available.


New Big Visions book now available

It’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas gifts! Books make great stocking stuffers – and Vision Australia’s Big Visions series will surely be met with delight on Christmas morning. These books are based on the lives of remarkable Australians living with blindness or low vision, and each book in the series aims to alter people’s expectations of what a person with a disability can do (as well as giving children of all abilities new and inspiring role models).

Three Big Visions books on a white background. From left to right: Surfing In The Dark by Matt Formston; Dressed For Success by Nikki Hind; Cooking Up A Storm by Craig Shanahan.

The newest Big Visions book came out this month: Dressed For Success, which follows the story of Nikki Hind, Australia’s first blind fashion designer. Nikki shares her story – including her experiences of being told “no” due to her disability – in the hopes of inspiring other young people who live with disabilities to dream big and go after their dreams.

Dressed For Success, and all of the other Big Visions books (including our personal favourite, Cooking Up A Storm, the story of chef Craig Shanahan) are available via the Vision Australia website. Even the book formats are accessible and inclusive, with both UV printed and embossed braille editions available, as well as audiobooks and eBooks.

Free From + Allergy Show

A newly combined event dedicated to managing allergies, intolerances, and dietary needs is coming to Sydney.

At the International Convention Centre on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd October (10AM-4PM), the Free From + Allergy Show promises to be a fantastic and informative event. They will be showcasing experts and exhibitors who will share the latest advancements, products, and insights for people who manage specific dietary needs. From specialty food vendors to beauty and lifestyle brands, the exhibition floor will be a treasure trove of information and resources for everyone. Plus, there are seminars in the Learning Theatre, with speakers who can give unique insights and advice. There’s a Kids Zone to keep little ones entertained, and (of course) snacks available. Whether you’re living with food allergies or supporting someone who does, this will be an excellent opportunity to learn and connect with others in the same boat.

An overhead view of the exhibition floor at the Free From + Allergy Show, with a truck and exhibition stores offering products

Tickets for the Free From + Allergy Show, and additional information, are available via their website.




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