Having an assistance dog is a serious commitment for the life of the dog. Assistance dogs participate in an intensive course of advanced obedience, task and public access training. They enhance the independence and safety of their recipients by performing a wide range of tasks including: opening and closing cupboards, doors and refrigerators; picking up dropped items; retrieving items from tables, cupboards, drawers and people; loading and unloading frontloading washing machines; helping to remove clothing; pulling a basket on wheels; opening and closing wheelchair footplates; and adjusting blankets and doonas. Training programs will also meet any additional needs of recipients by teaching their dogs specifically requested tasks. Assistance dogs are placed with recipients following the successful completion of their puppy raising and advanced training programs.

Potential recipients undergo a rigorous application process and are required to complete and submit a detailed questionnaire, medical report and professional character reference. A telephone interview is then conducted and a home inspection follows. Successful applicants are carefully matched with a suitable dog and complete a 2–3 week recipient training course with a selection of pre- and post-course activities and meetings. This is a tuition and bonding period which focuses on the commands, training techniques and canine care needed to maintain an effective and harmonious working team.

Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers are used in assistance dog programs due to their calm temperament and their willingness to work. Though trained dogs are highly proficient in carrying out assistive tasks, recipients have a responsibility to maintain these skills through their daily requirements of the dog and by regularly practising the dog’s repertoire of tasks and obedience.

Additional obligations include ongoing maintenance of the dog’s health and welfare and balancing the dog’s work time with regular rest and play. A minimum of 30 minutes of daily off leash exercise must be provided for the dog’s fitness and environmental stimulation. The recipient is responsible for all expenses associated with their dog after placement. This includes all veterinary care, dietary needs and grooming costs.

Every recipient must pass an annual Public Access Test and Partnership Evaluation, in accordance with compliance standards set by Assistance Dogs International, to ensure their dog maintains an exceptional standard of skill, obedience and temperament. Finally, applicants must be aware that an assistance dog stays with its recipient at all times of the day and night and can be the only dog in the household.

Organisations that train and provide assistance dogs in Australia are:

Assistance Dogs Australia
02 9548 3355 www.assistancedogs.org.au

Australian Support Dogs, Inc.
1300 788 721 www.asdog.org.au

Canine Helpers for the Disabled, Inc.
07 3350 2090 www.caninehelpers.org.au

Association of Australian Assistance Dogs (NQ), Inc.
07 4093 5265 www.asdogsnq.org

Most major entertainment venues and tourist spots have good levels of access. For a venue to be classified as accessible for everyone it must have elements such as level entry, level paths and ramps and a wheelchair accessible toilet and facilities. The same things apply to indoor venues such as restaurants, theatres, museums and stadiums, and outdoors in parks and markets. Check websites or call venues to ask for specific details.

However there might be fewer needs to consider when planning for an individual. The starting point is to think about what you both want to do and not to limit yourselves to perfectly accessible places that are listed in a guidebook. Talk your niece about what she needs in order for her to feel confident about the outing.

For many people the prime consideration is whether there is a wheelchair accessible toilet, either with the space to transfer onto it or with the privacy to self-catheterise or use other equipment. The particular place you'd like to go might not have one, but there could be one nearby in a hotel, café, library, public toilet block etc. Your niece might not need to use a toilet if she has a secure bowel program and uses a catheter with large capacity bag or bottle that does not need to be emptied or can be emptied into a container or onto grass. People with quadriplegia might not be able to independently transfer out of their wheelchair and require a hoist, so a bowel or bladder accident could mean cutting the outing short even if there is an accessible toilet available.

If a venue has a step to get in to but everything else is suitable then your niece might not mind being helped in or you could take a portable ramp. The spinal unit may have one for you to borrow or hire one for the day. Call SCInfo on 02 9661 8855 for a list of suppliers in your area.

If the venues are not within an easy stroll of the spinal unit then transport will need to be considered. Unless you have your own vehicle that is appropriate for your niece the options are accessible taxis or public transport. In Sydney call 8332 0200 to book a wheelchair accessible taxi and for information about accessible buses, trains and ferries call 131 500 or go to www.131500.info.

Imogen Howe's recent study into clothing needs for people with spinal cord injury found that finding suitable clothing is a common issue for wheelchairs users and that many found it very hard to find clothing that was easy to put on and sat correctly on the seated figure but that was also stylish and fashionable.

It is very important to wheelchair users that they wear clothing that not only fits in with the perceived social norm but that also functions appropriately.

So what is the solution? Accessing changing rooms can be a challenge for many wheelchair users but the world of online shopping has opened up a host of opportunities.

Here are a few designers that we have found:

**Benedict Cutler Clothing Solutions. Launched in April 2011 Benedict Cutler Clothing Solutions provides a wide range of stylish clothing for wheelchair users. Visit benedictcutler.com.au/.

**Errine Adaptive Clothing designs and manufactures clothing for seniors with disabilities to enable easier dressing. Visit www.errine.com.au.

**3E Love is a disability awareness clothing line and marketing company selling t-shirts, hoodies, bags, stickers and buttons. Visit www.3elove.com.

**LegaWear make suits, tuxedos and jeans. You supply the measurements and the design you want and LegaWear will make the clothing to order. Visit www.legawear.com.

**Izzy Camilleri Adaptive Clothing features modern, stylish and sophisticated pieces for both women and men who use a wheelchair. Visit www.izadaptive.com.

**Versa AccessWear where function meets fashion. Visit www.versaaccesswear.com.

**Ag Apparel offers attractive and innovative designs. Visit www.agapparel.com.

**Wheeliechix-chic offers a designer collection specifically tailored for the independent, sexy and confident wheelchair woman. Visit www.wheeliechix-chic.com.

**Kymotion Designs where people with disabilities can choose from the same funky, stylish, high quality, easy wear designs as able bodied people. Visit www.kymotion.com/design.

**Able2Wear offers adaptive disabled clothing for people with disabilities and wheelchair users of all ages. Visit www.able2wear.co.uk.

**Wheelynicecovers features the designs of the House of Edin. Visit www.wheelynicecovers.com.

**Heels with Wheels is a fashion line that is dedicated to helping other women who have been through a life changing experience. Visit www.heelswithwheels.com.

**USA Jeans offers designs specially designed for wheelchair users. Visit www.wheelchairjeans.com.

**Disabled Gear sells Rollitex trousers and jeans which have been specially designed for wheelchair users. Visit www.disabledgear.com.

**Fashion Freaks allows you to design your own clothing. Visit www.independentliving.org/fashionfreaks.

The basic news is that weight maintenance for wheelchair users has the same principles as for the general population-diet is the main avenue. As our diet, good or bad, has developed over a long time, improving it requires a lot of commitment. It is a lifestyle change that, as well as addressing weight, will also promote improved overall health.

Establishing a healthy diet that will help you to lose weight and maintain weight loss requires behavioural changes, long-term food planning and participation in physical activities. Physical activity alone won't help. A diet limited to 1,500 to 1,800 calories will reduce weight in most people with SCI.

Your new healthy diet will also assist with bowel, bladder and skin breakdown issues, as well as other general health benefits such as reducing the potential for some forms of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

However before embarking on a new diet and exercise regime it is important to consult your doctor to obtain specific information for your condition and body type.

There are many good documents on the net including www.spinalcord.uab.edu/show.asp?durki=21481&site=1021&return=21583. Contact SCInfo for more resources.

From 1 July 2010 the Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) replaces CAAS. This Australian Government program assists eligible people who have permanent and severe incontinence due to a neurological condition to meet some of the costs of continence products.

CAPS provides a direct payment of $489.95 per year for the purchase of continence products. The products can be bought from any supplier.

To apply, obtain an application form from www.bladderbowel.gov.au or by calling National Continence Helpline on 1800 330 066.

You can purchase from the supplier of your choice, including disability product stores or your local pharmacy. Call 1800 330 066 for a list. Shop wisely to make sure that your allowance lasts as long as possible. Ordering in bulk for a longer period will save on delivery costs.

Some products are available free under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. They are supplied by the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association in each state and territory. Make sure that you are not using your allowance to purchase those items.

If you have used up your entitlement and need more products, a limited range is available free of charge from state and territory equipment schemes. You will need to show that your CAPS funds have been entirely used.

There are organisations where you can meet other people with disabilities that arrange group outings. A good place to start is your local neighbourhood centre, community centre or community transport organisation.

Wheelchair and disabled sporting groups have 'come and try' sessions and social events. D-ability (www.d-ability.org) will point you to them. Accessible Arts (www.aarts.net.au) run their own activities and can tell you about others.

However there are also lots of other opportunities to become involved in different activities outside of the specialist disability or community services and ways to stay involved in the hobbies and interests that you enjoyed before you acquired a disability. These activities can also be a way for you to obtain skills that could lead to employment.

Depending on your physical ability there is a wide range of outlets for you, including TAFE and community college courses and clubs for all tastes and interests. Here are some experiences from people we know.

Your author has been playing competitive club chess for quite a few years. Once at the board it's you and me, bub … mano a mano. I play in three main competitions each year: two in my home club and another representing it in the interclub NSW Chess Association comp. Most chess clubs are located within registered clubs and, as access to them has improved over the years, I go to sessions without a second thought. So if you've been playing the computer all these years … come and see how good you really are. The only real chess is over the board with the clock ticking and a cold glare at your opponent.

When Michaelina's nieces began playing soccer she went to watch a few games and soon became involved, helping with training sessions and taking on the administrative tasks involved in the competition. "Seeing me at the training sessions was quite motivational for the team. Often they would go, knowing that I would be there and not wanting to let me down. I was then asked to be chairperson for the junior division. It's been a great way to participate in social activities and make new
friends."

Joe volunteers as a mentor at a university. Although he hasn't yet returned to work following his injury, he can keep his knowledge up to date while he's helping students. At the same time he's enjoying meeting new people, and he hopes that by staying in touch with his profession he'll be able to return to his work soon.

Before her accident Sophie was too busy to follow her passion for the arts. While in rehab she started to do some painting and when she returned home she completed a course in pottery at the local adult education centre. "I love the feeling of the clay. I use an electric wheel-obviously I can't use a kick-wheel. Although I can't make some things because of my hands I get some amazing shapes. I've even had some of my work shown at the art fair and sold a few pieces. A group of us get to use the equipment when there aren't any classes. It turns into a real gossip session."

After his injury Daoud found that the neighbourhood centre was a good place to meet people and there was also a regular Arabic speaking group. He joined the management committee and is now its treasurer. "Even though I'm back at work now, I've made good friends here and I want to continue supporting a place that has given me so much."

Brian was always told that he had a good voice for radio. He volunteered at his local community radio station, learnt how programs are put together and started to write a few scripts. He also got some spots on air presenting a show about disability issues. He hopes he'll find work in professional radio with his new skills.

In Sonia's role as the publicity officer within a small fundraising branch of a children's charity she produces a monthly newsletter, designs posters for the group's fundraising activities and submits advertisements to the local media. Sonia particularly wants to maintain her computer skills and community contacts while she is not employed. "I'm a stay at home mum so I really value the adult interaction and I'm able to help out when it is convenient for me."

Vanessa was an active member of a patchwork sewing group before her injury and although she enjoyed learning new skills, it was the group's social lunches she missed most. After her children upgraded her sewing machine to a new pushbutton model, Vanessa was thrilled to actively participate in all of the group's activities once again. Long lunches are back on the agenda and Vanessa is pleased to be leading some of the workshops herself now.

SCIA operates SCI Workforce, an employment service funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workforce Relations, which can offer support to people with spinal cord injuries throughout NSW.

Employment consultants are available to visit anyone with a disability at any stage of their return to work process. This can be in a hospital, home or community setting. They will provide assistance in areas such as resume writing, interview skills, workplace assessments and post-employment support.

There may be opportunities for you to return to your previous employer. The employment consultant will discuss your needs and negotiate necessary contract amendments and workplace modifications with your employer. They will also provide transitional and ongoing support to both you and your employer.

Your employer can obtain assistance through the federal government’s Workplace Modifications Scheme for making changes or providing adaptive equipment necessary for you to work. For information on these services visit www.jobaccess.gov.au.

If you want to find work yourself contact the Jobseeker Hotline for people with disabilities on 13 6268 or search general employment vacancies at www.jobsearch.gov.au, www.workplace.gov.au, www.seek.com.au, www.careerone.com.au, and www.mycareer.com.au.

If you are not sure about your ability to hold a job or want to experiment with new skills a good way to start is through volunteer work. Websites dedicated to volunteering opportunities include www.volunteer.com.au, www.volunteers.org.au, and www.govolunteer.com.au.

There is a range of devices to enable everyone, regardless of their level of function, to independently access their front door and to allow others to enter.

The scenarios to consider are:

• A person who has carers come into the house but who can’t open the door for them from inside.
• A person who can’t use a key to unlock the door.
• A person who can’t operate a door at all.

In all of these the main concerns are to be independent, to be safe, to maintain privacy and to keep the home and possessions secure. At the same time visitors must be able to enter: attendant carers, family and friends might need to let themselves in; others may need access occasionally or in an emergency.

Whatever the circumstances a secure and safe access option is available.

Independent Access

Automatic door openers can be fitted to swing and sliding doors. They can be triggered by any switch system, either fixed or on a remote control. Remote door control can be added as a function of an environmental control system. Security for people who do not hold a remote control can be provided by a numeric keypad, fingerprint scanner, keycard, proximity card or keytag.

For people who can open the door themselves but cannot use a key, the same security systems can be used. For those who have difficulty holding a key there is a range of large handles that can be fitted to one. There are commercial versions as well as a ‘finger hole’ style made by Technical Aid to the Disabled (02 9912 3400, www.technicalaidnsw.org.au).

Letting Others In

If you have a numeric keypad lock you can tell visitors the code. Multiple codes can be created, so you can set one for an individual or a group of people. An example is a code given to a care agency to send staff to your home. If you have a tradesman coming you can set a code for that visit, and delete it after the job is done.

If you have a normal key lock for your home, but you need people to be able to get in when you can’t unlock the door, a keysafe is a simple and safe way to give them access. This can be a box fixed to a wall or a padlock style that can be put anywhere. A combination code opens a chamber that holds a key to your door. They can be bought from locksmiths and other outlets. Low prices can be found on Ebay.

There are many suppliers of the items mentioned here. Most are available from your local locksmith. Contact SCInfo or the Independent Living Centre in your state for other contacts.

There is a section of the Spinal Cord Injury Manual, published by the Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center of Delaware Valley, that coves this. It explains that proper position is essential to prevent skin breakdown over bony areas. It describes and shows methods using one or two assistants.

The Spinal Cord Injury Manual is available free from www.spinalcordcenter.org/manual. There are sections on skin care, bowel and bladder management, diet and much more. The seating/positioning information is in the Mobility section.

However, even though people have been using this and a number of other manual seating and repositioning methods for a long time, concern about occupational safety has led care agencies to introduce 'no lift' policies that require staff to always use hoists when transferring their clients. Even though, strictly speaking, this repositioning technique does not involve lifting, there is still a concern that a carer could injure themselves.

If you are sliding and slumping a lot, you might need a reassessment of your seating needs to prevent it in the first place. The assessment and prescription of wheelchairs and seating systems are specialised fields. You will need to see an occupational therapist or attend a seating clinic. Contact your spinal clinic or community health centre for an appointment. Also, some disability equipment supply companies have their own seating assessment services.

A signature is a common way of confirming a person’s acceptance of a contract or arrangement but is not always necessary to create a binding legal document.

1. Making your own mark

If you can’t make a signature with a pen you may show your acceptance of a contract or other document (including a deed depending on which country, state or territory you are located in) by leaving a mark such as:

• your initials;
• a rubber stamp; or
• an ink thumbprint.

If you use a mark instead of a signature on a document, you should have someone witness you making the mark to prove that you have accepted the terms and conditions of the document and to ensure that the use of your mark is not abused by another person. If the document is a deed, in certain jurisdictions you must have a witness if you use a mark.

The person who witnesses you making the mark should not be a party to the document or a witness for the other party.

After your witness has watched you mark the document, they should write on the bottom of the document that:

• you are unable to sign the document;
• you appeared to read and approve the document; and
• you marked the document in their presence.

You should seek legal advice about what is required for particular documents as the way you can agree to the document without signing and the number of witnesses you need changes according to the nature of the document and the state or territory you are in.

2. Can someone sign a document on my behalf?

You can authorise someone to sign documents on your behalf by appointing them as your attorney under a Power of Attorney.

A Power of Attorney allows you to give another person the power to manage your assets and financial affairs while you are alive. You can limit the powers you give to your attorney, for example, only to deal with certain bank accounts or limit when they can act.

Your Power of Attorney can be revoked (cancelled) at any time provided you understand what you are doing in revoking your Power of Attorney.

If you are considering making a Power of Attorney, you should seek legal advice first.

For some documents in some states a person who is not your Power of Attorney may sign a document on your behalf. However, if someone signs a document on your behalf and the law says that only your attorney under your Power of Attorney may sign on your behalf, then that signature will have no effect.

Generally, it is better to make a mark yourself or appoint an attorney than to allow someone to sign on your behalf.

Please note that this Hot Topic only applies to people who are physically disabled and who do not have reduced mental capacity.

Editor’s note: Thanks to Laura Mutton of Blake Dawson for contributing to our Hot
Topics section.