Hot Topics

This part of our website is to give the same information to you that was given to recent inquirers to our information service, SCInfo.

When interesting or regular questions are asked, you'll get to know the answers too.

Remember, any time you want to know what, where, how or why, ask SCInfo.

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I would like to return to work. What sort of help is available?

What options are there for a person to enter or secure their home if they can’t use a key to open the front door? How can I let visitors into the house when I can’t get to the door?

How can I explain to new carers how to help me sit up properly in my wheelchair when I become slumped or slip forward on the seat?

I've joined my local access committee but get confused by some of the jargon and acronyms people use. I don't want to have to keep interrupting to ask what they mean. Is the a list somewhere?

Due to my spinal cord injury I can't use a pen to make a signature. What can I do to authorise contracts and other documents?

I’ve booked a flight but am worried about incontinence in the air. What can I do to avoid problems?

What insurance do I need for my wheelchair or scooter?

I am an architect working on a project to design a home for a person with quadriplegia. Can you provide me with the details of some resources to help with specific dimensions to facilitate access in and around the home?

My brother was recently injured in a diving accident and he's been told that he has incomplete C6/7 spinal cord injury. What does that mean?

I’ve got a legal problem, but I can’t afford a lawyer. Is there anyone I can contact?

I am planning an around Australia trip. Is my local mobility parking authority (MPA) recognised in all Australian States and Territories? Also, how would I organise an MPA for other countries if I was planning to travel overseas?

I'm planning to take a domestic flight within Australia. A friend has told me the cables will need to be disconnected from the battery terminals of my electric wheelchair before it is taken on to the aircraft. Why is this required and who is responsible for the disconnection, and  who'll pit them back when I get to my destination?

I've been offered a place in a clinical trial of a possible improvement of my level of function after SCI. How can I judge whether to go into it?

I want to take a trip from Sydney as far north as Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and can only travel up to 300 km before needing to stop and spend the night. Can you provide me with a list of accessible accommodation at various points along the way, say around Forster, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, the Gold Coast and finally the Sunshine Coast?

My relative has sustained a spinal cord injury and at the moment he is still in hospital. He won’t get any compensation for his accident. I’d like to raise funds so his home can be made accessible and to buy a car for him as his family can’t afford to do it themselves. What is the best way to do this? Can people who contribute to my appeal use their donations as tax deductions?

Are there any courses I can attend to enable me to become an Access Auditor?

I have quadriplegia and haven’t exercised since being in rehab. Can you suggest where I can hire or buy exercise equipment and how I can improve my fitness?

I need to have my car repaired and can't afford it. Is there any subsidy for people with disabilities for this type of expense?

I can't find a wheelchair sold in Australia that's right for me. There is one sold by a company overseas that doesn't have an agent in Australia. Will I have to pay import duty and GST if I bring it in myself?

I'm a university student and am conducting a literature review on spinal cord injury and return to work. I am particularly interested in legislation on this issue. Can you provide me with any information on this topic?

Due to my spinal cord injury I can't use a pen to make a signature. What can I do to authorise contracts and other documents?

I receive the Disability Support Pension (DSP) and have been studying since 2003 at university in a four-year degree. To complete my degree I am required to do a 12 month overseas study component. Centrelink says I won't be able to keep getting the DSP. What can I do? Is there a way I can still receive the DSP while I'm away?

I live in NSW and use the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS). Can I use my TTSS vouchers to get a reduced fare when I'm visiting another State?

I have quadriplegia and get the Continence Aids Assistance Scheme (CAAS) $470 per annum for my supplies. But that's doesn't cover all that I need in the year. Are there any other continence equipment programs and services I can use to supplement CAAS?


The accessible room is always for "the disabled person and carer". Apparently we don't travel with families friends or lovers. Yes it's discriminatory. If there is an equivalent room to what you need that does not have an accessible bathroom, perhaps you can negotiate a price for the suite that matches that cabin on the basis that they can't give you what you need. Mentioning a possible action on discrimination might tip the scales in your favour.

Posted by: admin on 20 Jan 2010 11:49am

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We would like to book a Cruise holiday but cannot find a ship that offers wheelchair accessible accommodation for more than 2 people - it is so frustrating as we have a young child, so to travel as a family we have to either book a second cabin and find someone to travel with us or book a suite at more than triple the cost per person. Surely this is discriminatory??? Has anyone had any experience with travelling on a cruise holiday with high level quadriplegia?

Posted by: Ferris on 18 Jan 2010 3:24pm

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A good website is Global Access News. It has general advice and also the personal experiences of people who have travelled to various destinations. Go to www.globalaccessnews.com/travelarchives.htm Also look at Tripadvisor www.TripAdvisor.com You can search their forums using appropriate keywords, or post your own messages asking for specific advice.

Posted by: admin on 13 Jan 2010 10:06am

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My boyfriend is a quadriplegic and we are travelling overseas around Europe. Can anyone give us any tips regarding travel friendly equipment and transport whilst in Europe to make our holiday as enjoyable as possible?

Posted by: happy traveller on 10 Jan 2010 11:42pm

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