I have represented Australia in the sport of Para-canoe at two Paralympic Games and achieved a bronze medal in Rio 2016 and a silver medal in Tokyo 2020. My current goal is to compete at the next Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 (August 28th to September 8th). Each Paralympic experience has been unique and begins with the process of qualifying for team selection. The sport of Para-canoe made its debut at Rio 2016, so the lead-up to those games was very exciting with a lot of interest as we showcased our amazing new sport to the world. Tokyo was a completely different experience and felt like sm ..read more

There are both positive and negative aspects to using social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. A few of the problems reported include bullying, hacking, promoting risk-taking behaviours, and unrealistic expectations/pressures from comparisons, all of which can be detrimental to mental health. However, in this article I want to highlight some of the advantages of social media in terms of facilitating the exchanging of ideas/information, international community connection, and activism. While mainstream media usually likes to promote ‘inspirational’ stories of people over ..read more

The other day I received a message: “Hi Marlena, I wanted to see if I could pick your brain on something. I am managing a support provider team here in XXX. We have just set up a house that will have respite/day programs/our office. I wanted to chat with you about how I can make it as inclusive as possible. I have thoughts around connecting with clients on skills they already have and setting up a group market stall in the local markets and teaching and supporting on how to set margins and make money i.e. selling seedlings for our gardeners, artworks etc.” Now initially I had no idea how I wo ..read more

After recently spending some time in the hospital supporting new patients, a common question was about ‘attending events and functions with mates and family’ and whether it was possible. The answer is yes, you can! Booking these events are a little different, more detailed and time-consuming. The reality is you need prior preparation. Preparation and spontaneity are the keys to life. Sporting grounds, movie theatres and major entertainment venues offer accessible viewing. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to attend football, cricket, concerts and a mediaeval festival, the ..read more

“Inclusion isn’t a word that is commonly used by the general community. However, the word is used quite commonly by people that are fighting for themselves or others for the very right… to be Included” I have never really known anything else but to be included and accepted in my various communities throughout my life. As a person with a disability, I consider myself blessed that this is so.  However, the reality is that not all with disabilities are included as I have been. On the other side of the coin, I also believe I shouldn’t have to feel guilty, or for that matter even blessed ..read more

Travelling… We all want to go back to travelling however air travel can be a bit more complicated with a spinal cord injury (SCI), but it’s doable as long as you prepare and keep an open mind. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel on more than 50 flights since my accident – and I plan on flying many more times! Here are some tips and tricks to make flying with an SCI as comfortable as possible. Air travel I love travelling and have been fortunate enough to travel on over 50 flights since my accident – and counting! Along the way I have learnt some handy tips and tricks both first-hand and ..read more

When I think of all the good times in my life or the times that have made me smile the one common thing is that during these times I have always had my friends beside me. Having a disability, the importance of friendship is a vital ingredient to living a good life and a life of purpose and meaning. Having a friend to laugh with, cry with or share thoughts with is absolutely everything in my world and my biggest asset of all. Having a disability, the reality is we always will need help with certain things in order to function in this wide world. For my disability, this means I need someone to ..read more

What would you say to your younger self if you had the opportunity? Wheelchair User Jessica Cochran thinks about this topic and writes the following letter: Dear Younger Self, You are going to face challenges in your life that you’ve never imagined, at times it will be hard, and times your life will hang in the balance and fear will surround you. It is going to be a rough road but I’m here to tell you that despite those challenges you have it within you to grow into someone strong, kind, determined, and beautiful. Right now being disabled is something you don’t identify as. You’ve been unwell ..read more

What do 4-year-olds and 80-year-olds have in common? Considerably more than you might think, including (but not limited to) painting, dancing, reading, walking, singing, cooking and story-telling! These are just some of the potential activities incorporated into intergenerational care programs, in which Aged Care and Day Care are combined, and the residents/attendees of each group intermingle and socialise with one another. A relatively new movement in Europe, intergenerational programs have become increasingly popular in other parts of the world (particularly the US and Australia and Ne ..read more

Heading down the hospital corridor the hall echoes with the squeal of rubber tires on linoleum and the soft pitter-patter of paws. As we wait in the crowded waiting room I feel a light pawing followed by a gentle push of weight against my legs. Curious eyes watch on and people smile gently at what they assume is a small gesture of love. What they don’t realise is that Riley, my Assistance Dog in Training, has picked up on the rise in my heart rate and is hard at work. This seemingly small action is, in fact, one the keys to independence as I know it. What to know about assistance dogs? A ..read more