Two Spirit Tasmania

02/12/2025

Today marks an important occasion as I attend a film festival organised by People with Disabilities. More than just a showcase of creative talent, this festival stands as a testament to the power of inclusion and the vital importance of making space for voices that are often overlooked in our community.
Throughout history, people with disabilities have made remarkable contributions to their fields and society as a whole. Their achievements challenge preconceived notions and demonstrate that limitations are often imposed by society, not by the individuals themselves. Figures like Stephen Hawking, whose work in theoretical physics has transformed our understanding of the universe
Let us celebrate, listen, and learn.

25/11/2025

Come along to this free event on international day of people with disabilities. The young people from ACD Tas - The Association for Children with Disability Tas Inc. YEP program are running this event.
To book bit.ly/FoAFF-Hobart

17/11/2025

I will be talking at this event on disability inclusion. There are seats still available, this is going to be a massive event for any small business looking at next steps

Annual Small Business Success Summit Tasmania

11/11/2025

The festive season is a busy period for many businesses. It is essential to recognize that some people with disabilities may experience challenges during this time. To foster an inclusive environment, please consider the following recommendations:

• Avoid decorations with flashing lights.
• Ensure decorations with sound or movement can be easily turned off.
• Keep floor space clear to accommodate mobility aids.
• Do not place decorations on handrails or door handles.
• Regularly check floors for glitter, as it can create slip hazards for elderly customers and those using mobility devices.
• Refrain from placing tinsel at payment counters to prevent sensory issues.
• Offer designated quiet times in-store by turning off music, lowering lights, and disabling decorations with lights, sound, or movement.
• Advertise quiet shopping times, including afternoons and weekends, to accommodate different preferences.
• Exercise patience with customers with disabilities, as they may require additional time to communicate, pay, or handle items.
• Be mindful that not all customers are verbal; some may use assistive technology to communicate. Allow them time to express themselves without interruption.
• Reserve popular items for customers with disabilities, recognizing that some may only be able to shop with support and may otherwise miss out.
• Guide Dogs and Assistance Animals are permitted in stores and vehicles by law. If pets are allowed on the premises, clearly communicate this so handlers are aware.

Implementing these practices helps ensure a welcoming and accessible environment for all customers.

07/11/2025

I recently reviewed the plans for the Tasmanian AFL stadium and was pleased to see that designers with lived disability experience are leading this significant project. The design places a strong emphasis on accessibility, ensuring that people with disabilities can fully participate in events, including concerts and other activities with direct access to the pitch. Two dedicated accessibility hubs will feature changing rooms equipped with hoists and sensory rooms.
In discussions with the design team, I addressed how neurodivergent individuals and those with physical disabilities who cannot stand for extended periods will access food and beverage areas and place orders comfortably. Additionally, discussed were the developing easy-read documents to guide visitors from key locations to the stadium and help them navigate its main features. I will follow these developments as the project approaches completion.

05/11/2025

Annual Small Business Success Summit Tasmania

21/10/2025

This week is Invisible Disabilities Week (19–25 Oct)

Started by Invisible Disabilities Association, this week is a reminder that you don’t have to see a person's disability to support them.

Look out for the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower 🌻

How we as business owner can support people with hidden disabilities -
Understanding a person may require extra time and patience.
Understanding they maybe non verbal or have low verbal skill and require more time to express their needs. Try not to over talk them or finish their sentence for them.
They may need to sit down
They may have trouble reaching items on high or low shelves.
They may find reading and writing difficult. Be patience and ask if you can read it out aloud for them or write it out for them.

If you are unsure how to help, ask what can I do to make this experience work for you?

Learn more: https://buff.ly/eaVboo4

15/09/2025

We all appreciate when research is conducted thoroughly and thoughtfully. However, it’s important to remember that just because research is well-executed doesn’t mean its findings can—or should—be universally applied.

The validity and usefulness of any research lies in the data on which it is based. Applying parking planning research from New South Wales (NSW) directly to Tasmania without accounting for key differences in data and local context can lead to invalid assumptions and projections that don’t serve the Tasmanian community or lifestyle.

In fact, using the wrong data sets from the outset can result in costly missteps that take significant time and resources to fix.

An example of this is:
When considering the application of parking planning models from NSW to Tasmania, we must factor in the differences between the two regions:
• Disability rates: NSW has a disability rate of 18.34%, while Tasmania’s is significantly higher at 30.5%.
• Public transport infrastructure: NSW benefits from a much stronger and more comprehensive public transport network. In contrast, Tasmania’s network has less coverage, which impacts mobility options for residents.
• Climate: NSW generally has milder weather, while Tasmania’s colder and wetter climate can influence public transport use and other transport choices.

These factors highlight why local data must drive local planning. Failing to consider them can lead to inappropriate solutions that don’t reflect the needs of Tasmanians—and ultimately, to higher costs and reduced accessibility for the community.

01/05/2025

May is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome awareness month. EDS affects the connective tissues through the body.

Please feel free to use the below image on your social pages.

01/05/2025

These Lego bricks are amazing and help with inclusion. Great for making inclusive signs that vision impaired people are able to read.