Creating Change Together
We are a social profit organisation on a mission to create a world where people who live with disability have a fair go at what life has to offer.
What We Are Talking About
Death of Port Augusta woman highlights gaps in disability safeguards
Language Matters: Purple Orange Language Guide 2024
The Language Guide developed by JFA Purple Orange is based on feedback from the South Australian disability community and our network, offering practical advice on respectful and inclusive language when discussing disability.
Governments’ Disability Royal Commission responses don’t carry the decisiveness and urgency the disability community deserves
Housing construction peaks must step up and show leadership on NCC 2022 to help end the housing crisis for all South Australians
With four months remaining until the implementation of the National Construction Code 2022 (NCC 2022) in South Australia, the disability, housing, and ageing communities are calling on the housing construction peak bodies, the Master Builders Association SA (MBASA) and the Housing Industry Association (HIA), to show genuine leadership in supporting the roll out for the benefit of the whole community.
New housing ‘super’ portfolio opens door to increase focus on accessibility
Disability advocacy agency JFA Purple Orange has welcomed the elevation of the State Government’s response to the housing crisis after the recent Cabinet reshuffle, but called on housing ‘super’ Minister Nick Champion to match the symbolism with a clear commitment to building inclusive and accessible neighbourhoods across South Australia...
A MOMENT OF ME
Isabelle and Marie-Christine
Two weeks ago, something exciting and unexpected happened!
My daughter, Isabelle (Izzy), and I got last minute afternoon tickets to Wonderverse and I thought it would be a fun and unique activity to do the day before her birthday.
We left home early as I planned to go for a walk around the city centre and have lunch before heading to the show. We unpacked everything and I told Isabelle, modelling with PODD on her iPad, "let's go" "for" "walk" "around" "city".
As soon as I hooked up her Tobii Dynavox eye gaze device, a computer that she controls with her eyes on her wheelchair, she selected "magazine". No surprise. It's the third time in a couple of months that she 's asked for magazines. I bought a few different types to see what she might like. I haven't quite found what she is interested in yet.
I replied, "mummy will get you a magazine" and away we went. We were having a look but I must not have been quick enough because she added, "I need" "help" "get" "am" "can" "me". No pressure!
Then, I had an epiphany. We went to the State Library of SA and I asked, modelling PODD facing Izzy, "where" "are" "magazine"? Izzy was getting very tired and had difficulty keeping her head up but, as soon as I said "magazine", it shot straight up.
We went the magazine section. There was a good selection of health, wellness, science and animals magazines. I chose a few different ones and sat down. I told Izzy that, "we will" "look" "at" "photo" "in" "magazine". I also read and showed her the content.
When I showed her the Australian Photography magazine, Isabelle reached and engaged with the pages. I was speechless! As Izzy developed hand wringing/clasping, a repetitive hand movement characteristic of Rett Syndrome very early on, it is difficult for her to purposely use her hands. It was beautiful to see!
We spent an hour at the Library before heading to Wonderverse. When we got there, I saw that Izzy selected "drive" "photo". I said, "do you want to go for a drive and take photos?" I didn't see her response but I know what we are going to give her in the near future, a switch adapted digital camera."
If you'd like to keep up to date with Isabelle and Marie-Christine, visit their Facebook blog, Readily AACessible
Upcoming Events
Online: Inclusive Education Workshop for Educational staff
12 November
This free workshop is appropriate for those who have minimal prior knowledge of disability, as well as offering a fresh perspective to those who have significant experience in the sector.
All educational staff are welcome to attend including teachers, leadership, educational support workers, and pre-service teachers from Reception to Year 12, from all sectors.
Whyalla - SKILL: Peer meeting
19 November
Email Rachel or Carrie for more information:
rachelb@purpleorange.org.au or carriek@purpleorange.org.au
FaceBook group: www.facebook.com/groups/skillwhyalla
We Acknowledge And Pay Our Respects To First Australians
We want to see a world where everyone is included, respected and gets a fair go in life. We can't get there without acknowledging that our office sits on the land of the Kaurna people. Like people living with disability, we recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander people continue to experience inequality and division. We want them to know we are their allies. We believe their culture, history, diversity and deep connection to the land deserves our highest respect.