Our attitudes govern our lives, but it is the relationships we build that add spice and make it all worthwhile In recent weeks QASA proposed a “What the F***” cartoon campaign to demonstrate the frustration of people with various forms of plegias against structural inaccessibility, such as occupied disability parking...

It’s a phenomenon that can affect all caregivers – especially those taking care of family members or loved ones. Have you ever felt so tired and despondent that you wished that your caregiving responsibilities would just go away!? And have you ever secretly wished in a moment of frustration that...

The virtues of grace, compassion and empathy are invaluable, but they also need to be accompanied by calm perseverance. In previous articles I have encouraged caregivers to show compassion and grace when working with clients. But it’s time to talk about the practical application of these mind-sets! I want to...

If the motivation for funding for wheelchairs and appliances is clear, focused and timely, the battle is more than half won I serve on the Management Committee of QASA and am also a medical adviser to a number of medical aid providers. I often review applications for ex gratia assistance...

As a caregiver, there are steps you can take to make your client’s life more comfortable and manageable. Spasticity is a reality in the lives of more than two thirds of people with spinal cord injuries (SCI), and is more common when neck and upper chest-level injuries have occurred. Think...

The attitude that we bring to our work is a key factor in our overall joy and satisfaction in life Over the years I have had the opportunity to observe the different ways that caregivers work as well as the attitudes with which they do their work. I have encountered...

The scourge of the plegias can be successfully tackled. A resident of an independent living centre recently passed away from septicaemia and multiple organ failure as complications of a tiny but very deep pressure ulcer. This brought home to me that we cannot afford to be complacent in the prevention...

Exercise is vitally important for spinal-cord injury (SCI) individuals – it just may take a different form. A few weeks ago at an editorial meeting someone said to me: “You should write about passive exercises; they’re important.” Passive exercises? I wouldn’t know where to begin, so I Googled it and,...

Often, just by speaking up, you can help others to give you better service and care. In a recent meeting where we were setting the terms for a partnership agreement between QASA and British Airways (operated by Comair Limited), the conversation turned to the Civil Aviation regulations on carrying persons...

Have you ever wondered why people react so differently to their disabilities? Some give up and while their lives away without purpose; others become aggressive; and some develop a sense of entitlement. But then there are some who pick themselves up, pull through and become stronger, more compassionate and more...