An exciting new online resource developed by The University of Queensland is set to help people restart their lives after having an accident resulting in serious injury.
In a first for Queensland, the Disability Lifestyles (www.disabilitylifestyles.org.au) information and communication website brings a different focus on issues of major interest to people with disabilities.
It aims to act as a bridge between rehabilitation and active participation in the community for people who have had severe injuries, such as spinal injury or acquired brain injury.
The website is a community project of UQ’s Centre of National Research on Disability and Rehabilitation Medicine (CONROD) and was officially launched today (Friday, May 27) at a function at the Brisbane Convention Centre at 10am.
CONROD’s Chairman, Adjunct Professor Graham Hughes said the website would be an important resource for the many Queenslanders whose lives had been changed by severe injury.
“They have experienced a new reality in their daily lives and we hope this website will support them by providing new options and links with others in the community facing similar challenges,” he said.
The website offers ideas on seven key lifestyle areas, including local information on learning, working and recreational opportunities.
The site also offers an interactive discussion area where people can ask questions and exchange useful information about activities or facilities. A Personal Stories section shares the challenges experienced by disabled people as they re-engage with the community.
CONROD developed the website through UQ’s Corporate Web Services, in close consultation with the disability community. Extensive user research was conducted on the feasibility of the website.
The project was co-ordinated by GSA Information Consultants which specialises in IT for people with disabilities. The content was written by a person with a disability with input from Queensland Advocacy Inc (QAI).
QAI Executive Officer, Kevin Cocks said the website was a much needed resource for the disability community.
“The website consolidates a myriad of complex information into a comprehensive snapshot, presented from a grassroots perspective,” he said.
While the web site was developed for the use of people with disabilities, CONROD research has shown that it will also be a valuable resource for family, friends, carers and rehabilitation professionals.
For more information visit www.disabilitylifestyles.org.au or contact Marlene Mckendry at UQ’s Faculty of Health Sciences on 07 3346 4713 or mobile 0401 996 847 or Chris Saxby at UQ`s Office of Marketing and Communications on 07 3365 2479.
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