Talking TAD
Newsletter of Technical Aid
to the Disabled NSW 

December 2010

Practical solutions - Optimising abilities

Issue No. 11
Greetings!   

In two weeks Christmas will be upon us, but here at TADNSW there is still plenty of activity going on.

Since our last email, we've welcomed a new staff member, put on a fantastic new event, sold some of our calendars and launched our annual Christmas appeal.

At this time of year we take a moment to acknowledge our volunteers who have been working tirelessly all year to build, modify and create amazing devices for children and adults with disabilities.

In particular, one of our longest serving volunteers who is also our President, Bill Phippen, has recently been publicly recognised for his efforts.

TADNSW staff have also been working hard to get projects out to clients and coordinating the work of the volunteers. A lot of work is constantly going on behind the scenes and even moreso at this time of year. I think we will all enjoy a short break over Christmas and the New Year to help us prepare for an exciting 2011.

To all of our readers, new and continuing, thank you for supporting the work we do at TADNSW. From all of us here, we wish you and your families a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year.

See you in 2011.
Natalie Peterson 
 

Happy reading!  


Regards,
 

Natalie Peterson
Marketing & Communications Manager

m7Westlink M7 Freedom Wheels Ride
News


 

The first riders take off

 

Last Sunday we held our first Westlink M7 Freedom Wheels Ride at Kings Langley.

 

We wanted to bring our Freedom Wheels client families together for a social ride, as well as invite the general public to join in with them. Our goal is to show how important a simple joy like riding a bike is to someone with a disability and secondly, that the perceived barrier between ability and disability is irrelevant.

It was a great day for the riders and their families and the amazing volunteers who came to lend a hand. We have already begun planning next year's event, which will be bigger and better!
bdayBill's An Award Winner

News

  

Bill Phippen
Bill Phippen NSW Senior Volunteer of the Year

Our highly-respected President, Bill Phippen, has had a lot to celebrate this month.

  

First he was named the Macarthur/South Sydney Region Senior Volunteer of the Year for his long service to TADNSW.

 

Then last week he attended the state Volunteering Awards and was announced as the NSW Senior Volunteer of the Year. Read about it here.

 

On Thursday the (sydney) Magazine profiled Bill's achievements in their annual Top 100 List. If you manage to pick up a copy, check out page 50! Follow the link to see the story.

 

After working with TADNSW since the very early days, Bill has well and truly earned such public recognition. Congratulations Bill!

 

Read last year's feature on Bill's in the TADJournal (Sep 2009) Page 18 [PDF].

 

calTAD 2011 Calendar on sale now!
Communications

 
Christmas is fast approaching, but don't despair we have the perfect gift idea for you!
TADNSW Calendar
Calendars are $15

Our 2011 Calendar is colourful, diverse and best of all only $15!

We asked people to create something that encapsulates the values of TADNSW. From bold paintings to clever photographs and computer graphics we've put together a collection of artwork to brighten your 2011.

Your purchase of this calendar not only recognises our milestone of 35 years but will help us continue the important work we do for children and adults with disabilities.

Download an order form from our website. or ring Leanne on (02) 9912 3405 and order over the phone.


calNew Bikes for Tallowood School
Freedom Wheels

 
Tallowood Bike PresentationWhen students at William Clarke College heard about the Freedom Wheels Modified Bike Service they decided to use a grant from NAB to buy six bikes for the neighbouring Tallowood School.

TADNSW helped to fit and measure the bikes to suit a group of students at Tallowood School. The new bikes will allow the students to enjoy some active recreation during school time.

A special presentation was held last week between the two schools and TADNSW.

The story also caught the eye of local media, including this story from the Hills News.

To find out more about the Freedom Wheels program visit our website.
Quick Links
In This Issue
Freedom Wheels Ride
Bill's Big Award
2011 Calendar
Bikes for Tallowood
New TADJournal
Welcoming the DOS
Sensory Room Opens in Taree
New TAD Journal out now 
Communications 
 
 
  New TAD Journal

The theme of this issue is Growing Up with TADNSW. This issue features a range of practical equipment and innovative modifications that have helped kids and their carers in the home, at school or just with everyday tasks.

Check out some of the family-friendly equipments and modifications we've created this year.

dosWelcome to the new Director of Services
News

Warren Holland

TADNSW welcomes Warren Holland as the new Director of Services.

 

He has a broad background in IT, project management, education, volunteer management and training. He has held management roles at NSW Dept of Education, The Catholic Education Office, Cancer Council of NSW and most recently with the Macquarie Business Training Centre involved in teaching and curriculum development for Diploma of Management, eBusiness and small business courses.   

 

In addition to the management of Custom Designed Aids Service and the Computer Support Service, Warren will also be responsible for the Freedom Wheels program. 

Sensory Room opens at Chatham HS, Taree
News

Sensory Room
  

This week TADNSW CEO Alan McGregor travelled to Taree for the opening of a Sensory Room, created by local TADNSW volunteers.

 

A Sensory Room provides  stimulation in the form of lights, sounds and tactile interaction as a form of therapy. They are commonly used in special schools.

 

The official proceedings were carried out by local MP Rob Oakeshott. The project itself has been led by TADNSW volunteer Chris Scott.

 

TADNSW volunteers devised a better way of powering the Sensory Room, without having live cables accessible to students.

 

The new system could potentially be used in other Sensory Rooms across the state.

 

This story will be featured in our next TADJournal.

Did you know we are on ebay?
Computers 
 
 
 
TAD is on ebay
TAD is on ebay

Sometimes we receive computer equipment donations that we can't use, but someone else might be able to. We try to recycle our excess or unusable equipment donations by selling on ebay to the general public. This is part of our commitment to reduce e-waste.

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About Us

TADNSW can assist in all aspects of everyday living, including equipment to assist the development of young children, tools and devices for education, work, recreation, daily living and personal care, and aids to assist older people retain mobility and independence. In some cases we may also modify a commercially available item to suit individual needs.

TADNSW's solutions make a world of difference to children and adults with disabilities.
 
Help us continue to make a difference by making a donation today. Visit the website www.tadnsw.org.au or give us a call (02) 9912 3400.
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Finally, if you have any feedback or suggestions on how we can improve the information provided to you, please send your comments to: communications@tadnsw.org.au