If you live with, or care for someone with a disability, it helps to know that you are not alone. We’ve compiled a list of inspiring blogs and websites that offer support for people with disabilities, and their carers. Here’s our top 8 inspiring reads from disability blogs in Australia:
Carly Findlay
One blogger you can’t miss out on is Carly Findlay, an award-winning writer, speaker and disability activist. Carly shares her experience of living with Ichthyosis in a down-to-earth and thoughtful way. Her blog touches on a wide range of everyday issues, from bullying and chronic pain to self-esteem and how to support people with disabilities. Carly has also edited a book called Growing Up Disabled in Australia which features first-person stories written by Australians with disabilities.
Website: http://carlyfindlay.blogspot.com
Have Wheelchair Will Travel
This is one blog you definitely want to file away for when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and we can travel again! After realising how hard it is to go on holidays when you have a child with cerebral palsy, Sydney mum and ex-travel consultant, Julie Jones, took matters into her own hands and started her own disability travel blog. Her website is packed with helpful tips, accessible destinations and recreational activities that everyone can enjoy. There’s also plenty of local information if you are planning a staycation in Australia this year and use a wheelchair.
Website: https://havewheelchairwilltravel.net/
Parker Myles
Parker Myles is run by Kat: a single mother-of-two who is raising a son with Down Syndrome. Her blog is jam-packed with personal stories from parents of children with disabilities, fun photos, helpful ‘how to’ parenting articles and plenty of information on how to support and advocate for people with Down Syndrome. Parker Myles also features profiles on people living with Down syndrome who have achieved incredible things.
Website:http://parkermyles.com
The Mighty
The Mighty is a digital community, media outlet, publication and support group – all in one. The founder, Mike Porath, started the website after his children were diagnosed with disabilities. Since then, the Mighty has grown to become a supportive and safe community for people facing health challenges, and their carers. The website has a huge amount of resources from lots of contributors, but you can search the articles by health topic. You can also contribute your own story, post a question and receive advice from other Mighty members.
Website: https://themighty.com
Physical Disability Australia
PDA is a national organisation run by people with physical disability – for people with physical disability. Alongside advocating to government for better accessibility, PDA also runs a blog featuring a variety of stories from different people with disability, and the issues they face. Topics covered include applying for NDIS home modifications, serving in the army as an amputee, wheelchair reviews, disability policies and much more.
Website: https://www.pda.org.au/blog
Life of a Blind Girl
Holly is a 24-year-old university graduate from Yorkshire, UK. She is also registered blind due to a condition called Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). Life of a Blind Girl shares Holly’s experiences of living with visual impairment in a sighted world. She explores important issues like accessibility, body image, studying with a disability and how to maintain a positive mindset (she also reviews the many music concerts she goes to!) – all with great thoughtfulness and insight.
Website: https://lifeofablindgirl.com
Source Kids
Source Kids is Australia’s first magazine for parents, carers and families of children with special needs. The magazine and website not only looks amazing, it also delivers a huge range of helpful information on everything to do with raising a kid with a disability. Everything is present in a vibrant and positive way, with plenty of tips and up-to-date information. You may also want to check out the Source Kids blog, which features plenty of inspiring opinion pieces and personal stories.
Website: https://www.sourcekids.com.au
The Autism Dad
The subtitle of this blog says it all: a single dad raising three kids with autism. Rob Gorski started his blog as a way to cope with his situation in 2010. A decade later, the blog has become a helpful resource that provides support to the autism community. Rob’s writing is raw, honest and open, and he gives lots of insights into what it’s like to be a full-time carer of kids with autism. As we follow his journey, there’s plenty to learn from and be encouraged by, especially if you are a carer yourself.
Website: https://www.theautismdad.com
HomeCaring provides high quality, compassionate home care for people living with disability. As an NDIS provider, we offer a wide range of disability services – from domestic help and personal care from our team of carers to life skills, supported independent living
