For those of us with disabilities, voting can be an overwhelming experience
Eleanor Beidatsch details the challenges she faces while voting in a wheelchair, while people with "invisible disabilities" can face even bigger hurdles.
Eleanor Beidatsch
Eleanor Beidatsch is a disability affairs journalist and science student. She has Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 1, a rare and severe genetic condition that affects around one in 10,000 people.
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Latest by Eleanor Beidatsch
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Evelyn Froend has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome which means she wakes every day in chronic pain. She needs to wear braces on many of her joints just to stop them dislocating, but her condition is not well understood by the medical system.
The workshops giving wheelchair users the confidence to pop wheelies and conquer their fears
When Melinda Rea got her first wheelchair, no one showed her how to use it and she ended up almost tipping out onto her steep driveway. Now a skills workshop has given her the confidence to get over her fears.
Teen with autism explains the difficulty of growing up without neurodiverse role models in the media
Macklyn Woollard is one of more than 200,000 people living with autism in Australia. Despite the size of the neurodiverse community, the WA teenager says he struggles to find like-minded people being celebrated in the media.
Coercive control the most sinister form of abuse, but it's still not a standalone offence in most states
Despite reporting to the police and obtaining a domestic violence order, Joanna's abuser was not held accountable, highlighting the need for legal recognition of coercive control.
Rebecca is the only woman on her powerchair football team and it highlights a bigger problem
Rebecca Evans has earned a formidable on-court reputation in powerchair football, but is the only woman on her team. And it highlights a much bigger problem.
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3.7 million households experienced food insecurity in the past year. Charities say demand for food is increasing
People with disability are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity due to having extra costs such as medication and medical appointments, Foodbank WA's Kate O'Hara says.
The WA government offered funding for shark enclosures after a fatal attack. Only one council has accepted the offer
Proposed shark-proof enclosures in the Swan River may save swimmers' lives, but so far only Melville Council is going ahead with the move — and there are also fears they will endanger dolphins that call the river home.
Ade hit rock bottom when he had a stroke, but now he helps others thrive in Australia's screen industry
Looking behind the glitz and glamour of Australia's media and entertainment industry, a report finds people with disabilities face discrimination, poor access and and a pay gap, but things are improving.
It was harder for Greg's parents to accept his sexuality than his disability, but attitudes are changing
Even within the normally inclusive LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities are often overlooked because of attitudes around disability and sex, but things are changing for the better.
When Nataliya fled Ukraine with her daughter in a wheelchair, being shot was just an extra thing to worry about
Even if people with disabilities manage to overcome huge obstacles to flee war zones, they may struggle to access services once in Australia. A research project aims to change that.
Musicians pushing fear of judgement aside and unmasking disabilities in fight to be heard
Australian artists are unmasking their disabilities and pushing to smash barriers and change attitudes in music.
Emma Watkins signs up for post-Wiggles passion project sparked by childhood fascination
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Children with autism have long been taught to behave in neurotypical ways. That’s about to change
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'I dehydrate myself before I fly': Why people with disabilities often choose to stay home
Many Australians take travelling for granted but while some airlines are lifting their game, Eleanor Beidatsch explains why flying is often too hard for wheelchair users.
Meet the women smashing gender stereotypes in science professions
Geologist Melanie Finch knows all about the barriers faced by women pursuing careers in science and mining with even greater challenges for those with disabilities, but these trailblazes are determined to lead the way for the next generation.
Daisy still couldn't talk when she reached kindergarten. A new app is helping children like her find their words
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Millions have struggled to flee Ukraine, but it is nearly impossible for Olena
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How new research is helping non-verbal people with autism find their voice
New research from Murdoch University lifts the lid on what barriers non-verbal people experience in using alternative communication devices.
Deema used to think a wheelchair would limit her. Instead, it has 'empowered her'
When Perth mum Deema Audeh started playing powerchair hockey, she discovered an inspirational community and the key to her independence after being diagnosed with a rare degenerative disability.