On April 3rd a reprentative of the Spinal Injurues Association receives a donated laptop from Irene Heibloem, of Donate My Laptop, in the reception of our Windsor Fix My Laptop office. 

Description of The Spinal Injuries Association Organisation:

Since 1960 the Spinal Injuries Association has supported and assisted clients and members to live as independently as possible. Currently, we have 2,000 members and clients throughout Queensland who we support from injury to independence. This support includes: personal support in the home, employment assistance, advocacy on a wide range of issues, and health and lifestyle advice. Our services range from supporting a newly-injured person still in hospital with powerful peer support from someone who has a spinal cord injury to providing assistance and advice throughout that person’s life as required. But we are so much more than just a service provider. We are there for people whenever they need us.
At the core of everything we do is the belief that people with a spinal cord injury should be able to live in an equitable, inclusive and integrated community. We want them to be independently able to access every aspect of life and contribute to their community and their region. We don’t make decisions for people. We make sure they have choices – and the right to make a choice.

How Donate My Laptop Could Help:
A spinal cord injury is one of the most serious and traumatic injuries a person can sustain. Physically, it isn’t just about being unable to walk – it also affects respiratory, bladder, bowel and sexual function. Many people find the emotional and mental ramifications an even greater challenge than their physical rehabilitation. For those suffering paralysis through the late effects of polio or Transverse Myelitis, there is a distinct lack of specific health facilities or awareness of these conditions throughout the medical community, so peer support is vital.

The Spinal Injuries Association’s Member Network groups allow people with a spinal cord injury and the late effects of polio throughout metropolitan and regional Queensland to share experiences; support each other; advocate regarding accessibility or discriminatory issues in their community; and promote inclusive communities. The groups meet monthly, either to discuss local issues or to hear a guest speaker who can assist them to manage their injury or condition. The relief from loneliness, the peer support, the advice and information about health services, equipment and aids, and the fellowship of belonging to a group with the same concerns and interests contribute significantly to their mental health and wellbeing.

The Member Network Groups are available to all members and clients of the Spinal Injuries Association (members are aged 16 and over), allowing those living with a spinal cord injury, the late effects of polio or Transverse Myelitis throughout metropolitan and regional Queensland to have a key representative in their area for support, information, advocacy and regional community knowledge.
People with a spinal cord injury often need a high level of support and guidance in understanding how to cope and achieve quality of life when they have a condition for which there is no cure.

These groups are facilitated by dedicated volunteers, who work actively in their local community. They represent people with a disability, run events and engage with key stakeholders (Councils, Access Committees, businesses and other organisations) to promote "inclusive communities" for the whole community. Supported by the Member Networks Co-ordinator located at the Brisbane office of the Spinal Injuries Association, Facilitators currently use their own personal resources to run the groups. Communications and information are distributed to Facilitators via email, and are also made available on the Association’s website, making computer access essential to the day-to-day operation of Member Network groups, particularly those located in regional areas. Facilitators pass relevant information on to individual members via the Member Network meetings, or electronically to those located in isolated regions. Facilitators also provide accurate and up to date information to Medical Practitioners, Allied Health Professionals, Education providers, family members and carers. The donation of 10 laptops for the Facilitators would offer them access to more informed outcomes for the attendees of their respective groups.

How The Spinal Injuries Association intend to use the donated Laptop(s):
Our facilitators would benefit from new laptops tomorrow, however we would be extremely grateful for any support you can offer within whatever timeframes are possible.

 Contact Person: Samantha Leach, Spinal Injuries Association

Email: sleach@spinal.com.au

Phone Number: 0423662115