History of Beyond Disability Richard Stubbs, the program founder suffered severe spinal injuries in a car accident in 1991. After many visits to hospital, his son, Jason set Richard up with a computer and Internet access. Richard found in the early hours of the morning when his pain was severest, that he could manage with the distraction of “surfing” the Internet. He wrote a 300 page book on companion planting and organic gardening with his online research. Richard then decided to dedicate his resources to helping others who were also housebound with a physical mobility disability. The project concept was formed following numerous discussions with disabled people, rehabilitation and community centres. This was followed by a survey through local newspapers. Eventually with the support of VICNET which donated the Internet equipment and donations of computers from various companies and equipment, a working stock was established and volunteers soon joined. Frankston City Council and Frankston Communitynet together with ParaQuad Vic were the early consulting team. Department of Communication and Information Technology and the Arts (DoCITA) provided a once-only three-year seed grant totalling $16,000. Skillsnet provided two grants. The latter enabling Beyond Disability to change to meet the community needs. The catchment area had been declining elderly population with some mobility who could access their local library with difficulty. With the Skillsnet grant we commenced “Elderly Disabled Online” to accommodate this group. From 2014 all programmes now come under the banner of Beyond Disability. The Department of Planning and Community Development through the Community Support Fund has provided $150,000 which has significantly assisted the program in its development and outcome achievement. New equipment has been purchased replacing older frequently faulty and older donated items. A much needed and welcomed donation of $300,000 from Stateless Systems has enabled BDI to transfer all its clients onto wireless broadband with new equipment, costly adaptive aids (a T-bar trackball can cost up to $1000 each), Special keyboards are over $400 each. The Beyond Disability program has a proven track record of helping housebound mobility disabled of all ages across the catchment area. We have much feedback from participants confirming that we have enhanced the quality of life of the participant and their immediate family. We have provided a means for communication with family, support groups and many other areas.

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The program is operated via volunteers with significant local community and business support. We have had to adapt technology to meet some of our participants’ needs. The success of this program can be judged from the testimonials of participants and community group partners which are contained in Appendix 4. The Beyond disability programme was mentioned as the first NFP at the National digital Inclusion Summit Canberra 17/08/2011 by Hon senator Stephen Conroy MP. http://www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/speeches/2011_-_minister_speeches/022 Not for profits - Increasing online engagement for the not-for-profit sector through such initiatives is also critical. I’d like to point out there are already many organisations doing inspiring work to advance digital inclusion... and let me, by way of example, mention a few. Beyond Disability, led by OAM recipient Richard Stubbs, is a team of local volunteers who assist people who are physically disabled and housebound to connect with the world by using online technologies. Beyond Disability has provided access to computer equipment and volunteer assistance to more than three hundred people, including to some of them for more than two decades continuously. And by the Government of South Australia in their paper – Strong Voices, a blue print for life 2012-2020 www.socialinclusion.sa.gov.au Quote “The Social Inclusion Board acknowledges the work of Beyond Disability Inc. led by Mr Richard Stubbs OAM, a not-for-profit organisation where a team of local volunteers in Mornington Peninsula, Victoria assist housebound people with a physical disability to connect to the world by using online technologies. Digital technology presents exciting opportunities for generating inclusion, connection and access. This is the kind of initiative that would be well supported by the proposed Local Disability Innovation Fund” End Quote. Published by Government of South Australia Oct 2011.

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Beyond Disability has been awarded:

• One of two Australian-based not-for-profits nominated to the inaugural FACSIA 2007 inclusion award;

• City of Casey most innovative program and also best family and community programme;

• Beyond Disability volunteers have also received best Volunteer – City of Casey 2002 and 2008;

• CEO was awarded an Order of Australia in the Queen's honours list 2008

• CEO has also received the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow which is the highest award globally Rotary can issue.

• Beyond Disability volunteer received MPs Award for Community Service in 2013.

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