Lindsay Nott: My C5 Life

This blog was first published by The Dignity Project in April 2021.

My name is Lindsay Nott, I was born and raised in Brisbane, Australia, which is still home today. I obtained a spinal cord injury a number of years ago which sees me get around on four wheels instead of two legs! My injury hasn’t stopped me from making the most out of this beautiful life. I’d call myself an explorer, because I love travelling and new adventures!

My journey began on the last day of grade 12, at the age of 17 when I went for a celebratory swim at Southbank, Brisbane and broke my neck at vertebrae C5. Since my accident I have learnt so much, mostly through experience, trying new things and keeping an open mind. I see my journey as being an adventure, and a lot of this has come about due to my positive mindset and willingness to explore the many opportunities available – to make my life easier and more enjoyable – given the circumstances.

The rapid progression of technology and equity and diversity policies adopted by the government and many organisations throughout not just Australia, but the world, have seen my life enhanced significantly. An event that had a profound impact on me, was a few years ago now, during an amazing holiday to New York. At this time, it was suggested by family and peers, that I use my adventures and explorations as a way to support others on a similar journey – through the creation of a blog-based platform – and so my website http://myc5life.com was born.

I had many blog ideas in mind based on my lived-experiences and was soon introduced to a professional who helped me establish and realise my website goals. After just one year, the site became increasingly popular, with many subscribers and followers, and this led to being approached for more speaking engagements and other opportunities for collaboration, including with The Hopkins Centre and HabITec. I have participated in public speaking at universities, conferences, fundraisers, and within health care settings for over 25 years, however since the launch of the website, I have had more opportunities in this area. Additionally, I also work part-time, travel, attend the gym and volunteer as a peer support mentor for the newly injured and their families.

ENHANCING MY LIFE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY

Independence is happiness! I love technology and am open to hearing about ways different advancements can be used or co-designed to my benefit. Technology is moving at a fast pace, and there are technologies available now, that were not around when I sustained my injury, which have helped me to become increasingly independent.

Whilst I do not like a lot of tech and prefer to keep things simple, my favourite platform by far is Apple. Apple is an all-in-one system with state-of-the-art accessibility features that reduce the need for add-ons such as third-party devices or applications. Apple devices have many disability features that can be used for those with reduced capacity/mobility. The ways these tools are used is extensive and depends on the user and their individual needs. Personally, I use an Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad and iMac desktop computer. These connect to each other seamlessly and act as my ‘mission control’ – allowing me independent access to my devices, using a typing splint and hands-free – to communicate, conduct my work, manage my day, and enhance my safety, health, fitness and entertainment.

I make use of basic commands such as the Voice Control, Dictation and Siri – a combination which enables me to navigate my devices using my voice to interact with various apps. I pair my devices with a GoPro, and combined with the mobility features, can control my devices, as well as write and edit messages, use social media, make business, social and emergency calls, or video calls using FaceTime. Depending on motor limitations of the user, there are an array of accessibility options that are unmatched by PC devices at this point. There is also the new Eyegaze feature, which I have not yet tried, but hear it is a game changer for those who have limited or no use of their hands. Find out more here: https://www.apple.com/au/accessibility/mobility/

EMPLOYMENT

I have been gainfully employed most of my life. Presently I work in an administration role for LifeTec in Brisbane, which is a role I enjoy. My employer has been very supportive, and I work in an environment which is inclusive and accessible. I had the assistance from Job Access upon commencement of the role, and was provided an accessible desk, computer equipment and hands-free telephone – they also helped determine suitable job modifications. I have also been supported by the NDIS, and together, these two Government organisations have supported me in ways which have made a huge difference to my work experience.

TRAVEL

As a young man, travel, adventure and new experiences are important to me. I realised early on, that my disability did not mean I had to stay put, and since those in the travel industry are increasingly updating their offerings to be more accessible, I have been keen to go out and explore the world.

Pre-Covid, I visited New York, where I travelled with Australia’s national carrier Qantas. My experience with Qantas was nothing short of awesome, and I was most impressed with the service received. I travelled Business Class on this trip, which meant I also had access to the Qantas Club – as being a long-haul flight, it was always going to be much more comfortable to have some added room and amenity. Qantas were very supportive in terms of assistance, starting with check-in and my journey through customs. Overall, staff were very helpful, without being intrusive, and could not do enough for me to ensure my flight was not just accessible, safe and comfortable, but done with dignity in mind.

I was keen to holiday again soon after and booked a holiday to Hawaii, where I was able to use a beach wheelchair to take a dip in the ocean on Waikiki Beach. I also enjoyed my first snorkelling adventure at Shelly Beach, NSW. On both occasions, after over 25 years of not being able to partake in water sports, I appreciated the ability to access activities in a safely co-ordinated and accessible way. You can read more about these adventures on my website!

That being said, I have experienced some less than savoury aspects to travel. For the most part, this revolves around access to accessible accommodation. My biggest beef right now, is being dupped as paying customer for the luxury of an accessible room at a hotel or resort, that claims to be accessible or to have accessible facilities, but don’t. Wheelchair users, for example, require a larger space in which to move around unobstructed. Often when I travel, I find that the ‘accessible rooms’ are not what they are advertised as. They are too small, beds are too high and boxed in (which means I am unable to use my hoist), and more often than not, the hotel management are not willing to take a larger bed out and replace it with two-singles, which is my preference. This is a shame, when I may be paying to stay for as long as two weeks, which is often the case. More thought needs to be put into Universal Design and configuration of accessible hotel rooms, bathrooms and public amenities – particularly unisex toilets, which often do not cater for wheelchair users.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Having lived in Brisbane all my life, I have seen massive improvements in the accessibility of public transport in the South East Queensland corridor. Buses and trains have become more accessible over time, with the introduction of accessible stations, platforms, amenities and systems – meaning I can largely travel independently. On a train, I need to let someone know, so I can be assisted on and off the carriage. Whilst bus travel has improved, at this point, I no longer need to pre-book 2 days in advance, as all buses are accessible. The bus stops are also slowing becoming more accessible and wheelchair friendly. Taxis are another matter entirely, and whilst there are accessible taxi’s, even though I pre-book, I can still wait over an hour for an accessible taxi to arrive – impacting work, support workers, and my daily life! I also need to ensure the pickup and set down points are accessible. For something as simple as a short journey into town, this is quite time-consuming and labour intensive.

I have a better experience using the Gold Coast trams, which are awesome, and have obviously been very carefully thought out in terms of access and design. Additionally, TransLink offer an Access Pass for those with a permanent physical or intellectual disability, meaning there is no need to use a physical Go Card to touch on and touch off – this is especially appreciated by myself and others who have hand dexterity disabilities.

DIGNITY

Dignity to me, is simply being included! Whether this is employment, travel or leisure – dignity to me is not being excluded or separated from my family, friends or peers. Dignity is being able to function as independently as possible – it is also being able to maintain my confidentiality, particularly in my personal life – and the ability to go about living, and doing what I want to do, without being hindered or having obstacles block my path.

Dignity is inclusion, access and accessible design. It is about taking time for others. To be respectful, mindful and helpful, to go the extra mile to give someone a hand… it is as simple as holding the door for someone. Put yourself in another person’s shoes and treat others the way you would like to be treated.

For more information or to collaborate, contact Lindsay here.