Humanity Platform

 Every election our vote is about more than politics; it says I am part of this nation and my voice will be heard.  This election is about Team Australia. Which leader has a plan to build Australia's future and who wants to divide us? This election is about more than politics; it is about stable leadership. It is about aiming high, looking forward, and thinking big.  My life has been about disability rights. I am living proof that disability rights is more than politics and this election people with disabilities' votes matter.  If I was American I would die. Medicare is the envy of the world. No less than two American presidents have tried to bring in an Australian Medicare style system. Universal healthcare is a human right.  All leaders have been saying that we live in uncertain times and as a result, thinking about acting in Australia's defence becomes about more than politics. We need to make Australia impenetrable to anyone that wishes to do us harm. We nee...

 This blog post was going to be a long piece about my Lenten journey but it simply comes down to this, reconfirming that I am Christian which literally translates to follower of Christ.  Follow When life feels increasingly hollow; I make the sign of the cross and remember to follow. He cleanses me without a single drop of soap; I am born in a baptism of hope.  On Good Friday I venerate the cross with a mixture of joy and sorrow; Then I lift my head and follow. Each Lent I reflect on God's love everlasting; Through prayer, alms giving, and fasting. When Satan tempts me with a lie he thinks I will swallow; I take Christ's hand and continue to follow. When life sends me careening towards a wall of bricks; I give thanks and reach for my crucifix.  When I follow the lessons He taught; There is no need for an earthly court. He took my pain along with every sin; I pick up the cross and follow my King. Chris Van Ingen | 18 April 2025

 I have written extensively about how assistive technology helps me be independent. In blog posts such as More Than a Test Drive and Tony Stark's House (an Assistive Technology Dream) . My disability has turned the circle of life into a circle of tech.  Every few years I have to go through the assistive technology merry go round because all of my equipment seems to break down at the same time.  I am in the process of applying for a new hoist and sling, shower commode chair, bed, front door opener, and new abductor cushion.  I also am aware in the not too distant future I will have to attempt to try and get a new wheelchair. Every time I have to apply for a new piece of equipment my therapists and I have to make the case as to why that particular piece of equipment is 'reasonable and necessary'.  The frustrating thing about this is, even though it might be clear that I need a piece of equipment, one or two words in the funding form can make a difference on wheth...

 At the age of 10 I distinctly remember deciding to be the best. Ever since then I have driven myself on a journey to live a peak life.  What follows is my advice for future men. I start each year from zero. Like Batman Begins I jump off at year one. I discard what didn't work in the previous year and use only what lead me to my best self. I start each day by creating a vision of myself in the mirror as the best me. I am creative. I am strong. I am calm. I am someone my family, community, country, and even the world can rely on.  I encourage future men to put family first and be willing to to put all your effort mentally and physically to helping your family thrive and if necessary put your body on the line to protect it. Once your family is secure, guide your efforts to your community because in my opinion the best way to protect your family is to have a strong community. As a kid I grew up in a town where everyone knew their neighbours and people played for the Lara Sp...

 To start 2025 I am going to open up my disability files and talk about my experiences and other topics relating to disability.  Through opening up my disability files I will speak about person centred practice, amplifying the voice of people with a disability, disability and sexuality, the cultural impact of disability, beauty and disability, and much, much more.  When you read the history of disability rather than just focusing on each specific disability it is important to see the individual person in the centre and to focus on things like choice, rights, and empowerment.  In my early life there was a 'fix it' approach to disability. We have to make the disability better rather than empowering me and other people with disabilities to lead the life we want to live.  Last year was the twentieth year of me delivering disability education to the community. In that time I have encouraged the community to take a holistic view of the person with a disability's life....

International Day of People With Disability is here again.  The time of year where we can celebrate the accomplishments of those of us that live with a disability. This year's theme was all about amplifying the leadership of people with disabilities and there are plenty of leaders that deserve to be amplified in the disability space.  Storm Menzies is a perfect example of a leader with a disability. Her makeup line ByStorm highlights that beauty comes in all abilities. ByStorm is an accessible line that allows people with disabilities to experience the joy of wearing makeup and expressing who they really are. The question "when you're in a wheelchair do you really need makeup?" is answered beautifully by Storm and her team.  This year I was invited to attend an International Day of People With Disability event hosted by the Victorian Disability Workers Commission. The Commissioner Dan Stubbs and their entire Enablers team are yet more living proof of amplifying leade...