Two Spirit Tasmania

21/10/2025

This week is Invisible Disabilities Week (19–25 Oct)

Started by Invisible Disabilities Association, this week is a reminder that you don’t have to see a person's disability to support them.

Look out for the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower 🌻

How we as business owner can support people with hidden disabilities -
Understanding a person may require extra time and patience.
Understanding they maybe non verbal or have low verbal skill and require more time to express their needs. Try not to over talk them or finish their sentence for them.
They may need to sit down
They may have trouble reaching items on high or low shelves.
They may find reading and writing difficult. Be patience and ask if you can read it out aloud for them or write it out for them.

If you are unsure how to help, ask what can I do to make this experience work for you?

Learn more: https://buff.ly/eaVboo4

15/09/2025

We all appreciate when research is conducted thoroughly and thoughtfully. However, it’s important to remember that just because research is well-executed doesn’t mean its findings can—or should—be universally applied.

The validity and usefulness of any research lies in the data on which it is based. Applying parking planning research from New South Wales (NSW) directly to Tasmania without accounting for key differences in data and local context can lead to invalid assumptions and projections that don’t serve the Tasmanian community or lifestyle.

In fact, using the wrong data sets from the outset can result in costly missteps that take significant time and resources to fix.

An example of this is:
When considering the application of parking planning models from NSW to Tasmania, we must factor in the differences between the two regions:
• Disability rates: NSW has a disability rate of 18.34%, while Tasmania’s is significantly higher at 30.5%.
• Public transport infrastructure: NSW benefits from a much stronger and more comprehensive public transport network. In contrast, Tasmania’s network has less coverage, which impacts mobility options for residents.
• Climate: NSW generally has milder weather, while Tasmania’s colder and wetter climate can influence public transport use and other transport choices.

These factors highlight why local data must drive local planning. Failing to consider them can lead to inappropriate solutions that don’t reflect the needs of Tasmanians—and ultimately, to higher costs and reduced accessibility for the community.

01/05/2025

May is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome awareness month. EDS affects the connective tissues through the body.

Please feel free to use the below image on your social pages.

01/05/2025

These Lego bricks are amazing and help with inclusion. Great for making inclusive signs that vision impaired people are able to read.

06/04/2025

I will be a stall holder at the event on Wednesday this week. Please feel free to come along and have a chat

Level Up Your Business Next Week at the Tasmanian Small Business Expo! 🚀

Connect, learn, and grow at Tasmania’s premier event for business owners, entrepreneurs, and startups. Whether you're looking for expert insights or new connections, this is the place to be!

✨ Engaging speakers
📊 Valuable industry insights
🤝 Unmatched networking opportunities
🛠️ Access to business support services
📍 Launceston: April 8 | Hobart: April 9
🌟 Lunchtime & evening sessions available
🎟️ FREE to attend—Secure your spot now!

🔗 Register here: https://tasbusinessexpo.com.au/

01/04/2025

26/03/2025

I will be a stall holder at this event. Please feel free to come along and have a chat.

Expand Your Business, Build Connections, Learn from Experts!

Join the Tasmanian Small Business Expo—Tasmania’s must-attend event for business owners, entrepreneurs, and startups!

🎤 Inspiring speakers
🔍 Industry insights
🤝 Networking opportunities
🛠️ Business support services

Launceston: April 8 | Hobart: April 9
Lunchtime & evening sessions available

FREE to attend—Register today!
🔗Register now: https://tasbusinessexpo.com.au/

20/03/2025

https://youtu.be/xRIQ80rJKAc?si=VdWl9AJOSNe_GNZT

Very powerful video explaining the importance of disability inclusion and why it is important.

Inclusion will never be possible if the decisions that shape the world are made only by a few, for a few. From having a say in everyday personal choices to b...

27/02/2025

Genetics and Inheritance
Did you know 72% of rare diseases are genetic? The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of thirteen genetic connective tissue disorders.

Each type of EDS is caused by pathogenic variants of genes that provide the instructions for making connective tissue proteins. ⁠
⁠
Twelve types of EDS have known genetic causes, and some types are associated with multiple different genes. The genetic cause(s) of the most common type of EDS, hypermobile EDS (hEDS), have not been identified. Genetic testing is available for every type of EDS except for hEDS.

11/02/2025

It's deeply concerning to hear about the misuse of disabled parking bays, as these spaces are essential for the independence and well-being of people with disabilities. These excuses, no matter how seemingly reasonable at the moment, have real and lasting impacts on the lives of those who genuinely need these spots.

Business owners and community members can play a crucial role in addressing this issue:

1. Education and Awareness: Share information about the importance of disabled parking bays and the consequences of misuse. This can be done through staff meetings, newsletters, and posters.

2. Enforcement: Regularly monitor and enforce the proper use of disabled parking spaces. Implementing fines or penalties can act as a deterrent.

3. Community Support: Encourage everyone in the community to speak up when they see misuse. Creating a culture of accountability can help reduce these incidents.

4. Alternative Solutions: Identify alternative parking or delivery options for those who need temporary access to a space, ensuring that disabled parking bays remain available for those who need them most.

Together, we can foster a more inclusive and respectful community, ensuring that people with disabilities have the access they need. Your advocacy is a vital step in making this change. If you have specific ideas or campaigns you'd like to discuss, I'm here to help brainstorm and provide support!

01/02/2025

Happy Pride Month. Two Spirit Tasmania has always been an Ally and will be always will be.

22/01/2025

I have being reading the Tasmania’s Disability Strategy 2025-2027. I am looking forward to providing feedback on this document. It is far from perfect but it is a start.