Let’s be realistic, depending on their disability, some people might need life-long care and someone to provide for all their needs. Nonetheless, there are individuals with different challenges–like autism, cerebral palsy, ADD and others–with an IQ higher than the rest of us average people. They are doing amazing things. They are doctors, teachers, scientists, great mathematicians, etc.

Disability Action Week is held annually and raises awareness of how Queenslanders can play their own role in creating an all-abilities Queensland. The 2022 Disability Action Week theme, ‘Workforce Diversity: open up to opportunity’ highlights the skills, talents, qualifications and abilities people with disability bring to Queensland’s workforce. The week also aims to empower people with disability, raise awareness of disability issues, and improve access and inclusion throughout the wider community.

You can help encourage more Queenslanders to consider what action they can take to build more inclusive and accessible workplaces, businesses and community spaces by spreading the word. And, if you are a person with a disability, or know somebody who is living with a disability, and are looking for advocacy support, then call TASC on 07 4616 9700 or visit www.tascnational.org.au find out more.

Hundreds of desperate Queensland renters have been targeted by scammers taking advantage of the state’s housing crisis. Currently, the scammers use text, email and telephone to try to take your private details and your money.

Banks and finance companies, energy, water and telco’s will not ask for your personal information in a text, email or a cold call on the phone. If you get a contact in any of these situations, please do not engage in any communication with the contact. Instead, call the entity and alert them about the contact you have received. Emails in particular are troublesome.

Some scammers use the company they supposedly represent in part of their email address. Also, if it does not show up then it is most likely a scam. If you do not recognise the sender or the email address, then just delete it or report it. Any communication from a scammer will ask you to click on a link, call a number or reply to the correspondence. If you do not know who the sender is or recognise the sender’s details don’t contact them just delete the information.

If you or somebody you know is experiencing rental issues including bond and lease disputes, eviction and termination of leases, understanding their rights and responsibilities, and talking to their landlord or agent about problems, call the QSTARS hotline on 1300 744 263 and ask to speak to your local service (TASC). TASC’s office number is 07 4616 9700.

Have you ever wondered what a community legal and social justice centre does and how they help the communities they work in?

TASC’s 2021-22 Annual Report has just been released and provides a more in depth look at what we do and how we have helped the communities we live and work in by standing up for everyone’s human rights both for individuals and at the wider level with our systemic advocacy and law reform submissions.

If you would like to find out more about TASC and our achievements and challenges from last year, the report is available here.