Australian charity providing Technical Aid to the Disabled. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
TAD Australia (also known as Technical Aid to the Disabled) is an Australian federation of state not-for-profit organisations which provide personalized equipment, technology, and services to disabled persons, including children.
Logo of TAD Australia
TAD was first established in New South Wales in 1975 by George Winston, who was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for this work.
TAD work is done by volunteers, many of whom have special skills and backgrounds in fields including engineering, architecture, and trades. Most of them are retired, and looking for constructive ways to continue using their skills. The client is asked to pay the cost of the materials used, but there is no charge for the labour.[1]
When new designs are created, they are shared across the state organizations.[1]
Freedom Wheels is a national program where skilled staff and volunteers work closely with children, families, and therapists to create customized bicycles.
The cost of a Freedom Wheels bicycle can be covered by Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): it will be itemised by the NDIS as "Assistive Equipment for Recreation" as part of the core supports budget.[2][3]
Awards presented to the organization and to its members in recognition of their service to TAD include:
1985 - George Winston was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia for his work establishing TAD.[4][5]
2010 - NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards - Bill Phippen was the NSW Senior Volunteer of the Year.[6]
2011 - TAD ACT won the social inclusion category of the National Disability Awards.[1]
2011 - Winner Volunteering NSW's Volunteer Team of the Year Award.[7][bettersourceneeded]
2012 - Winner NSW Disability Industry Innovation Award in Independent Living.[7][bettersourceneeded]
2012 - NSW Disability Industry Innovation Award in Independent Living - Winner.[7][bettersourceneeded]
2013 - Bill Phippen was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for role in establishing and running TAD, and his ongoing contributions.[8][9]
2013 - The NRMA Helping People Awards - Bill Jenkins received the Senior Volunteer Award.[10]
2014 - NSW Disability Industry Innovation Awards - TAD Disability Services' "Freedom Wheels" program was a Finalist.[11]
2015 - the Governor of NSW hosted a formal reception marking the 40th Anniversary of TAD Disability Services.[12]
2015 - National Disability Service's Membership Recognition Awards - recognizing 30 years' continuous service for TADACT and 20 years for TAD (NSW).[13]
2016 - Mid North Coast 2016 Volunteer of the Year Awards - John Brumby received both the overall Volunteer of the Year Award and the Senior Volunteer of the Year Award.[14][15]
2016 - Sydney Hornsby / North West NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards - Geoffrey Milton received both the overall Volunteer of the Year Award and the Senior Volunteer of the Year Award.[16]
2018 - Sydney Hornsby / North West NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards - George Tillett received both the overall NSW Volunteer of the Year for region and the Senior Volunteer of the Year awards.[17]
2018 - Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) Excellence in Age Service Awards Western Australia - TADWA won the Organisation Award.[18]
"It's an Honour - Australian Honours Search Facility". honours.pmc.gov.au. Australian Government Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Retrieved 2 February 2019. AM QB 85. FOR SERVICE TO WELFARE OF THOSE WITH DISABILITIES, PARTICULARLY AS THE FOUNDER OF TECHNICAL AID TO THE DISABLED
"2010 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Recipients". The Centre for Volunteering. Retrieved 3 February 2019. Bill has volunteered with Technical Aid to the Disabled (TAD) for the past thirty five years.
"It's an Honour - Australian honours". honours.pmc.gov.au. Australian Government Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Retrieved 3 February 2019. For service to people with disability, and to the community.
"Recognising Mid North Coast volunteers in VNSWA16". The Centre for Volunteering. 12 September 2016. Retrieved 3 February 2019. ...for his dedication over more than 10 years to finding innovative solutions to help people living with a disability experience more independent and fulfilling lives.
"Sydney Hornsby North West Volunteers recognised at VNSWA16". The Centre for Volunteering. 9 September 2016. Retrieved 3 February 2019. ...for his work with TAD Disability Services. ...used his skills as a design engineer to pioneer innovative practical solutions to help people living with a disability to enjoy more comfortable and enjoyable lives.
"Cheering on our volunteers from Hornsby and the Hills". The Centre for Volunteering. 28 September 2018. Retrieved 3 February 2019. ...for his never ending volunteer support helping children with a disability at TAD Disability Services
