Machado Joseph Disease Foundation launches aircraft wheelchair lifts for MJD sufferers.
Date: 08 June 2010
Senator Trish Crossin has welcomed today\'s launch of much-needed aircraft wheelchair lifts for sufferers of Machado Joseph Disease (MJD), to be held at Vincent Aviation in Darwin.
The Machado Joseph Disease Foundation (MJDF) has been working hard to secure funding for the lifts, which will provide a better quality of life for suffers of MJD and their families in and around Arnhem Land.
The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs provided a one-off grant of $50,000 through their Local Priorities Fund to MJDF to enable the purchase of two lifts, one based in Darwin and the other on Groote Eylandt.
"MJDF has been working tirelessly since their beginnings two years ago to help better the lives of those with MJD and their families.
"The lifts help move wheelchair-bound MJD sufferers on and off the plane with dignity and minimal fuss," said Senator Crossin.
Vincent Aviation has been providing MJDF clients with flights free-of-charge since 2008, and will house the Darwin-based wheelchair lift at their hanger at Darwin International Airport. They will also meet the insurance costs and are training their staff to operate and maintain the equipment, even though MJDF own the lifts.
Their support of this project and of MJDF show that Vincent Aviation is leading the way in non-discriminatory practices, particularly as some airlines in the region hold exemptions under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act which enable them to refuse to carry disabled passengers.
"I strongly commend Vincent Aviation for providing a fair and non-discriminatory service to people living with disability and for their unwavering support of MJDF and their clients," Senator Crossin said.
Other organisations that should also be commended for the support of the project include the Tasmanian manufacturers of the lifts, Airport Maintenance Services for donating their time and labour to fly to Darwin to install the lifts and train Vincent Aviation staff, and Perkins Shipping who persuaded the Toll Group and NQX Shipping to freight the two lifts to Darwin and Groote Eylandt for free.
Senator Trish Crossin will be attending the launch today at 4.30pm, at the Vincent Aviation Hanger at Darwin Airport.