Invacare Europe and Asia Pacific Combine with Direct Healthcare Group Creating DHCare, to Better Serve Individuals with Reduced Movement
Rhône, a global private equity firm, has completed the acquisitions of Invacare Holdings S.ar.l. (Invacare Europe and APAC) and Direct Healthcare Group (DHG) through holding companies held by its Fund VI, combining the two businesses and associated brands to create DHCare, which will be one of the international leaders in designing, manufacturing and distributing medical devices in the mobility and post-acute care sectors. The transaction completed on the 30th January 2026.
10 Christmas Gifts You Should Never Give Someone With a Physical Disability - by Marlena Katene
This article uses humour and lived experience to explore gift giving and disability.
I love Christmas. It’s a time when we connect with family and friends to share a story or two — or better still, banter and take the mickey out of each other. Despite having a disability, I’m lucky that the people in my life fully embrace the banter and fun.
Am I Just a Participant? - by Marlena Katene
Lately, I’ve been thinking about the word participant.
If you look it up in the dictionary, it simply means “a person who takes part in something.” Straightforward enough.
But here in Australia, if you search for that word online, it almost always shows up alongside the NDIS. Suddenly, "participant" isn’t about being involved — it’s about plans, funding, and services.
And to be honest, that word has started to feel a bit strange to me.
Finding things that bring you joy - by Natasha Astill
As the end of the year nears. I have noticed that quite a few people have been less motivated.
This can be because of a few different factors that can contribute to this.
For me, when this happens, I find something that brings me joy. For instance, I do something creative like paint rocks, colouring in or diamond art. I also love doing jigsaw puzzles.
Another thing that brings me joy is starting a new hobby for example, I have started crocheting. I might not be the best at this, but I am having fun.
IDPWD exhaustion - by Zoe Simmons
Can I be honest? As a disabled person, I am exhausted with the mental load of disability awareness days
Disability is not a Halloween costume - by Susan Seipel
Every year Halloween is celebrated on the 31st of October. Halloween originated from Celtic beliefs around the human and spirit worlds crossing over at the end of the harvest season. The festival inspired the tradition of dressing up in scary costumes to ward off roaming spirits. While not as popular in the southern hemisphere trick-or-treating, Halloween theme parties, and scary house decorations are becoming more common in Australia and New Zealand.
Halloween poses both opportunities and challenges for people with disabilities.
The Greatest Halloween Outfit - by Marlena Katene
Every Halloween, my mind drifts back to 2003 — the year I went trick-or-treating in a hot, smelly, bright pink body cast.
Having a hip replacement at the tender age of twelve wasn’t exactly what most kids dream of. Three months in a body cast that stretched from my hips to my toes was a strange new reality. I spent my days lying flat on my back in the living room, my parents turning me over every few hours like some awkward rotisserie chicken. It wasn’t quite the school holiday I’d imagined.
But my friends had other ideas.
Flying with a Wheelchair - by Alicia Kapa
Flying with a wheelchair is an experience which can be different every time and for everyone. Luckily for me, my experiences have been relatively positive as my wheelchair has always made it to the destination and has been usable.
THE JOURNEY TO BUILDING AN ACCESSIBLE HOME - PART ONE – By Ian Walker
Kia ora koutou katoa / Hey everybody!
It’s been a wee while since my last blog, and a lot has happened since. Let me explain. A number of months ago, my partner and I decided it was time to purchase a house and property here in Auckland, given we had decided this was where we wished to stay permanently, following our move from Christchurch in 2021.
The Accessible Adventure!- by Lindsay Nott
Holidays are the perfect excuse to escape, whether it’s with family, friends, or just some solo downtime. Sounds easy, right? For most, it is. But if you have a disability, the "easy" part can come with a few extra steps (or phone calls!).
Booking a hotel that works for your needs, sorting accessible transport, finding restaurants you can actually get into, it’s like planning a military operation. But don’t stress, it is possible. You just need to think outside the square... and maybe call in reinforcements (hello, travel agents!).