Family Advocacy

Mary Ann and the Gift of Life

When Mary Ann was diagnosed with terminal cancer, there came the realisation that until that time those around her had seen her disability first.

Graham Harper, a County Development Officer, writes about Clywd's Community Living Services, which are being reconstructed to help all people with disability live in their own homes and communities. The support needs of all individuals must be identified and met, irrespective of the degree or nature of disability.

The Karate Kid

Two short articles, one by 11 yr old Barry and the other by his foster parents, show the transformation that has taken place in Barry, whose first seven years of life revolved around his medical needs.

Intorec

Into Rec is a Townsville-based scheme which encourages and supports individuals with a disability to become involved in community life through recreational activities which interest them.

Thanks to Friends

Loretta Kirkby, mother of Dean, writes about the importance of friendships in safeguarding Dean against violence and abuse. She tells two stories of how Dean's friends aided and supported him in potentially life-threatening situations. By being part of, and known in, his local community, Dean will remain more secure.

Taking Charge of Life

Mary Somoza is the parent of teenage twins, both of whom were born with cerebral palsy and high support needs, including multiple medical needs. In this article, she tells how she found it necessary to 'take charge', searching out and co-ordinating the multiplicity of professionals in her children's lives.

People with intellectual disabilities and the criminal law

This article highlights the issues associated with offences committed by people with moderate of severe disability. A concern is that when an illegal act is committed, service providers take over the roles which would otherwise be played by police and the court.

One of the Kids West Ryde

Come along to this free workshop to learn about inclusive education, hear stories of success from a parent guest speaker and see how inclusion works in the regular classroom

Regenerating community

John McKnight is the founder of the Centre for Urban Affairs and Policy Research at Northwestern University, Illinois. In this paper he argues that we are developing a service economy which is the equivalent of institutionalisation without the walls.

Where there's a will...There's a way

Sharon Bourke writes about her son, Dan's successful inclusion in his local school. She believes the real issue is about attitudes, about asking "how?" instead of "why?". Under the principal's leadership, Dan has been fully included by teachers and peers in all aspects of school life.

We work with families in NSW to defend and promote the rights and interests of people with developmental disability

Search Results

Mary Ann and the Gift of Life

A better life on the outside

The Karate Kid

Intorec

Thanks to Friends

Taking Charge of Life

People with intellectual disabilities and the criminal law

One of the Kids West Ryde

Regenerating community

Where there's a will...There's a way