Family Advocacy

War and disability

A series of articles concerned with the links between war and disability in developing countries (although the atrocities of war have also affected the so called 'developed' world - see for example, File no. 2002).

Matching a Thinking System to a Student

Sue Rubin explains how, lacking a way of communication as a child, she was assumed to have intellectual disability. All this changed when Rubin, who has autism, was introduced to facilitated communication.

Some reflections on community life in the Blue Mountains for people with developmental disabilities

This account describes how two parents realised they had held the mistaken belief that love for their daughter with high support needs meant protection.

Future Planning for your Child takes more than a Will

Because of medical advances, more children with disability are living longer. This thoughtful article suggests that parents make a detailed plan for their child's future to take into account the fact that both parents could die before their child.

The Lives of Six Women

A report of a study on six women with intellectual disabilities who moved from institutions into the community in 1985-87. The writers were involved in the process of integrating these women into the community. The bulk of the article focuses on these women's past lives before they were institutionalised.

Independence and group home living: Is there such a thing?

Written by a former resident of a group home, the author describes how he managed to get out and live in a flat with one other person (although he does make the point that although he gets on well with his flatmate he was never really given a choice about...

Families in Australia: A Socio-Demographic Perspective

While this book doesn't mention families in relation to disability, it provides a good overview of what 'family' means. The book addresses different areas that impact on family life, e. g. culture, relationships, having children and ageing.

Hey, We're Getting Old

While this is quite an old monograph, most of the issues and ideas it presents are relevant today (although the statistics are not!!).

The Doors are Opening: Mary Jo's Story

Mary Jo's mother, Virginia Esslinger, tells how her 11 year old daughter is more actively included in Girl Scouts and gymnastics as a result of the leaders having been involved with the Rural Recreation Integration Project (RRIP) (see File No. 10921).

Kelly - The Early Trailblazer

As her daughter Kelly nears the end of high school, her mother Pam reflects on the family's decision to include her in all areas of life. This has seen Kelly attend regular preschool and school, where she has been supported to learn and grow.

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

Search Results

War and disability

Matching a Thinking System to a Student

Some reflections on community life in the Blue Mountains for people with developmental disabilities

Future Planning for your Child takes more than a Will

The Lives of Six Women

Independence and group home living: Is there such a thing?

Families in Australia: A Socio-Demographic Perspective

Hey, We're Getting Old

The Doors are Opening: Mary Jo's Story

Kelly - The Early Trailblazer