Search Results » Family Advocacy

Circles of Support - A concept for building into community

This one-page description outlines the structure, purpose and benefit of a circle of support (consisting of a group of people committed to that person) being formed around a person with a disability. Keywords: Self determination, Inclusion

Inclusive Recreation: A Parents' Guide to Quality

The authors offer suggestions as to what parents should look for when seeking community recreation programs that will genuinely include their child.

It's Summer Time! Let's go to camp!

Cynthia Burkhour is a parent whose daughter attends a typical summer camp. In this article she suggests ways of finding a camp that will welcome a child with disability.

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).

Why Move?

David Craven's son Brian had lived in NSW institutions since childhood. In this article, Craven writes of the family's change in thinking that led to Brian and 3 friends moving from a large Sydney institution to a home in the community nearby his family.

The Senior Family Caregiver Support Project

The Senior Family Caregiver Support Project was set up to assist families in long-term planning for their family member. In this article we meet two families who give insights into the issues, concerns and obstacles facing older caregivers. Each family has envisioned a different future for their family member.

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.

Students talk about their Roles in Transition Planning

How can a student with a disability be supported to have real input into planning their future when preparing to leave high schoool? This article expresses the thoughts, fears and desires of students and offers suggestions as to how teachers, parents and other advocates can assist students in the transition...

Why Workshops should be closed and Why People should work in the Community

Based on her experiences both in sheltered employment and in the regular workforce, Liz Obermayer argues passionately that people with disabilities should have the opportunity to work in real jobs in the community based on their abilities and interests rather than being segregated in workshops which stifle personal growth.

A Guideline on Protecting the Health & Lives of Patients in Hospitals especially if the patient is a member of a societally devalued class

This timely book recognises the fact that people with disability of all ages - and other societally devalued groups - are vulnerable when hospitalised and need to be protected while there (in some cases they may need round-the-clock coverage).