From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Tue Feb 2 03:11:35 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Tue, 2 Feb 2010 21:11:35 +1000 Subject: FV: post secondary education in Alberta is threatened Message-ID: <003501caa3f8$7c1be420$7453ac60$@com> Hi all Just a quick note to alert you to this issue in Canada. Please throw your support behind the Albertans in retaining this important initiative. I'll be in touch again soon about other stuff - great hearing about your stories! Love to all. Anita xx http://inclusivepse.wordpress.com/2010/02/01/support-inclusive-post-secondar y-ed-in-alberta/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Thu Feb 4 23:04:20 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Fri, 5 Feb 2010 17:34:20 +1030 Subject: FV: New school adventure In-Reply-To: References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net>, <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au>, Message-ID: Hello Gina , hello everyone, good to hear news starting to come through again , with some lovely stories. Gina I was talking to Neil Lillicrap who is a member of the SA Ministers Disability Advisory Council , sharing with him my delight at reading of the Wheelchair Licence you have developed. He was most interested and asked me to send it to him. Neil is himself a wheelchair user and we worked together for many years on the Advisory Council . I trust him totally and am certain he too will make contact with you. I do hope that was all right Jill and I did get together over the Christmas break and of course put the world to right. Hopefully our Adelaide group will be meeting up soon. For our family, we have been delighted that the short film Rachel was in 'Work Ready' won the first prize in the Australian Short Film Festival silver Award for young film makers. and can now be seen on vimeo www.vimeo.com/7810956. She has had some lovely feedback and says she feels like Nicole Kidman. I look around me and there is still so much work to do in all areas so it is great to hear stories and get fresh ideas from all you young people. Great stuff keep it up Miriam > Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:28:31 +1100 > To: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com > From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com > Subject: Re: FV: New school adventure > > Meg and Jill > > Great to hear from you both. > > Meg, we will definitely catch up soon - now school's back I actually > feel like I can accomplish some 'grown up things' - looking forward > to hearing how things go over the next few days/weeks. > > Jill, I love the Santa Claus story - that is so very cool. > > We are all doing fine. Mac started year 1 today and I believe he > will be in a 1/2 composite class. We had some positive outcomes at > the end of 2009 after our trip to Melbourne when I briefly caught up > with Maureen. Mac has been progressing well using his foot switches > for yes/no choices and also commenced auditory scanning using foot > switches. We are about to start teaching him morse code with his > foot switches to give him a chance to write/tap letters of his choice > - and he says he is up to the task - but then again, he does think he > knows everything - being six and all! I basically tell myself if he > was in Cubs or Scouts he would learn Morse Code - so it is no big > deal... just assuring myself I haven't completely lost my mind LOL. > > You might remember we had some DET issues with Mac being pushed in > his wheelchair by other kids so I developed the Wheelchair Attendant > License program at the school last year and the first 25 children > received their very fancy licenses at the final assembly. I have > attached the program which just needs the finishing touches put on it > into a learning program for any new students who wish to get their > license. Those who helped develop this program received theirs. The > funniest thing is that now DET think it is the most pro-active and > sensible approach and think they should be doing it everywhere. > Hence the c/w protection on the document so that if they do decide to > run with it the school gets the credit - i've heard Principals love > that kind of kudos. > _________________________________________________________________ View photos of singles in your area! Browse profiles for FREE http://clk.atdmt.com/NMN/go/150855801/direct/01/ -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Mon Feb 8 19:48:48 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2010 14:18:48 +1030 Subject: FV: everything In-Reply-To: <000001caa20c$3473ec00$9d5bc400$@com.au> References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au> <000001caa20c$3473ec00$9d5bc400$@com.au> Message-ID: <000001caa93a$ca0da690$5e28f3b0$@com> Hi All It feels like a long time ago since we were in Canada and what a great and inspiring time it was. I have been sporadically reading everyone's emails with interest but by the time I have read them my responses wouldn't have been timely. But I do think of you all often especially those of you that have school age children and feel it's time to respond belatedly. Everyone, keep up the good work especially those of you still at school. There are times when it can become tough and you just get fed up with the long haul. All I can say is keep going. There will be peaks and troughs and don't give yourself a hard time when you're in the trough or think it is all over (or worse still, it's not worth it). It's just a period of the ebb and flow in the life getting a better deal for our family member. Just remember, in the big picture it is worth it. Having a family member with a disability means work whether they are included or segregated there are no easy options. Not only are your children benefiting from the experience of being accepted and included but so are the other children in your child's class which benefits all in the long term. The children in your kids classes are future employers or employees who will work, live and play alongside your child. They are the ones that make a little more room for them each time they are exposed to your family member. They will employ, teach and serve them, now and in the future. Education is so important and the most important time of anyone's lives. There will be times (usually out of left field and not often enough) when someone will say or do something that will resonate with you and let you know that it's all worth it. Remember these times and keep up the good work. And here endeth the lesson. So much has happened since returning from Canada I could write a book on it but I will try to keep it to a page or two for this email. Briefly we have been doing lots of stuff to get Wade into a place of his own. I attended a workshop Pathways to Possibilities which resulted in a plan for Wade, a very well thought out, comprehensive plan. The aim is to obtain individualised funding. Hmm My you-beaut super plan seems to be falling on deaf ears or invisible ears for the moment anyway. One of our biggest draw backs is that Wade does not receive services and in South Australia that means that we don't have dollars that can be transferred into individualised funding. The other thing that happened was that Wade was dismissed from his job in Coles in October after nine years of working there. It knocked us all at the time but we bounced back surprisingly quickly and stayed positive. Wade was a pioneer in getting the job at Coles when he started and did lots of jobs over the nine years and regularly had about 5-6 jobs until two years ago. We chose not to sue Coles for wrongful dismissal because we were fairly certain it would of result in Wade getting his job back which we didn't want. He had been bored there for a while. We sacked Careers Systems the employment agency that 'supported' him and found another. Career Systems had completely changed in the 11 years Wade was with them. Career Systems was originally started by parents with the ethos that their family member belonged in mainstream society and should be employed there as well. They were taken over by Bedford Industries (Bedford are a massive employers of segregation here in South Australia) about 5 years ago. Now Career Systems runs as sheltered workshop model. No quality of life, no matching of skills. Find a shelf and they will find someone to fill it. If that person does work out, just bring in another. They basically weren't doing the support they were supposed to and were almost impossible to contact, even when Wade was sacked they didn't ring, write anything. It was quite bizarre. We did make complaints about CS (Australia wide) and their handling of the situation. Between CS and Coles they are now employing lots of people to stack shelves between 7 - 10 am and that's it. It's a money saving machine for them. They have no commitment or connection to the person they are supporting. It's easy for CS now they have established something with Coles too as they don't need to look too hard for employers. I wanted to share this to show how something started so well but ended getting twisted and exploited by the very people who should be safeguarding this happening. Anyway enough of the trash talk otherwise it will go into a book. OK now for the really good news! Wade has a new job with DMG Radio, in Adelaide that means Nova and 5AA. He will start on 15 Feb and will be doing general office duties, tidying the meeting/conference rooms, studios and kitchens of both radio stations. But here's the really good part. Someone with influence and experience with disability works at DMG because they were so welcoming. The General Manager from Sydney and the GM of Adelaide have made it policy to employ someone with a disability because it's part of their values. The HR manager said it would also be good for everyone working at the DMG to be working with someone like Wade. Never in the 28 years of having Wade has anyone opened the door and said welcome this is where you belong alongside everyone else. I can't even begin to describe what that feels like. Anyway this is as brief as I could keep it. Thanks for those who have taken the time to read through this. Happy first Canadian Anniversary everyone for next month. What a pity we don't all live closer we could have a get-together (or a bloody big piss up) and make it an annual event. Congratulations to those who have had successes and hang in there for those that are still working on it. Warm regards and love Vasilka From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Mon Feb 8 21:54:05 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2010 16:54:05 +1100 Subject: FV: everything In-Reply-To: <000001caa93a$ca0da690$5e28f3b0$@com> References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au> <000001caa20c$3473ec00$9d5bc400$@com.au> <000001caa93a$ca0da690$5e28f3b0$@com> Message-ID: <000a01caa94c$4a283c80$de78b580$@com.au> Hello Vasilka, I have wondered how things were going for you, and it sounds as if you have had such a busy year, that it is no wonder you haven't had time to write. What a wonderful story about Wade and his new position at the Radio station. Congratulations to Wade, you and also the station who has taken the inclusion message to fruition. How fantastic. Lauren had a small position at the Malthouse theatre a few years ago, and the theatre had the same policy and treated her very well. They paid her a normal wage for a few hours on a Saturday, and they employers were very inclusive. However, the job fell apart and Lauren found it all too stressful and she wouldn't go! They tried to keep the position open for her. She was selling programs, and eventually the theatre decided not to sell programs, so they offered her a job in the cloak room. She had this idea in her head that she was sitting in a cupboard! (Well, she sort of was!) And she would sit there petrified she would be getting peoples clothes all mixed up! Now I look back on it, I am sure we could have done things better for Lauren and put better support in place for her. The learning's in this is..if we had this opportunity again, we would make sure Lauren was better supported at the position. So, now she has a paid job at the Booroondara Farmers Market and we are always aware that if and when things aren't going well, that Lauren gets the opportunity to ask for support. It's all interesting and challenging, isn't it? Lauren is planning to come to Adelaide for the first game of the AFL football season when her team - The Kangaroos, plays Port Adelaide. Her cousin is also a 'roos supporter and we are planning putting Lauren on a plane (unaccompanied) and she will stay with my sister, who lives in Rose Park and they will take her to the football and back to the airport. This will be the first time she will have flown unaccompanied. The match is at the end of March and she is already a little nervous and excited about the big plan. A very hot and humid day here in Melbourne. But never too hot for a game of golf! Cheers to all and good luck to Wade and you too Vasilka. How lovely to hear from you Maureen -----Original Message----- From: familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com [mailto:familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com] On Behalf Of Family Voices Sent: Tuesday, 9 February 2010 2:49 PM To: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Subject: FV: everything Hi All It feels like a long time ago since we were in Canada and what a great and inspiring time it was. I have been sporadically reading everyone's emails with interest but by the time I have read them my responses wouldn't have been timely. But I do think of you all often especially those of you that have school age children and feel it's time to respond belatedly. Everyone, keep up the good work especially those of you still at school. There are times when it can become tough and you just get fed up with the long haul. All I can say is keep going. There will be peaks and troughs and don't give yourself a hard time when you're in the trough or think it is all over (or worse still, it's not worth it). It's just a period of the ebb and flow in the life getting a better deal for our family member. Just remember, in the big picture it is worth it. Having a family member with a disability means work whether they are included or segregated there are no easy options. Not only are your children benefiting from the experience of being accepted and included but so are the other children in your child's class which benefits all in the long term. The children in your kids classes are future employers or employees who will work, live and play alongside your child. They are the ones that make a little more room for them each time they are exposed to your family member. They will employ, teach and serve them, now and in the future. Education is so important and the most important time of anyone's lives. There will be times (usually out of left field and not often enough) when someone will say or do something that will resonate with you and let you know that it's all worth it. Remember these times and keep up the good work. And here endeth the lesson. So much has happened since returning from Canada I could write a book on it but I will try to keep it to a page or two for this email. Briefly we have been doing lots of stuff to get Wade into a place of his own. I attended a workshop Pathways to Possibilities which resulted in a plan for Wade, a very well thought out, comprehensive plan. The aim is to obtain individualised funding. Hmm My you-beaut super plan seems to be falling on deaf ears or invisible ears for the moment anyway. One of our biggest draw backs is that Wade does not receive services and in South Australia that means that we don't have dollars that can be transferred into individualised funding. The other thing that happened was that Wade was dismissed from his job in Coles in October after nine years of working there. It knocked us all at the time but we bounced back surprisingly quickly and stayed positive. Wade was a pioneer in getting the job at Coles when he started and did lots of jobs over the nine years and regularly had about 5-6 jobs until two years ago. We chose not to sue Coles for wrongful dismissal because we were fairly certain it would of result in Wade getting his job back which we didn't want. He had been bored there for a while. We sacked Careers Systems the employment agency that 'supported' him and found another. Career Systems had completely changed in the 11 years Wade was with them. Career Systems was originally started by parents with the ethos that their family member belonged in mainstream society and should be employed there as well. They were taken over by Bedford Industries (Bedford are a massive employers of segregation here in South Australia) about 5 years ago. Now Career Systems runs as sheltered workshop model. No quality of life, no matching of skills. Find a shelf and they will find someone to fill it. If that person does work out, just bring in another. They basically weren't doing the support they were supposed to and were almost impossible to contact, even when Wade was sacked they didn't ring, write anything. It was quite bizarre. We did make complaints about CS (Australia wide) and their handling of the situation. Between CS and Coles they are now employing lots of people to stack shelves between 7 - 10 am and that's it. It's a money saving machine for them. They have no commitment or connection to the person they are supporting. It's easy for CS now they have established something with Coles too as they don't need to look too hard for employers. I wanted to share this to show how something started so well but ended getting twisted and exploited by the very people who should be safeguarding this happening. Anyway enough of the trash talk otherwise it will go into a book. OK now for the really good news! Wade has a new job with DMG Radio, in Adelaide that means Nova and 5AA. He will start on 15 Feb and will be doing general office duties, tidying the meeting/conference rooms, studios and kitchens of both radio stations. But here's the really good part. Someone with influence and experience with disability works at DMG because they were so welcoming. The General Manager from Sydney and the GM of Adelaide have made it policy to employ someone with a disability because it's part of their values. The HR manager said it would also be good for everyone working at the DMG to be working with someone like Wade. Never in the 28 years of having Wade has anyone opened the door and said welcome this is where you belong alongside everyone else. I can't even begin to describe what that feels like. Anyway this is as brief as I could keep it. Thanks for those who have taken the time to read through this. Happy first Canadian Anniversary everyone for next month. What a pity we don't all live closer we could have a get-together (or a bloody big piss up) and make it an annual event. Congratulations to those who have had successes and hang in there for those that are still working on it. Warm regards and love Vasilka From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Tue Feb 9 02:04:14 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2010 18:04:14 +0800 Subject: FV: everything In-Reply-To: <000001caa93a$ca0da690$5e28f3b0$@com> References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au> <000001caa20c$3473ec00$9d5bc400$@com.au> <000001caa93a$ca0da690$5e28f3b0$@com> Message-ID: <001b01caa96f$3c5a5f20$b50f1d60$@com> Dearest Vaslika, So glad to read that Wade's "retirement" from Coles has lead to a gooder opportunity. Thank you so much for sharing. So cool. Big hugs to you all. Ps. Are you organizing the piss up? Kindest thoughts. Darrell -----Original Message----- From: familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com [mailto:familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com] On Behalf Of Family Voices Sent: Tuesday, 9 February 2010 11:49 AM To: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Subject: FV: everything Hi All It feels like a long time ago since we were in Canada and what a great and inspiring time it was. I have been sporadically reading everyone's emails with interest but by the time I have read them my responses wouldn't have been timely. But I do think of you all often especially those of you that have school age children and feel it's time to respond belatedly. Everyone, keep up the good work especially those of you still at school. There are times when it can become tough and you just get fed up with the long haul. All I can say is keep going. There will be peaks and troughs and don't give yourself a hard time when you're in the trough or think it is all over (or worse still, it's not worth it). It's just a period of the ebb and flow in the life getting a better deal for our family member. Just remember, in the big picture it is worth it. Having a family member with a disability means work whether they are included or segregated there are no easy options. Not only are your children benefiting from the experience of being accepted and included but so are the other children in your child's class which benefits all in the long term. The children in your kids classes are future employers or employees who will work, live and play alongside your child. They are the ones that make a little more room for them each time they are exposed to your family member. They will employ, teach and serve them, now and in the future. Education is so important and the most important time of anyone's lives. There will be times (usually out of left field and not often enough) when someone will say or do something that will resonate with you and let you know that it's all worth it. Remember these times and keep up the good work. And here endeth the lesson. So much has happened since returning from Canada I could write a book on it but I will try to keep it to a page or two for this email. Briefly we have been doing lots of stuff to get Wade into a place of his own. I attended a workshop Pathways to Possibilities which resulted in a plan for Wade, a very well thought out, comprehensive plan. The aim is to obtain individualised funding. Hmm My you-beaut super plan seems to be falling on deaf ears or invisible ears for the moment anyway. One of our biggest draw backs is that Wade does not receive services and in South Australia that means that we don't have dollars that can be transferred into individualised funding. The other thing that happened was that Wade was dismissed from his job in Coles in October after nine years of working there. It knocked us all at the time but we bounced back surprisingly quickly and stayed positive. Wade was a pioneer in getting the job at Coles when he started and did lots of jobs over the nine years and regularly had about 5-6 jobs until two years ago. We chose not to sue Coles for wrongful dismissal because we were fairly certain it would of result in Wade getting his job back which we didn't want. He had been bored there for a while. We sacked Careers Systems the employment agency that 'supported' him and found another. Career Systems had completely changed in the 11 years Wade was with them. Career Systems was originally started by parents with the ethos that their family member belonged in mainstream society and should be employed there as well. They were taken over by Bedford Industries (Bedford are a massive employers of segregation here in South Australia) about 5 years ago. Now Career Systems runs as sheltered workshop model. No quality of life, no matching of skills. Find a shelf and they will find someone to fill it. If that person does work out, just bring in another. They basically weren't doing the support they were supposed to and were almost impossible to contact, even when Wade was sacked they didn't ring, write anything. It was quite bizarre. We did make complaints about CS (Australia wide) and their handling of the situation. Between CS and Coles they are now employing lots of people to stack shelves between 7 - 10 am and that's it. It's a money saving machine for them. They have no commitment or connection to the person they are supporting. It's easy for CS now they have established something with Coles too as they don't need to look too hard for employers. I wanted to share this to show how something started so well but ended getting twisted and exploited by the very people who should be safeguarding this happening. Anyway enough of the trash talk otherwise it will go into a book. OK now for the really good news! Wade has a new job with DMG Radio, in Adelaide that means Nova and 5AA. He will start on 15 Feb and will be doing general office duties, tidying the meeting/conference rooms, studios and kitchens of both radio stations. But here's the really good part. Someone with influence and experience with disability works at DMG because they were so welcoming. The General Manager from Sydney and the GM of Adelaide have made it policy to employ someone with a disability because it's part of their values. The HR manager said it would also be good for everyone working at the DMG to be working with someone like Wade. Never in the 28 years of having Wade has anyone opened the door and said welcome this is where you belong alongside everyone else. I can't even begin to describe what that feels like. Anyway this is as brief as I could keep it. Thanks for those who have taken the time to read through this. Happy first Canadian Anniversary everyone for next month. What a pity we don't all live closer we could have a get-together (or a bloody big piss up) and make it an annual event. Congratulations to those who have had successes and hang in there for those that are still working on it. Warm regards and love Vasilka __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4849 (20100208) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4849 (20100208) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4849 (20100208) __________ The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. http://www.eset.com From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Tue Feb 9 06:28:12 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Tue, 9 Feb 2010 22:28:12 +0800 Subject: FV: everything References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au> <000001caa20c$3473ec00$9d5bc400$@com.au> <000001caa93a$ca0da690$5e28f3b0$@com> Message-ID: <046E99CDA6EA48B5AD66360FCDF79F31@hp> Great story Vasilka, there is allways that saying that we should never forget. when one door closes another will open. sometimes there is a bloody great padlock on it but im shure we are all getting better at using a crow bar. good luck Wade and great to here from you Vasilka. Cheers Al Mason. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Family Voices" To: Sent: Tuesday, February 09, 2010 11:48 AM Subject: FV: everything > Hi All > > It feels like a long time ago since we were in Canada and what a great and > inspiring time it was. I have been sporadically reading everyone's emails > with interest but by the time I have read them my responses wouldn't have > been timely. But I do think of you all often especially those of you that > have school age children and feel it's time to respond belatedly. > > Everyone, keep up the good work especially those of you still at school. > There are times when it can become tough and you just get fed up with the > long haul. All I can say is keep going. There will be peaks and troughs > and don't give yourself a hard time when you're in the trough or think it > is > all over (or worse still, it's not worth it). It's just a period of the > ebb > and flow in the life getting a better deal for our family member. Just > remember, in the big picture it is worth it. Having a family member with a > disability means work whether they are included or segregated there are no > easy options. > > > Not only are your children benefiting from the experience of being > accepted > and included but so are the other children in your child's class which > benefits all in the long term. The children in your kids classes are > future > employers or employees who will work, live and play alongside your child. > They are the ones that make a little more room for them each time they are > exposed to your family member. They will employ, teach and serve them, > now > and in the future. Education is so important and the most important time > of > anyone's lives. > > There will be times (usually out of left field and not often enough) when > someone will say or do something that will resonate with you and let you > know that it's all worth it. Remember these times and keep up the good > work. And here endeth the lesson. > > So much has happened since returning from Canada I could write a book on > it > but I will try to keep it to a page or two for this email. > > Briefly we have been doing lots of stuff to get Wade into a place of his > own. I attended a workshop Pathways to Possibilities which resulted in a > plan for Wade, a very well thought out, comprehensive plan. The aim is to > obtain individualised funding. Hmm My you-beaut super plan seems to be > falling on deaf ears or invisible ears for the moment anyway. One of our > biggest draw backs is that Wade does not receive services and in South > Australia that means that we don't have dollars that can be transferred > into > individualised funding. > > The other thing that happened was that Wade was dismissed from his job in > Coles in October after nine years of working there. It knocked us all at > the time but we bounced back surprisingly quickly and stayed positive. > Wade > was a pioneer in getting the job at Coles when he started and did lots of > jobs over the nine years and regularly had about 5-6 jobs until two years > ago. We chose not to sue Coles for wrongful dismissal because we were > fairly certain it would of result in Wade getting his job back which we > didn't want. He had been bored there for a while. We sacked Careers > Systems the employment agency that 'supported' him and found another. > > Career Systems had completely changed in the 11 years Wade was with them. > Career Systems was originally started by parents with the ethos that their > family member belonged in mainstream society and should be employed there > as > well. They were taken over by Bedford Industries (Bedford are a massive > employers of segregation here in South Australia) about 5 years ago. Now > Career Systems runs as sheltered workshop model. No quality of life, no > matching of skills. Find a shelf and they will find someone to fill it. > If > that person does work out, just bring in another. They basically weren't > doing the support they were supposed to and were almost impossible to > contact, even when Wade was sacked they didn't ring, write anything. It > was > quite bizarre. We did make complaints about CS (Australia wide) and their > handling of the situation. Between CS and Coles they are now employing > lots > of people to stack shelves between 7 - 10 am and that's it. It's a money > saving machine for them. They have no commitment or connection to the > person they are supporting. It's easy for CS now they have established > something with Coles too as they don't need to look too hard for > employers. > > > I wanted to share this to show how something started so well but ended > getting twisted and exploited by the very people who should be > safeguarding > this happening. Anyway enough of the trash talk otherwise it will go into > a > book. > > OK now for the really good news! Wade has a new job with DMG Radio, in > Adelaide that means Nova and 5AA. He will start on 15 Feb and will be > doing general office duties, tidying the meeting/conference rooms, studios > and kitchens of both radio stations. But here's the really good part. > Someone with influence and experience with disability works at DMG because > they were so welcoming. The General Manager from Sydney and the GM of > Adelaide have made it policy to employ someone with a disability because > it's part of their values. The HR manager said it would also be good for > everyone working at the DMG to be working with someone like Wade. Never > in > the 28 years of having Wade has anyone opened the door and said welcome > this > is where you belong alongside everyone else. I can't even begin to > describe > what that feels like. Anyway this is as brief as I could keep it. Thanks > for those who have taken the time to read through this. > > Happy first Canadian Anniversary everyone for next month. What a pity we > don't all live closer we could have a get-together (or a bloody big piss > up) > and make it an annual event. > > Congratulations to those who have had successes and hang in there for > those > that are still working on it. > > Warm regards and love > > Vasilka > > > > > > From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Tue Feb 9 13:40:07 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2010 07:40:07 +1000 Subject: FV: everything In-Reply-To: <001b01caa96f$3c5a5f20$b50f1d60$@com> References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au> <000001caa20c$3473ec00$9d5bc400$@com.au> <000001caa93a$ca0da690$5e28f3b0$@com> <001b01caa96f$3c5a5f20$b50f1d60$@com> Message-ID: Dear vaslika Wow and congratulations to Wade and your family. Where and when is the piss up? Thank you so much for sharing your journey. Sarah has just been offered work at target. A first in Goondiwindi so we are excited and nervous your story gives us great strenght and energy. Keep smiling love Jane Sent from my iPhone On Feb 9, 2010, at 8:04 PM, Family Voices wrote: > Dearest Vaslika, > > So glad to read that Wade's "retirement" from Coles has lead to a > gooder > opportunity. Thank you so much for sharing. So cool. Big hugs to you > all. > > Ps. Are you organizing the piss up? > > Kindest thoughts. > Darrell > > > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com > [mailto:familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com] On Behalf Of > Family > Voices > Sent: Tuesday, 9 February 2010 11:49 AM > To: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com > Subject: FV: everything > > Hi All > > It feels like a long time ago since we were in Canada and what a > great and > inspiring time it was. I have been sporadically reading everyone's > emails > with interest but by the time I have read them my responses wouldn't > have > been timely. But I do think of you all often especially those of > you that > have school age children and feel it's time to respond belatedly. > > Everyone, keep up the good work especially those of you still at > school. > There are times when it can become tough and you just get fed up > with the > long haul. All I can say is keep going. There will be peaks and > troughs > and don't give yourself a hard time when you're in the trough or > think it is > all over (or worse still, it's not worth it). It's just a period of > the ebb > and flow in the life getting a better deal for our family member. > Just > remember, in the big picture it is worth it. Having a family member > with a > disability means work whether they are included or segregated there > are no > easy options. > > > Not only are your children benefiting from the experience of being > accepted > and included but so are the other children in your child's class which > benefits all in the long term. The children in your kids classes > are future > employers or employees who will work, live and play alongside your > child. > They are the ones that make a little more room for them each time > they are > exposed to your family member. They will employ, teach and serve > them, now > and in the future. Education is so important and the most important > time of > anyone's lives. > > There will be times (usually out of left field and not often enough) > when > someone will say or do something that will resonate with you and let > you > know that it's all worth it. Remember these times and keep up the > good > work. And here endeth the lesson. > > So much has happened since returning from Canada I could write a > book on it > but I will try to keep it to a page or two for this email. > > Briefly we have been doing lots of stuff to get Wade into a place of > his > own. I attended a workshop Pathways to Possibilities which resulted > in a > plan for Wade, a very well thought out, comprehensive plan. The aim > is to > obtain individualised funding. Hmm My you-beaut super plan seems to > be > falling on deaf ears or invisible ears for the moment anyway. One > of our > biggest draw backs is that Wade does not receive services and in South > Australia that means that we don't have dollars that can be > transferred into > individualised funding. > > The other thing that happened was that Wade was dismissed from his > job in > Coles in October after nine years of working there. It knocked us > all at > the time but we bounced back surprisingly quickly and stayed > positive. Wade > was a pioneer in getting the job at Coles when he started and did > lots of > jobs over the nine years and regularly had about 5-6 jobs until two > years > ago. We chose not to sue Coles for wrongful dismissal because we > were > fairly certain it would of result in Wade getting his job back which > we > didn't want. He had been bored there for a while. We sacked Careers > Systems the employment agency that 'supported' him and found another. > > Career Systems had completely changed in the 11 years Wade was with > them. > Career Systems was originally started by parents with the ethos that > their > family member belonged in mainstream society and should be employed > there as > well. They were taken over by Bedford Industries (Bedford are a > massive > employers of segregation here in South Australia) about 5 years > ago. Now > Career Systems runs as sheltered workshop model. No quality of > life, no > matching of skills. Find a shelf and they will find someone to fill > it. If > that person does work out, just bring in another. They basically > weren't > doing the support they were supposed to and were almost impossible to > contact, even when Wade was sacked they didn't ring, write anything. > It was > quite bizarre. We did make complaints about CS (Australia wide) and > their > handling of the situation. Between CS and Coles they are now > employing lots > of people to stack shelves between 7 - 10 am and that's it. It's a > money > saving machine for them. They have no commitment or connection to the > person they are supporting. It's easy for CS now they have > established > something with Coles too as they don't need to look too hard for > employers. > > > I wanted to share this to show how something started so well but ended > getting twisted and exploited by the very people who should be > safeguarding > this happening. Anyway enough of the trash talk otherwise it will go > into a > book. > > OK now for the really good news! Wade has a new job with DMG Radio, in > Adelaide that means Nova and 5AA. He will start on 15 Feb and > will be > doing general office duties, tidying the meeting/conference rooms, > studios > and kitchens of both radio stations. But here's the really good part. > Someone with influence and experience with disability works at DMG > because > they were so welcoming. The General Manager from Sydney and the GM of > Adelaide have made it policy to employ someone with a disability > because > it's part of their values. The HR manager said it would also be > good for > everyone working at the DMG to be working with someone like Wade. > Never in > the 28 years of having Wade has anyone opened the door and said > welcome this > is where you belong alongside everyone else. I can't even begin to > describe > what that feels like. Anyway this is as brief as I could keep it. > Thanks > for those who have taken the time to read through this. > > Happy first Canadian Anniversary everyone for next month. What a > pity we > don't all live closer we could have a get-together (or a bloody big > piss up) > and make it an annual event. > > Congratulations to those who have had successes and hang in there > for those > that are still working on it. > > Warm regards and love > > Vasilka > > > > > > > __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus > signature > database 4849 (20100208) __________ > > The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. > > http://www.eset.com > > > > > __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus > signature > database 4849 (20100208) __________ > > The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. > > http://www.eset.com > > > > __________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus > signature > database 4849 (20100208) __________ > > The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus. > > http://www.eset.com > > > From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Tue Feb 9 15:14:52 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:14:52 +1100 Subject: FV: everything In-Reply-To: <000001caa93a$ca0da690$5e28f3b0$@com> References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au> <000001caa20c$3473ec00$9d5bc400$@com.au> <000001caa93a$ca0da690$5e28f3b0$@com> Message-ID: Hi Vasilka, Great to hear from you. What a terrific story about Wade. Good for him! And well done you. And I agree...what a pity we are all so far apart and can't have a get together...it would be great. Fortunately for me, I will be having dinner with Meg and Gina this Friday night, so we will raise a glass in fond memory of the trip and all the terrific people we met as part of it. Cheers! Catherine -----Original Message----- From: familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com [mailto:familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com] On Behalf Of Family Voices Sent: Tuesday, 9 February 2010 2:49 PM To: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Subject: FV: everything Hi All It feels like a long time ago since we were in Canada and what a great and inspiring time it was. I have been sporadically reading everyone's emails with interest but by the time I have read them my responses wouldn't have been timely. But I do think of you all often especially those of you that have school age children and feel it's time to respond belatedly. Everyone, keep up the good work especially those of you still at school. There are times when it can become tough and you just get fed up with the long haul. All I can say is keep going. There will be peaks and troughs and don't give yourself a hard time when you're in the trough or think it is all over (or worse still, it's not worth it). It's just a period of the ebb and flow in the life getting a better deal for our family member. Just remember, in the big picture it is worth it. Having a family member with a disability means work whether they are included or segregated there are no easy options. Not only are your children benefiting from the experience of being accepted and included but so are the other children in your child's class which benefits all in the long term. The children in your kids classes are future employers or employees who will work, live and play alongside your child. They are the ones that make a little more room for them each time they are exposed to your family member. They will employ, teach and serve them, now and in the future. Education is so important and the most important time of anyone's lives. There will be times (usually out of left field and not often enough) when someone will say or do something that will resonate with you and let you know that it's all worth it. Remember these times and keep up the good work. And here endeth the lesson. So much has happened since returning from Canada I could write a book on it but I will try to keep it to a page or two for this email. Briefly we have been doing lots of stuff to get Wade into a place of his own. I attended a workshop Pathways to Possibilities which resulted in a plan for Wade, a very well thought out, comprehensive plan. The aim is to obtain individualised funding. Hmm My you-beaut super plan seems to be falling on deaf ears or invisible ears for the moment anyway. One of our biggest draw backs is that Wade does not receive services and in South Australia that means that we don't have dollars that can be transferred into individualised funding. The other thing that happened was that Wade was dismissed from his job in Coles in October after nine years of working there. It knocked us all at the time but we bounced back surprisingly quickly and stayed positive. Wade was a pioneer in getting the job at Coles when he started and did lots of jobs over the nine years and regularly had about 5-6 jobs until two years ago. We chose not to sue Coles for wrongful dismissal because we were fairly certain it would of result in Wade getting his job back which we didn't want. He had been bored there for a while. We sacked Careers Systems the employment agency that 'supported' him and found another. Career Systems had completely changed in the 11 years Wade was with them. Career Systems was originally started by parents with the ethos that their family member belonged in mainstream society and should be employed there as well. They were taken over by Bedford Industries (Bedford are a massive employers of segregation here in South Australia) about 5 years ago. Now Career Systems runs as sheltered workshop model. No quality of life, no matching of skills. Find a shelf and they will find someone to fill it. If that person does work out, just bring in another. They basically weren't doing the support they were supposed to and were almost impossible to contact, even when Wade was sacked they didn't ring, write anything. It was quite bizarre. We did make complaints about CS (Australia wide) and their handling of the situation. Between CS and Coles they are now employing lots of people to stack shelves between 7 - 10 am and that's it. It's a money saving machine for them. They have no commitment or connection to the person they are supporting. It's easy for CS now they have established something with Coles too as they don't need to look too hard for employers. I wanted to share this to show how something started so well but ended getting twisted and exploited by the very people who should be safeguarding this happening. Anyway enough of the trash talk otherwise it will go into a book. OK now for the really good news! Wade has a new job with DMG Radio, in Adelaide that means Nova and 5AA. He will start on 15 Feb and will be doing general office duties, tidying the meeting/conference rooms, studios and kitchens of both radio stations. But here's the really good part. Someone with influence and experience with disability works at DMG because they were so welcoming. The General Manager from Sydney and the GM of Adelaide have made it policy to employ someone with a disability because it's part of their values. The HR manager said it would also be good for everyone working at the DMG to be working with someone like Wade. Never in the 28 years of having Wade has anyone opened the door and said welcome this is where you belong alongside everyone else. I can't even begin to describe what that feels like. Anyway this is as brief as I could keep it. Thanks for those who have taken the time to read through this. Happy first Canadian Anniversary everyone for next month. What a pity we don't all live closer we could have a get-together (or a bloody big piss up) and make it an annual event. Congratulations to those who have had successes and hang in there for those that are still working on it. Warm regards and love Vasilka From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Tue Feb 9 15:36:25 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:06:25 +1030 Subject: FV: everything In-Reply-To: <000001caa93a$ca0da690$5e28f3b0$@com> References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au> <000001caa20c$3473ec00$9d5bc400$@com.au> <000001caa93a$ca0da690$5e28f3b0$@com> Message-ID: Hi Vasilka Congratulations and Best Wishes to Wade for his new job - as you say, it's all about hangin' in when the road gets rough - boulders, potholes, quicksand and all!! Jill On 09/02/2010, at 2:18 PM, Family Voices wrote: > Hi All > > It feels like a long time ago since we were in Canada and what a > great and > inspiring time it was. I have been sporadically reading everyone's > emails > with interest but by the time I have read them my responses wouldn't > have > been timely. But I do think of you all often especially those of > you that > have school age children and feel it's time to respond belatedly. > > Everyone, keep up the good work especially those of you still at > school. > There are times when it can become tough and you just get fed up > with the > long haul. All I can say is keep going. There will be peaks and > troughs > and don't give yourself a hard time when you're in the trough or > think it is > all over (or worse still, it's not worth it). It's just a period of > the ebb > and flow in the life getting a better deal for our family member. > Just > remember, in the big picture it is worth it. Having a family member > with a > disability means work whether they are included or segregated there > are no > easy options. > > > Not only are your children benefiting from the experience of being > accepted > and included but so are the other children in your child's class which > benefits all in the long term. The children in your kids classes > are future > employers or employees who will work, live and play alongside your > child. > They are the ones that make a little more room for them each time > they are > exposed to your family member. They will employ, teach and serve > them, now > and in the future. Education is so important and the most important > time of > anyone's lives. > > There will be times (usually out of left field and not often enough) > when > someone will say or do something that will resonate with you and let > you > know that it's all worth it. Remember these times and keep up the > good > work. And here endeth the lesson. > > So much has happened since returning from Canada I could write a > book on it > but I will try to keep it to a page or two for this email. > > Briefly we have been doing lots of stuff to get Wade into a place of > his > own. I attended a workshop Pathways to Possibilities which resulted > in a > plan for Wade, a very well thought out, comprehensive plan. The aim > is to > obtain individualised funding. Hmm My you-beaut super plan seems to > be > falling on deaf ears or invisible ears for the moment anyway. One > of our > biggest draw backs is that Wade does not receive services and in South > Australia that means that we don't have dollars that can be > transferred into > individualised funding. > > The other thing that happened was that Wade was dismissed from his > job in > Coles in October after nine years of working there. It knocked us > all at > the time but we bounced back surprisingly quickly and stayed > positive. Wade > was a pioneer in getting the job at Coles when he started and did > lots of > jobs over the nine years and regularly had about 5-6 jobs until two > years > ago. We chose not to sue Coles for wrongful dismissal because we > were > fairly certain it would of result in Wade getting his job back which > we > didn't want. He had been bored there for a while. We sacked Careers > Systems the employment agency that 'supported' him and found another. > > Career Systems had completely changed in the 11 years Wade was with > them. > Career Systems was originally started by parents with the ethos that > their > family member belonged in mainstream society and should be employed > there as > well. They were taken over by Bedford Industries (Bedford are a > massive > employers of segregation here in South Australia) about 5 years > ago. Now > Career Systems runs as sheltered workshop model. No quality of > life, no > matching of skills. Find a shelf and they will find someone to fill > it. If > that person does work out, just bring in another. They basically > weren't > doing the support they were supposed to and were almost impossible to > contact, even when Wade was sacked they didn't ring, write anything. > It was > quite bizarre. We did make complaints about CS (Australia wide) and > their > handling of the situation. Between CS and Coles they are now > employing lots > of people to stack shelves between 7 - 10 am and that's it. It's a > money > saving machine for them. They have no commitment or connection to the > person they are supporting. It's easy for CS now they have > established > something with Coles too as they don't need to look too hard for > employers. > > > I wanted to share this to show how something started so well but ended > getting twisted and exploited by the very people who should be > safeguarding > this happening. Anyway enough of the trash talk otherwise it will go > into a > book. > > OK now for the really good news! Wade has a new job with DMG Radio, in > Adelaide that means Nova and 5AA. He will start on 15 Feb and > will be > doing general office duties, tidying the meeting/conference rooms, > studios > and kitchens of both radio stations. But here's the really good part. > Someone with influence and experience with disability works at DMG > because > they were so welcoming. The General Manager from Sydney and the GM of > Adelaide have made it policy to employ someone with a disability > because > it's part of their values. The HR manager said it would also be > good for > everyone working at the DMG to be working with someone like Wade. > Never in > the 28 years of having Wade has anyone opened the door and said > welcome this > is where you belong alongside everyone else. I can't even begin to > describe > what that feels like. Anyway this is as brief as I could keep it. > Thanks > for those who have taken the time to read through this. > > Happy first Canadian Anniversary everyone for next month. What a > pity we > don't all live closer we could have a get-together (or a bloody big > piss up) > and make it an annual event. > > Congratulations to those who have had successes and hang in there > for those > that are still working on it. > > Warm regards and love > > Vasilka > > > > > From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Fri Feb 12 05:07:34 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:37:34 +1030 Subject: FV: Fwd: ABC Four Corners Monday 15th February 8.30 pm "Breaking Point" References: Message-ID: <9F2E25AE-5CF3-4D72-9EEF-FF5704694B7E@aapt.net.au> Hi Folks Thought this might be interesting to watch Cheers Jill > > > > > > > "PL EASE DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY TO ALL DISABILITY NETWORK S" > > > MEDIA RELEASE February 12th 2010 > > > Hello all, > Please see the press release below for next Monday 15th February > FOUR CORNERS program, ?Breaking Point?, on ABC TV. > ?Breaking Point? -- Four Corners, 15th February at 8.30 pm on ABC TV. > > This week on Four Corners, ?Breaking Point?. The heart-rending story > that tells what it?s like to live with a disability, or to care for > someone who is disabled, in Australia today. Reporter Wendy Carlisle > meets the families the nation has neglected. > The system of assistance for people with a disability in Australia > is broken. Carers know it, charitable organisations know it and so > do the governments. Now the federal government says something must > be done. It?s holding an Inquiry, with the intention of creating a > new and fairer system. It?s even considering a national disability > insurance scheme. But will the system be reformed in time to save > the families now at breaking point? > *********** > In Sydney, 65 year old Dick Jones showers his profoundly disabled > son Robbie. It?s a task he does willingly but at his age he doesn?t > know how long he can keep giving his son the care he needs. He?s > been told the only way to get more help would be to abandon his > child and leave him in the care of the state. > Amanda Royle?s 9 year old daughter Rosie is deaf and blind, cannot > speak, and is intellectually disabled. On her own with two other > children to look after, Amanda is in desperate need of assistance > that the system cannot provide. > The Nguyen family has twin boys with severe autism. At thirteen they > are intellectually disabled and need to wear nappies. Three years > ago one of the twins was given a place in a special school. For the > family it was a god-send. Now the funds have dried up and the school > is threatened with closure. > These families are desperate and they are not alone. Across > Australia it?s estimated that there are 1.5 million people with a > severe disability. Only a small proportion of them receive any > direct physical care from government or charities. The vast majority > rely on family and friends to help them survive. > ?It doesn?t matter where you look across the sector, across the > states of Australia, the system is broken.? Bruce Bonyhady, > Independent Panel Member, Productivity Commission Inquiry into a > National Disability Support Scheme > The reasons for this situation aren?t hard to find. Thirty years ago > governments radically reformed the system of disability care in > Australia. They promised to set people free from institutions, and > at the same time they promised a major boost in funding so that > people with disabilities could be supported to live at home or in > community settings. Instead those services have been starved of > funds leaving carers, many whom are now in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, > to carry the burden. It?s a terrible situation as Dick Jones told > Four Corners: > ?We were told... the only option you have, is when you are in a > wooden box , that?s probably the only time that Rob [his adult son] > will get any accommodation.? > The Federal Government accepts the system needs reform and has begun > to allocate extra funds for services and carers. > Most significantly, the Federal Government has set up a Productivity > Commission Inquiry to recommend systematic reform and the > establishment of a comprehensive National Disability Support Scheme. > The problem is if the Inquiry recommends a new scheme and the > Federal Government agrees to act, even the best estimates suggest > real change in Australia would take five to seven years to implement. > ?There?ll obviously I think be more meat on the bone for a scheme > towards the end of a second term. When the scheme could finally be > implemented, I don?t know.? Bill Shorten: Parliamentary Secretary > for Disabilities. > For thousands of people this is simply too long to wait. Four > Corners reveals the growing number of people who are packing their > bags and going to live in countries where the support system is > better resourced. These people are being called ?disability > refugees?. Reporter Wendy Carlisle goes with one young mother to > Britain as she investigates the possibility of moving her family > back there so her daughter could be better cared for. > While the Government recognises the need for fundamental reform, > many families of the disabled are at ?breaking point?. > > BREAKING POINT goes to air on the 15th February at 8.30 pm on ABC1. > It is repeated on the 16th February at 11.35pm. > It will also be available online. http://abc.net.au/4corners > A public online forum with some of the people from the story will > follow the screening on Monday night starting at 9.30pm AEDST. An > invitation is extended to all to join in. > > David Holst > Chair > Disability Speaks Steering Committee > 0418555683 > www.disabilityspeaks.com.au > > * > > "Disability Speaks will distribute on behalf of any organization > that meets suitable criteria online information that is of wide > disability community interest via our database that now numbers > nearly 4,000 recipients for Govt, advocacy groups and other major > disability organizations. We hope in the lead up to elections, > state or federal we can distribute policy and support information > from political groups. Such distribution is not in any way > endorsement by Disability Speaks. From time to time Disability > Speaks will also distribute media releases commenting on > developments in the disability sector. We strongly encourage you to > forward all releases to your friends, clients and disability > supporters and encourage them to subscribe direct. To do so simply > send an email subject "subscribe" to the address below. > > > > > Email: disabilityspeaks at internode.on.net > > > If you would like to be removed from the database please advise by > return email. Disability Speaks has no affiliation with any > political party or service provider, is self funded and run by > volunteers. > > > > > We acknowledge this land is the Traditional Land of the Kaurna > people and we respect their spiritual relationship with their > country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the custodians of the > greater Adelaide Region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs > remain important to the living Kaurna people today. > > The information contained in this electronic communication and any > accompanying files is or may be confidential. If you are not the > intended recipient, any use, dissemination, reliance, forwarding, > printing or copying of this e-mail or any attached files is > unauthorised. If you have received this e-mail communication in > error, please advise the sender immediately by return e-mail, or > telephone 08 8379 5777 and delete all copies. Carer Support and > Respite Centre does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of > any information contained in this e-mail or attached files. Internet > communications are not secure; therefore Carer Support and Respite > Centre does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this > message or attached files. > > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.435 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2682 - Release Date: > 02/11/10 16:09:00 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: image002.jpg Type: image/jpeg Size: 5237 bytes Desc: not available URL: From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Fri Feb 12 13:45:31 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 08:45:31 +1100 Subject: FV: Fwd: ABC Four Corners Monday 15th February 8.30 pm "Breaking Point" In-Reply-To: <9F2E25AE-5CF3-4D72-9EEF-FF5704694B7E@aapt.net.au> References: <9F2E25AE-5CF3-4D72-9EEF-FF5704694B7E@aapt.net.au> Message-ID: <001701caac2c$b4d2c1d0$1e784570$@com.au> Thanks Jill I saw Ross Sands and Vasilka at the Having A SAY conference run by VALID on Thursday. It was so nice to see them. I heard from them there is an opportunity for the Canadians and "gang" to get together in April. I think they said Lismore. Do you know anything about this? If you do, could you forward me the Information? Thanks Jill Maureen From: familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com [mailto:familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com] On Behalf Of Family Voices Sent: Saturday, 13 February 2010 12:08 AM To: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Subject: FV: Fwd: ABC Four Corners Monday 15th February 8.30 pm "Breaking Point" Hi Folks Thought this might be interesting to watch Cheers Jill "PL EASE DISTRIBUTE IMMEDIATELY TO ALL DISABILITY NETWORK S" MEDIA RELEASE February 12th 2010 Hello all, Please see the press release below for next Monday 15th February FOUR CORNERS program, "Breaking Point", on ABC TV. "Breaking Point" -- Four Corners, 15th February at 8.30 pm on ABC TV. This week on Four Corners, "Breaking Point". The heart-rending story that tells what it's like to live with a disability, or to care for someone who is disabled, in Australia today. Reporter Wendy Carlisle meets the families the nation has neglected. The system of assistance for people with a disability in Australia is broken. Carers know it, charitable organisations know it and so do the governments. Now the federal government says something must be done. It's holding an Inquiry, with the intention of creating a new and fairer system. It's even considering a national disability insurance scheme. But will the system be reformed in time to save the families now at breaking point? *********** In Sydney, 65 year old Dick Jones showers his profoundly disabled son Robbie. It's a task he does willingly but at his age he doesn't know how long he can keep giving his son the care he needs. He's been told the only way to get more help would be to abandon his child and leave him in the care of the state. Amanda Royle's 9 year old daughter Rosie is deaf and blind, cannot speak, and is intellectually disabled. On her own with two other children to look after, Amanda is in desperate need of assistance that the system cannot provide. The Nguyen family has twin boys with severe autism. At thirteen they are intellectually disabled and need to wear nappies. Three years ago one of the twins was given a place in a special school. For the family it was a god-send. Now the funds have dried up and the school is threatened with closure. These families are desperate and they are not alone. Across Australia it's estimated that there are 1.5 million people with a severe disability. Only a small proportion of them receive any direct physical care from government or charities. The vast majority rely on family and friends to help them survive. "It doesn't matter where you look across the sector, across the states of Australia, the system is broken." Bruce Bonyhady, Independent Panel Member, Productivity Commission Inquiry into a National Disability Support Scheme The reasons for this situation aren't hard to find. Thirty years ago governments radically reformed the system of disability care in Australia. They promised to set people free from institutions, and at the same time they promised a major boost in funding so that people with disabilities could be supported to live at home or in community settings. Instead those services have been starved of funds leaving carers, many whom are now in their 60s, 70s, and 80s, to carry the burden. It's a terrible situation as Dick Jones told Four Corners: "We were told... the only option you have, is when you are in a wooden box , that's probably the only time that Rob [his adult son] will get any accommodation." The Federal Government accepts the system needs reform and has begun to allocate extra funds for services and carers. Most significantly, the Federal Government has set up a Productivity Commission Inquiry to recommend systematic reform and the establishment of a comprehensive National Disability Support Scheme. The problem is if the Inquiry recommends a new scheme and the Federal Government agrees to act, even the best estimates suggest real change in Australia would take five to seven years to implement. "There'll obviously I think be more meat on the bone for a scheme towards the end of a second term. When the scheme could finally be implemented, I don't know." Bill Shorten: Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities. For thousands of people this is simply too long to wait. Four Corners reveals the growing number of people who are packing their bags and going to live in countries where the support system is better resourced. These people are being called "disability refugees". Reporter Wendy Carlisle goes with one young mother to Britain as she investigates the possibility of moving her family back there so her daughter could be better cared for. While the Government recognises the need for fundamental reform, many families of the disabled are at 'breaking point'. BREAKING POINT goes to air on the 15th February at 8.30 pm on ABC1. It is repeated on the 16th February at 11.35pm. It will also be available online. http://abc.net.au/4corners A public online forum with some of the people from the story will follow the screening on Monday night starting at 9.30pm AEDST. An invitation is extended to all to join in. David Holst Chair Disability Speaks Steering Committee 0418555683 www.disabilityspeaks.com.au * "Disability Speaks will distribute on behalf of any organization that meets suitable criteria online information that is of wide disability community interest via our database that now numbers nearly 4,000 recipients for Govt, advocacy groups and other major disability organizations. We hope in the lead up to elections, state or federal we can distribute policy and support information from political groups. Such distribution is not in any way endorsement by Disability Speaks. From time to time Disability Speaks will also distribute media releases commenting on developments in the disability sector. We strongly encourage you to forward all releases to your friends, clients and disability supporters and encourage them to subscribe direct. To do so simply send an email subject "subscribe" to the address below. Email: disabilityspeaks at internode.on.net If you would like to be removed from the database please advise by return email. Disability Speaks has no affiliation with any political party or service provider, is self funded and run by volunteers. We acknowledge this land is the Traditional Land of the Kaurna people and we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the custodians of the greater Adelaide Region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs remain important to the living Kaurna people today. 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URL: -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 5237 bytes Desc: not available URL: From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Fri Feb 12 15:42:33 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 10:12:33 +1030 Subject: FV: Downunder Institute Message-ID: <02a201caac3d$0d2a50e0$277ef2a0$@on.net> Hi Mark At Having a Say Conference in Geelong we caught up with Maureen McLeish who was part of the Australasian contingent to go to Canada this time last year. I told her about DUI in Lismore from 12th to 16th April 2010 and she wants to attend. Can you please forward info to - Maureen McLeish 24 Young Street Glen Iris Vic 3146 03 95002256 maurenmcleish at ozemail.com Mark I think a lot more of the Canadian contingent will also go. Ross Sands The Lodge 31 Milan Terrace SA 5152 08 83392311 0418845309 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Fri Feb 12 18:16:53 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 13:16:53 +1100 Subject: FV: Downunder Institute In-Reply-To: <02a201caac3d$0d2a50e0$277ef2a0$@on.net> References: <02a201caac3d$0d2a50e0$277ef2a0$@on.net> Message-ID: <000001caac52$9c7d8d10$d578a730$@com.au> Thanks Ross, It was lovely to see you all at the having A Say conference. It was such a surprise for me to see you all in the audience when I was speaking! I look forward to receiving all the information regarding the conference in Lismore. Kind regards Maureen From: familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com [mailto:familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com] On Behalf Of Family Voices Sent: Saturday, 13 February 2010 10:43 AM To: mark.pattison at ncid.org.au; aiid at ncid.org.au Cc: maurenmcleish at ozemail.com; familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Subject: FV: Downunder Institute Hi Mark At Having a Say Conference in Geelong we caught up with Maureen McLeish who was part of the Australasian contingent to go to Canada this time last year. I told her about DUI in Lismore from 12th to 16th April 2010 and she wants to attend. Can you please forward info to - Maureen McLeish 24 Young Street Glen Iris Vic 3146 03 95002256 maurenmcleish at ozemail.com Mark I think a lot more of the Canadian contingent will also go. Ross Sands The Lodge 31 Milan Terrace SA 5152 08 83392311 0418845309 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Fri Feb 12 22:02:04 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 16:32:04 +1030 Subject: FV: Down Under Institute 2010 Message-ID: <8EE5E0DD-12E1-4901-B7CC-8DF5C42BF531@aapt.net.au> Hi Maureen Mark Pattison from NCID may have more info for you but this is the website for the event. The wonderful John O'Brien is presenting! Cheers Jill http://ncid.org.au/DownUnderInstitute/dui2010/index.php -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: