From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Thu Jan 28 00:41:29 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:41:29 +1100 Subject: FV: New school adventure Message-ID: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Thu Jan 28 02:44:17 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 21:14:17 +1030 Subject: FV: New school adventure In-Reply-To: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> Message-ID: <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au> Hi Sweeney Family and all Best Wishes to everyone for 2010. Can you believe it is nearly 12 months since we began our Canadian journey! Congratulations Meg and Todd on your navigation skills in a minefield of barriers. The school will certainly learn much by example from your knowledge and experience! Your account of today illustrates that it is the bureaucratic system which is the biggest barrier and not the many individual teachers who want to give every student a 'fair go'. Go Joscelyn!!!! Life in the Wishart family is much the same. Ben settled back into work without missing a beat after his O/S trip last year and now suggests that his next trip could be Moscow! Apparently Moscow features in one of the Police Academy movies (no. 7) so will have to watch and see what it's all about. Ben has begun his 20th year in open employment (same employer) and this week had only his 15th sickie in that time! As you all know it hasn't been without it's issues, some really serious, but I can't help thinking that all of us deal with issues in the workplace a lot of the time - that's reality, hey! Have to spend some heavy thinking time though about whether there are any advantages in considering him changing jobs i.e new environment, different skills etc. He's happy where he is, but he doesn't have a concept about what a new job might offer. If he could be a crane or truck driver, there wouldn't be any problems! Just like to mention a role he has in our family which brings much delight and hilarity. He plays Santa on Christmas day. Fully garbed, he arrives with his Santa sack, booming out MERRY CHRISTMAS, HO,HO,HO and gives $3 fun gifts out to everyone. Everyone joins in, including his 4yr and 2yr old nephew and niece, with the hilarity, hand shaking, and thanking Father Christmas etc. This has been happening now for the last four years and his siblings assure me that they will continue this new tradition in my absence! Hope all is well with everyone Cheers Jill On 28/01/2010, at 7:11 PM, Family Voices wrote: > well hello all and happy new year !!!!!!!!! > The Sweeney's have moved, commenced renovations on the new house and > had many visitors through the holidays. > > Today was the first day for Joscelyn in year 11, 1st year of the > Senior School and Higher School Certificate in NSW.... > > As you all know the school had 7 support units on campus last year > however the school reassured us that there was no difference in the > school community re: who was a regular student vrs a special ed. > student. They knew we were up for regular class and we left the > planning last year with not much set in cement, our liaison person > the head teacher of Special Ed who was lovely but heavily committed > to the support unit structure, we walked into the unknown today. > > Todd and I accompanied Jos to school where we discovered that major > changes had happened since last year. The support unit part of the > school had been refurbished into "state of the art" segregation and > now was 8 classes strong with a head teacher and deputy principal > allocated for management. Joscelyn's liaison/program person now is > in the body of the regular school which was such good news I could > have jumped for joy. This person hasn't had much experience with a > student of Joscelyn's capacity however was up for the job and > happens to be the principals wife. She did tell us that her first > experience in disability was in the 80's when she was the involved > in the establishment of a group home for 6 students on the campus of > a special school and how exciting that was in innovation at the > time. In context being on the campus of a school would be better > for children than the campus of an adult institution however I > wasn't prepared to enter a conversation about this point today. > > We had the idea the the previous head teacher had dumped and run > with all the information provided last year, so this new person was > a bit in the dark. That wasn't too bad however because we had a > clean slate to work with. > > We negotiated Joscelyn's subjects from the "LINES" of choice > provided to students and left the wish list with her to negotiate > placement with head/class teachers. She came up with the idea of > photography which we never would have thought of but has heaps of > potential: computer based, interactive/collaborative, arty, etc.etc > and Jos has an interest. > > We met lots of teachers, aides and students all seemed friendly, > more smiles than scowls. > > Some things of note: > > When the establishment of friendships was discussed the student they > immediately thought of as a possible support was a very capable > student from the support units. Todd gently pointed out that it may > be difficult for a student with needs of her own to support Jos make > friendships. This comment was received with nodding approval. I > think that they assumed the other girl would be by default be > Joscelyns friend "belong together stuff". We negotiated that > students from some of her classes would probably be the best option. > The tour of the school person kept wanting to to take us to see the > fantastic support unit, we kept directing the tour to where the > classes relevant to Jos were held > When work placement was discussed one of the teachers aides enthused > about a person and program that gives students like "that" > opportunities to work in a cafe. In talking further it turned out > that this was as segregated work environment located at the local > crematorium. A classic SRV moment..... > Todd and I have enough experience now that we navigated some of > these issues with out much problem and moved forward in our > direction of choice. We have thankfully learned that its not our job > to educate everyone in the error of their thinking nor be personally > offended by such. > > We went into the local TAFE in the afternoon for an interview with > the intellectual disability support organiser for Joscelyns choice > of TVET Child Studies course delivered at the TAFE campus. This was > neat. The woman only wanted to talk to Jos which was a refreshing > change and Jos confidently relayed her achievements, strengths, > weaknesses and goals in life with minimal prompting from me. I was > very proud and it was testament to her development and maturity over > the last year. The woman was very impressed and commented that she > thought Jos was an excellent candidate for the course. A true > demonstration as to the capacity that an inclusive life can bring > forth. > > We look forward to tomorrow when Monica starts year 10 and Jos's > timetable will be a little more firmed up. > > Cheers for now, Meg and Todd > > > > > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Thu Jan 28 03:28:31 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:28:31 +1100 Subject: FV: New school adventure In-Reply-To: <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au> References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au> Message-ID: 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. -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Draft WchairLic GWB-1.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 827967 bytes Desc: not available URL: -------------- next part -------------- We are hopefully finally moving into our new place around Easter - I can't wait to get back to just our own family unit in our own place rather than it being my parents and us under the one roof. Hope everyone is well Regards Gina On 28/01/2010, at 9:44 PM, Family Voices wrote: > > Hi Sweeney Family and all > > Best Wishes to everyone for 2010. Can you believe it is nearly 12 > months since we began our Canadian journey! > Congratulations Meg and Todd on your navigation skills in a > minefield of barriers. The school will certainly learn much by > example from your knowledge and experience! Your account of today > illustrates that it is the bureaucratic system which is the biggest > barrier and not the many individual teachers who want to give every > student a 'fair go'. Go Joscelyn!!!! > Life in the Wishart family is much the same. Ben settled back into > work without missing a beat after his O/S trip last year and now > suggests that his next trip could be Moscow! Apparently Moscow > features in one of the Police Academy movies (no. 7) so will have > to watch and see what it's all about. Ben has begun his 20th year > in open employment (same employer) and this week had only his 15th > sickie in that time! As you all know it hasn't been without it's > issues, some really serious, but I can't help thinking that all of > us deal with issues in the workplace a lot of the time - that's > reality, hey! Have to spend some heavy thinking time though about > whether there are any advantages in considering him changing jobs > i.e new environment, different skills etc. He's happy where he is, > but he doesn't have a concept about what a new job might offer. If > he could be a crane or truck driver, there wouldn't be any > problems! Just like to mention a role he has in our family which > brings much delight and hilarity. He plays Santa on Christmas > day. Fully garbed, he arrives with his Santa sack, booming out > MERRY CHRISTMAS, HO,HO,HO and gives $3 fun gifts out to everyone. > Everyone joins in, including his 4yr and 2yr old nephew and niece, > with the hilarity, hand shaking, and thanking Father Christmas > etc. This has been happening now for the last four years and his > siblings assure me that they will continue this new tradition in my > absence! > > Hope all is well with everyone > > Cheers > > Jill > > > On 28/01/2010, at 7:11 PM, Family Voices wrote: > >> well hello all and happy new year !!!!!!!!! >> The Sweeney's have moved, commenced renovations on the new house >> and had many visitors through the holidays. >> >> Today was the first day for Joscelyn in year 11, 1st year of the >> Senior School and Higher School Certificate in NSW.... >> >> As you all know the school had 7 support units on campus last year >> however the school reassured us that there was no difference in >> the school community re: who was a regular student vrs a special >> ed. student. They knew we were up for regular class and we left >> the planning last year with not much set in cement, our liaison >> person the head teacher of Special Ed who was lovely but heavily >> committed to the support unit structure, we walked into the >> unknown today. >> >> Todd and I accompanied Jos to school where we discovered that >> major changes had happened since last year. The support unit part >> of the school had been refurbished into "state of the art" >> segregation and now was 8 classes strong with a head teacher and >> deputy principal allocated for management. Joscelyn's liaison/ >> program person now is in the body of the regular school which was >> such good news I could have jumped for joy. This person hasn't >> had much experience with a student of Joscelyn's capacity however >> was up for the job and happens to be the principals wife. She did >> tell us that her first experience in disability was in the 80's >> when she was the involved in the establishment of a group home for >> 6 students on the campus of a special school and how exciting that >> was in innovation at the time. In context being on the campus of >> a school would be better for children than the campus of an adult >> institution however I wasn't prepared to enter a conversation >> about this point today. >> >> We had the idea the the previous head teacher had dumped and run >> with all the information provided last year, so this new person >> was a bit in the dark. That wasn't too bad however because we had >> a clean slate to work with. >> >> We negotiated Joscelyn's subjects from the "LINES" of choice >> provided to students and left the wish list with her to negotiate >> placement with head/class teachers. She came up with the idea of >> photography which we never would have thought of but has heaps of >> potential: computer based, interactive/collaborative, arty, >> etc.etc and Jos has an interest. >> >> We met lots of teachers, aides and students all seemed friendly, >> more smiles than scowls. >> >> Some things of note: >> >> When the establishment of friendships was discussed the student >> they immediately thought of as a possible support was a very >> capable student from the support units. Todd gently pointed out >> that it may be difficult for a student with needs of her own to >> support Jos make friendships. This comment was received with >> nodding approval. I think that they assumed the other girl would >> be by default be Joscelyns friend "belong together stuff". We >> negotiated that students from some of her classes would probably >> be the best option. >> The tour of the school person kept wanting to to take us to see >> the fantastic support unit, we kept directing the tour to where >> the classes relevant to Jos were held >> When work placement was discussed one of the teachers aides >> enthused about a person and program that gives students like >> "that" opportunities to work in a cafe. In talking further it >> turned out that this was as segregated work environment located at >> the local crematorium. A classic SRV moment..... >> Todd and I have enough experience now that we navigated some of >> these issues with out much problem and moved forward in our >> direction of choice. We have thankfully learned that its not our >> job to educate everyone in the error of their thinking nor be >> personally offended by such. >> >> We went into the local TAFE in the afternoon for an interview with >> the intellectual disability support organiser for Joscelyns choice >> of TVET Child Studies course delivered at the TAFE campus. This >> was neat. The woman only wanted to talk to Jos which was a >> refreshing change and Jos confidently relayed her achievements, >> strengths, weaknesses and goals in life with minimal prompting >> from me. I was very proud and it was testament to her development >> and maturity over the last year. The woman was very impressed and >> commented that she thought Jos was an excellent candidate for the >> course. A true demonstration as to the capacity that an inclusive >> life can bring forth. >> >> We look forward to tomorrow when Monica starts year 10 and Jos's >> timetable will be a little more firmed up. >> >> Cheers for now, Meg and Todd >> >> >> >> >> >> > From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Thu Jan 28 15:15:05 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:15:05 +0800 Subject: FV: New school adventure In-Reply-To: References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au> Message-ID: <001d01caa06f$ba3cc800$2eb65800$@net.au> Gina, this is freaking fantastic! You are genius! This is beautiful! What a magnificent example of a parent changing the system by speaking its language...I hope you can hear the applause and cheers coming to you from all the way over here in WA! How would you feel about us using your example in teaching classes this year? Jaquie xx -----Original Message----- From: familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com [mailto:familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com] On Behalf Of Family Voices Sent: Thursday, 28 January 2010 7:29 PM To: 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. From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Thu Jan 28 15:25:38 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:25:38 +0800 Subject: FV: moving out... In-Reply-To: References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au> Message-ID: <001e01caa071$336c3ac0$9a44b040$@net.au> Hi folks And while we are getting back into things and giving updates...Eli has finally completely evicted us from the house and is living independently with his friends Joe, Shane and Hayley. Joe has gone onto the carer pension for now and is loving being the responsible person in Eli's life, and Shane and Hayley provide support in exchange for rent. So far we haven't been giving any funding for this project, but we still have fingers crossed that the system will come the party - otherwise I might have to work extra long hours because maintaining two mortgages is a biggy! Its very tricky - behind the scenes there is a lot of work and thinking which has gone on, and it is very early days, but so far it has been brilliant as Eli's pad is turning out to be THE place to be and some wicked (and parent - terrifying!) parties have gone on. We live next door and just try to not listen or pay too much attention. There was a very sweet moment recently when Eli and his mate Liam came - or should I say staggered - over to our place half way through one party, Liam quite drunk, and he and Eli had their arms around each other and Liam kept trying to kiss Eli, yelling out 'I LOVE YOU MATE!!!! I LOVE YOUUUU!!!!'. Maybe horrifying to many parents, I have this on film as a most precious moment...and one I never thought would happen. Eli has really high support needs and I continue to be impressed that the young people just aren't put off by the more gruesome aspects of his care....we went to Sydney on holiday last week for 7 days - and for the first time organising help for Eli was a total no-brainer, even though mainstay Joe left for Queensland to go on holiday himself half way through - and when we came back we heard about the poo party in the bathroom and how hard it was to clean up without gagging, but this was with a sense of exhilaration rather than misery or anything like that. I am having deep sleeps like I cant ever remember having in my life before and am re-discovering the meaning of energy...which is lovely! Looking forward to hearing more from everyone else! Jaquie in Perth, WA. From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Thu Jan 28 17:03:49 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:03:49 +1100 Subject: FV: New school adventure In-Reply-To: <001d01caa06f$ba3cc800$2eb65800$@net.au> References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au> <001d01caa06f$ba3cc800$2eb65800$@net.au> Message-ID: <9402BF79-52B8-4E4F-AFDB-C251F909649E@bigpond.com> Jaquie I'm doing up notes etc on how I organised it eg ran the meetings, what things we talked about eg: at the first meeting we talked about what "risk assessment" meant, why there are rules that sometimes seem silly but usually have good reasons behind them, I included doing things like taking 'attendance' at the meeting explaining about how meetings are run in businesses etc etc and also how we actually started the process so once i am done I will send it through to you. Cheers Gina On 29/01/2010, at 10:15 AM, Family Voices wrote: > Gina, this is freaking fantastic! You are genius! This is > beautiful! What a > magnificent example of a parent changing the system by speaking its > language...I hope you can hear the applause and cheers coming to > you from > all the way over here in WA! > > How would you feel about us using your example in teaching classes > this > year? > > Jaquie xx > > > -----Original Message----- > From: familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com > [mailto:familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com] On Behalf Of > Family > Voices > Sent: Thursday, 28 January 2010 7:29 PM > To: 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. > > > From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Thu Jan 28 17:09:43 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:09:43 +1100 Subject: FV: moving out... In-Reply-To: <001e01caa071$336c3ac0$9a44b040$@net.au> References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au> <001e01caa071$336c3ac0$9a44b040$@net.au> Message-ID: Wow. How fantastic is all of this. I noticed the 7pm project (charlie pickering) raised the issue of young people in nursing homes the other day and seemed like it was something they wanted to follow up - but of course they only have the "young people in young people homes perspective as a solution". Maybe you could show them a totally different potential for our young people with disabilities? I have been meaning to write to them to be sure they know that moving young people out of aged care facilities can be more varied than the obvious and accepted answer of more institutionalised type care - just ran out of time to date - but will keep it on my to-do list. A show that hits a younger audience might be a good avenue to target, because many viewers may have been exposed to inclusion in school (unlike my age group) they could have the ah-hah moments quicker than the pollies could. Gina On 29/01/2010, at 10:25 AM, Family Voices wrote: > Hi folks > > And while we are getting back into things and giving updates...Eli has > finally completely evicted us from the house and is living > independently > with his friends Joe, Shane and Hayley. Joe has gone onto the carer > pension > for now and is loving being the responsible person in Eli's life, > and Shane > and Hayley provide support in exchange for rent. So far we haven't > been > giving any funding for this project, but we still have fingers > crossed that > the system will come the party - otherwise I might have to work > extra long > hours because maintaining two mortgages is a biggy! > > Its very tricky - behind the scenes there is a lot of work and > thinking > which has gone on, and it is very early days, but so far it has been > brilliant as Eli's pad is turning out to be THE place to be and > some wicked > (and parent - terrifying!) parties have gone on. We live next door > and just > try to not listen or pay too much attention. There was a very sweet > moment > recently when Eli and his mate Liam came - or should I say > staggered - over > to our place half way through one party, Liam quite drunk, and he > and Eli > had their arms around each other and Liam kept trying to kiss Eli, > yelling > out 'I LOVE YOU MATE!!!! I LOVE YOUUUU!!!!'. Maybe horrifying to many > parents, I have this on film as a most precious moment...and one I > never > thought would happen. > > Eli has really high support needs and I continue to be impressed > that the > young people just aren't put off by the more gruesome aspects of his > care....we went to Sydney on holiday last week for 7 days - and for > the > first time organising help for Eli was a total no-brainer, even though > mainstay Joe left for Queensland to go on holiday himself half way > through - > and when we came back we heard about the poo party in the bathroom > and how > hard it was to clean up without gagging, but this was with a sense of > exhilaration rather than misery or anything like that. > > I am having deep sleeps like I cant ever remember having in my life > before > and am re-discovering the meaning of energy...which is lovely! > > Looking forward to hearing more from everyone else! > > Jaquie in Perth, WA. > > From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Thu Jan 28 19:12:28 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:42:28 +1030 Subject: FV: New school adventure In-Reply-To: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> Message-ID: <1d4342461001281912t3762052chb091aca5e3f04618@mail.gmail.com> Hallo, I count myself as a fringe dweller on the edge of familyvoices. I appreciate reading of your battles and triumphs and celebrate here in my study when things go well. The two I received today from the Sweeney family and Meg and Todd were so heartwarming. I am an older parent of a son who had a brain injury 22 yrs. ago and both of us have just turned the corner (I trust) of a most stressful six months. To read these e-mails today confirmed that we cannot ever let our guard down but to remember that good things do happen. Brenda. On Thu, Jan 28, 2010 at 7:11 PM, Family Voices < familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com> wrote: > well hello all and happy new year !!!!!!!!! > > The Sweeney's have moved, commenced renovations on the new house and had > many visitors through the holidays. > > Today was the first day for Joscelyn in year 11, 1st year of the Senior > School and Higher School Certificate in NSW.... > > As you all know the school had 7 support units on campus last year however > the school reassured us that there was no difference in the school community > re: who was a regular student vrs a special ed. student. They knew we were > up for regular class and we left the planning last year with not much set in > cement, our liaison person the head teacher of Special Ed who was lovely but > heavily committed to the support unit structure, we walked into the unknown > today. > > Todd and I accompanied Jos to school where we discovered that major changes > had happened since last year. The support unit part of the school had been > refurbished into "state of the art" segregation and now was 8 classes strong > with a head teacher and deputy principal allocated for management. > Joscelyn's liaison/program person now is in the body of the regular school > which was such good news I could have jumped for joy. This person hasn't > had much experience with a student of Joscelyn's capacity however was up for > the job and happens to be the principals wife. She did tell us that her > first experience in disability was in the 80's when she was the involved in > the establishment of a group home for 6 students on the campus of a special > school and how exciting that was in innovation at the time. In context > being on the campus of a school would be better for children than the campus > of an adult institution however I wasn't prepared to enter a conversation > about this point today. > > We had the idea the the previous head teacher had dumped and run with all > the information provided last year, so this new person was a bit in the > dark. That wasn't too bad however because we had a clean slate to work with. > > We negotiated Joscelyn's subjects from the "LINES" of choice provided to > students and left the wish list with her to negotiate placement with > head/class teachers. She came up with the idea of photography which we > never would have thought of but has heaps of potential: computer based, > interactive/collaborative, arty, etc.etc and Jos has an interest. > > We met lots of teachers, aides and students all seemed friendly, more > smiles than scowls. > > Some things of note: > > > - When the establishment of friendships was discussed the student they > immediately thought of as a possible support was a very capable student from > the support units. Todd gently pointed out that it may be difficult for a > student with needs of her own to support Jos make friendships. This comment > was received with nodding approval. I think that they assumed the other > girl would be by default be Joscelyns friend "belong together stuff". We > negotiated that students from some of her classes would probably be the best > option. > > > - The tour of the school person kept wanting to to take us to see the > fantastic support unit, we kept directing the tour to where the classes > relevant to Jos were held > > > - When work placement was discussed one of the teachers aides enthused > about a person and program that gives students like "that" opportunities to > work in a cafe. In talking further it turned out that this was as > segregated work environment located at the local crematorium. A classic SRV > moment..... > > Todd and I have enough experience now that we navigated some of these > issues with out much problem and moved forward in our direction of choice. > We have thankfully learned that its not our job to educate everyone in the > error of their thinking nor be personally offended by such. > > We went into the local TAFE in the afternoon for an interview with the > intellectual disability support organiser for Joscelyns choice of TVET Child > Studies course delivered at the TAFE campus. This was neat. The woman only > wanted to talk to Jos which was a refreshing change and Jos confidently > relayed her achievements, strengths, weaknesses and goals in life with > minimal prompting from me. I was very proud and it was testament to her > development and maturity over the last year. The woman was very impressed > and commented that she thought Jos was an excellent candidate for the > course. A true demonstration as to the capacity that an inclusive life can > bring forth. > > We look forward to tomorrow when Monica starts year 10 and Jos's timetable > will be a little more firmed up. > > Cheers for now, Meg and Todd > > > > > > > -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Thu Jan 28 22:59:53 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:59:53 +1100 Subject: FV: New school adventure In-Reply-To: <1d4342461001281912t3762052chb091aca5e3f04618@mail.gmail.com> References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> <1d4342461001281912t3762052chb091aca5e3f04618@mail.gmail.com> Message-ID: <4B628769.6040705@internode.on.net> An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Fri Jan 29 01:32:10 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:02:10 +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: Gina .....this is brilliant!!!!!!!!! How about you put it up for the next Early Intervention Conference, Early Childhood Conference or any other that will provide an opportunity for you to present this fantastic concept. It also has a vital place in the Out of School Hours (OSCH) and Vacation Care Programs which cater for children up to 12years. Keep churning out this fabulous stuff! Cheers Jill On 28/01/2010, at 9:58 PM, Family Voices wrote: > 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. > > > > > We are hopefully finally moving into our new place around Easter - I > can't wait to get back to just our own family unit in our own place > rather than it being my parents and us under the one roof. > > Hope everyone is well > > Regards > > Gina > > > On 28/01/2010, at 9:44 PM, Family Voices wrote: > >> >> Hi Sweeney Family and all >> >> Best Wishes to everyone for 2010. Can you believe it is nearly 12 >> months since we began our Canadian journey! >> Congratulations Meg and Todd on your navigation skills in a >> minefield of barriers. The school will certainly learn much by >> example from your knowledge and experience! Your account of today >> illustrates that it is the bureaucratic system which is the biggest >> barrier and not the many individual teachers who want to give every >> student a 'fair go'. Go Joscelyn!!!! >> Life in the Wishart family is much the same. Ben settled back into >> work without missing a beat after his O/S trip last year and now >> suggests that his next trip could be Moscow! Apparently Moscow >> features in one of the Police Academy movies (no. 7) so will have >> to watch and see what it's all about. Ben has begun his 20th year >> in open employment (same employer) and this week had only his 15th >> sickie in that time! As you all know it hasn't been without it's >> issues, some really serious, but I can't help thinking that all of >> us deal with issues in the workplace a lot of the time - that's >> reality, hey! Have to spend some heavy thinking time though about >> whether there are any advantages in considering him changing jobs >> i.e new environment, different skills etc. He's happy where he is, >> but he doesn't have a concept about what a new job might offer. If >> he could be a crane or truck driver, there wouldn't be any >> problems! Just like to mention a role he has in our family which >> brings much delight and hilarity. He plays Santa on Christmas >> day. Fully garbed, he arrives with his Santa sack, booming out >> MERRY CHRISTMAS, HO,HO,HO and gives $3 fun gifts out to everyone. >> Everyone joins in, including his 4yr and 2yr old nephew and niece, >> with the hilarity, hand shaking, and thanking Father Christmas >> etc. This has been happening now for the last four years and his >> siblings assure me that they will continue this new tradition in my >> absence! >> >> Hope all is well with everyone >> >> Cheers >> >> Jill >> >> >> On 28/01/2010, at 7:11 PM, Family Voices wrote: >> >>> well hello all and happy new year !!!!!!!!! >>> The Sweeney's have moved, commenced renovations on the new house >>> and had many visitors through the holidays. >>> >>> Today was the first day for Joscelyn in year 11, 1st year of the >>> Senior School and Higher School Certificate in NSW.... >>> >>> As you all know the school had 7 support units on campus last year >>> however the school reassured us that there was no difference in >>> the school community re: who was a regular student vrs a special >>> ed. student. They knew we were up for regular class and we left >>> the planning last year with not much set in cement, our liaison >>> person the head teacher of Special Ed who was lovely but heavily >>> committed to the support unit structure, we walked into the >>> unknown today. >>> >>> Todd and I accompanied Jos to school where we discovered that >>> major changes had happened since last year. The support unit part >>> of the school had been refurbished into "state of the art" >>> segregation and now was 8 classes strong with a head teacher and >>> deputy principal allocated for management. Joscelyn's liaison/ >>> program person now is in the body of the regular school which was >>> such good news I could have jumped for joy. This person hasn't >>> had much experience with a student of Joscelyn's capacity however >>> was up for the job and happens to be the principals wife. She did >>> tell us that her first experience in disability was in the 80's >>> when she was the involved in the establishment of a group home for >>> 6 students on the campus of a special school and how exciting that >>> was in innovation at the time. In context being on the campus of >>> a school would be better for children than the campus of an adult >>> institution however I wasn't prepared to enter a conversation >>> about this point today. >>> >>> We had the idea the the previous head teacher had dumped and run >>> with all the information provided last year, so this new person >>> was a bit in the dark. That wasn't too bad however because we had >>> a clean slate to work with. >>> >>> We negotiated Joscelyn's subjects from the "LINES" of choice >>> provided to students and left the wish list with her to negotiate >>> placement with head/class teachers. She came up with the idea of >>> photography which we never would have thought of but has heaps of >>> potential: computer based, interactive/collaborative, arty, >>> etc.etc and Jos has an interest. >>> >>> We met lots of teachers, aides and students all seemed friendly, >>> more smiles than scowls. >>> >>> Some things of note: >>> >>> When the establishment of friendships was discussed the student >>> they immediately thought of as a possible support was a very >>> capable student from the support units. Todd gently pointed out >>> that it may be difficult for a student with needs of her own to >>> support Jos make friendships. This comment was received with >>> nodding approval. I think that they assumed the other girl would >>> be by default be Joscelyns friend "belong together stuff". We >>> negotiated that students from some of her classes would probably >>> be the best option. >>> The tour of the school person kept wanting to to take us to see >>> the fantastic support unit, we kept directing the tour to where >>> the classes relevant to Jos were held >>> When work placement was discussed one of the teachers aides >>> enthused about a person and program that gives students like >>> "that" opportunities to work in a cafe. In talking further it >>> turned out that this was as segregated work environment located at >>> the local crematorium. A classic SRV moment..... >>> Todd and I have enough experience now that we navigated some of >>> these issues with out much problem and moved forward in our >>> direction of choice. We have thankfully learned that its not our >>> job to educate everyone in the error of their thinking nor be >>> personally offended by such. >>> >>> We went into the local TAFE in the afternoon for an interview with >>> the intellectual disability support organiser for Joscelyns choice >>> of TVET Child Studies course delivered at the TAFE campus. This >>> was neat. The woman only wanted to talk to Jos which was a >>> refreshing change and Jos confidently relayed her achievements, >>> strengths, weaknesses and goals in life with minimal prompting >>> from me. I was very proud and it was testament to her development >>> and maturity over the last year. The woman was very impressed and >>> commented that she thought Jos was an excellent candidate for the >>> course. A true demonstration as to the capacity that an inclusive >>> life can bring forth. >>> >>> We look forward to tomorrow when Monica starts year 10 and Jos's >>> timetable will be a little more firmed up. >>> >>> Cheers for now, Meg and Todd >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >> > From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Fri Jan 29 01:51:09 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:51:09 +1100 Subject: FV: New school adventure In-Reply-To: References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au> Message-ID: Thanks Jill That is a very good idea. We are basically working on putting it into a video type format with some of the kids, but mainly Mac's cousins, doing the audio for it. I might see whether I can get it ready for the NSW DET disability conference or whatever it is they have going sometime in April. Thanks again Gina On 29/01/2010, at 8:32 PM, Family Voices wrote: > > Gina .....this is brilliant!!!!!!!!! How about you put it up for > the next Early Intervention Conference, Early Childhood Conference > or any other that will provide an opportunity for you to present > this fantastic concept. It also has a vital place in the Out of > School Hours (OSCH) and Vacation Care Programs which cater for > children up to 12years. > > Keep churning out this fabulous stuff! > > Cheers > Jill > > On 28/01/2010, at 9:58 PM, Family Voices wrote: > >> 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. >> >> >> >> >> We are hopefully finally moving into our new place around Easter - >> I can't wait to get back to just our own family unit in our own >> place rather than it being my parents and us under the one roof. >> >> Hope everyone is well >> >> Regards >> >> Gina >> >> >> On 28/01/2010, at 9:44 PM, Family Voices wrote: >> >>> >>> Hi Sweeney Family and all >>> >>> Best Wishes to everyone for 2010. Can you believe it is nearly >>> 12 months since we began our Canadian journey! >>> Congratulations Meg and Todd on your navigation skills in a >>> minefield of barriers. The school will certainly learn much by >>> example from your knowledge and experience! Your account of >>> today illustrates that it is the bureaucratic system which is the >>> biggest barrier and not the many individual teachers who want to >>> give every student a 'fair go'. Go Joscelyn!!!! >>> Life in the Wishart family is much the same. Ben settled back >>> into work without missing a beat after his O/S trip last year and >>> now suggests that his next trip could be Moscow! Apparently >>> Moscow features in one of the Police Academy movies (no. 7) so >>> will have to watch and see what it's all about. Ben has begun his >>> 20th year in open employment (same employer) and this week had >>> only his 15th sickie in that time! As you all know it hasn't been >>> without it's issues, some really serious, but I can't help >>> thinking that all of us deal with issues in the workplace a lot >>> of the time - that's reality, hey! Have to spend some heavy >>> thinking time though about whether there are any advantages in >>> considering him changing jobs i.e new environment, different >>> skills etc. He's happy where he is, but he doesn't have a >>> concept about what a new job might offer. If he could be a crane >>> or truck driver, there wouldn't be any problems! Just like to >>> mention a role he has in our family which brings much delight and >>> hilarity. He plays Santa on Christmas day. Fully garbed, he >>> arrives with his Santa sack, booming out MERRY CHRISTMAS, >>> HO,HO,HO and gives $3 fun gifts out to everyone. Everyone joins >>> in, including his 4yr and 2yr old nephew and niece, with the >>> hilarity, hand shaking, and thanking Father Christmas etc. This >>> has been happening now for the last four years and his siblings >>> assure me that they will continue this new tradition in my absence! >>> >>> Hope all is well with everyone >>> >>> Cheers >>> >>> Jill >>> >>> >>> On 28/01/2010, at 7:11 PM, Family Voices wrote: >>> >>>> well hello all and happy new year !!!!!!!!! >>>> The Sweeney's have moved, commenced renovations on the new house >>>> and had many visitors through the holidays. >>>> >>>> Today was the first day for Joscelyn in year 11, 1st year of the >>>> Senior School and Higher School Certificate in NSW.... >>>> >>>> As you all know the school had 7 support units on campus last >>>> year however the school reassured us that there was no >>>> difference in the school community re: who was a regular student >>>> vrs a special ed. student. They knew we were up for regular >>>> class and we left the planning last year with not much set in >>>> cement, our liaison person the head teacher of Special Ed who >>>> was lovely but heavily committed to the support unit structure, >>>> we walked into the unknown today. >>>> >>>> Todd and I accompanied Jos to school where we discovered that >>>> major changes had happened since last year. The support unit >>>> part of the school had been refurbished into "state of the art" >>>> segregation and now was 8 classes strong with a head teacher and >>>> deputy principal allocated for management. Joscelyn's liaison/ >>>> program person now is in the body of the regular school which >>>> was such good news I could have jumped for joy. This person >>>> hasn't had much experience with a student of Joscelyn's capacity >>>> however was up for the job and happens to be the principals >>>> wife. She did tell us that her first experience in disability >>>> was in the 80's when she was the involved in the establishment >>>> of a group home for 6 students on the campus of a special school >>>> and how exciting that was in innovation at the time. In context >>>> being on the campus of a school would be better for children >>>> than the campus of an adult institution however I wasn't >>>> prepared to enter a conversation about this point today. >>>> >>>> We had the idea the the previous head teacher had dumped and run >>>> with all the information provided last year, so this new person >>>> was a bit in the dark. That wasn't too bad however because we >>>> had a clean slate to work with. >>>> >>>> We negotiated Joscelyn's subjects from the "LINES" of choice >>>> provided to students and left the wish list with her to >>>> negotiate placement with head/class teachers. She came up with >>>> the idea of photography which we never would have thought of but >>>> has heaps of potential: computer based, interactive/ >>>> collaborative, arty, etc.etc and Jos has an interest. >>>> >>>> We met lots of teachers, aides and students all seemed friendly, >>>> more smiles than scowls. >>>> >>>> Some things of note: >>>> >>>> When the establishment of friendships was discussed the student >>>> they immediately thought of as a possible support was a very >>>> capable student from the support units. Todd gently pointed out >>>> that it may be difficult for a student with needs of her own to >>>> support Jos make friendships. This comment was received with >>>> nodding approval. I think that they assumed the other girl >>>> would be by default be Joscelyns friend "belong together stuff". >>>> We negotiated that students from some of her classes would >>>> probably be the best option. >>>> The tour of the school person kept wanting to to take us to see >>>> the fantastic support unit, we kept directing the tour to where >>>> the classes relevant to Jos were held >>>> When work placement was discussed one of the teachers aides >>>> enthused about a person and program that gives students like >>>> "that" opportunities to work in a cafe. In talking further it >>>> turned out that this was as segregated work environment located >>>> at the local crematorium. A classic SRV moment..... >>>> Todd and I have enough experience now that we navigated some of >>>> these issues with out much problem and moved forward in our >>>> direction of choice. We have thankfully learned that its not our >>>> job to educate everyone in the error of their thinking nor be >>>> personally offended by such. >>>> >>>> We went into the local TAFE in the afternoon for an interview >>>> with the intellectual disability support organiser for Joscelyns >>>> choice of TVET Child Studies course delivered at the TAFE >>>> campus. This was neat. The woman only wanted to talk to Jos >>>> which was a refreshing change and Jos confidently relayed her >>>> achievements, strengths, weaknesses and goals in life with >>>> minimal prompting from me. I was very proud and it was >>>> testament to her development and maturity over the last year. >>>> The woman was very impressed and commented that she thought Jos >>>> was an excellent candidate for the course. A true demonstration >>>> as to the capacity that an inclusive life can bring forth. >>>> >>>> We look forward to tomorrow when Monica starts year 10 and Jos's >>>> timetable will be a little more firmed up. >>>> >>>> Cheers for now, Meg and Todd >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>> >> > > From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Fri Jan 29 02:08:27 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:38:27 +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: <4C8FB91E-E374-4118-A47B-3E7D92FD917C@aapt.net.au> Don't forget the Interstate and National Conferences. I can see an Online Nationally Accredited Competency Based Skills Program shaping up here!! J On 29/01/2010, at 8:21 PM, Family Voices wrote: > Thanks Jill > > That is a very good idea. We are basically working on putting it > into a video type format with some of the kids, but mainly Mac's > cousins, doing the audio for it. I might see whether I can get it > ready for the NSW DET disability conference or whatever it is they > have going sometime in April. > > Thanks again > Gina > > On 29/01/2010, at 8:32 PM, Family Voices wrote: > >> >> Gina .....this is brilliant!!!!!!!!! How about you put it up for >> the next Early Intervention Conference, Early Childhood Conference >> or any other that will provide an opportunity for you to present >> this fantastic concept. It also has a vital place in the Out of >> School Hours (OSCH) and Vacation Care Programs which cater for >> children up to 12years. >> >> Keep churning out this fabulous stuff! >> >> Cheers >> Jill >> >> On 28/01/2010, at 9:58 PM, Family Voices wrote: >> >>> 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. >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> We are hopefully finally moving into our new place around Easter - >>> I can't wait to get back to just our own family unit in our own >>> place rather than it being my parents and us under the one roof. >>> >>> Hope everyone is well >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> Gina >>> >>> >>> On 28/01/2010, at 9:44 PM, Family Voices wrote: >>> >>>> >>>> Hi Sweeney Family and all >>>> >>>> Best Wishes to everyone for 2010. Can you believe it is nearly >>>> 12 months since we began our Canadian journey! >>>> Congratulations Meg and Todd on your navigation skills in a >>>> minefield of barriers. The school will certainly learn much by >>>> example from your knowledge and experience! Your account of >>>> today illustrates that it is the bureaucratic system which is the >>>> biggest barrier and not the many individual teachers who want to >>>> give every student a 'fair go'. Go Joscelyn!!!! >>>> Life in the Wishart family is much the same. Ben settled back >>>> into work without missing a beat after his O/S trip last year and >>>> now suggests that his next trip could be Moscow! Apparently >>>> Moscow features in one of the Police Academy movies (no. 7) so >>>> will have to watch and see what it's all about. Ben has begun his >>>> 20th year in open employment (same employer) and this week had >>>> only his 15th sickie in that time! As you all know it hasn't been >>>> without it's issues, some really serious, but I can't help >>>> thinking that all of us deal with issues in the workplace a lot >>>> of the time - that's reality, hey! Have to spend some heavy >>>> thinking time though about whether there are any advantages in >>>> considering him changing jobs i.e new environment, different >>>> skills etc. He's happy where he is, but he doesn't have a >>>> concept about what a new job might offer. If he could be a crane >>>> or truck driver, there wouldn't be any problems! Just like to >>>> mention a role he has in our family which brings much delight and >>>> hilarity. He plays Santa on Christmas day. Fully garbed, he >>>> arrives with his Santa sack, booming out MERRY CHRISTMAS, >>>> HO,HO,HO and gives $3 fun gifts out to everyone. Everyone joins >>>> in, including his 4yr and 2yr old nephew and niece, with the >>>> hilarity, hand shaking, and thanking Father Christmas etc. This >>>> has been happening now for the last four years and his siblings >>>> assure me that they will continue this new tradition in my absence! >>>> >>>> Hope all is well with everyone >>>> >>>> Cheers >>>> >>>> Jill >>>> >>>> >>>> On 28/01/2010, at 7:11 PM, Family Voices wrote: >>>> >>>>> well hello all and happy new year !!!!!!!!! >>>>> The Sweeney's have moved, commenced renovations on the new house >>>>> and had many visitors through the holidays. >>>>> >>>>> Today was the first day for Joscelyn in year 11, 1st year of the >>>>> Senior School and Higher School Certificate in NSW.... >>>>> >>>>> As you all know the school had 7 support units on campus last >>>>> year however the school reassured us that there was no >>>>> difference in the school community re: who was a regular student >>>>> vrs a special ed. student. They knew we were up for regular >>>>> class and we left the planning last year with not much set in >>>>> cement, our liaison person the head teacher of Special Ed who >>>>> was lovely but heavily committed to the support unit structure, >>>>> we walked into the unknown today. >>>>> >>>>> Todd and I accompanied Jos to school where we discovered that >>>>> major changes had happened since last year. The support unit >>>>> part of the school had been refurbished into "state of the art" >>>>> segregation and now was 8 classes strong with a head teacher and >>>>> deputy principal allocated for management. Joscelyn's liaison/ >>>>> program person now is in the body of the regular school which >>>>> was such good news I could have jumped for joy. This person >>>>> hasn't had much experience with a student of Joscelyn's capacity >>>>> however was up for the job and happens to be the principals >>>>> wife. She did tell us that her first experience in disability >>>>> was in the 80's when she was the involved in the establishment >>>>> of a group home for 6 students on the campus of a special school >>>>> and how exciting that was in innovation at the time. In context >>>>> being on the campus of a school would be better for children >>>>> than the campus of an adult institution however I wasn't >>>>> prepared to enter a conversation about this point today. >>>>> >>>>> We had the idea the the previous head teacher had dumped and run >>>>> with all the information provided last year, so this new person >>>>> was a bit in the dark. That wasn't too bad however because we >>>>> had a clean slate to work with. >>>>> >>>>> We negotiated Joscelyn's subjects from the "LINES" of choice >>>>> provided to students and left the wish list with her to >>>>> negotiate placement with head/class teachers. She came up with >>>>> the idea of photography which we never would have thought of but >>>>> has heaps of potential: computer based, interactive/ >>>>> collaborative, arty, etc.etc and Jos has an interest. >>>>> >>>>> We met lots of teachers, aides and students all seemed friendly, >>>>> more smiles than scowls. >>>>> >>>>> Some things of note: >>>>> >>>>> When the establishment of friendships was discussed the student >>>>> they immediately thought of as a possible support was a very >>>>> capable student from the support units. Todd gently pointed out >>>>> that it may be difficult for a student with needs of her own to >>>>> support Jos make friendships. This comment was received with >>>>> nodding approval. I think that they assumed the other girl >>>>> would be by default be Joscelyns friend "belong together stuff". >>>>> We negotiated that students from some of her classes would >>>>> probably be the best option. >>>>> The tour of the school person kept wanting to to take us to see >>>>> the fantastic support unit, we kept directing the tour to where >>>>> the classes relevant to Jos were held >>>>> When work placement was discussed one of the teachers aides >>>>> enthused about a person and program that gives students like >>>>> "that" opportunities to work in a cafe. In talking further it >>>>> turned out that this was as segregated work environment located >>>>> at the local crematorium. A classic SRV moment..... >>>>> Todd and I have enough experience now that we navigated some of >>>>> these issues with out much problem and moved forward in our >>>>> direction of choice. We have thankfully learned that its not our >>>>> job to educate everyone in the error of their thinking nor be >>>>> personally offended by such. >>>>> >>>>> We went into the local TAFE in the afternoon for an interview >>>>> with the intellectual disability support organiser for Joscelyns >>>>> choice of TVET Child Studies course delivered at the TAFE >>>>> campus. This was neat. The woman only wanted to talk to Jos >>>>> which was a refreshing change and Jos confidently relayed her >>>>> achievements, strengths, weaknesses and goals in life with >>>>> minimal prompting from me. I was very proud and it was >>>>> testament to her development and maturity over the last year. >>>>> The woman was very impressed and commented that she thought Jos >>>>> was an excellent candidate for the course. A true demonstration >>>>> as to the capacity that an inclusive life can bring forth. >>>>> >>>>> We look forward to tomorrow when Monica starts year 10 and Jos's >>>>> timetable will be a little more firmed up. >>>>> >>>>> Cheers for now, Meg and Todd >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>> >>> >> >> > > From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Fri Jan 29 06:37:24 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:37:24 +0800 Subject: FV: New school adventure In-Reply-To: <9402BF79-52B8-4E4F-AFDB-C251F909649E@bigpond.com> References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au> <001d01caa06f$ba3cc800$2eb65800$@net.au> <9402BF79-52B8-4E4F-AFDB-C251F909649E@bigpond.com> Message-ID: <000801caa0f0$92deca70$b89c5f50$@net.au> That would be totally awesome Gina! Thank you! Jaquie :) -----Original Message----- From: familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com [mailto:familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com] On Behalf Of Family Voices Sent: Friday, 29 January 2010 9:04 AM To: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Subject: Re: FV: New school adventure Jaquie I'm doing up notes etc on how I organised it eg ran the meetings, what things we talked about eg: at the first meeting we talked about what "risk assessment" meant, why there are rules that sometimes seem silly but usually have good reasons behind them, I included doing things like taking 'attendance' at the meeting explaining about how meetings are run in businesses etc etc and also how we actually started the process so once i am done I will send it through to you. Cheers Gina On 29/01/2010, at 10:15 AM, Family Voices wrote: > Gina, this is freaking fantastic! You are genius! This is > beautiful! What a > magnificent example of a parent changing the system by speaking its > language...I hope you can hear the applause and cheers coming to > you from > all the way over here in WA! > > How would you feel about us using your example in teaching classes > this > year? > > Jaquie xx > > > -----Original Message----- > From: familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com > [mailto:familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com] On Behalf Of > Family > Voices > Sent: Thursday, 28 January 2010 7:29 PM > To: 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. > > > From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Fri Jan 29 06:41:21 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:41:21 +0800 Subject: FV: moving out... In-Reply-To: References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au> <001e01caa071$336c3ac0$9a44b040$@net.au> Message-ID: <000901caa0f1$1ff01270$5fd03750$@net.au> You are on fire Gina! I think we probably need to be doing this a bit longer before we can start promoting it as a good example. It is still early days and there is still heaps of stuff to figure out. Unpaid support is a different kettle of fish - it isnt like you can just tell people what to do and not pay them....its complicated figuring out who wants to do what, and how, and getting it all running on its own steam. Everyone looks at Eli's arrangement and says....thats all very well, but is it sustainable?....I reckon we'll need to keep going for about 5 years or so before anyone is satisfied about that...but thanks for the positive feedback! Its nice to have some straightforward not - cynical comments! Jaquie :) -----Original Message----- From: familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com [mailto:familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com] On Behalf Of Family Voices Sent: Friday, 29 January 2010 9:10 AM To: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Subject: Re: FV: moving out... Wow. How fantastic is all of this. I noticed the 7pm project (charlie pickering) raised the issue of young people in nursing homes the other day and seemed like it was something they wanted to follow up - but of course they only have the "young people in young people homes perspective as a solution". Maybe you could show them a totally different potential for our young people with disabilities? I have been meaning to write to them to be sure they know that moving young people out of aged care facilities can be more varied than the obvious and accepted answer of more institutionalised type care - just ran out of time to date - but will keep it on my to-do list. A show that hits a younger audience might be a good avenue to target, because many viewers may have been exposed to inclusion in school (unlike my age group) they could have the ah-hah moments quicker than the pollies could. Gina On 29/01/2010, at 10:25 AM, Family Voices wrote: > Hi folks > > And while we are getting back into things and giving updates...Eli has > finally completely evicted us from the house and is living > independently > with his friends Joe, Shane and Hayley. Joe has gone onto the carer > pension > for now and is loving being the responsible person in Eli's life, > and Shane > and Hayley provide support in exchange for rent. So far we haven't > been > giving any funding for this project, but we still have fingers > crossed that > the system will come the party - otherwise I might have to work > extra long > hours because maintaining two mortgages is a biggy! > > Its very tricky - behind the scenes there is a lot of work and > thinking > which has gone on, and it is very early days, but so far it has been > brilliant as Eli's pad is turning out to be THE place to be and > some wicked > (and parent - terrifying!) parties have gone on. We live next door > and just > try to not listen or pay too much attention. There was a very sweet > moment > recently when Eli and his mate Liam came - or should I say > staggered - over > to our place half way through one party, Liam quite drunk, and he > and Eli > had their arms around each other and Liam kept trying to kiss Eli, > yelling > out 'I LOVE YOU MATE!!!! I LOVE YOUUUU!!!!'. Maybe horrifying to many > parents, I have this on film as a most precious moment...and one I > never > thought would happen. > > Eli has really high support needs and I continue to be impressed > that the > young people just aren't put off by the more gruesome aspects of his > care....we went to Sydney on holiday last week for 7 days - and for > the > first time organising help for Eli was a total no-brainer, even though > mainstay Joe left for Queensland to go on holiday himself half way > through - > and when we came back we heard about the poo party in the bathroom > and how > hard it was to clean up without gagging, but this was with a sense of > exhilaration rather than misery or anything like that. > > I am having deep sleeps like I cant ever remember having in my life > before > and am re-discovering the meaning of energy...which is lovely! > > Looking forward to hearing more from everyone else! > > Jaquie in Perth, WA. > > From familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Sat Jan 30 16:27:42 2010 From: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com (Family Voices) Date: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:27:42 +1100 Subject: FV: New school adventure In-Reply-To: References: <4B614DB9.1060700@internode.on.net> <76BB8B8C-1053-47BE-9D36-DC4F2587A2DB@aapt.net.au> Message-ID: <000001caa20c$3473ec00$9d5bc400$@com.au> Hello dear friends on Family Voices, As I muddle along with a new computer and all the challenges that gives me! I find some gorgeous news of new schools, new homes, and old friends on my email. Good luck to Jos and the Sweeney's with all their new school happenings. I smiled with Jill' s Santa story..So lovely. What a lovely story. With Mac. Back at school, it was lovely to hear from Gina too. The McLeish Clan are back from holidays in Thailand. It was a lovely few weeks travelling up to the River Kwai and Bangkok and the a few days staying at a friend's home in Pattaya and playing some very ordinary golf at Siam Country Club. -(Lovely course, bad golf!) The Thai experience was very challenging for Lauren. She really tried to love it, and for most parts she did. The food was a big success and Bangkok shops and markets were fabulous too. But there is no consideration for anyone with a disability. Lord knows how people manage in these places and my heart ached for a poor beggar with C.P. laying crippled on the hot concrete. I couldn't get this picture out of my head for days. Lauren found the broken pavements, holes in the paths, uneven and broken steps, steep climbs an getting in and out of Tuk Tuk' s and river boats all very difficult. It showed up her physical disability constantly and she was often quite distressed by that. Murdoch and I were always holding her hand and alerting her to watch her step. She really hates it when we do that! But it was necessary or she would have been at risk of falling. Getting in and out of the river taxi's posed all sorts of problems. However, we are laughing about all this now and her confidence has grown enormously with the travelling experience. Since we've been home, we have had a few days at Beechworth with my daughter and family and a visit to my son at Eildon and then yesterday I returned from a few days golf at Barwon Heads where I stayed with a friend. No wonder I haven't had a chance to sit and work at this new computer. Lauren has decided to return to work in the second week of February. She calls the shots and says it is her decision, however, the senior's cinema (where she is the usher) is not up and running till then! She is enjoying the holiday still and seems to need the long break. Great to hear news of everyone and may we all have a healthy 2010. Maureen -----Original Message----- From: familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com [mailto:familyvoices-bounces at inpress.pledgonline.com] On Behalf Of Family Voices Sent: Friday, 29 January 2010 8:51 PM To: familyvoices at inpress.pledgonline.com Subject: Re: FV: New school adventure Thanks Jill That is a very good idea. We are basically working on putting it into a video type format with some of the kids, but mainly Mac's cousins, doing the audio for it. I might see whether I can get it ready for the NSW DET disability conference or whatever it is they have going sometime in April. Thanks again Gina On 29/01/2010, at 8:32 PM, Family Voices wrote: > > Gina .....this is brilliant!!!!!!!!! How about you put it up for > the next Early Intervention Conference, Early Childhood Conference > or any other that will provide an opportunity for you to present > this fantastic concept. It also has a vital place in the Out of > School Hours (OSCH) and Vacation Care Programs which cater for > children up to 12years. > > Keep churning out this fabulous stuff! > > Cheers > Jill > > On 28/01/2010, at 9:58 PM, Family Voices wrote: > >> 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. >> >> >> >> >> We are hopefully finally moving into our new place around Easter - >> I can't wait to get back to just our own family unit in our own >> place rather than it being my parents and us under the one roof. >> >> Hope everyone is well >> >> Regards >> >> Gina >> >> >> On 28/01/2010, at 9:44 PM, Family Voices wrote: >> >>> >>> Hi Sweeney Family and all >>> >>> Best Wishes to everyone for 2010. Can you believe it is nearly >>> 12 months since we began our Canadian journey! >>> Congratulations Meg and Todd on your navigation skills in a >>> minefield of barriers. The school will certainly learn much by >>> example from your knowledge and experience! Your account of >>> today illustrates that it is the bureaucratic system which is the >>> biggest barrier and not the many individual teachers who want to >>> give every student a 'fair go'. Go Joscelyn!!!! >>> Life in the Wishart family is much the same. Ben settled back >>> into work without missing a beat after his O/S trip last year and >>> now suggests that his next trip could be Moscow! Apparently >>> Moscow features in one of the Police Academy movies (no. 7) so >>> will have to watch and see what it's all about. Ben has begun his >>> 20th year in open employment (same employer) and this week had >>> only his 15th sickie in that time! As you all know it hasn't been >>> without it's issues, some really serious, but I can't help >>> thinking that all of us deal with issues in the workplace a lot >>> of the time - that's reality, hey! Have to spend some heavy >>> thinking time though about whether there are any advantages in >>> considering him changing jobs i.e new environment, different >>> skills etc. He's happy where he is, but he doesn't have a >>> concept about what a new job might offer. If he could be a crane >>> or truck driver, there wouldn't be any problems! Just like to >>> mention a role he has in our family which brings much delight and >>> hilarity. He plays Santa on Christmas day. Fully garbed, he >>> arrives with his Santa sack, booming out MERRY CHRISTMAS, >>> HO,HO,HO and gives $3 fun gifts out to everyone. Everyone joins >>> in, including his 4yr and 2yr old nephew and niece, with the >>> hilarity, hand shaking, and thanking Father Christmas etc. This >>> has been happening now for the last four years and his siblings >>> assure me that they will continue this new tradition in my absence! >>> >>> Hope all is well with everyone >>> >>> Cheers >>> >>> Jill >>> >>> >>> On 28/01/2010, at 7:11 PM, Family Voices wrote: >>> >>>> well hello all and happy new year !!!!!!!!! >>>> The Sweeney's have moved, commenced renovations on the new house >>>> and had many visitors through the holidays. >>>> >>>> Today was the first day for Joscelyn in year 11, 1st year of the >>>> Senior School and Higher School Certificate in NSW.... >>>> >>>> As you all know the school had 7 support units on campus last >>>> year however the school reassured us that there was no >>>> difference in the school community re: who was a regular student >>>> vrs a special ed. student. They knew we were up for regular >>>> class and we left the planning last year with not much set in >>>> cement, our liaison person the head teacher of Special Ed who >>>> was lovely but heavily committed to the support unit structure, >>>> we walked into the unknown today. >>>> >>>> Todd and I accompanied Jos to school where we discovered that >>>> major changes had happened since last year. The support unit >>>> part of the school had been refurbished into "state of the art" >>>> segregation and now was 8 classes strong with a head teacher and >>>> deputy principal allocated for management. Joscelyn's liaison/ >>>> program person now is in the body of the regular school which >>>> was such good news I could have jumped for joy. This person >>>> hasn't had much experience with a student of Joscelyn's capacity >>>> however was up for the job and happens to be the principals >>>> wife. She did tell us that her first experience in disability >>>> was in the 80's when she was the involved in the establishment >>>> of a group home for 6 students on the campus of a special school >>>> and how exciting that was in innovation at the time. In context >>>> being on the campus of a school would be better for children >>>> than the campus of an adult institution however I wasn't >>>> prepared to enter a conversation about this point today. >>>> >>>> We had the idea the the previous head teacher had dumped and run >>>> with all the information provided last year, so this new person >>>> was a bit in the dark. That wasn't too bad however because we >>>> had a clean slate to work with. >>>> >>>> We negotiated Joscelyn's subjects from the "LINES" of choice >>>> provided to students and left the wish list with her to >>>> negotiate placement with head/class teachers. She came up with >>>> the idea of photography which we never would have thought of but >>>> has heaps of potential: computer based, interactive/ >>>> collaborative, arty, etc.etc and Jos has an interest. >>>> >>>> We met lots of teachers, aides and students all seemed friendly, >>>> more smiles than scowls. >>>> >>>> Some things of note: >>>> >>>> When the establishment of friendships was discussed the student >>>> they immediately thought of as a possible support was a very >>>> capable student from the support units. Todd gently pointed out >>>> that it may be difficult for a student with needs of her own to >>>> support Jos make friendships. This comment was received with >>>> nodding approval. I think that they assumed the other girl >>>> would be by default be Joscelyns friend "belong together stuff". >>>> We negotiated that students from some of her classes would >>>> probably be the best option. >>>> The tour of the school person kept wanting to to take us to see >>>> the fantastic support unit, we kept directing the tour to where >>>> the classes relevant to Jos were held >>>> When work placement was discussed one of the teachers aides >>>> enthused about a person and program that gives students like >>>> "that" opportunities to work in a cafe. In talking further it >>>> turned out that this was as segregated work environment located >>>> at the local crematorium. A classic SRV moment..... >>>> Todd and I have enough experience now that we navigated some of >>>> these issues with out much problem and moved forward in our >>>> direction of choice. We have thankfully learned that its not our >>>> job to educate everyone in the error of their thinking nor be >>>> personally offended by such. >>>> >>>> We went into the local TAFE in the afternoon for an interview >>>> with the intellectual disability support organiser for Joscelyns >>>> choice of TVET Child Studies course delivered at the TAFE >>>> campus. This was neat. The woman only wanted to talk to Jos >>>> which was a refreshing change and Jos confidently relayed her >>>> achievements, strengths, weaknesses and goals in life with >>>> minimal prompting from me. I was very proud and it was >>>> testament to her development and maturity over the last year. >>>> The woman was very impressed and commented that she thought Jos >>>> was an excellent candidate for the course. A true demonstration >>>> as to the capacity that an inclusive life can bring forth. >>>> >>>> We look forward to tomorrow when Monica starts year 10 and Jos's >>>> timetable will be a little more firmed up. >>>> >>>> Cheers for now, Meg and Todd >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>> >> > >