People and Communities
Your Local Area Coordination magazine
Family, friends, community — a good life
Spring 2011
About your magazine
People and Communities is produced by the Disability Services Commission’s Local Area Coordination directorate. The magazine is published three times a year and we welcome your submissions. Please note the Commission reserves the right to edit submissions.
People and Communities is available at: > Publications and links > Local Area Coordination.
All communication should be directed to:
The Editorial Coordinator
People and Communities magazine
Disability Services Commission
Local Area Coordination directorate
PO Box 441
West PerthWA 6872
Phone: 9426 9317
Freecall: 1800 998 214 (country callers)
Fax: 9322 1397
TTY: 9426 9315
Email:
Views expressed in People and Communities are those of the contributors and are not necessarily those of the State Government or the Disability Services Commission. While reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information in People and Communities is obtained from reliable sources, no responsibility can be accepted by the magazine for its accuracy. The editors reserve the right to review, edit or exclude any material submitted. Reproduction without permission from the Disability Services Commission is prohibited.
© 2011
ISSN 1838-0021
Newslines
It’s been fantastic to receive positive feedback on our first publication, with this spring edition featuring a number of personal submissions. Last month, Local Area Coordination held the first state-wide forum for many years. In addition to providing information on key Commission agendas, the forum provided an opportunity for Local Area Coordinators (LACs) to meet their colleagues from across the State and share ideas, local initiatives, challenges and successes.
A number of people with disability and families also shared their stories at the forum. We are pleased to feature two personal stories in this edition of People and Communities.
Next year, we plan to hold smaller forums in a number of areas across the State and invite people with disability and families to join us. More information to come early in 2012! As well as providing a way for people to share their personal stories, People and Communities provides readers with key disability-related information and items of interest. We look forward to your ongoing contributions. Happy reading.
Robyn Massey
Executive Director
Local Area Coordination
Disability Services Commission
Kununurra water garden a winner
Two years ago Odie Smith started planning herwater garden. Working with her live-in carerDebbie Brown, Odie designed a garden thatincorporates palms and fragrant climbing plantsthat attract frogs, lizards, birds and butterflies.All their hard work paid off when Odie wasawarded first prize for the best water garden inthe East Kimberley area at the recent KununurraAgriculture Show.
Forty-two year-old Odie has Huntington’sdisease, a neurological condition that hasworsened significantly over the past few years.The garden has become a tranquil and relaxingplace for Odie to gather with her extendedfamily, friends and the two family dogs Herbertand Doris.
Odie and Debbie are busy planning their nextproject—a wheelchair accessiblepathwayaround their home.
As part of the Kununurra community, Odie’s LACDeb Craigie shared in the excitement at hearingthe news about the prize winning garden.
Fresh ideas and inspiration at forum
Information about local people and initiativeswas the highlight of the State Local AreaCoordination forum held in August.With the theme ‘moving forward together’,the forum gave participants a chance to hearpeople’s stories, find out more about localactivities and programs and receive updates oninternational initiatives in the disability sector.Forum participants had the opportunity togain a deeper understanding of people andcommunities.
This magazine issue features stories by MartinStevens and Tiana Jones,both of whom gave presentations at the forum.Forum sessions showcased initiatives thathave led to greater opportunities for peoplewith disability to be included in their localcommunities. ‘Snapshots’ of some of theseinitiatives are provided on page 17.
Paradigm, one of the United Kingdom’s leadingconsultancy and training agencies, provideda number of workshops.
Covering topics such as building personalisedand sustainable support systems, anddeveloping support networks which areself-managed, Paradigm highlighted theimportance of planning for the future.Overall, forum participants gained a deeperunderstanding of people and communities.Forum discussion on the concept of ‘realwealth’ helped confirm the view that ‘wealth’is more than financial resources.
Real wealth for people of all abilities isunderpinned by networks of support and thepower of valued relationships.Real wealth helps people build better livesand feel connected and part of theirlocal communities.
Self-belief helps achieve dreams
Martin Stevens has cerebral palsy, but thathas not stopped him setting and achieving hisgoals. At the recent LocalAreaCoordinationState forum Martin explained what drives hispositive attitude.“When I was much younger I had troublebelieving in myself. I thought I would be putinto a special needs school and not have thesame opportunities as other kids my age.But my parents believed in me and taught meto believe in myself,” said Martin.
“Cerebral palsy has an impact on everythingI do—everything takes longer and is morecomplicated. I accept that. However, with self-belief,and the right supports in place, I believeanything is possible. Some time ago I madean important decision, choosing to face andovercome obstacles by setting goals thatwould help me achieve my dreams for a fulland happy life.
“People assumed that because I have adisability I would never attend a mainstreamschool, go to university, have a career, orparticipate in community activities. I have proventhem wrong.
“For example, last year I wanted to film theCity to Surf Fun Run. I needed supports formy video camera so I borrowed Dad’s crutches.Dad helped me cut down one of them andattach Mum’s tripod so we could mount thevideo camera.
“My support worker Andrew Talmage workedwith me to attach the video mount to mywheelchair. I not only completed the fun runbut I achieved my goal of filming the event andmaking a DVD. The only problem in solvingthe filming obstacle was that soon after Dadneeded his crutches and he had to go out andby another pair. However, I see an opportunityhere—another two tripods ready to go.
“Today I am in the middle of achieving mydreams. I graduated from Year 12, havecompleted a Certificate III in CommunityServices and Youth Work and I am now studying at Edith Cowan University inJoondalup. I plan to transfer into multi-mediaand animation studies.
“I have also registered my own business—MindSPEAK—as a way to raise communityawareness and advocate for people withdisability” Martin said.
“I remember the first talk I gave in Easter 2008.I was surprised at people’s reactions—I liked it.People really understood my message—a lot ofpeople don’t.
“Since then I have talked to school groups,people at graduation ceremonies and staffat Perth Home Care and the Commission.
“I want to make a difference and scraplimitations. Limitations are the biggestproblem for people like me.
“Support comes from different places—like presenting at the LAC Forum.
“I recently added a new friend to myFacebook page. She contacted me after her LAC in Karratha talked about my LAC forumpresentation. Guess what—I have a new friend.
“I am fortunate that I have a very good supportnetwork around me—people who believe in meand keep me at the centre of planning.
“My family, my LAC Tony Shepherd and mysupport worker Andrew work together to helpme realise my dreams.
“Getting to where I am today has meant facingand overcoming many challenges. Withouta doubt—just like everyone else—I will facechallenges in the future. That’s just part oflife. However, if I can find ways to achieve mydreams, other people can as well.”
Bunbury artists share their passion
Artists and people with disability are pairing upto share their passion for painting and other artforms in a program launched in Bunbury in May.The Art Partners program matches people withdisability who are interested in art with a mentorwho may be a practising artist or have a passionfor the same artistic medium as the participants.
The mentor’s role is to attend art classes atone of two Bunbury venues and work with theirpartners to help ensure their full participation inthe program.
One of the program collaborators is DADAA, aFremantle-based arts and disability organisationthat has had a South West regional programoperating from Bunbury for six years.“The program’s key objective is to createinclusive cultural and artistic opportunitiesfor people with disability,” DADAA’s Regional Project Officer Wanda Ariano said.
“It’s very much a collaborative effort—workingwith representatives from the Disability ServicesCommission, DADAA, Advocacy South West,Activ Foundation, Enable South West, BunburyRegionalArtGalleries and Stirling Street ArtCentre.”
LAC Maureen Brearley is the Commission’srepresentative.“Program funding is broad-based and includesservice organisations, corporations, smallbusinesses and individuals. Our aim is to havea number of donors who each provide a smallamount of funding,” Maureen said.
“There was great interest in joining the program,with the result that we had more applicants thanplaces in the pilot stage.
“However, we are hopeful that with ongoing donations and support, Art Partners canbe expanded and become a permanentcommunity-based program.”
By the end of the project, it is hopedparticipants will have gained confidence intheir art-making practice and will be producingvalued works.
Participation also provides opportunities forpeople with disability to expand their networksand circle of friends through interaction withtheir mentor, teacher, classmates and peopleenrolled in other activities at the same venue.Participant Roslyn Burns had been a passionateand creative painter for many years. Howeverher physical condition has deteriorated to thepoint where she is no longer able to use herhands. For the past six months, Roslyn hasbeen painting with her feet.
Roslyn’s mentor Billie Griffiths said Roslyn’sparticipation in the program has been aninspirational experience for everyone.“I love being part of the program and I am veryproud of my paintings,” Roslyn said.
“I would really like to donate my bird paintingto the BigSwampWildlifePark in Bunbury.My next art project involves sketching thedifferent animals, and possibly a painting ofthe park at sunset.”
For more information: contact your LAC, phoneMaureen Brearley on 9722 3099 or or phoneWanda Ariano on 0429 918 711 or .
Bowling champion lives life to the full
An independent life suits Ryan Underwood—the 28-year-old is confident, adventurous,enthusiastic about life, and a keen sportsenthusiast.
Ryan’s mum Gail describes him as a generousperson who values his independence and makinghis own decisions and choices.
Ryan has an intellectual disability and faces otherchallenges which include vision impairment and epilepsy.Ten years ago, with significant ongoing supportfrom his parents, Ryan moved out of home to liveindependently in his grandmother’s unit.
Ryan also took over the care of his grandmother’sdog Toby and later his own dog Phoebe.
With the assistance of LACs in the Perth suburbof Parkwood, three years ago Ryan and hisparents and three other local families met toexplore independent living options which involvedless direct family support.These planning meetings included discussionsabout the Commission’s Community Living Plan.The families decided to use the family governancemodel to guide their living plan. The modelallowed the families to develop individual plansfor their family members. Two coordinatorsassisted the four families to implement their plans which were approved, funded and have been inoperation for almost two years.
A coordinator visits Ryan regularly to help ensurehis independent living plan is working well.Ryan also has Post School Options funding andhe is exploring employment opportunities.Ryan enjoys getting out and about in thecommunity—going to the movies, training at thegym, line dancing, playing basketball, swimming and, with support, taking day-long train trips intothe country.
Tenpin bowling has been one of Ryan’s interestssince joining a Melville group when he was 11years old. The group was open to children of allabilities and the family helped support the club’sactivities.
At 18, through the Association for the Blind,Ryan started playing competitively, and hehas represented the State side in nationalchampionships since 2000.
Ryan also volunteers with the Association,supporting other players in both goalball andtenpin bowling.
Ryan is part of the Australian tenpin bowling teamcompeting at the world championships in KualaLumpur in October 2011, where 16 countries arecompeting.
Home comforts for Derby siblings
Derby brother and sister Ida (52) and Simon (47)Mowaljari are now enjoying life in their own home,after living in a home for the aged since 2004.Numbla Nunga Nursing Home in Derby hadbeen the only accommodation option for thesiblings because of a lack of local supportedaccommodation facilities for people with disabilitytheir age in the town.
Funding from the Commission’s Young People inResidential Aged Care (YPRAC) project enabledthe duo to move into their own home.
The Commission’s Kimberley Local AreaCoordination Area Manager Russell Smith, who isbased in Broome, said the move was one of themany positive outcomes of the YPRAC project.“The project aimed to give young peoplewith disability living in aged care facilities theopportunity to live and participate within theircommunities,” Russell said.
“Ida and Simon were too young to be living in anursing home. Unfortunately this can be the onlyoption for many younger people with disabilitywhen there isn’t anything else available for them intheir community.
“The YPRAC project aims to change this throughidentifying younger people with disability at riskof becoming permanent residents of aged carefacilities and seeking alternative accommodationand support solutions for them.”
Mr and Ms Mowaljari’s Derby home has fourbedrooms, two bathrooms and is fully wheelchairaccessible.Funding from the project also furnished theresidence and provides Mr and Ms Mowaljari withthe use of a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
Mr and Ms Mowaljari moved into their homein March 2011 and held a housewarming withfriends, family and their local community on5 May.
Community organisation Life Without Barrierssupports Mr and Ms Mowaljari by providing twofull-time carers, who possess a strong knowledgeand awareness of the siblings’ Aboriginal culturaland family needs.
The Kimberley Individual and Family SupportAssociation also provides the pair with alternativesto employment support which will ensure theirongoing involvement within the Derby community.“I am delighted that Ida and Simon have movedinto their new home,” Russell said.
“They are now living back where they belong, inthe community and participating within their townattending cultural events and maintaining strongconnections with their family, all with supportprovided through this initiative.”
Learning inspires love of politics
An interest in politics identified by an LAC has led to a 17-year-old Joondalup girl with autismjoining the Western Australian Youth Parliament.Tiana Jones is proud of her achievement,especially after a journey through childhood thatwas sometimes challenging.
“When I was a baby, my mum told me that I keptmostly to myself and preferred to play with thefamily pets” Tiana said.
“My mum knew I wasn’t developing as well asthe other children. After many years of visitsto therapists and specialists, at the age of five,I was diagnosed with autism.”Tiana’s mother Lee-Anne said the first fewyears of primary school were difficult andTiana struggled to learn.
“When in Year 5, Tiana failed the Department ofEducation’s literacy and numeracy assessmenttests, the WALNA tests,” Lee-Anne said.
“Tiana became what is referred to as an ‘atrisk’ student. However, in conjunction with ourLAC Caterina Fawcett, we persevered in gettingTiana to participate in activities that would helpincrease her social and learning skills.
“I read to Tiana every night and introducedher to the Harry Potter novels. Tiana becamehooked on Harry, totally absorbed by thestories, and desperate to be in Slytherin.Eventually Tiana began reading.”Tiana’s literacy and numeracy skills continuedto develop and by Year 7 she achieved results inthe top three per cent in the WALNA tests.
Teachers considered her reading and writingabilities to be outstanding and by high schoolTiana was publishing stories online and enteringwriting competitions.
“I was more excited about the actual writing,than winning the prizes” Tiana said.Reading became Tiana’s great passion,introducing her to the world of politics—one ofher favourite topics.
“My LAC recognised this interest and earlier thisyear successfully nominated me for the YouthParliament program,” she said.
“I am now the Youth Parliament Member forJoondalup and part of the Health Committee.
“Being part of the program has been anamazing experience. I hope to have aninfluence in the mental health area—in particularimproving access to services and supports.“My dream is to study at university, travelthe world and have a career in history orpolitical science.”