QUEENSLAND CELEBRATES CEREBRAL PALSY AWARENESS WEEK
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VOLUME 11 Spring 2013 www.cpl.org.au
QUEENSLAND
CELEBRATES
CEREBRAL PALSY
AWARENESS WEEK
LIVE THE LIFE YOU
CHOOSE CONFERENCE
WORLD-FIRST IQ
ASSESSMENT
RESEARCH FOR
KIDS WITH CP
MYTIME FOR MEN
SUPPORT IN
THE COMMUNITY
SOUTHPORT
GRAND OPENING
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
www.facebook.com/cerebralpalsyleague
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
www.twitter.com/mycpl
Special Feature
12
Capalaba’s Fred Wells with one of in the beautiful Rockhampton
the homemade scarecrows Botanic Gardens. People took part
in soccer games, volleyball, boccia,
tug-o-war and an array of other
fun activities.
Brisbane’s bayside didn’t miss out,
with the Cerebral Palsy League’s
Redcliffe service putting on a
Sounds n Sizzle event. With live
music, interactive workshops,
textile design, print making and
6 boccia on offer, guests enjoyed a
fantastic day out.
Mylestones Printing and the
10 Cerebral Palsy League at
Moorooka both hosted an Aussie
what’s
sausage sizzle to celebrate
Cerebral Palsy Awareness
Week, where guests
inside? “People with cerebral
palsy face barriers every
day of their lives but
were able to meet
the staff and
clients that
SPECIAL FEATURE they choose to focus
2
We Made a Change on their abilities, rather
CUTTING EDGE
than let their disability
7
World-first research define them.”
- Angela Tillmanns
WHAT’S NEW
8
New service for Southport
WHY TOUCHSTONE?
make our
WE MADE A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
Touchstone means a benchmark,
9 THE GRAPEVINE
services the
reference point or measure of quality.
We like to think our magazine is a
10 FACES AND PLACES wonderful
benchmark for our industry and a
single point of reference for everything
12
IN FOCUS
Live the Life You Choose
Queensland celebrates Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week 2013 places they are.
you need to know about the
Conference In Bundaberg, the Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy League. League hosted an informational
Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week Day, serving up a tasty barbecue, Through Our Eyes’ focused on morning tea about the new
14 IN BRIEF
2013 achieved just what it set great music and even better natural landscapes and habitats, Queensland Government funding
REGIONAL INSIGHT out to do: focus attention on company. People were able to and each photograph represented initiative, ‘Your Life Your Choice’.
15 the changes being made across test their skills against racing a different time, place and
MyTime for men Attendees discussed the new
Queensland. car professionals in a driving underlying theme. initiative with families, clients and
ALL ABOUT YOU simulation experience. There were
16 people in the community who
Will’s Boccia ambitions Statewide events were as diverse even surprise appearances from Springfield’s Studio Five 8 were interested in learning more.
REACHING OUT as the changes we witnessed – local cooking connoisseurs, who showcased eight of their artists’
17 from community fun in the sun fired up the BBQs, sharing expert beautiful artwork in their latest
Visit us at www.cpl.org.au Stepping Stones for parents Windsor’s Fusion of Music held a
days in Rockhampton and Cairns culinary tips. creative exhibition. Held at the fantastic karaoke and disco night
55 Oxlade Drive
18
BEHIND THE SCENES and an art exhibition in Gladstone, Ipswich Community Art Gallery, featuring The Transformers, a
New Farm QLD 4005 Chatterbox Challenge to the opening of a new sensory Varsity Lakes threw the doors of it featured 30 pieces of artwork
PO Box 386 choir whose members experience
room on the Gold Coast and a their new Sensory Room open, including a range of amazing disadvantage in their communities.
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006 STATE CCC UPDATE Mylestones Employment agency in inviting guests to take part in photography and paintings.
19 P&G UPDATE Townsville. sensory sessions and activities.
Editor – Jen Campbell Case DIARY NOTE Rounding off the most successful
Media & Communications Executive By using different senses around Recreating some old fashioned Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week to
P: 07 3358 8084 All events were a huge success music, sound, light, colour, touch country style fun, the Capalaba date, 20 of Brisbane’s top business
E: info@cplqld.org.au and, importantly, allowed and feel, therapies can be tailored Cerebral Palsy League crew
HAVE YOUR SAY executives were suspended high
local people to share stories, to help children and adults with hosted a hoe-down complete with above the city on the Wheel of
Tell us about the issues you’d like to acknowledge and appreciate disability better communicate with music from a local country band, Brisbane raising an unbelievable
read about in Touchstone! the valuable achievements and the people around them. hay bales, scarecrows and papier $126,930.65 for the Cerebral Palsy
P: 07 3358 8084 contributions of people with mache pumpkins, all made by League.
Patron E: marketing@cplqld.org.au cerebral palsy. In Gladstone, the Cerebral Palsy clients of the service.
Governor of League held a photographic
Queensland READ US ONLINE Check out Faces and Places for
Download Touchstone at The Hervey Bay team celebrated exhibition showcasing a range Rockhampton celebrated Cerebral more photos of the fantastic
Her Excellency
Ms Penelope www.cpl.org.au/touchstone Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week of work by Support in the Palsy Awareness Week with an events that happened around
Wensley AC with a BBQ Rocking Radio Fun Community clients. ‘The World all abilities community sports day the state.
2 Touchstone Spring 2013 Touchstone Spring 2013 3
SPECIAL FEATURE SPECIAL FEATURE
THOUSANDS CELEBRATE
PICNIC IN THE PARK
It was better than anyone could have imagined – all their young fans and their families, with over 3000
of it: the fantastic entertainment, the food and the fans attending her first live performance of ‘Dora’s
enjoyment on everyone’s faces. Sing Along Adventure’.
Indeed, the fifth annual Picnic in the Park There was an array of gourmet food and the day
cemented our outdoor event as a was jam-packed with fun filled activities for
calendar highlight for Brisbane the kids including adorable barnyard baby
families, who came in the animals, jumping castle, train rides, sand
thousands to enjoy our all wizard, face painting, laughing clowns,
abilities fun filled event. an accessible liberty swing and roving
Picnic in the Park heralds performers.
the national Cerebral Palsy
Awareness Week, and with Cerebral Palsy League CEO Angela
help from celebrity MCs Tillmanns said that just by coming
Jess Skarratt of The Great along to Picnic in the Park, the local
South East and Pip Russell community helped raise $164,000
of Totally Wild, this year’s to allow us to continue supporting
was the most successful yet. Queensland children and adults with
disability.
The audience was enthralled by
the entertainment line-up, led by “With our support and services, thousands of
Australia’s most glamorous pop-opera Queenslanders now have the best opportunity to
group, BellaDiva, who captivated picnic goers with live their lives to the fullest,” Angela said.
their pop operatic repertoire. BellaDiva was joined “We sincerely thank our generous presenting
by the Australian Army Band and the Cerebral partner, Treasury Casino and Hotel, and our other
Palsy League’s own rock musicians, Cascade. supporters Roma Street Parkland, Westpac, Toyota,
Some would argue that Dora the Explorer and her Maurice Blackburn, Discount Drug Store, Panther
best friend Boots stole the show and the hearts of Print and Neal’s Hire, for making this day possible.”
4 Touchstone Spring 2013 Touchstone Spring 2013 5
Special Feature Cutting Edge
WORLD-FIRST RESEARCH INTO
IQ ASSESSMENT FOR CHILDREN
WITH CEREBRAL PALSY
In June this year, a team developed for the typical
of Cerebral Palsy League population can result in children
researchers published a with developmental disability
landmark paper on intelligence receiving low IQ scores which are
assessment for children with not necessarily a true reflection
cerebral palsy. of their cognitive abilities.
Authored by senior psychologist Instead, their scores reflect the
Max Guppy, psychologist fact that things like motor, visual
Rebecca Yin Foo, and Dr Leanne or communication impairments
Johnson the paper, Intelligence have limited their ability to
assessments for children with perform the assessments
cerebral palsy: a systematic required,” Max said.
review, is the first published
Wheel Make a Change raises over research in the world to identify “This latest research shows that
$126,000
and examine intelligence to achieve a valid IQ assessment
assessments appropriate for in a child with cerebral palsy, it
children with cerebral palsy. is critical to firstly understand
the motor, communication and
Max Guppy said that while visual function of the child being
cerebral palsy is primarily assessed and then to match this
a disorder of posture and with an IQ assessment that does
movement, it is estimated that not penalise deficits in these
approximately 45% of children skills,” he said.
with cerebral palsy also have an
intellectual impairment. Inappropriate test selection
needs to be avoided because
“Valid intelligence assessments it can significantly impair
for children with cerebral palsy services provided for individual
are so important because much children, including placement in
On the second last day of In the true spirit of giving, the “Donations were drummed up “We are seeing exciting changes depends on them,” Max said. a mainstream or special school,
Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week, community-minded business by encouraging our project at the Federal and State access to education adjustment
high above the city in the Wheel leaders far exceeded their sites to engage employees, government levels with the “Things like school placement programs and funding support.
of Brisbane, a small miracle was inaugural Wheel Make a Change subcontractors and suppliers, introduction of DisabilityCare and disability support
taking place. fundraising target: raise a and work together as one Australia. funding have IQ or intellectual This important piece of research
minimum of $1,000 by phoning business unit to help those less impairment as an eligibility was the first to identify and
your networks to be let off the fortunate. And it worked.” “We want to see change criterion. evaluate existing IQ assessments
Twenty-three of Brisbane’s
Wheel. happening everywhere, at every that can be confidently used
top executives were doing “Even in tough economic times, level of society – from a change “Further, accurate IQ for children with cerebral palsy
something that in other as an industry, it is important in building access, a change in assessment is critical to to highlight those with suitable
circumstances might seem quite Leading the charge for change
not to lose sight of the bigger employment practises, a change assist with realising children’s psychometric properties and
was Seymour Whyte Managing
normal – madly talking on their picture.” in the way people view disability, independent participation in clinical utility.
Director and CEO David McAdam,
mobile phones. or a change in understanding education, self-care, and in later
who had taken pledges totalling
Cerebral Palsy League CEO what contribution people with life, employment and living It has also produced the world’s
$30,700.10 by the time he Angela Tillmanns was locked in
However, on Friday 1 August, disability can make to their independently,” he said. first reasoning tool for use by the
put his mobile in his pocket at her Gondola with The Courier- communities.
their banter was anything but medical, educational and allied
8.30am. Mail reporter James McCullough, According to the research health professionals’ community
business as usual. Each was
locked in their own gondola, giving her the added challenge “It could even be as simple as team, existing paediatric IQ to assist them to choose the best
As the biggest fundraiser, David of dialling for donations while donating your spare change to assessments are generally testing tool for each child.
dialling work colleagues, friends was elated by the generosity of answering questions posed by the Cerebral Palsy League so developed for, and standardised
and families to ask them to his staff and work colleagues. her interested interviewer. we can continue to provide life- with, typically developing “Achieving the best match
help make a change in the “The key to our success in this changing therapies, services and children who do not have any between the child’s physical
lives of Queenslanders with event was good planning and “No one knows better than programs to more than 5,000 impairments. capabilities and the available
disability, and in doing so, raised teamwork, displayed across the our top business execs that Queenslanders with disability.” assessments is now a much more
a breathtaking $126,930 for the business in the lead up to Wheel small changes add up to a big And that’s just what the Wheel “The use of standardised IQ reliable task, and that’s a very
Cerebral Palsy League. Make a Change,” David said. difference,” Angela said. Make a Change supporters did. assessments that have been good outcome,” Max said.
6 Touchstone Spring 2013 Touchstone Spring 2013 7
What's New
GRAPEVINE
THE
Jenny Johnston and FREEDOM
TO ROLL
Kirsty Austin at the
grand opening
You can still apply for communication
George Kombaris, a Mylestones support through the state government’s
Employment client from Community Aids Equipment and
Brisbane has never let being in
a chair stop him from having Assistive Technology Initiative (CAEATI),
a good time in life – or from which has been extended!
working hard!
He has developed a fantastic
The centre’s You can use CAEATI funding for PODD or
beautiful program called Living on
sensory garden Wheels, which offers mobility other communication books, song boards
and lifestyle training for people and alphabet displays.
in wheelchairs, aged five and
upwards. The Cerebral Palsy League even offers a bonus
George showcased Living on service to replace the covers, binding coil and
The Cerebral Palsy League’s “To meet that demand, we Wheels on 10 August at a special update the ‘People and Places’ pages of each
brand new Support in the knew we had to develop a new open day at the Carindale communication book after 12 months of use.
Community service at Southport service – one that would deliver PCYC attended by Minister for
was officially opened on Tuesday the existing and future needs of Communities, Child Safety and To find out how you can access this funding,
27 August by Minister for people with disability living on Matthew Burn Disability Services Tracy Davis
Communities, Child Safety and the Gold Coast,” she said. and Peter and Deputy Lord Mayor of contact us on 1800 CPL QLD (1800 275 753) or
Disability Services, Tracy Davis. Lewis enjoy Brisbane Adrian Schrinner. email info@cplqld.org.au today!
“With this new space, we can the festivities
A state government grant of provide better support than Visit www.livingonwheels.com.au
$500,000 to refurbish the site, ever before to help children and to find out more.
build a new Adult Learning adults with disability to explore Committee, expressed hers and
Centre, Children’s Therapy their full potential and work with other clients’ joy and gratitude
Centre, Community Centre and them to achieve their goals. for the new building.
Administration Offices was
provided in 2008, so the new “We now have space for a wide “It is just a beautiful place to go
JOHN LAUNCHES HIS John Corrigan and
service has been a long time range of art programs, health now,” Jenny said. “You feel like WORK OF A LIFETIME author John Rynn at
Picnic in the Park
coming - with dreams staying and wellness initiatives including you can just be yourself here
intact even through the global a garden-to-plate program and and be free because it is big and Despite being non-verbal, author John Rynn
financial crisis. sensory garden, computing and roomy. We can have different makes a statement about gratitude for life in
IT courses, and a Cool Kids area,” activities going on at one time.” writing his book, You Only Want Me for My Mind.
Cerebral Palsy League CEO she said.
Angela Tillmanns said creating “You feel like you are in the Launched at this year’s Picnic in the Park, and
this wonderful new service “I’d like to particularly country with the trees, and the composed by writing 29 words a day over a
centre has been a tremendous acknowledge the efforts and colours of the building have a gruelling seven years, this memoir stands as a
undertaking, and developed in energy of the staff and the relaxing feel,” she said. testament to his creativity and pluck, and his
response to the growing demand people we support who have great sense of humour.
for services to support people been developing and delivering The Cerebral Palsy League
with disability living on the Gold amazing programs in a very currently provides services to You Only Want Me for My Mind reveals a quirky
Coast. constricted space while the more than 250 children and boy born not only with cerebral palsy but with
works were underway.” adults with disability on the Gold an uncanny ability to overcome obstacles and
“As we have seen the population Coast and northern New South mobilise people.
grow significantly in Queensland, Jenny Johnston, Chair of the Wales and has been providing
and particularly here on the Gold Regional Client Consultative services to Gold Coast families You can buy You Only Want Me for My Mind at:
Coast, so too has the demand for Committee and Deputy Chair for more than 50 years. http://ipoz.biz/Titles/YOWM.htm
our services,” Angela said. of the State Client Consultative
8 Touchstone Spring 2013 Touchstone Spring 2013 9
Faces and Places Faces and Places
1 SPRINGFIELD’S ARTISTIC
ASPIRATIONS
John Kalantry from Springfield’s
Studio Five 8 with his exhibited
2 3
work, which successfully sold on
the opening day.
2 VARSITY LAKES OPENS
NEW SENSORY ROOM
Saxon Brae Bosworth explores
Varsity Lakes’ new sensory room.
3 HERVEY BAY CELEBRATES
Gemma Tottenham shows the
local NRL team how it’s done!
4 CAPALABA HOE DOWN
1
Schluter and James Peters get their
country on to celebrate Cerebral
Palsy Awareness Week (CPAW).
5 FUN IN THE
5 6
ROCKHAMPTON SUN
Elizabeth Berry soaking up the
fun for CPAW in Rockhampton.
6 MYLESTONES STAFF MEET
THE PM
Sandra Low, Lisa Huntly and
Terry Ngo from Mylestones
Employment Holland Park rubbed
shoulders with PM Kevin Rudd at
a South East Brisbane Chamber
of Commerce Breakfast.
7 WINDSOR FUSION OF
MUSIC
Judi Williams and Lyn Meehan
4
singing up a storm to celebrate
CPAW.
8 BRIDIE’S STAGE 7 9
AMBITIONS
Actress Amanda Muggleton
shared her stage and career
wisdom with CPL Youth
Ambassador and Queensland
Youth Theatre actor Bridie McKim.
9 PRE-WRITING WORKSHOP
Adam Christian (left) and Jacob
Ford enjoy the fun activities on
offer at a pre-writing skills group
at Cerebral Palsy League in
Brendale.
8
10 Touchstone Spring 2013 Touchstone Spring 2013 11
In Brief IN FOCUS
Launch Implementation at
DisabilityCare Australia speaking
CONFEREN
as well as Michael Hogan Deputy
CE SNAPS
Director General, Strategic
Planning and Programs at the HOT
Department of Communities,
Child Safety and Disability
Services,” Evan said.
He went on to confirm that
the conference would have an
exhibition area for CPL services
and government departments -
providing the latest information
about disability funding,
programs and services.
“This is an exciting time in the
disability sector, but clients and
their families are also grappling REGISTER BY 30 OCTOBER
with new funding models and • Adults $47.95
looking at how things will work
with DisabilityCare Australia in • Members $37.95
the future.” • Family and group deals
Different funding options under “CPL’s My Life program • Travel assistance available
DisabilityCare Australia will mean
more choice for the Rowling family
means that you can choose
and Eamonn in the future, with his between receiving services that
brothers Hayden (left) and Ronan. are delivered in the traditional
way or you can plan, budget
and coordinate your own
support.”
LIVE THE LIFE YOU CHOOSE CONFERENCE Jean Marc Pitot has been utilising
the Cerebral Palsy League’s My
Life Program and manages funds
on behalf of his son Christopher,
who also accesses the Cerebral
The Cerebral Palsy League’s when, where, from whom and to update clients, families Palsy League’s Support in the
Live the Life You Choose how they receive their services. and carers on this changing Community services.
Conference, to be held at landscape in disability funding, Just fill in the conference registration form
the Brisbane Convention and On a state level, the Queensland according to Cerebral Palsy “I have chosen self-managed and you can send it back to us in a number of
Exhibition Centre on Saturday government has introduced their League’s My Life State Manager funding and we get the flexibility ways: via the post as per the instructions on
16 November 2013, will provide Your Life Your Choice program, Evan Munroe. of managing our disability
information, tips and resources which operates under a similar services funding,” explained Jean the form, by scanning and emailing it back to
to help people with disability, model as DisabilityCare Australia, “The disability sector is going Marc. emunroe@cplqld.org.au or faxing it back to
their families and carers to giving people with disability and through unprecedented change (07) 3358 8119. So make sure to send it back
navigate new funding options. their families greater control over and with that comes uncertainty. “My advice is to pick a person
the services they receive. What we want to do is update from the host provider that you
and secure your spot today!
On the national level, clients and their families on the can work with and also don’t be
DisabilityCare Australia The Cerebral Palsy League is latest disability funding options afraid to change the model if it is For further information on the conference,
(previously known as the part of the Your Life Your Choice so they have the tools to decide not working for you.” exhibition and sponsorship opportunities or
National Disability Insurance initiative, running it’s very own what is best for them,” he said.
Scheme), is being introduced My Life program. Clients can “The flexibility in the My Life if you would like more details on the Cerebral
in New South Wales, Victoria, choose from a range of host “Cerebral Palsy League CEO program means that you are able Palsy League’s My Life Program,please
South Australia and Tasmania provider options, from a fully Angela Tillmanns will provide to structure the relationship with contact Evan Munroe on 0418 612 793 or at
at the moment and will be managed package, through to a keynote address to the the host provider and you can do emunroe@cplqld.org.au.
progressively rolled out in a self-managed package, where conference and we will also have as much, or as little, as you want.
Queensland in 2016. clients manage their disability speakers from other disability It is the relationship I have with
funding options themselves. sector organisations as well as Evan Munroe and Cerebral Palsy To keep up to date with the latest
DisabilityCare will give people clients and carers.” League that makes this program conference news just visit:
with disability and their families The Cerebral Palsy League work for me.”
choice and control over their
funding and the ability to choose
decided to organise the Live
the Life You Choose Conference
“We are thrilled to have Margaret
Carmody, General Manager www.cpl.org.au/livethelife
12 Touchstone Spring 2013 Touchstone Spring 2013 13
In Brief Regional Insight
JOIN US FOR THE
NIGHT OF YOUR LIFE!
Cerebral Palsy League Support
in the Community Windsor will
be hosting a special evening,
entitled The Night of Your Life
focusing on client achievements
to celebrate International Day
of People with Disability on
3 December 2013.
Join clients, family, supporters The Cerebral Palsy League CEO
and the local community for an Angela Tillmanns farewells long
elegant evening of entertainment time volunteer Ross Jobling
recently
and moving client stories. ‘The
Night of Your Life’ will feature
our very own high achieving
clients speaking about their
life journeys and achievements,
VOLUNTEER ROSS RETIRES
as well as live music and One of New Farm’s longest will be missed by everyone at
performances, delicious hors standing and most committed the New Farm office. A farewell
d'oeuvre and a silent auction of volunteers, Ross Jobling, morning tea was held for Ross
client wares. has retired. Ross has been and he received a lovely CPL
volunteering with the Cerebral watch as a departing gift from MYTIME GIVES TOWNSVILLE DAD VALUABLE GIFT OF SHARING
MARK YOUR DIARIES Palsy League in the fundraising CEO Angela Tillmanns.
team for almost seven years and
What: The Night of Your Life Being a father can be a tough meals, cleaning the house, understands the rewards and
enough gig, but the challenges jogging behind Tahlea’s trike intensity of the caring role.
When: Tuesday 3 December
ARTISTS WITH A of raising a child with a disability to help her ride, modifying the
Artist Steph Everett
from 6.30pm – 9pm with Member for Oxley DISABILITY CELEBRATE can test the mettle of even the trampoline so she can climb up “Men are not good at opening
Bernie Ripoll EXHIBITION SUCCESS toughest dads. to it and taking the girls away for up, so I’m looking forward to the
Where: Cerebral Palsy League a week on his own. opportunity of meeting some
Artists from the Springfield One such dad is Townsville’s Mal mates who are going through
217A Lutwyche Road
Cerebral Palsy League celebrated Russell, father to an eight year-old But his wife, Rochelle, begs the same thing as I am,” Mal said.
Windsor daughter with a disability, Tahlea; to differ. “He does lots of little
the success of their recent
and her big sister, Seraya, 10. things to make her life easier,” The service is an extension of
Dress: Cocktail attire Ipswich art exhibition with Federal Rochelle said. the already popular MyTime
Member for Oxley Bernie Ripoll at Tahlea has cerebral palsy for Families program, which
Cost: $5 entry, carers free a special luncheon on Wednesday spastic diplegia, which affects It’s a demanding and often provides facilitated peer support
28 August. movement in her legs, and difficult role, but Mal is about for mums, dads, grandparents
Enquiries: Phone Martina Duane Syndrome, which affects to do something a lot of men and anyone caring for children
Cross or Sue Hodges on Mr Ripoll presented a $1000 her eyes. find even more daunting: talk with a disability, developmental
(07) 3357 5280 or at cheque to Studio Five 8, which will to other blokes about what he’s delay or chronic medical
mcross@cplqld.org.au or go towards supplies and materials Latest research from the been going through. condition.
for the fantastic art program. Queensland Cerebral Palsy
shodges@cplqld.org.au
Register found that 1 in 400 Mal is signed up to attend the The programs not only give
children will be diagnosed newly launched MyTime for Men parents a much-needed
with cerebral palsy, making it program, run by the Townsville opportunity to socialise, relax
FIG TREE POCKET SERVICE RECEIVES FREE the most common childhood
physical disability in Australia.
Cerebral Palsy League, where
Tahlea has been accessing
and have fun; it enables them
to meet other families in similar
LANDSCAPING FROM BUNNINGS STORES physiotherapy, occupational circumstances find out about
Mal has not only risen to the therapy and speech therapy available community support.
A gaggle of green thumbs came together on Thursday 11 July to challenge of his very busy and since the service began
regenerate and landscape the gardens at the Cerebral Palsy League’s emotionally challenging role of operating in 2007. For more information about the
Fig Tree Pocket service. Thanks to the generosity of Bunnings stores caring for a child with cerebral program, contact Corinna Myers
at Oxley, Booval, Browns Plains, Underwood and Rocklea, and the palsy, he’s just been nominated MyTime for Men hosts free social on (07) 4799 9600 or email
Brisbane City Council, the gardens were transformed and beautified. for Queensland Father of the outings for men who are carers cmyers@cplqld.org.au
Thank you to the Bunnings Warehouse staff and other helpers who Year 2013. for a child with disability or other
worked tirelessly to get the gardens ready for spring. chronic medical condition aged
Mal would say that there’s under 16, so they can meet other
Photo: Fig Tree Pocket resident Rhyll Daniels with volunteers Phil, Matilda and Oscar McIntyre nothing amazing about what he male carers to share ideas and
does: school drop-offs, cooking talk with someone like them who
14 Touchstone Spring 2013 Touchstone Spring 2013 15
All about you Reaching out
NEW PARENTING PROGRAM HELPS FAMILIES
Stepping Stones, a new initiative and behavioural problems of
of Triple P - Positive Parenting typically developing children.
Program, is now available free of
charge to parents of children with Professor Sanders said parents
disability and special needs. who have gone through the
Stepping Stones program report
Designed for parents of children greater success in teaching
aged 2-12 years with disability their children new skills, with
and special needs, Triple P’s improvements maintained at a
Stepping one-year
Stones follow-up,
program aims and higher
to reduce levels of
emotional and parental
behavioural competence
problems in and
children and satisfaction.
improve the
health and The $5
wellbeing of million
parents and project is
caregivers. funded by
the National
Triple P Health and
founder Medical
and director Research
of The Council and
University of is being
Queensland’s rolled out in
Parenting and Queensland
Family Support Centre Professor first, followed by Victoria and
A love of sport is a passion shared spirit and love of winning that when I watched him play. No “People of all ages and all abilities Matt Sanders said the project New South Wales. It is the
by just about all Aussie kids. Yet, has already earned him several matter whether you played long can play Boccia: you can even just will profoundly change the way world’s first population-level
for many children whose disability national titles and a spot in the or short, he had your mark.” play socially.” thousands of Queensland parents roll-out of parenting support for
affects their mobility, participating Australian Paralympic preparation interact with their children in the parents of children with special
in certain sports just isn’t possible. program for Brazil. As it does in many families, Will’s Queensland Boccia welcomes future. needs.
love of sport has brought father new players, and has invited
One 17 year old Brisbane sports “He takes winning more seriously and son closer together – but in Cerebral Palsy League clients – “There are about 30,000 children The project is providing up to two
fan, William Marshall, hasn’t let the than Boccia – he’s a real more ways than one. There are children and adults alike – to join with disability in Queensland, years of free parenting support
fact he uses a wheelchair to stand competitor,” Robert said. four classifications of players in their teams.
many of whom experience three to all parents of children with a
in the way of living out his passion Paralympic Boccia competition:
to four times the emotional and disability aged between 2 and 12
for ball sports – or emulating his “Will got into Boccia in the first BC1, BC2, BC3 and BC4 – of which They have local programs in
sporting hero Michael Clarkes’ place because he’s absolutely BC1, 2 and 4 are throwers. Will is Brisbane, Mackay, Rockhampton behavioural problems of typically in Queensland.
love of winning. sports mad.” classified as BC1, which means he and Townsville. developing children,” Professor
can have an assistant help him Sanders said. Initially, support will mainly be
But while throwing the ball is his Will attended his first national manoeuvre his chair and pass It’s free to ‘come and try’, and available to parents in South-
forte, unlike the Aussie cricket titles as an 11 year old in 2008. balls to him. That’s where Robert costs are just $60 for a season According to recent research East Queensland, but support
captain, it’s not a pitch or field he Incredibly, he was only 12 when comes in. which includes 15 games of conducted by the University of will extend to all regions by late
competes on. he won silver in the BC1 singles Boccia, plus a $22 annual Queensland, Monash University October as more practitioners
and BC1/BC2 team events at the While there’s no doubt Will has membership fee, which goes to and the University of Sydney, the in regional areas complete their
Will plays Boccia – a bowling national titles in 2009. natural talent, competing at the Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Stepping Stones program can training. If a parent cannot access
target sport played on a hard, this level doesn’t come without Association. reduce child behaviour problems a program locally in a timeframe
smooth court measuring 12.5 × 6 In 2010, he won his first national dedication and hard work. Will by up to 80 percent. which suits them, online support
metres, with 2 metres of empty BC1 singles title, defeating then plays club competition once a To find out more, please contact or self-directed learning with
space around it. title holder, Barry Fear, who was week with Brisbane City Boccia at Julie Lyons on 0401 999 822 or It also shows that left untreated, phone support will be available.
in his early 30s. Will’s team has YMCA Bowen Hills and trains at at lyons@powerup.com.au or Ian problem behaviour in children
Will has only just finished year 12 been undefeated for the last three home for an hour four or five days Jones on (07) 3253 3333 or at with disability tends to Check out which sessions are
and is already one of the nation’s years, winning Gold in 2010, 2011 a week. On his ‘recovery’ days ianj@sportingwheelies.org.au worsen during childhood and currently available, and which
top Boccia players and one of and 2012 – the same year he won goes to hydrotherapy or the gym. adolescence and often continues practitioners in your local area
our biggest hopes for gold at the another silver in the BC1 singles. Photo: Will with his dad and Boccia into adulthood. are trained to deliver Stepping
2016 Rio Paralympics. Of course, not all Boccia players partner, Robert Marshall Stones, by going to:
As Robert recalls, current national need to work this hard – or even Their research also found young
According to proud father, coach Peter King said at the time: compete said Queensland Boccia people with disability experience www.triplep-steppingstones.net
Robert, it’s Will’s keen competitive “I knew we had something special organiser Julie Lyons. up to four times the emotional
16 Touchstone Spring 2013 Touchstone Spring 2013 17
Regional Insight
DIARY NOTE
P&G UPDATE
September 8-14
The Parents & Guardians from fully managed funding Disability Action Week
Association has been very packages where the work is
“I’m taking on the busy organising the upcoming done for you; to self managed
September 21
challenge to give Live the Life you Choose
Conference, to be held on
packages, where you have
maximum control over your
Twilight Bay Run
October 2
disability a voice by Saturday 16 November 2013. funding.
World CP Day
not speaking.” The program is looking exciting This issue of Touchstone
October 4
and the conference is a chance contains all the information you
for clients and their families to need to register to attend the Fusion of Music
find out more about how things conference. Simply fill in the
will work under DisabilityCare Registration Form and send October 13-19
Australia, plus find out more it back to the Cerebral Palsy Carers Week
about Cerebral Palsy League’s League. I hope you can join us
My Life service, a service being for this informative and exciting October 31
run as a host provider under conference. PWC Cool Night Classic
the Queensland Government’s
‘Your Life Your Choice’. Sincerely, November 1
Joan Williams Fusion of Music
My Life is a fantastic initiative P&G President
and it runs under similar November 2-3
principles as DisabilityCare Noosa Triathlon
Australia – you can choose
November 16
Live the Life You Choose Conference
STATE CCC December 3
International Day of People with
Disability / The Night of Your Life
The State Client Consultative John Rynn, a longstanding Event Windsor
Committee (CCC) held its 2013- State CCC Member has written For further information
15 elections for Chairperson his first memoir, You Only Want on events visit www.cpl.org.au
and Deputy Chairperson in Me for My Mind, which was
June 2013. I was re-elected as launched at Picnic in the Park.
the State CCC Chairperson and Book reviews and orders of the IN MEMORIAM
Jenny Johnson (South Coast remarkable read can be located
CCC – Gold Coast) was elected at: www.ipoz.biz/Titles/YOWM.htm It is with deep sadness, the clients,
staff, Board and Client Consultative
as the State CCC Deputy Committees of the Cerebral Palsy League
Chairperson. On 27 August 2013, Jenny acknowledge the passing of Elizabeth
Johnson assisted Minister for Navratil.
The State CCC welcomes both Disability Services Tracey Davis
Liz was a long-standing client and special
new and returning members to to open the newly renovated friend of the Cerebral Palsy League. She
their representative roles. It was Support in Community was committed to representing the views
Silence is golden, so the saying Palsy League Youth Ambassador, “I’ve been fortunate enough to noted by the State CCC that Southport facilities. Jenny of clients through the Client Consultative
goes, and in workplaces, Rachael Dodds, who have the support of my family, many Regional CCC elections offered an emotional and Committee holding Chair and Deputy
classrooms and homes around competed at the friends and the Cerebral Palsy were hotly contested for 2013- heartfelt address on behalf of Chair positions on the State and Metro
Queensland, a brave contingent 2012 London League, and without early 15 elections with close ballots in clients and their community. South CCCs.
of ‘Silent Supporters’ took a vow Paralympics, intervention, I may never have several regions throughout the Liz’s achievements are many, and she
of silence for an entire day in the took on the achieved my dreams.” Cerebral Palsy League. “For me, my friends and for was a strong advocate for people with
second Chatterbox Challenge challenge those staff it is just a beautiful disability.
during Disability Action Week from for the According to Cerebral Picnic in the Park was again a place to go now...you feel like Her passion for the arts and talent for
8 to 14 September 2013. first time Palsy League CEO Angela very successful event and it was you can be yourself there.” theatre saw her develop an illustrious
this year. Tillmanns, in addition to estimated that 7000 people career as a performer, comedian, director
Besides the blissful peace they raising funds, supporters attended. Clients enjoyed many This project has been five years and writer. She worked extensively in
provided their workmates, “As gained a rare insight into activities and entertainment of making this dream a reality, Brisbane, around Australia and overseas,
including performing alongside acclaimed
classmates and families, they someone what day-to-day life is like during the day and not even thanks to the generosity of the actor Geoffrey Rush.
raised awareness and vital funds who has for people with disability and showers of rain could dampen Gold Coast community and the
to help seven Queensland-based cerebral their families. anyone’s enthusiasm. Clients Queensland Government. All of us at the Cerebral Palsy League will
disability charities, including the palsy, I know from their Regional CCCs have miss Liz’s remarkable contribution to our
organisation, to the disability and arts
Cerebral Palsy League, continue that achieving provided CPL with positive and Sincerely, sectors and to the community. We extend
their important work. even the simplest constructive feedback for PIP Terry Donaldson our deepest condolences to her family
things can seem like moving a 2014. Chair, State CCC and friends.
Silent Supporter and Cerebral huge mountain,” Rachael said.
18 Touchstone Spring 2013 Touchstone Spring 2013 19CEREBRAL PALSY LEAGUE’S
LIVE THE LIFE YOU CHOOSE
CONFERENCE
You have the power to decide your future
• Speakers from government, leading
disability sector providers and
organisations
• Interactive exhibits
• Children 12 years and under are free
• Free child care available – places
are limited
REGISTER BY 30 OCTOBER
• Adults $47.95
• Members $37.95
• Family and group deals
• Travel assistance available
You will find out more about:
• DisabilityCare Australia
• The State Government’s Your Life
Your Choice program
• Cerebral Palsy League’s My Life
program
REGISTER TODAY!
Just fill in the Conference Registration
Form, pop it into the free reply paid
envelope and mail it back to us. For
more details email Evan Munroe at
emunroe@cplqld.org.au today go to:
www.cpl.org.au/livethelife
Spots are limited, so make sure to
pop your form in the mail today!
Photo: Rebecca Greigg enjoys
attending the Cerebral Palsy League’s
Support in the Community Service
at Moorooka which can be accessed
through different funding options.You can also read
