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Autumn 2013 Family, friends, community—a good life

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1Family, friends, community—a good life

Autumn 2013

Family, friends, community—a good life

About the magazine ‘People and Communities’ is produced by the Disability Services Commission’s state-wide Local Area Coordination program.

Local Area Coordinators (LACs) are based in metropolitan, rural and regional areas of Western Australia to support people with disability.

While private submissions are welcomed, we reserve the right to edit this material.

‘People and Communities’ is available at: http://www.disability.wa.gov.au > Individuals, families and carers > People and Communities.

Further information Editorial CoordinatorPeople and Communities magazineDisability Services CommissionLocal Area Coordination directoratePO Box 441West Perth WA 6872Phone: 9426 9317Freecall: 1800 998 214 (country callers)Fax: 9322 1397TTY: 9426 9315Email: [email protected]

Neither the Disability Services Commission ("DSC") nor the State of Western Australia ("State") shall be responsible for the reliability, usefulness or the accuracy of the content of this publication ("Content"). Neither the DSC nor the State shall be liable, in negligence or howsoever, for any loss, damage or liability incurred by anyone relying on the Content. The DSC may review, edit or exclude any submitted material which is sought to be included as Content. No Content can be reproduced without the prior written permission of the DSC.

© 2013

ISSN 1838-0021

This magazine is printed on 100 per cent recycled paper. Cover image: Kim Harp (left), Daniel (centre), and Daniel’s sister Melinda (right) at the Variety Santa Fun Run.

NewslinesWelcome to another issue of ‘People and Communities’, a magazine which shares stories about people’s challenges, successes and lessons learnt along the way.

Many of these stories focus on the importance of planning which ensures greater choice and control in designing support and services—important elements in ensuring that people enjoy a good life in their local community.

In many cases, the stories highlight the unique and individual circumstances of a person and the fact that almost always, a team effort is required to achieve success.

2013 is a special year as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of our Local Area Coordination program. When reflecting on these years, it’s clear that we have come a long way as a community. The stories in this issue illustrate different aspects of this process. There is individualised equipment design in the case of Esperance youngster Daniel Harp, employment opportunities and challenges for Adrienne Ling and inspirational creativity in the case of artist Rian Hronsky.

There are also holiday adventures for the young crew from Bunbury and Geraldton. Local Area Coordination has been there for these people and helped bring about other positive changes to their lives. But the best still lies ahead!

There are also a number of references throughout this issue to the next exciting phase of Local Area Coordination—a key role in the Commission’s My Way project. The project sites are up and running, with over 1,200 people signing up to participate. The project builds on the strengths of the Local Area Coordination program and will inform the way disability support and services are provided in the future.

We hope you enjoy reading our magazine and we look forward to your feedback.

Chris Yates Acting Executive Director Local Area Coordination

3Family, friends, community—a good life

Earlier this year, 20-year-old Adrienne Ling started volunteer work at Perth’s Warehouse Café in Shenton Park.

Adrienne says that the highlight of her work experience was meeting MasterChef Australia 2009 runner-up Poh Ling Yeow.

“Poh was the celebrity guest and she cooked and dined with the staff and volunteers,” Adrienne said.

“Having a photo taken with Poh was an incredible experience for me.”

Adrienne’s father Andrew Ling said he was impressed at how well his daughter carries out her café duties and interacts with customers and staff.

“Adrienne has an Autism Spectrum Disorder and is quite shy and reserved,” Andrew said.

After moving to Perth from Darwin, the family joined the Local Area Coordination program in 2012.

Accessing the program, Andrew noted, had resulted in ‘incredible’ outcomes for his daughter.

“Our Coastal LAC Connie Stefanetti has been instrumental in creating opportunities for Adrienne,” Andrew said.

“This has included participation in community activities and developing social relationships outside of family and friends.”

Andrew said these opportunities, including being part of the Leeuwin Sailing Adventure last December, also helped foster greater self-esteem, self-confidence and independence in his daughter.

“Sailing on the Leeuwin provided Adrienne with an exciting opportunity to meet new people and experience a different social environment.

“It’s been great to see Adrienne’s positive attitude, despite her feeling anxious and

apprehensive about being in new, unstructured environments.

“Adrienne is flourishing and we put that down to the winning combination of positive social experiences, and support from family, friends and our LAC.

“Having information on activities that match her interests and encourage further participation has also been crucial,” Andrew said.

Like most young people, Adrienne loves music—she is a keen One Direction fan—and attends a local Catch Music program.

Adrienne has also been encouraged to join community social groups as a way to widen her circle of friendships.

“The past year has held some unforgettable experiences for me and I am looking forward to building on these,” Adrienne said.

“With volunteering experience in place, our planning will include developing a support network and exploring employment opportunities.”

Meeting celebrity chef caps off a wonderful year

Poh Ling Yeow (left) with Adrienne Ling.

Daniel Harp was diagnosed with autism, epilepsy and the rare chromosome deletion 8p23.1 when he was four.

He also has hyper-sensitive vision, hearing and touch—as well as less stamina than most children of his age.

Now aged nine, in order to maximise Daniel’s abilities, health and wellbeing, it is important he maintain fitness and muscle tone which can deteriorate very quickly without regular exercise.

With support from their LAC Betty Shirras, the family began developing a Family Living Plan in early 2012. Part of this plan was to find ways to improve and maintain Daniel’s physical strength.

As Daniel had trouble balancing on a two-wheeled bike, and didn’t have the stamina to pedal for any length of time, it was decided to fulfil his dream of having a purpose-built bike.

Daniel had read about the Dreamfit Foundation on the internet and was keen to visit and make his dream a reality.

Daniel’s mother Kim Harp contacted Dreamfit Foundation and after discussions about her son’s riding requirements, a Trets Trike from HASE Bikes was identified as a suitable option.

This trike has specialist pedals, an internal gear hub, a seat with head support, solid rear wheels and can be converted to a trailer with ease.

These bike specifications made the trike a perfect fit for Daniel and enabled him to ride safely and participate in family bike excursions now and in the future.

To help finance the trike’s purchase, Kim was successful in receiving funding through Variety WA’s Freedom Program. Daniel’s LAC Betty Shirras, his school, and Dreamfit supported the application.

In November 2012, Daniel’s trike, which was shipped from Germany via Canberra, arrived in Perth.

As part of the Family Living strategy planning, Daniel, his mum and one of his sisters, Melinda, travelled to Perth to collect it.

Daniel said he really enjoyed meeting the Dreamfit team and trying out his new trike.

“Daniel quickly adapted to using his trike and the very next day he successfully completed the 4km Variety Santa Fun Run,” Kim said.

In addition, Daniel addressed the Variety Run crowd and in front of thousands of people, he

Esperance youngster finds out what a difference a purpose-built trike makes

Daniel (centre) addressing the Variety Run crowd.

5Family, friends, community—a good life

explained how pleased he was to receive his new trike.

The next day Daniel and his family attended a Fremantle recreation day organised by the Dreamfit team.

“The whole trip was fantastic with so many ‘firsts’ for Daniel,” Kim said.

“Daniel completed the entire fun run course without running out of energy.

“He spoke publicly to a huge crowd, something he couldn’t have done 12 months ago.

“He also enjoyed swimming at the beach, once again doing something that he wouldn’t normally have had the strength to do.”

Betty said Daniel’s Family Living Plan also provided support for him to attend the Swim to Woody Island Program.

“Woody Island is approximately 15km off the coast of Esperance,” Betty said.

“Through the Esperance Leisure Centre program, participants can swim the distance to Woody Island in the centre’s swimming pool.

“Once they have completed the distance requirements in their own time and pace, participants are rewarded with a day trip to the island,” Betty said.

Kim said Daniel was able to swim the distance and went on the reward trip—another first.

“Daniel found the boat trip a little scary but he strapped himself securely in a seat next to the skipper,” she said.

“This made him feel safe and added to the excitement of a really great day out.”

When asked to reflect on the Family Living planning, Kim said the discussions had been extremely useful.

“The planning really helped achieve our goals.Daniel’s quality of life has improved dramatically and in turn the whole family benefits,” Kim said.

Kim Harp (left), Daniel (centre),

and Daniel’s sister Melinda (right)

at the Variety Santa Fun Run.

Dreamfit Foundation is a Perth-based, not-for-profit organisation that has three core programs: Engineering, Recreation and Dreamcatcher.

For more information: phone 6488 6728 or visit www.dreamfit.com.au .

Assistance is provided through three programs—Variety Freedom (mobility and independence), Variety Future Kids (education, experience and play), and Variety Caring for Kids (health and wellbeing).

For more information: phone 9355 3655, fax 9355 5122, or visit www.variety.org.au/wa .

Innovative engineering helps people overcome physical challenges

Variety WA supports children handling life’s hurdles

Coastal LAC Gavin Carty (left) with Community and Family Living Facilitator Graham Gladman.

Planning and local knowledge the keys to successThe Commission’s Community and Family Living strategies involve practical planning in which people with disability are central to the process.

This planning is undertaken in conjunction with their families, extended family, carers and friends, and sometimes, professional staff.

Facilitator Graham Gladman said Community Living is a way of planning for the future which takes into account the skills and activities that a person enjoys and is good at, as well as areas where assistance is needed.

Graham was keen to point out the planning strategy is not intended to replace support already in place.

“The idea is to supplement these measures and develop a reliable and sustainable support network that keeps the person with disability living safely and independently in the community,” Graham said.

“For example, someone may have lived independently for many years with very little support but now find they require more assistance to maintain their independence.

“This is where the Community Living strategy can help.”

The Family Living strategy is another practical planning method in which families look at the positive aspects of each family member—their likes, talents and dreams for the future—as well as the challenges they might face along the way.

“This information is then used to develop a plan for the family—with the person with disability in the central position—along with strategies to achieve their goals.

“Strategies could be as simple as spending more time together with extended family members, friends offering some support or obtaining specific support to participate in activities.”

Graham said the planning frameworks work well for families and that planning and local knowledge were key elements.

“It’s also important to remember that planning takes time.

“One story that stands out for me is a family with a young adult daughter who is passionate about horses and animal welfare.

“As part of the planning, a ‘circle of support’ or network of friends and supporters committed to providing assistance was developed.

“Through this network, the young woman had access to a range of community activities including volunteer work in an animal sanctuary.

“She was also supported to attend TAFE to learn more about animal welfare—all for very little cost.”

“The Community and Family Living strategies provide a strong planning foundation for individuals and families to achieve their goals.”

For more information: phone 9426 9680, fax 9226 2309 or visit www.disability.wa.gov.au > Individuals, families and carers > Planning.Alternatively, please contact your LAC.

7Family, friends, community—a good life

Training programs work wondersGladys Peabody is a capable and independent 44-year-old Torres Strait Islander woman who is well-known in the Esperance community.

Leading a very busy life, Gladys enjoys catching up with friends and family, as well as daily walks around the foreshore with her beloved dog Shorty. Gladys is also involved in a number of Bay of Isles Community Outreach programs and activities.

However, it was only a few years ago that she wasn’t living quite so happily in her local community.

Gladys, who has an intellectual disability and mental health issues, received around 20 hours of paid one-on-one support each week.

At that time, Gladys felt she needed this level of intensive support and came to rely on it for daily living requirements such as showering, dressing, shopping, cooking, attending appointments and looking after her home.

“I think the more support I received, the more I needed,” Gladys said.

Following planning with her LAC Shaun Beros, Gladys’ support was reduced and replaced with independent living skills training. As her responsibilities and expectations increased, so too did her resolve to ‘make things work’.

Over time, Gladys also developed her circle of friends and network of community support.

“While there are issues that pop up from time to time, my support network helps me resolve them,” Gladys said.

A home unit transfer was also negotiated with the Department of Housing, allowing Gladys to move into her current home. Shaun said since the move, Gladys appears happier and manages much better than she ever has in the past.

As part of her planning, she also spends 10 hours per week participating in an adult numeracy and literacy program.

Recently, she decided to participate in the My Way project.

Gladys said she is looking forward to planning that builds on her successes and her participation in community activities.

“I have worked very hard over the past few years to get to where I am now.

“With assistance from the My Way Coordinator and my support network, I feel good about my future,” Gladys said.

LAC Shaun Beros (left) catching up with Gladys Peabody.

Until a few years ago, Rian’s greatest artistic achievement consisted pretty much of being able to draw a recognisable stick person. However, when we moved to Port Hedland, Rian’s LAC Marie Ross suggested group art classes. We were dubious. Let’s face it, Ri’s art was dodgy—and he hated it. If you insisted he draw something he would—but in a grudging ‘let’s get it out of the way’ manner.

However, instead of a bit of paper and some coloured pencils, Rian was offered large canvases and ‘real’ paint. Instead of being asked to create things because of some imagined huge internal desire to express himself—the pressure of which distressed him immensely—he was offered models to paint.

These early lessons took place in the delightful Courthouse Gallery in Port Hedland and under these conditions Rian blossomed and genuinely looked forward to art. Soon after, local artists David Hooper and Linda Walker offered Rian one-on-one tutelage. Rian had his first exhibition at the C3 Gallery in Port Hedland and sold 11 pieces.

Rian entered the 2010 Hedland Art Awards where he received a Highly Commended prize. In October 2011, Rian exhibited his art with David at the Courthouse Gallery, selling another five pieces. While Rian just accepts all these events, I am amazed and grateful that people take his art into their home and make it part of their lives.

We have now moved back to Perth and Rian’s artwork continues to improve.

Rian uses vivid colours in a style that is usually more vibrant than the original picture.

This is a bold take on life for Rian as he is usually very meticulous, taking great care not to make errors. He requires a lot of prompting and reassurance and frequently appears passive and totally disinterested.

I hope Rian’s art brings pleasure to those who see it. It makes us smile, just knowing how very far he has come. Shelda Bairstow

Perseverance reaps colourful rewards

My son Rian Hronsky is 27-years-old and is often defined by his autism. He is unable to speak, has auditory processing difficulties, and finds it very difficult to understand abstract concepts. He also has epilepsy. Rian’s life has been pretty much focused on what he couldn’t do.

At 12-years-of-age Aaron Ashcroft was diagnosed with autism. Now 22, Aaron lives in Geraldton and in the following passages, he explains his experience of living with autism to the broader community.

One young man’s insight into autism

You gave me a hello expecting a like reply and are then thrown off centre when, if I turned to you at all, my gaze was momentary. You think I am being rude or unfriendly but I walk along in my own world, with a long list of dangers in my mind and a narrow scope of comfort and focus.

Unbeknownst to you I have autism, and that puts me in a small bubble. The big wide world moves too fast, little seems to align with my view point. Most live on the other side of a vast gulf. You are but metres away physically, often closer, but then at the same time psychologically you are miles away.

So I just live in my bubble holding eight foot thick castle walls around myself to protect me. I retreat further and further, often times I need to shut down and reboot, there is just too much to deal with!

You notice a man, just an average man, with an average face. I look at the face and get assaulted with information (i.e. his beard is brown and unkempt, he has a two inch scar on his forehead, his ears are small and flat against his face, his nose is standard, he has brown eyes and dark tan skin that is wrinkled so he is getting on in years).

The Challenger space shuttle has nothing on the force of data pouring from his eyes. Are you getting the picture yet?

I like to have the same meal at the same time every day, very little variation. I also hate things being sprung upon me for I have no time to fit this new information into my network of north, south, east, west, up, down, left, right, starboard, port, fore, aft, now, yesterday, tomorrow, me, you, them, who, what, when, where, how, why, will, could, should, go, stay, good, bad.

As a consequence it takes me time, often longer than the five minutes you are prepared to give me. Then you become impatient …I want to shut down but there is even more information coming in. You can’t fill a full glass.

I decide I’m better off not associating with you. I enjoy pattern and seize up with uncertainty.

I am my own friend but if I need another, an inanimate object will do nicely.

Aaron Ashcroft

Further information on Aaron’s writings can be obtained by calling the Geraldton LAC office on 9964 1461.

"So I just live in my bubble holding eight foot thick castle walls around myself to protect me."

9Family, friends, community—a good life

With more than 12 years’ experience as an LAC—as well as local government and private sector experience—Busselton My Way Coordinator Christine McCallum has a wealth of disability-related knowledge, skills and abilities.

“As an LAC I loved the principles and values that underpinned the program. I could also see firsthand how I could make a real difference to people’s lives,” Christine said.

“The LAC role involved working with local service organisations and having community development responsibilities.

“To ‘make it work’ for individuals and families, we established solid partnerships with agencies in the areas we covered. When I worked as a country LAC, I was on committees in four shires.

“When you work in the country, the ‘tyranny of distance’ can bring additional challenges for LACs.

“However, I feel the key to overcoming some of these challenges can be met by developing strong collaborative partnerships with the community, local agencies and councils.”

Christine said over the past years she had been very fortunate in working with amazing individuals, families and agencies.

“Supporting people to expand their options and watching them take control and make things happen, has been extremely rewarding.

“Becoming a My Way Coordinator was a natural progression in many ways.

“The idea of self-directed support based on planning is the next logical step towards a more individualised, person-centred approach.

“This approach will give people greater flexibility and control in their lives, something I believe forms the foundation of a person’s individuality.”

“I feel confident My Way will be successful in bringing about real change and giving people real choices to live the lives they choose.”

Christine said while it was early days in the My Way project, there was a definite ‘buzz’ in the air as people started thinking and talking about their future plans and goals.

My Way Coordinator Christine McCallum (left) with Nicole Avery who joined the project in December 2012.

Busselton’s My Way Coordinator focuses firmly on the future

Further informationPhone: 9426 9200 Freecall: (country) 1800 998 214 Email: [email protected] Website: www.disability.wa.gov.au > Reform > My Way

11Family, friends, community—a good life

Aishah Cobber, originally from Singapore, has lived in South Hedland for more than 25 years.

“I now consider myself a local. We love living here and my husband and I have raised four children here,” Aishah said.

“Our youngest child, our only son Firman, is now aged eight and he started Year Two this year.

“Firman has Down syndrome and like a lot of mums, I worried about how my little boy would get on at school with the other children and who would look after him if something went wrong.

“When my LAC Leanne Beches suggested Firman try Kids Zone as a way of meeting and playing with children after school, I was a bit hesitant.”

The Kids Zone centre provides activities for children aged between four and 14 and the Town of Port Hedland ensures that its after-school programs are open to children of all abilities.

WA Disabled Sports Association representatives also visit the centre once a year to provide staff with information about after-school care activities.

“Initially, Firman was unsure of what to expect when I took him to Kids Zone,” Aishah said.

“I found that Kids Zone staff are interested in all the children and support them in activities that encourage greater social interaction.”

Aishah added that Firman looked forward to each session and seemed much happier now that he had made friends.

“He really enjoys the physical activities such as the bouncy castle and the trampoline,” Aishah said.

“As a mum, it’s good to meet other parents and talk about our children and our experiences.

“I now feel more comfortable leaving Firman at the centre because he enjoys the activities and I know that the staff will take good care of him.

“When I know Firman is happy, I’m happy too.”

South Hedland kids are in the zoneFirman Cobber playing at home.

Twenty-five-year-old Emma Povee had been to Bali with her family but like most young people she wanted to experience her next trip on her own terms.

That’s where Advocacy South West’s Self Advocacy Program played a crucial role.

The program encourages young people to make their own decisions and have greater control over the way they want to live their lives.

This program also helps participants identify training and personal development areas that are important to them.

On a regular basis, participants meet to discuss issues and identify strategies and options that will help them achieve their goals.

Elaine Squire, who runs the program noted that of the 50 group members, 10 wanted to travel overseas without parents in tow.

“The program helped me realise that you can’t just decide to go overseas without doing a lot of planning,” Emma said.

The 10 members decided to go to Bali together. This involved 12 months’ planning which included fundraising the $12,000 that was required to cover travel expenses, making bookings, working out their itinerary, and ensuring that all their travel documents were in order.

Elaine and the group members, along with volunteer worker Kass Langdon, travelled to Bali in July 2012.

“It was so much fun just being with my friends,” Emma said.

“We did all the tourist things. We went to the safari park, had rides on elephants, and went on motorbike rides through Bali streets.

“We also learnt how to say thank you in Indonesian.”

Emma said without a doubt, the best part of their holiday was going overseas without parents being there to worry about them.

“We stayed for a week and had a wonderful time. I’m now planning a trip to the United States—so there’s lots more planning to be done.”

Travel planning pays off for Bunbury friends Visiting Bali becoming a rite of passage for young West Australians

Emma Povee with a local motorbike driver about to head out to explore Bali.

13Family, friends, community—a good life

Geraldton girls plan their perfect holiday

Visiting Bali becoming a rite of passage for young West Australians

Melissa Kelly (left), with Emma Ditommaso (centre) and Ashlyn Keep patting the dolphins.

Geraldton LAC Stacey Forrester is keen to emphasise the importance of planning when young people decide they want to travel more independently on an overseas holiday.

“For example, early last year two families and a carer approached me because their girls, who are long-time friends, decided they wanted to go to Bali together,” Stacey said.

“Initially, their parents and carers were apprehensive.

“However, they were keen to help and started planning that included having safeguards in place that would help ensure that the girls’ dream holiday would become a reality.”

Stacey said some of these safeguards included health issues concerning food and drinks, managing their money, understanding the bartering system and not feeling compelled to make unwanted purchases. Maintaining a high level of personal security by always travelling around the island as a group was also important.

After eight months’ planning, Emma Ditommaso (22), Ashlyn Keep (27) and Melissa Kelly (33)

jetted off to Bali in November 2012. Emma’s mother Liz Ditommaso and a personal support worker who worked with all the families accompanied them.

“At first I was worried about the girls going to Bali,” Liz said.

“However, we had regular planning discussions with our LAC—initially just with the parents and carers—then combined meetings with parents, carers and the girls.

“These meetings really helped and we all came to realise that with the right planning and support in place, anything is possible.

“Everything went smoothly and the girls had a fabulous time. They really enjoyed their overseas travel experiences and would love to visit Bali again.

“The girls wanted to share their story with the magazine to help encourage other young people to think about travelling overseas and experiencing different cultures.”

On the road again... just can't wait to get back on the road again

The Ride Team (left to right) Anton Zappelli, Jim Cairns, Terry Mader, and Craig Parsons with Disability Services Minister Helen Morton (centre).

In August 2010 Jim Cairns—part of a four-man quad bike team—completed a 5,000km road trip to revisit the sites of road accidents which left the men in wheelchairs.

The ride involved two years’ of planning which included plotting their trip route that started in Fremantle and finished in Birdsville, Queensland.

“We had to work out our camping and accommodation requirements, organise our support crew, and plan fundraising events to help cover costs,” Jim said.

“We also took a film crew along to document our four-week outback pilgrimage.

“Just as our road accidents were life-changing events, so too was our trip and producing the DVD in 2012.

“The other quad bike team members—Terry Mader, Craig Parsons and Anton Zappelli—and I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the positive response to our documentary.

“So many people—with and without disability—have been inspired and profoundly moved by our experiences.”

Jim explained that the DVD helps break down myths about disability as well as providing very frank discussions on important issues such as risk-taking behaviour, road trauma, spinal injuries, and the social and community adjustments that follow.

“The DVD promotes a positive ‘can do’ message and I’m kept busy arranging DVD screenings at film festivals, schools and health care agencies.

“I’m currently planning further rides—including Perth to Broome —that will allow me to host DVD screenings and talk to people about life after being involved in serious motor vehicle accidents.”

For more information about these road trips, please phone Jim Cairns on 0418 915 747. The DVD is available online at www.theridemovie.org .

15Family, friends, community—a good life

Forty-two-year-old Esperance man Shane Rothnie is a very civic-minded individual who enjoys participating in local community activities.

Shane also has a disability that affects his speech and requires him to maintain his fitness and health.

An Esperance Bay Rotary Club member, a volunteer with Sea Search and Rescue, a member of the Esperance Football Club and a planning committee member for Rotary’s Handicamp program are just some of Shane’s community-based activities.

Shane also works full-time as a grounds person at Esperance Ports Sea and Land.

As he spends much of his time mowing lawns and maintaining gardens, it came as no surprise to family and friends when he put his mower driving skills to good use by participating in the Ride to the Other Side fundraising event for mental health research.

Shane’s mother Marilyn Rothnie said the West Australian leg of a two-state fundraising event—covering around 2,100km—was part of a six-year fundraising effort. The event concludes with a Broome-to-Perth mower ride in 2018.

On 16 February this year Shane joined the event at the Kalgoorlie Golf Club, making a grand entrance at Adelaide’s Clipsal 500 V8 Supercar event 12 days later. Shane arrived back in Esperance on 5 March.

“The funds raised from this part of the event will also assist Rotary’s projects on prostate cancer research and community awareness,” Shane said.

“I was extremely proud to be Esperance’s representative for the event.

“Being part of the ride was a tremendous team experience.

“While the final amount of money raised will not be known until June, the Esperance community has contributed more than $5,000.”

Shane said he was also excited about participating in the My Way project.

“We are developing plans that will help ensure I am supported now and into the future,” Shane said.

Ride-on mower hits the road to help support mental health research

Shane Rothnie tries out the event’s Hustler Super Z mower on for size.

Commission updatesAssistive listening systems

Did you know there are many different ways to support people who are deaf or have a hearing impairment when they are attending your venue or event?

There are many types of assistive listening systems available these days. These include infrared, FM and audio induction loop systems. Each system works in a different way and the size and construction of your facility will need to be considered when making a choice.

If you visit www.deafnesscouncilwa.org.au you will find links to organisations that can provide information on the use of assistive listening systems in specific situations.

Babies and children’s parenting guides

Parenting can be a tricky business. As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else. However, no child comes with an instruction manual and sorting through the kaleidoscope of parenting information can be baffling, especially if you are unsure of the validity and accuracy of the information source. The Department for Communities has produced a number of free booklets that cover topics such as tantrums, biting, sleeping, sibling rivalry, bullying and milestones to name a few.

The booklets are available at www.communities.wa.gov.au Parenting WA > Parenting WA Guides > Babies and Children Parenting WA Guides.

Changes improve Commission website experience

In December last year, the Commission launched its new-look, easier-to-use website. Your feedback, especially on information provided in the Individuals, families and carers section, is welcome.

This section covers topics such as education, health and wellbeing, housing, planning, work and training and your legal rights. Information is also available about the Local Area Coordination program and its publications.

For more information: visit www.disability.gov.au > Individuals, families and carers.

To provide feedback: phone 9426 9200, freecall 1800 998 214 (country callers) or email [email protected] .

Easier access to Activ Library resources

You can now access the library’s revamped website to find information on becoming a member, advice on how to search for disability-related information and borrow items, accessing the Parent Portal, and much more.

The library has a strong focus on intellectual disability, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and resources relating to developmental delay and learning difficulties.

For more information: visit www.activ.asn.au > Library. Alternatively, please phone 9387 0458 or visit the library (Monday to Friday) between 9am and 4.30pm. The library is located at 327 Cambridge Street, Wembley.