COMMUNITY

The link here opens a pdf version of the Blueprint Resource "Threads, Connections and Pearls of Wisdom" in a new window. You can download and print the resource, or you can order hard copies at no charge by telephoning (02) 4784 2323 or via our online contact form on the home page.

Holdsworth Community Centre have published and released a compilation of carers stories, with many accounts of being a parent of a child diagnosed with a disability.
On public sale for $15 (inc postage) by contacting info@holdsworth.org.au or by calling (02) 9302 3600.
Also available for $12 if collected from the Centre or from Gleebooks.

A study exploring the experiences of parents who have children with significant developmental delay
(NB: due to technical difficulties, the attached file was not viewable for sometime, but it is now accessible. Apologies for the delay in rectifying the glitch)

Accessible Arts is the peak arts and disability organisation across New South Wales.
Accessible Arts promotes and provides opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in arts and cultural activities either as audience members; through attending galleries, theatres, museums and festivals; or as participants in art, drama, music, dance and multimedia activities; and by developing as professional artists.

Jointly conducted by the Australian Institute of Family Studies and the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, the 140-page report examined the results of a survey undertaken in late 2006 of over 1000 carers receiving government payments.

Resource for Student Representative Councils (SRCs) and Student Leaders (2001) (pdf 1.14mb) is a resource to promote the inclusion of students with disabilities in school communities

Following FaHCSIA's release of the Carer Payment Report, this storybook was compiled documenting the experiences of 19 families who have a member with a disability and complex medical conditions. Touching stories accompanied by beautiful photographs.
(2.21Mb)

A powerful paper presented by Maria Heaton at Every Child Matters, the National Conference on Children and Young People with Disability and their Families in 2008
Maria Heaton is the mother of three children, two of whom have been diagnosed with Lissencephaly, a severe intellectual and physical disability. She has worked to give them the experiences children of their age would have if they did not have a disability. Maria is a clinical nurse specialist with a Master's in Nursing Education

Disability Education Advocacy Australia is a small business that provides people in the wider community with a better understanding into the needs, rights and concerns of people with disabilities.

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, has released a report by the Carer Payment (child) Review Taskforce, which examines the effectiveness of support to carers of children with a severe disability or medical condition.
Click the link below to view and download the report. Hard copies can also be ordered by calling 1800 739 456 or email: carerreview@fahcsia.gov.au

Parents sharing their experiences of raising a child with a disability

The Association for Children with a Disability, Victoria 's magazine NoticeBoard includes 'real life' stories from parents and other family members of children with a disability. These stories are a source of great strength and support for families and are a valuable way to educate professionals, students and the general public.

A fact sheet produced by the Association for Children with a Disability