LIFESTYLE - Cerebral Palsy League

9Flood appeal helps Cerebral Palsy Leagueoffices get back to businessRegional Insight4In late January the Cerebral Palsy Leaguewas once again at the mercy of MotherNature and sustained storm and flood damageto its Gold Coast and Browns Plains sites.16Why Touchstone?Touchstone means a benchmark,reference point or measure of quality.We like to think our magazine is abenchmark for our industry and asingle point of reference for everythingyou need to know about the CerebralPalsy LeagueVisit us at www.cplqld.org.au55 Oxlade DriveNew Farm QLD 4005PO Box 386Fortitude Valley QLD 4006Editor – Lesley SladeCommunications ExecutiveP: 07 3358 8084F: 07 3358 2495E: lslade@cplqld.org.auPatronGovernor ofQueenslandHer ExcellencyMs PenelopeWensley ACwhat’sinside?2 REGIONAL INSIGHTFlood appeal4 SPECIAL FEATUREHealth and well-being6 FACES & PLACES8 THE GRAPEVINEAccessible travel tips9 WHAT’S NEWBehind the wheel9 IN BRIEFParent symposium10 ALL ABOUT YOUSidney Cook10 NDIS RALLYDate claimer11 STATE CCC UPDATE11 P&G UPDATE12 VIETNAM CHALLENGEHAVE YOUR SAYTell us about the issues you’d like toread about in Touchstone!P: 07 3358 8084E: marketing@cplqld.org.auREAD US ONLINEDownload Touchstone atwww.cplqld.org.au/touchstoneStaff also had to evacuateCerebral Palsy League customersat Biggera Waters on the GoldCoast, who were at risk of beingstranded in their homes withoutaccess to personal care services.After roads were cut off, staffwaded through knee-deep waterto reach married couple Stanand Barbara Dacey and friendMalcolm Lilley and waited withthem until SES crews arrived toassist with their evacuation.Stan said the staff were veryhelpful and made sure everyonewas safe.A specialist evacuation centrewas set up at the CerebralPalsy League’s Labrador unitsand Stan, Barbara and Malcolmstayed for a few days until thefloodwaters receded.CEO Angela Tillmannsapplauded the Gold Coast staffwho helped coordinate theevacuation of the residents.“The safety of our customersis of utmost importance to theCerebral Palsy League,” Angelasaid.“Setting up an evacuationcentre at our Labrador unitsmeant we could continue toprovide services and assist withthings like meals, mobility andaccessing medication.“Our staff were extraordinaryin responding to yet anothersignificant weather event, andwent above and beyond to putthe needs of our customers first.”After dealing with theQueensland floods at the2 3beginning of 2011, the CerebralPalsy League was more preparedto deal with similar weathersituations where customersneeded extra support.Although the Cerebral PalsyLeague office in RidgewayAvenue, Southport, had to closefor a short time during the GoldCoast floods (due to the risk ofwater, mud and debris floodingthe premises), staff still workedaround the clock remotely toensure the safety of customers.The office at Browns Plainsalso had to close after it sufferedstorm damage to the roof andbuilding.Angela said the office locatedat Grand Plaza Drive had watercoming in through the roof and italso got into the power boards.“The building became unsafeuntil we could get it checked byelectricians, so staff went towork in nearby offices such asHillcrest and Springfield,” shesaid.In the same week as thedestructive weather events, theCerebral Palsy League launchedan emergency floods appeal andencouraged Queenslanders todig deep and raise money forthose affected as well as to assistwith the building repairs.Angela said more than$90,000 has been raised so farand the Cerebral Palsy Leaguewould like to extend its thanksto the community for gettingbehind the appeal.Pictured: 1. Susie Gilbert and Heather Whitham from Support at Homeon the Gold Coast flank residents Stan and Barbara Dacey; 2. Supportat Home Service Facilitators Julie Cooke and Tahli Knight outside theBrowns Plains office; 3. Peter Woodward from the Cerebral Palsy League’sLabrador holiday units with Malcolm Lilley2 Touchstone Autumn 2012Touchstone Autumn 20123

Special FeatureExercising and gym workcan be adapted for peoplewith disabilities and, accordingto Frank Olsen from theGoodlife Fortitude Valley gym,all you need to do is beinventive.As a Fitness Director, Franksaid “exercises can be adapteddepending on abilities – you justneed to think outside the box”.A healthyoutlook on lifeWith the start of a new year, comes new resolutions. One of the most popularNew Year’s resolutions is to exercise more and lead a healthier life.Frank recommends consultingyour physiotherapist beforestarting an exercise program athome or at the gym.“And for those who don’t havea gym membership, exercisingcan be done at home with somealternate options.“Dumbbells can be substitutedwith cans of food or bottles ofmilk – anything that has weightand can offer resistance is good,”Frank said.“And therabands or resistancebands can be tied to doorknobsor table legs.”Cerebral Palsy League’sSenior Physiotherapist SusanWaller agrees that exercisingis important for people of allabilities.“There has been a lot ofresearch into the benefits ofstrength training for peoplewith cerebral palsy and physicaldisabilities,” Sue said.“Before starting an exerciseprogram, physios can advise onthings like which muscle groupsto concentrate on, appropriatetypes of exercises for individualsand intensity.”Below are some exercises thatcan be modified by individuals.Cerebral Palsy League BoardDirector Simone Fraser waskind enough to drop in tothe Goodlife Valley gym anddemonstrate some exercises withFrank for Touchstone.Simone is a firm believerin “use it or lose it” and saidexercise is important for buildingstrength and general fitness.Eight adaptable exercises to kick-start a healthy lifestyle...Please note...The majority ofthe exercises belowcan be done in awheelchair (be sureto put on the brakes),sitting on a fitballor chair or standing.These exercises wererecommended byFrank for Simone, soplease remember thatexercise programsmust be tailored to theindividual’s needs andlifestyle. Please consultyour physio first.1. BOXERCISEYou’ll need a sparringpartner for this exercise.Sit tall and be sure tobrace your back andstomach muscles.Alternate from left toright with jabs andupper cuts.2. RESISTANCE BAND LEG EXTENSIONHave someone hold the resistance band behindyou or tie it to something so you can extend yourleg up and down while pulling on the resistance. Tryit on bothsides.3. RESISTANCEBAND RAISEHave someone holdthe resistance band ortie it to something. Startwith your arm loweredby your side andraise it up to shoulderheight pulling on theresistance. Try it onboth sides.4. RESISTANCE BAND PULL OVERHave someone hold the resistance band or tieit to something. While lying down, start with yourarms stretched straight out above you and pull theband all theway overuntil yourfists reachthe ground.Reversedirection.Be sure tobrace yourstomachmuscles.5. RESISTANCE BAND ROWHave someone hold the resistance band or tie itto something. Start with your arms stretched out infront with palms facing in. Sit tall and brace yourstomachandshouldermusclesand pullthe bandtowardsyou. Returnto startingposition.6. BICEP CURLSUse two dumbbells(or cans of food) andstart with your armsbent, with your palmsfacing towards you.Brace your stomachmuscles and extendone arm out so it’sparallel with the ground,making a 90 degreeangle. Bring that armback towards yourbody and repeat withthe other arm.7. OVERHEADTRICEP EXTENSIONUse one dumbbell (ora can of food) and situp tall with your backand stomach musclesbraced. Fold the armholding the dumbbellbehind your head andhold the elbow in placewith your other hand.Extend the arm with thedumbbell upwards andthen lower. Repeat onthe other arm.8. MEDIALDUMBELLSHOULDERPRESSUse two dumbbells(or cans of food) andstart with your armsbent, with elbowsparallel to the groundand palms facingtogether. Extend yourarms upwards togetherand bring them backdown.4 Touchstone Autumn 2012Touchstone Autumn 20125

Faces and Places2344. CORPORATE BREAKFASTIn February, the Cerebral PalsyLeague teamed up with IBM to hosta CEO Breakfast, aimed at increasingpeople’s awareness of cerebral palsyand the amazing people we support.Guest speaker at the event wasBrisbane’s very own Michael Ware, aformer CNN foreign correspondentwho was one of the few Westernjournalists to live in Iraq during thewar. State Manager of IBM BobMorton, Michael Ware and CEOAngela Tillmanns are pictured.5. NOOSA TRIATHLON156Gemma Weinheimer fromMaryborough and her parents Samand Phil are busy training for thisyear’s Noosa Triathlon in November,in which the Cerebral Palsy Leagueis a charity of choice. Gemma will beusing a special blow-up dingy, bikeand jogging stroller to complete the100m swim, 3km cycle and 500mrun.6. CAPALABA KEEPS IT COOL1. ROCKY VACATION CAREBrendon Hore can vouch forRockhampton’s vacation careprogram, which is run for childrenwith disabilities and their siblingsduring the school holidays. CerebralPalsy League staff work withparticipants to learn about theirinterests and favourite activities,so they can be factored in to theprogram.2-3. BE SMART, COOK SMARTThe Cerebral Palsy Leaguelaunched its ‘Be Smart, Cook Smart’program in January with the help ofpopular MasterChef contestant JohnHughes. The program (sponsored byFood Spectrum) is designed to givekids more confidence in the kitchenand equip them with basic cookingskills by using adaptive techniquesto suit each participant. John ispictured with Madison Holgate, SamMalone, Jeremy Lenarduzzi andMadeline Dusting-Williams and alsoDavid Durnford and Narda Vasquez.(Photos courtesy of Jim Campey,Quest Newspapers)789The Cerebral Palsy League’sCapalaba service received a newair conditioner over the Christmasholidays, courtesy of Kelvinator andEnergex. Local MP Michael Choi,Joe La Sala from Electrolux, SusanWedmaier from the Cerebral PalsyLeague, Greg Flynn from Energexand Cerebral Palsy League customerSteven Freemantle checked outthe new system, which is moreenvironmentally-friendly and energyefficient.7-9. SUPPORTERS’ SOIREEThe Cerebral Palsy League hostedits annual Soiree at Waterfront Placein December to thank supporterswho had donated their time,expertise and funds during the year.Friends of the Cerebral PalsyLeague Andrea, Lauren, Bridie andCraig McKim mingled on the nightas Anthony and James FitzGeraldenjoyed the amazing views overBrisbane from Waterfront Place.General Manager of FundraisingBen Cox and CEO Angela Tillmannswelcomed new Board memberDermot Lindsay to the Soiree.6 Touchstone Autumn 2012Touchstone Autumn 20127

The GrapevineIf you have some ‘insider information’ that customers and theirfamilies might find useful, send your tips to us and helpspread the word. Simply email marketing@cplqld.org.au.The accessible travel feature in the last Touchstone promptedsome readers to offer up some travel suggestions of their own!CRUISING THE PACIFICKaye Kidd said she and her daughter joined a group from SportingWheelies in Rockhampton and travelled on the P&O Pacific Dawn tothe Pacific Islands in December.She said they found the staff extremely helpful, the many lifts madeaccess very easy and the rooms were fantastic in size too.She did raise the issue of pool accessibility and suggested theyinstall a hoist – staff said this was already being looked into. Kayealso said the island visits presented a few issues, as most were notwheelchair friendly.However, she said the ship offered numerous activities,entertainment and things to do.ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATIONThis handy hint was sent in by the Hamilton family, who live 100kmnorth-west of Longreach.They stay in an accessible two-bedroom unit (number 203) inCilento Mooloolaba about twice a year (see photos below).There are portable ramps to make access to the rear entrance andfront balcony a breeze and the main bathroom is spacious enough tofit a wheelchair as well as a shower chair.Each level is accessible by lifts and it is only a three-minute walkfrom the unit to the main beach, with shops and cafes nearby.The complex also has shared facilities such as a pool-side barbecueand gym.For more information visit www.cilentomooloolaba.com.au orphone 07 5457 9100.Cerebral Palsy Leaguecustomer Brendan McKeiverloves cars and according to hismum, Dianne, it’s “in his blood”.In February Brendan and hisbrother Matt had their first driveat Mothar Mountain speedwaynear Gympie and chalked up awin in their yellow Holden V7Commodore (which also sportsthe Cerebral Palsy League’s logoon the bonnet).Dianne said the McKeivers havealways been a car family, withmore than 20 years in the sport.“It was inevitable that Brendanfound a love of cars andspeedway as well,” she said.“When we’re out and about hecan recognise different cars, sohe really knows his stuff.”The V7 Commodore is thesecond car for Brendan andPRAISE FORINCLUSIVE FESTIVALCongratulations to CerebralPalsy League’s Townsville teamwho were involved in organisingthe Inclusive CommunitiesFestival last year.Representatives from theCerebral Palsy League joinedwith other organisations underthe banner of United DisabilityAgencies of Townsville to runthe event, which highlightedthe positive contributions ofpeople with disabilities in thecommunity.The festival was a huge successwith plenty of entertainment andrecently received an ‘InnovativePractice Award’ from theTownsville City Council.There are plans to hold aneven bigger and better eventlater this year.he thoroughly enjoys riding inthe passenger seat while olderbrother Matt takes the wheel.“This car is bigger and betterand it goes much faster. It’s greatto see my boys racing together,”Dianne said.Twenty-one year-old Brendanlives at Rockyview and accessesthe Cerebral Palsy League’s dayservice in Rockhampton.He enjoys participating inthe various activities such ascooking, archery, bowling andcomputers.“Brendan loves the activitiesand is always happy to visit theday service. The people there arereally fantastic,” Dianne said.You can watch Brendanin action at www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl9fQlh2_qs&feature=share.PLANS TO EASEDISABILITY SUPPORTPENSION WORKRESTRICTIONSThe Federal Government hasintroduced a Bill in the LowerHouse that eases the restrictionson the number of working hoursa week for people receivingthe Disability Support Pension(DSP).The proposed change wouldsee the number of hours risefrom 15 hours to 30 hours perweek for recipients granted theDSP after 11 May 2005.If the legislation is passed, thechanges are scheduled to takeeffect from 1 July this year andit will encourage more peopleto work longer hours withoutjeopardising their pensionentitlement.PARENT SYMPOSIUMTO OFFER ADVICETherapy interventions,technology and equipment aswell as how to gain fundingare just some of the topicsthat will be covered at a ParentInformation Symposium held inBrisbane on 2 June.The Cerebral Palsy League isteaming up with the AustralasianAcademy of Cerebral Palsy andDevelopmental Medicine todeliver the event, which will giveparents the opportunity to hearnew information, ask questionsand take home resources.Senior therapists andtechnology advisors from theCerebral Palsy League will be onhand to offer their expertise.There will also be a Kids FunWhat’s NewBehind the wheelwith BrendanIn Briefand Care program to supportthose parents attending.Staff from the Cerebral PalsyLeague’s outside school hourscare program will coordinatefun activities and personal caresupport for children and siblingsfrom 5 to 18 years.The first 120 parents to RSVPwill be entitled to free registration.After this, registration will be $85to cover catering and venue costs.The symposium will be heldat the Brisbane Convention andExhibition Centre from 9am to3pm.To book a place emailrsmedley@cplqld.org.au or call07 3358 8001. Registrationsclose 30 April.8 Touchstone Autumn 2012Touchstone Autumn 20129

All About YouBetter Start:First steps towards an NDISWhile other kids were slippinginto their lycra swimsuits oversummer, four year-old SidneyCook from the Gold Coast wasslipping into a lycra suit of adifferent kind – a DynamicMovement Orthotic body suit.Thanks to funding from theFederal Government’s BetterStart program, Sidney received$2,000 for the suit, which willhelp increase his core strengthand give him more support whenwalking, consequently reducinghis support needs.Mum, Narelle Cook, said thesuit has made her son’s future alot brighter.“The suit will assist Sidney witha couple of things: it will helpstraighten his back and it willalso strengthen his core to assisthim to walk more confidently,”she said.Cerebral Palsy League GeneralManager of Services, PeterMewett, urged families who haveyoung children diagnosed withcerebral palsy, sight and hearingimpairments, Down syndromeor fragile X syndrome to registerfor Better Start funding, so theytoo can access the $12,000 grantbefore their child’s sixth birthday.The Better Start initiative alsooffers therapy services to eligiblechildren aged under 13 yearsthrough Medicare.Peter said Better Start fundingHelp make the NDIS real... Join us at the NDIS Rally!When: Monday, 30 April 2012Time: 12noon – 2pmRoute: Starting at South Bank and travellingover the Victoria Bridge up to Reddacliff PlaceAll supporters welcome!For more info visit www.cplqld.org.auis opening the door to a newfuture for Australians withdisability and is the first steptowards a National DisabilityInsurance Scheme (NDIS), wherepeople would be given a choice inwhere they spend their funding.Due to be trialled regionallyfrom July 2013, the NDIS willprovide tailored care andfinancial support to around410,000 Australians withsignificant disabilities.Peter warned even though theFederal Government has begunthe first stages of implementingthe NDIS, there is a long wayto go and the scheme is notguaranteed by any political party.“One in five Australians havea disability and many morepeople, such as familymembers, are impacted,” hesaid.“We believe every Australianhas the right to receivefinancial support and choosethe support that is right forthem.“Australia needs an NDISthat gives people withdisability a better qualityof life, because the currentsystem is broken and unfair.”You can support theNDIS campaign by fillingin your details in the letterattached to this edition ofTouchstone and sending itback in the reply-paid envelope.For further details contact theCerebral Palsy League on 073358 8103 or visitwww.cplqld.org.au/betterstart.State CCC2012 is the ‘Year of the Dragon’according to the Chinese zodiac and– like the driven and determineddragon – the State Client ConsultativeCommittee is approaching the newyear with passion and enthusiasm.One of the first things on the agenda was hosting an ‘NDISReadiness Workshop’ at the Cerebral Palsy League, which wasfacilitated by National Disability Services. Clients raised a numberof issues including mobility and transport, portability of fundingand interactions between Commonwealth and State Governmentdepartments.We also held a planning day where State Client ConsultativeCommittee (State CCC) members explored the possibilities of anNDIS and discussed client perspectives. Other topics covered on theday included communications between Regional CCCs, taking issuesto the State CCC, providing advice to the Cerebral Palsy League and,importantly, providing regular feedback to clients and actioning pointsthat were raised.The State CCC welcomes a strong focus on engagement initiativesand this year has scheduled meetings at Brendale, Strathpine and NewFarm. Client feedback is actively encouraged and will be acted upon,so we want to hear ‘what clients want’ from the Cerebral Palsy League.The first issue to be discussed with all clients this year will be aproposed change in language from “client” to “customer”, emphasisingthe increased rights and responsibilities of customers in a world wherethey will choose how they want to spend their funding.Terry Donaldson Chairman State CCCP&G UpdateThe Parents and Guardians Association (P&G) andother parents recently attended an informationsession at the Cerebral Palsy League’s New Farmoffice on the National Disability Insurance Scheme.Thank you to all the staff who attended and we look forward togetting more concrete information soon on this important piece oflegislation. I urge everyone to get behind the NDIS. Please fill in theenclosed letter (that came with this Touchstone) and send it back inthe reply-paid envelope to show your support.I would like to thank the Australian Lions Children’s MobilityFoundation for their generous support with providing walkers tochildren with cerebral palsy. We were delighted to be at MylestonesMobility Geebung just before Christmas to witness Lachlan Piper takehis first steps in his Hart Walker.It was good to welcome back some parents to the P&G after someabsence. We met Tanya Dennis, author of You Are Not Alone – ACarer’s Journey who will be writing an article on the ‘veranda ladies’. Ifyou were a ‘veranda lady’ and would like to be involved in the article,please contact me on 07 3268 2526 or Honorary Secretary CarolBarton on 07 3359 4989.Joan Williams P&G PresidentTouchstone Autumn 2012Diary NoteApril 6Good Friday public holiday- Australia wideApril 9Easter Monday public holiday- Australia wideApril 18Art Union 151 commences- New FarmApril 19-28Rotary Art Spectacular- Brisbane CBDApril 25ANZAC Day public holiday- Australia wideApril 30NDIS Rally- SouthbankMay 7May Day public holiday- Queensland wideMay 14 - 20National Volunteer Week- Australia wideJune 2Parent Information Symposium- SouthbankJune 6Art Union 150 ‘Double’ drawn- New FarmJune 11Queen’s Birthday public holiday- Queensland wideJune 29Art Union 151 drawn- New FarmFor further information on events or tobuy tickets visit www.cplqld.org.au11

Highlights...• Kayak through the 2,000 limestone karsts of beautiful Ha Long Bay• Feel the intellectual and cultural heartbeat of Vietnam in the old imperial capital of Hue• Provide assistance, equipment, early intervention and support for children with cerebral palsyThe Cerebral PalsyLeague and InspiredAdventures invite youto take the trip youhave always dreamt of!Challenge yourself on thisunforgettable 11 day adventureto Vietnam. Trek throughpristine countryside andbeautiful beaches and provideassistance and equipment forchildren with cerebral palsy!Chris joins the dream team...Ambassador Chris Scott is strapping on his hiking shoes for the VietnamChallenge in September this year, raising valuable funds for the CerebralPalsy League along the way. Chris has already started training for thechallenge which involves a five-day trek, as well as volunteer work. Heis pictured right with Sam Malone, Kunal Nimkar and Jessica Healy, whoaccess services from the Cerebral Palsy League.For more information, to register and have the time of YOUR lifevisit www.cplqld.org.au/vietnam or phone Helen on 1300 905 188.There is so much we can doWith your help we can do so much more...• Donate online at www.cpl.org.au or by phone on 1800 819 086• Join in our events• Become a volunteerTo get involved call us today on 07 3358 8011or email marketing@cplqld.org.au.