Touchstone Winter 2013 - Cerebral Palsy League

cutting edgeWe Won!Premier and PM shake hands on full implementation of DisabilityCare Australiathat we all enjoy: the fundamentalright to choose how we live ourlives, regardless of our abilities.”Federal Parliament recentlypassed legislation to increase theMedicare Levy by .5% to 2% whichis expected to raise $11 billion forthe scheme over the next fouryears.The incredible progress of theEvery Australian Counts campaignis evident: it has been just over fivemonths since the Prime Ministerintroduced the legislation toestablish the NDIS into Parliamenton 29 November, in what shedescribed as one of her proudestmoments in public life.Cerebral Palsy League BoardDirector and Queenslander witha disability Simone Fraser, whoactively campaigned for the NDIS,said today’s announcement wasboth a reward and a relief.“Thousands of Queenslandershave worked very hard for the pasttwo years to achieve a NationalDisability Insurance Scheme and tohave it now in our reach is the bestfeeling,” Ms Fraser said.“The NDIS is going to change ourlives – and the lives of generationsof Queenslanders to come.”Queensland joins New SouthWales, South Australia, theNorthern Territory, the AustralianCapital Territory and Tasmania,which also announced coming onboard on 1 May, in support of theNDIS.Cover Photo: Prime Minister JuliaGillard meets Cerebral Palsy Leagueboard member Simone Fraser andher beautiful daughter Audrey at theDisability Care Australia announcementin Brisbane on 8 MayClients, carers, familiesand staff at Cerebral PalsyLeague Townsville enjoyeda visit from FederalMinister for DisabilityReform Jenny Macklinon 21 May to discussDisabilityCare Australia.“DisabilityCare meansthat people with disabilityand their families will beable to choose how theymanage their funding,what support theywant, who will deliverthe funding and how itis delivered,” explainedCerebral Palsy LeagueCEO Angela Tillmanns.“We are all looking forwardto the scheme being upand running in Queenslandby 2016.”Touchstone Winter 20133

Roma Street ParklandWhat's NewSunday 28 July10am – 3pmPicnic in the Park just keepsgetting bigger and better!Brisbane’s favourite annualoutdoor family event, Picnic inthe Park presented by TreasuryCasino, is shaping up to be itsbiggest and best yet thanks tothe return of Nick Jr.’s Dora theExplorer and celebrity MC’s PipRussell of Totally Wild and JessSkarratt of The Great South-Easttelevision programs.Pip, Jess and Dora the Explorerare just a few of the manyattractions for families to enjoyat this free entry event on RomaStreet Parkland’s CelebrationLawn on Sunday 28 July between10am and 3pm. The entire event- including live entertainmentfeaturing Cerebral Palsy League’svery own Cascades band and theAustralian Army Band Brisbane,rides and gourmet food - hasbeen designed to cater for peopleof all ages and abilities.The jam-packed children’sprecinct is guaranteed to bring asmile to little faces with adorablebarnyard baby animals, jumpingcastle, train rides, sand wizard,face painting, laughing clowns,an accessible liberty swing androving performers, as well asAustralian Paralympic talentsearch opportunities.– Angela TillmannsCerebral Palsy League CEOBut there’s no doubt Dora theExplorer will steal the show andthe hearts of her young fans whenshe and her best friend Bootsperform two live shows at 11amand 1pm.Picnic in the Park heralds innational Cerebral Palsy AwarenessWeek (28 July to 3 August), andcelebrates the achievementsof Queenslanders with physicaldisability while raising valuablefunds for the Cerebral PalsyLeague.Last year’s event attracted morethan 8000 picnickers, and it isanticipated at least a thousandmore will come along this year.Cerebral Palsy League CEOAngela Tillmanns said this event isan opportunity for the communityto celebrate the ability of peoplewith disability and raise awarenessand vital funds for Queenslanderswith disabilities.For more details, just go topicnicinthepark.org.auTouchstone Winter 20135

Special FeatureTristan ‘Marathon Man’ Millerto run for cerebral palsyPhotos from top left toright: Kelly and BryceWilton with their childrenKatrina, 6, and twins Mikeyand Jasmine; Sidney andNarelle Cook; Emma withher son CalvinIn 2010, Tristan Miller - Australia’svery own marathon man -completed 52 marathons in 52weeks, in 42 countries acrossseven continents.This year, he will be lacing up hisrunning shoes to raise moneyfor the Cerebral Palsy League inBrisbane’s inaugural City2South,and is urging Brisbane runners tojoin him.“Running is something I lovedoing, and I’m lucky I can; it’seasy to take for granted.“There are thousands ofQueensland kids andadults with physicaldisability whowould never takethe ability towalk or run forgranted, andthe CerebralPalsy Leaguesupports themevery step ofthe way.“Runningchanged my life,and I hope that byrunning to raise moneyfor the Cerebral Palsy League,I can help to change the lives ofothers.“If you join Team CPL, you cantoo,” he said.Brisbane’s inaugural City2Southis on Sunday 16 June 2013 andTeam CPL is looking for runnersto join its ranks.Starting at Parliament Houseand finishing at South Brisbane,the 14 kilometre course crossesthe Brisbane River threetimes, taking in the city’s mostspectacular views.“The City2South is theperfect race to enjoy the run,celebrate the beautiful city ofBrisbane, and enjoy the festivalatmosphere these events bringto the city streets.“A fun run is exactly that – fun!It doesn’t matter if you’re not amarathon runner.“If you join Team CPL, you won’tjust be running for yourselfbut you’ll be raising somedesperately needed cash.“If a child with cerebral palsy hasthe potential to cover even thedistance of this run – somethingwe so easily take for granted -by chair, feet or otherwise– then surely that’sworth running for.”Cerebral PalsyLeague CEOAngelaTillmannssaid theCity2Southwas a perfectexcuse toget fit whileraising moneyfor a goodcause.“As well as being themost common childhoodphysical disability, cerebral palsyis also one of the most expensiveand government funding onlygoes so far.“We really appreciate all theathletes who are competing inthe inaugural City2South to raisemoney for the Cerebral PalsyLeague,” she said.Mr Miller’s top tips for racesuccess are to do a little bit oftraining, rest up for four to fivedays before the race, and eatplenty of brown rice for a coupleof days.“And there’s nothing to bescared of! Once you’re out there,you’ll have a blast,” he said.Brave mumstackle City2Southto help kids withcerebral palsyThree south-east Queenslandmums will be aiming to reachthe finish line of the inauguralBrisbane Times City2SouthFun Run on Sunday 16 June toraise funds to help children withphysical disability.6 Touchstone Winter 2013

Faces and Places1 b1 c1 a 21Rotary Art Spectacularan artful affair2Congratulations to Award winnerRotary Pride of WorkmanshipLeading and emerging artists showcased theirwork at this year’s Rotary Art Spectacular galaopening night:Cerebral Palsy League Volunteer Manager NatalieSearson was recently awarded a Rotary Pride ofWorkmanship award.a. CEO Angela Tillmanns withRotary Chair Bill Phillipsb. Artist David Vealec. Sarah Lally and Rose Locke8 Touchstone Winter 2013

Behind the ScenesMylestones Solutionsfarewells loyal staffersbeginning, and nowat the age of 65, he’scelebrating his muchanticipated retirement.“I love making things with myhands, and was only fifteenwhen I began at the woodworkworkshop in New Farm,” heexplained.It’s not every day that youcelebrate the huge contributionsof three very important peoplewho have given the CerebralPalsy League over 120 years ofcombined service.The crew at Mylestones Solutionsrecently farewelled John Biddle,Russell Algeo and James Smith,three long term clients andemployees who are now startingnew chapters in their lives.Russell and James have eachbeen with the Cerebral PalsyLeague for over 35 years and arefinishing up with the team to beable to work closer to home.John has been with the CerebralPalsy League since the very“Later on I went to the SevenOaks workshop in Fig TreePocket and in 2005 I firstbecame an employee at AdeptPacking [now MylestonesSolutions], and I haven’t lookedback since.”Congratulations to John, Russelland James, you will all be greatlymissed!Artist’s ‘thoughts’ wins premier Rotary art awardThere’s no surprise that WilliamHunt’s ‘Me and My Thoughts’was awarded the prize for BestFigurative Work – any medium(incorporating human form) atthe 2013 Rotary Art Spectacularon 11 April.The reduction block relief printis not only technically clever andstriking; it comes from a placedeep inside the artist.In William’s own words: “Themeteor shower in the skyrepresents freedom and space.My figure, as the landscape,represents my personal growthwhere I have been able to breakthough certain hurdles in my life– both professional and personal.I chose the colour palette for itspurity and simplicity.”William, 33, works from theCascade studio at Cerebral PalsyLeague Redcliffe and says thatbeing able to express himselfthrough art has allowed him towork through dark times in hislife and “move on to a betterpeace of mind.”Keep an eye out for moreinspiring works from William inupcoming Cascade exhibitions.Photo: William Hunt’s winning pieceTouchstone Winter 20139

All about youNew funding forcommunication aidsDo you or a family member usecommunication books?Well, you can now apply forfunding to access the CerebralPalsy League’s CommunicationBoard Service through thestate government’s CommunityAids, Equipment and AssistiveTechnology Initiatives’ (CAEATI)funding.Lucraecia’s big hearthelps Grace walkFive year old Lucraceia Hibberthas a big heart for a little girl.Earlier this year, while watchingtelevision coverage of theAustralia Day weekend floods, shetold her mum Shelley she wantedto help.Lucraecia, who has cerebral palsyand had recently outgrown herwalker, decided she wanted togive it to a child who needed one.“The whole family was just soproud of her,” Shelley said.Shelley contacted the CerebralPalsy League in Hervey Bay whereLucraecia has been accessingservices since 2008, asking ifthere was a child who wouldbenefit from the donation.Early Intervention Officer EvaLemenkuehler was thrilled to findthe perfect candidate in three yearold Grace Lukan from Gin Gin.Grace’s mum Lucy said she wasoverwhelmed to learn that Gracewould be receiving the precisewalker she had been prescribed.“It was very heart warming andas this walker would have costaround $3800 - it would havejust been impossible for us at thistime,” she said.Shelley said it was simply a matterof paying it forward.“A few years ago when wewere fundraising for Lucraecia’swheelchair, a five year old boyfrom our neighbourhood askedhis birthday party guests to givedonations for her chair, rather thanpresents for himself. He raised$586 for her,” she said.“In a way, it’s like we’re repayingthat kindness.”Photos from left to right: Grace in hernew walker for the first time; Lucraeciaand mum Shelley with the walker beinggifted to GraceYou can apply forcommunication supportthrough CAEATI funding, upto a maximum of $4,500 perperson, for PODD or othercommunication books, songboards and alphabet displays.Cerebral Palsy League evenoffers a bonus service to replacethe covers, binding coil andupdate the ‘People and Places’pages of each communicationbook after 12 months of usage.Be quick as funding for thisprogram will close on 30 Junethis year!Speech PathologistsAny speech pathologistcan easily refer people withdisability to the Cerebral PalsyLeague for the development ofcommunication support. Go towww.cpl.org.au to download allthe documentation needed.Contact the Cerebral PalsyLeague on 1800 275 753 to findout how you can access thisfunding today.10 Touchstone Winter 2013

In BriefYour sayThanks so much to the 298 people who filled out our Touchstone 'How do you get your news andinformation' survey, included in our recent Autumn edition. As a result of this survey, we have provided 91people with Touchstone via email and 25 people with Touchstone via email and in hard copy. Please contactus at info@cplqld.org.au if you would like to receive Touchstone electronically. Please read on, some of theresults might surprise you!How do you get your news?The majority of our readers whoresponded ranked television asthe best way that they liked toreceive their news. Television wasranked in the top three favouriteways that members, clientsunder 18, clients over 18 andvolunteers liked to receive theirinformation.*See figure to the right for results.Results incude those who respondedDo you regularly use theInternet?The majority of those whoresponded have internetaccess and most readers whoresponded use a computer orlaptop to access the internet.The largest group which donot have internet access aremembers. 30% of respondentsaccess the internet through aniPad and 22% of respondentsaccess the internet through theiriPhone. It is interesting to notethat 15% of our readers don’thave internet access.I use my electronic device for...97% of people surveyed usetheir electronic devices foremail, followed by 66% tobrowse the internet and 42% topurchase goods and services.MediaRanking1How often do you use theInternet?The majority (50%) of thosewho responded use the internetdaily, however only 11% use ithourly, 8% weekly and 0.3%fortnightly.Do you use the following socialmedia programs?The majority of our readers(61%) use Facebook, with a lotless using other social mediaprograms like Linked In (11%),Twitter (10%) or Pinterest 6%.Ranking2Ranking3Ranking4State National NP 44 32 39 67 57Local free NP 29 54 55 64 35Radio 37 69 56 35 33TV 116 65 65 25 6Internet 53 31 31 27 83TOTAL 298 298 298 298 298Ranking5Would you prefer to receive anonline version of Touchstoneinstead of a hard copy in themail?60% of readers would like tocontinue to receive a hardcopy of Touchstone. However,30% would like to receive anelectronic copy and 6% wouldlike to receive both a hard andelectronic copy.This issue of Touchstone is thefirst we have emailed out tothose who have requested it,moving us to communicatingwith readers online and in atraditional hard copy format.Touchstone Winter 201311

In BriefMarty Carne fromKNM InsuranceServices and StuartFitzpatrick from theCerebral Palsy Leagueare happy to see Zoein her brand newstanding frameZoestandstallLike thousands of childrenthroughout Queensland, threeyear old Zoe Gordon from Dalbyhas started pre-kindy for the firsttime this year.Unlike many other children,however, Zoe has dystoniccerebral palsy, which means herbody is in constant movement,and she is unable to stand, walkor talk.Now, thanks to the generousdonations from the staff teamat Queensland’s KNM Services,Zoe is standing alongside herclassmates for the first time inher very own standing frame.Zoe’s parents said if it wasn’tfor the support of the therapistsfrom the Cerebral Palsy League,Zoe might never have sat byherself.“Thanks to all the services Zoehas received from the CerebralPalsy League, she can sit, grasptoys, and is learning to usepicture cards and pointing tocommunicate.“And now, thanks to thegenerous staff at KNM Services,she will soon be standingalongside her friends and family,”her mum said.Marty Carne, CEO of KNMServices, said he and his staffwere honoured and humbled tobe able to help Zoe.“We hope that the standingframe will help Zoe’s mobility soshe can enjoy the other thingsthat kids of her age do.“We also hope it helps Zoe’smum and dad; financially, sure,but also to give them somepeace of mind to know thatpeople really do care about themand they need never feel alone,”he said.Cascades celebrity fanCascades band membersmaking music in the studioRedcliffe’s own Cascades Bandreceived a piece of fan mailrecently from none other thanAussie music icon Iva Davies, ofIce House fame.Cascades sent their recordedversion of the Ice House classic,‘Can’t Help Myself’, to Iva whowas “hugely impressed” bythe approach the band tookand praised them for paying“homage to the original track”while bringing Cascade’s ownunique sound to it.He went on to say, “I think you’veall done a fabulous version of mysong, and I hope you get greatenjoyment out of performing it.”Well done Cascades!12 Touchstone Winter 2013

TheGrapevineGrab yourself a bargainThe new 2013-14 EntertainmentBook is jam-packed with specialdeals and discounts to use at arange of restaurants, pubs, cafes,hotels and attractions.There are three different booksavailable: Brisbane, SunshineCoast and Surrounds ($65); GoldCoast and Northern New SouthArtist Steph Everitt willbe one of the talentedartists showcasingwork at the IpswichCommunity Art GalleryWales ($55); and Far NorthQueensland ($55).By purchasing a book you arehelping to raise funds for theCerebral Palsy League.For more information contactBrendan on 07 3358 8027, emailinfo@cplqld.org.au or buy onlineat www.cpl.org.au.Tune in toIpswichConnectionsDid you know the CerebralPalsy League has its own radiostation? Ipswich Connectionsis Australia’s first internet radioprogram hosted and producedby people with a disability.CPL artists to shine at ExpoIf you are in South EastQueensland, why not comealong to the Ipswich CommunityArt Gallery’s Art Expo whichwill be showcasing the creativetalent of clients from Support inthe Community Springfield from31 July to 6 August.There will be more than 30pieces of artwork for saleincluding a wide range ofamazing photography, paintingsand sculptures.“We have a very high standardof work this year and everyonehas worked hard creating theseoriginal pieces which really givean insight in to how each one ofus views the world,” explainedProgram Facilitator MartynKneal.Location: Ipswich CommunityArt Gallery, Darcy Doyle Place,Limestone Street, IpswichOpening Times: Wednesday 31July – Tuesday 6 August 9.30am-3.00pm (weekdays only)For more information visitwww.cpl.org.au.The show plays a range of musicfrom the 60s through to currentday while discussing high profiledisability related topics. Thereare also up-to-date sportsreports, music requests, humaninterest stories, movie reviews,non-profit updates and weatherreports.Ipswich Connections is alwayslooking for guests of all abilitiesto come on the program andshare their stories.The one and a half hour showstarts at 1:30pm each Friday toget you through the last workingday of the week.Tune in today! Listen at http://phoenixradio.ning.com/page/ipswich-connectionsTouchstone Winter 201313

Regional Insight“If we can modify a highlytechnical sport like archery,then surely the same thing canbe done for other sportingequipment so people withdisabilities can get involved.”- John Hans, CPL Support Workerand President of the PeaceInternational Archery Club,RockhamptonDavid Malone taking aimShooting for the topdegree of disabilities,” he said.“David tried archery through theCommunity Access program butphysically there’s no way he coulduse a bow and arrow, so I justasked David if he’d like to give thecrossbow a go.The story of David Malone isinspirational – not just because hehas accomplished something noother Australian with a disabilityhas done, but because of thefriendship and support thathelped him to achieve it.Fifty-six year old David hascerebral palsy and uses a walkingframe and wheelchair for mobilityand has limited movement in hisupper body. Incredibly, Davidlearnt to shoot a high-poweredtarget crossbow 12 months ago –and discovered he was good at it.David’s first competition was theCerebral Palsy League archerytournament in 2012, where hescored 289 out of a possible 300– quite some achievement – butthe story doesn’t stop there.The next chapter is even moreincredible: David has now attaineda Category M crossbow weapon’slicence – the qualification thatwill enable him to compete in allabilities club, State and Nationalshooting tournaments.Obtaining the licence took severalmonths of hard work reviewingthe exam questions and otherlicensing requirements, but moreimportantly, David needed to passthe live firing tests – which he didwith flying colours.As part of the licensingrequirements, David also joinedthe Peace International ArcheryClub in Rockhampton.David’s journey to becomingqualified was a long one anda great example of the way inwhich the Cerebral Palsy Leaguesupports its clients to achievetheir life goals.He may never have lived out hisdream without the mentoring andsupport of Rockhampton CerebralPalsy League Day Service andCommunity Access worker JohnHans, OAM, who is President ofDavid’s new archery club.John worked tirelessly and closelywith David to achieve this dream– so much so that it feels like apersonal achievement for himalso.“David has surely proved thatpeople with disability canachieve anything they want,given the right support andencouragement,” John said.“I don’t believe that anybody elsehas been tested [for a CategoryM licence] prior to David with his“He took to it like a duck to water,so we modified the bow to allowDavid to shoot and from day onehe surprised everyone, especiallyme, by shooting very high scores.”David and John took the final stepin their journey together whenthey attended the RockhamptonPolice Station on Friday 10 Mayto sign the final page on David’slicence application, which neededto be witnessed by a QueenslandPolice Officer.John is an active advocate andmentor for people with disabilitiesgetting into archery – and allother sports.In his quest to make the sportaccessible to more people withdisabilities, he has written acoaching manual and a disabilitypolicy for the club, which hasgone to Archery Australia for aroll-out.“I’d like to see people withdisability get into a lot moresports than they are currentlyable to.“You have to look at theirdisability and then think outsidethe coaching box about howyou’re going to get them to holdand shoot the bow,” he said.14 Touchstone Winter 2013

P&G UpdateThe Parents & GuardiansAssociation has taken greatinterest in the changes that areoccurring at both a State andFederal level regarding the futureof disability support funding.At a State level, the new “YourLife Your Choice” initiative is theQueensland version of an NDIStrial, whilst at the Federal levelthe NDIS has gained momentumwith the announcement of anincrease in the Medicare Levyto partly fund the initiative. TheQueensland State Governmentformally signing up to the NDIS isa very exciting step forward. Bothinitiatives will have an impact onpeople with disability in that theywill be able to use their fundingmore flexibly.The P&G have been proactive inensuring that CPL provides clearand accurate information to allits constituents and the widercommunity. It is for this reasonthat the P&G have thrown theirsupport behind the idea of havinga Family Convention late in 2013.The aim is to provide accurateinformation about the NDIS, YourLife Your Choice and CPL’s HostProvider service My Life, so thatpeople understand what this allmeans. Most importantly, it willhighlight what the opportunitiesare for each person when peoplecan use their funding more flexiblyto live the life they choose.The P&G will continue to workon developing the convention toensure that people receive clearinformation and for the CerebralPalsy League to continue to beseen as an organisation that is aleader in the disability sector andthe source of information on allmatters relating to the flexible useof funding.The next meeting will be heldon Friday 31 May 10am-12pm atthe New Farm office, 55 OxladeDrive New Farm. Please contactEvan Munroe on 07 3358 8057 oremunroe@cplqld.org.au if you areinterested in attending.Sincerely,Joan WilliamsP&G PresidentDiary Note7 JuneFusion of Music16 JuneCity 2 South6 JulyGold Coast Marathon28 JulyPicnic in the Park28 July – 3 AugustCerebral Palsy Awareness WeekIpswich Community Art Gallery2 AugustWheel of Giving11 AugustSydney City 2 Surf8-14 SeptemberDisability Action WeekFor further informationon events visit www.cpl.org.auState CCCThe State CCC has been busyplanning the Regional ClientConsultative Committeeelections that have beenunderway during March – May2013.The State CCC has agreed toupdate its ‘Terms of Reference’to invite clients who have a‘particular interest’ (e.g. stafftraining, transport needs andthe National Disability InsuranceScheme) to attend State CCCmeetings. If clients wish toattend a State CCC meetingto share ideas and inform CPLabout issues they may haveplease contact the State CCCSecretariat on 3358 8049 orvia stateccc@cplqld.org.au todiscuss the details.State CCC elections opened on31 May and nomination formswere sent to eligible nominees.Elections will occur at New Farmon 14 June 2013.On 8 May 2013 the Queenslandand Federal Governmentssigned an agreement toimplement the National DisabilityInsurance Scheme – renamedDisabilityCare Australia – frommid 2016. The State CCC is veryaware of this historic occasionand is confident that all CerebralPalsy League clients andfamilies will be celebrating thismomentous occasion with us.Sincerely,Terry DonaldsonChair, State CCCIn memoriamIt is with deep sadness thatthe Cerebral Palsy League, theState CCC and the Parentsand Guardians Associationacknowledge the passing ofMr Maurice Williams on 29April 2013.Husband to Joan and father toBruce, William and his familyare well known and greatlyappreciated for their tirelesscontributions to the CerebralPalsy League, its clients andespecially families over the fullhistory of the organisation.Several clients represented theState CCC at the wonderfulfuneral service on 3 May 2013.Our sincere condolences areextended to the Williamsfamily and friends.Touchstone Winter 2013 15

Sunday 28 July, 10am – 3pmRoma Street Parklands!Celebrate Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week(28 July to 3 August), by attending eventsheld by Cerebral Palsy League services aroundQueensland!From open days and sausage sizzles to country‘ho downs’ and an art gallery exhibition, get readyfor a great week recognising the achievements ofchildren and adults with cerebral palsy.To find out what’s happening at your nearestcentre, visit: www.cpl.org.auLast year, Capalaba hosted a MadHatter’s Tea Party. This year they areplanning a Country Ho Down!