CP Australia 2005 - Cerebral Palsy League

2005 Issue ■ $3.75 (INC. GST)WilliamH. Macy& Felicity Huffmanhelp children with CPCELEBRATING60 Yearssupporting peoplewith cerebral palsyIn bed withNeighbours StarsMARISAWARRINGTON& RYAN MOLONEY■ Miss Australia Crown goes on tour■ Sex CD ROM■ Thomas Keneally - My favourite destination■ Help us recycle mobile phones■ Technology update■ New Zealand - discover the land of the long white cloud■ Jessica Adams looks up your starsProud dadJIMMYBARNEStalks family,career & CPPLUS TRAVEL, HEALTH & FITNESS,FOOD, STARS AND LOTS MORE!

THICKENED FLUIDSSEX CD-ROMBIBS4KIDSHydration, as well as maintaining adequate nutritional intake, is acentral issue for people who have diffi culties in swallowing. Australianownedcompany, Chef’s Pride, was approached to develop and producefruit-based thickened fl uid products for the Australian palate and haverecently launched a range of specifi cally created frozen thickened drinks.Consistency of viscosity is one of the most important facets of providingliquids for people with swallowing diffi culties. The range is also availablein portion controlled 150ml cups or 2 litre bottles.Recent Canadian research demonstrates thatyoung people with cerebral palsy are uninformed ormisinformed about general sexual knowledge andhave many misconceptions about sexuality andtheir disability.Western Australia has received funding by aNon-Government Centre support grant todevelop a CD ROM that offers a medium throughwhich teachers, parents, therapists and young people 15-17 years canaccess information about healthy relationships, safety and the law, health,decision-making and mental health.Contact the CP Helpline on 1300 30 29 20 for further information.It’s all a Game...Australian company Kaktus Kids designs a greatrange of bibs that minimise clothing changes duringmeal times. The unique design fits close at the neckand completely covers the body and legs of babiesthrough to small children when they sit down.Measuring 60cms long and 45cms wide, the bibs actlike a feeding blanket to minimize food spilling into thelap. A Velcro neck fastener makes them simple to useand remove. They are made in Victoria from two layersof the highest quality 100% Australian cotton and areavailable in four colours and two designs.Priced at $15.95 each these bibs are very affordableand practical. $1.00 from every bib sold will bedonated to CP Australia. To order on line throughwww.kaktuskids.com.au simply put a ‘dash CP’ nextto your name (eg John Smith - CP).Researchers at the University of South Australia haveidentified a positive outcome of playing virtual realitytechnology games. Hospitalised children who have cerebralpalsy and were undergoing post-surgical physiotherapytook part in a trial conducted by the University.A virtual reality game was modified to accommodate thephysical limitations caused by the children receiving theirtreatment. Project leader, Associate Professor KarenGrimmer, reported that the young patients indicatedthey endured significantly less pain when playing.For more information, contact the CP Helplineon 1300 30 29 20.ON THENEWSFRONTwww.yconnection.org.auIf you're 17 - 30 years old, want to findout what's on and where, or you'resimply up for a bit of a chat make sureyou visit this great site.TheSMARTHOUSEFive West Australian adultswith cerebral palsy are experiencingthe ultimate 21st century lifestyle witha new purpose-built ‘Smart House’.New technology has been utilisedto create a home featuring a hardwiredX10 Home Automation system.The Smart House simply has oneremote control that has replaced allother remote controls for appliances,including the TV, DVD, CD players andFoxtel. Bedroom and lounge lights andthe front automatic door can also beremotely activated.There’s also a sensor activated slidingside door that detects movement,allowing safe entry and exit to thehouse, ensuring the door remains openif a person is still in the doorway.Independent living is invaluable toall adults, in particular for peoplewith disabilities – the Smart Househighlights the fact that technology willcontinue to play a pivotal role in thelives of people with cerebral palsy.For further information, contact theCP Helpline on 1300 30 29 20.05

ON THENEWSFRONTYoga for adultsWith a mother as a yoga teacher, MeganWard has always been fascinated bythe eastern philosophy of balancingthe mind, body and spirit. Now a yogateacher herself, Megan has developedthe Manasa Yoga Seated ExerciseProgram on DVD and video to specificallymeet the needs of the elderly and peoplewith disabilities.The program includes gentle yogaexercises designed to open andstrengthen the entire body and supportnatural full breathing. With easy to followdetailed demonstrations and instructions,all the postures are practiced from aseated position, enabling the person toparticipate in an exercise program thatwould usually require them to standfor long periods or lie upon the floor.With benefits including strengtheningjoints, tendons and toning the muscles,improving posture, balance andcoordination, and increasing supplenessand strength to the spine and supportingmuscles, the program is now gainingwide usage amongst therapy programsacross Queensland.Megan teaches private yoga andmeditation classes in Queensland.The Manasa Yoga Seated Exerciseprogram DVD costs $45. For moreinformation contact the CP Helplineon 1300 30 29 20.Strength trainingWith the onset of puberty, mainstreamschool students 11-14 years with cerebralpalsy are likely to experience some lossof function. This can affect their abilityto move around their school environmentand participate in physical activitiesthat they had previously enjoyed.Recent research has shown thatfitness programs aimed specifically atimproving muscle strength in youngadolescents with CP can improve theirability to participate, as well as contributeto an increased sense of wellbeing,self-esteem and improved body image.However, due to a number of barriersincluding the lack of knowledge inadapting fitness programs or equipmentfor people with disabilities, many peoplewith CP are often reluctant to take thefirst step in accessing communityfitness programs.To overcome these barriers, the SchoolAge Intervention Program run in WesternAustralia has developed a facility to beused by people with disabilities as astepping-stone to accessing communitybased fitness options.Featuring generic equipment for strengthtraining, cardiovascular fitness trainingand research assessment, the facility willprovide a consultancy service for clientsand their primary therapists. Educationalworkshops and seminars for clients,therapists and staff from communityorganisations will also be held to enhancethe opportunities for access to localcommunity recreation options.For more information, contact theCP Helpline on 1300 30 29 20.Let’s GetPhysicalELECTRODE THINKING CAPPeople with cerebral palsy and otherneurodegenerative conditions may be able tooperate a computer or prosthetic device usingthe power of thought.Published in Proceedings of the National Academyof Sciences, US researchers have reported peoplecould control a computer using their thoughts andan electrode-studded ‘thinking cap’. The experimentrequired no surgery or implants, as the thinking cap06was used to detect EEG activity from the scalpand record the brainwaves of each participant.During the experiments, the volunteers faced a videoscreen while wearing a cap that held 64 electrodesagainst the scalp to record their brain activity. Aspecial computer program translated the brain signalsinto a meaningful directive of what the users wantedto do. Researchers commented: “The impressivenon-invasive multidimensional control achievedin the present study suggests that a non-invasivebrain control interface could support clinically usefuloperation of a robotic arm, a motorised wheelchair,or a neuroprosthesis.”Source: www.spinalinfo.nsw.gov.au/enewsletterFor more information, contact the CP Helplineon 1300 30 29 20.

Wheelchair ofthe future!(Syton Mobility Aid)The Syton Mobility Aid is a uniquewheelchair created to assist when shiftingbetween the sitting and standing position.Designed by Monash University studentThomas Marminc, the Syton Mobility Aidrecently won the Bronze Award in the2005 Australian Design Award – DysonStudent Award with judges commentingthat the Syton Mobility Aid was a “giantleap forward from traditional wheelchairsin terms of versatility, visual appeal andsocial acceptance.”The Syton folds at its midpoint, raisingthe seat and providing arm rests againstwhich users can brace themselves,allowing this action to be performedwithout assistance.Professor Stuart Campbell of London’sCreate Health Clinic is a pioneer inultrasound diagnosis in medicine andhas introduced many new techniquesincluding 3D scanning and establishingthe world’s first 4D Ultrasound Clinic.This new type of ultrasound scanproduces vivid pictures of a 12 weekold foetus ‘walking’ in the womb. Thescans are much more detailed thanconventional ultrasound that produces2D images of the developing foetus. Inaddition, activities of the baby inside thewomb can be seen which are difficult orimpossible to identify on 2D scanning.With 4D scanning, the foetus can nowbe seen to yawn, cry, swallow, blink andperform intricate finger movements.Examination times are also reducedbecause the baby’s anatomy can bestudied in any plane fromthe stored computer image.Speaking to BBC News, ProfessorCampbell says his work has been ableto show for the first time that the unbornIts design is the first to utilise fibreglasspanelling, disguising its functionalnature and making it far more sociallyacceptable than its competitors.The wheels are independently driven,allowing for a tight turning radius. TheSyton can also be operated while folded,creating a smaller wheelbase and tighteningthe turning radius even further.Instead of the awkward, stigmatisedjoystick control common to automatedwheelchairs, the Syton features adual-handgrip control system.For more information, contact theCP Helpline 1300 30 29 20.4D Scans of the wombbaby engages in complex behaviourfrom an early stage of its development.He told the BBC: “ This is a new sciencefor understanding and mapping out thebehaviour of the baby. Maybe in thefuture it will help us understand anddiagnose genetic disease, maybe evenconditions like cerebral palsy whichpuzzles the medical profession as towhy it occurs.”For more information, contact theCP Helpline 1300 30 29 20.4D sonography of a developing foetus, takenby the Voluson 730 Expert. ©General ElectricUp for a chat?ON THENEWSFRONTSometimes getting a message across,especially when using the telephone, isnot easy for someone who has speechor communication diffi culties.The National Relay Service (NRS) offers arange of communication options that cantake the struggle out of using the telephone.The service allows people who are deaf, orhave a hearing and/or speech impairment,to communicate with anyone who uses astandard telephone, and vice-versa. Callswithin Australia are relayed at noadditional charge.Making and receiving calls is simple. If youhave speech or complex communicationneeds, you can use your voice or voiceoutput device with an ordinary telephone tomake or receive calls, or you can use a TTY(teletypewriter or textphone). If people havediffi culty understanding you, you can alsoselect speech-to-speech relay that allowsthe Relay Offi cer to re-speak all or partof what you say.Regardless of which option you choose,a Relay Offi cer is always online to makesure your calls go smoothly.For more information contactthe CP Helpline 1300 30 29 20.The images have shown:• From 12 weeks, unborn babiescan stretch, kick and leap aroundthe womb – well before the mothercan feel movement• From 18 weeks, they can opentheir eyes although most doctorsthought eyelids were fused until26 weeks• From 26 weeks, they appear toexhibit a whole range of typicalbaby behaviour and moods,including scratching, smiling,crying, hiccuping and sucking• Until recently it was thought thatsmiling did not start until sixweeks after birth07

UPCLOSEWITHJimmyBarnesIt seems like rock star Jimmy Barnes has been around forever.In a career that has spanned more than 25 years, ‘Barnsey’ isnow up to his 16th solo album, entitled “Double Happiness”.This album is particularly special to the singer, as this is the firsttime he has sung with big brother John. The album also featuresduets with all five of Jimmy’s children, including youngest daughterElly-May, who has cerebral palsy.In a career that began at the tender age of just sixteen and ahalf, this former ‘wild boy’ has notched-up a dozen number onealbums (seven of which debuted at number one) with Cold Chiseland as a solo performer. This impressive record puts the ‘adopted’Australian rock legend in the same league as The Rolling Stones,Madonna, The Beatles and Rod Stewart.Say the words “Cold Chisel” and it’s easy to be transported backto the heady days of pub rock - a unique time in Australia’s musichistory when a group of long haired, energetic musicians led bythe screaming vocals of a young Scottish immigrant – namedJimmy Barnes - literally leapt onto the Aussie music scene andwent on to become one of our most successful groups.Over the years, Jimmy has performed for intimate gatherings ofjust 20 people right up to packed arenas of more than 50,000fans. But it was the opening and closing ceremonies of boththe 2000 Sydney Olympics and Paralympics that stand-out inhis mind as some of the most amazing and memorable gigs ofhis career.The Paraylmpians, in particular, struck a chord with him. “I thinkthe athletes at the Olympics opening ceremony were also thinkingabout their particular events,” he says, “but the Paralympianswere just so appreciative of me being there, and there was realfeeling of ‘I’m here and I’m celebrating life’ – it was beautiful.”It’s amazing and refreshing to see that ‘Barnsey’, who turned 49this year, has still got ‘it’ - especially in this celebrity-obsessedera, where appearance reigns over substance. Apart from hardwork and a passion for music and performing, Jimmy sees familyas the major reason for his longevity in an industry that’s notoriousfor disposing of its stars quicker than you can say “workingclass man”.08

UPCLOSEWITH“...cerebral palsy,can add anotherwhole dimension tothe familydynamics”.Jimmy with up and coming performer daughter, Elly-May.“When you start having kids, that keeps your feet on the ground– it’s very difficult to think too much of yourself as a rock star.”Jimmy admits with his usual candour. “I mean, you can be a rockstar one minute and changing nappies the next.”Having five children is quite a brood and, when one of them hascerebral palsy, that can add another whole dimension to thefamily dynamics.When the baby of the Barnes clan, Elly-May entered the world at14 weeks premature, doctors were not sure she would survive.Although in shock, Jimmy and his wife Jane were determined tospend every minute with their baby, virtually setting-up camp inthe hospital where one of them could be with her 24 hours a day.At the time, doctors said their constant vigil of touching, talkingand singing to her was integral to Elly-May’s survival.Although not officially diagnosed with CP for some years, theBarnes’ knew that being born so small would greatly affectElly-May’s development. As a premature baby, she was fedoxygen through a tube that sometimes can incur brain bleeds.This happened on the left side of Elly-May’s brain which has sinceaffected predominately the right side of her body. ConsequentlyElly-May has always walked on one toe, which makes her hipslightly turn.“We are very, very lucky – it could’ve been a lot worse.” Jimmyis quick to point out “I mean, we feel blessed that we’ve got her– we don’t feel that it’s a throw back or that our lives have beenruined – we’re just blessed to have our baby with us.”In seeking the best care for their daughter, for many years theBarnes’ have utilised the range of services available in NSW.Having casts on her legs followed by Botox injections, numerousexperimental shock therapies to stimulate her muscles and arecent operation to extend the tendons in the back of her leg,would test the best of us. However, having a supportive familyand understanding teachers and friends has ensured Elly-May,now sixteen has enjoyed a relatively ‘normal’ childhood.Despite missing a lot of school and enduring the stares and painthat comes with living with CP, Elly-May, is in her father’s words,“a tough kid, a real battler and a very funny girl. She’s a real lovingkid. You couldn’t ask for that from anybody else.”Having cerebral palsy has certainly not stopped Elly-May fromenjoying life to the full. She can speak French, is a talented artistand has a great singing voice that can be heard in a duet of TheJackson Five hit, “I’ll Be There” - which she performs with herfather on his latest album, “Double Happiness”.At the end of the day, having a happy and healthy family is clearlyall that matters to Jimmy and, with five very talented children, hehas every right to be a very proud father.“Stay honest, keep your head down, work hard and don’t expecta free ride. Everything comes with a price and, if you take it now,you’ll pay for it later. So just enjoy yourself, but work hard.” isJimmy’s sound advice for up-and-coming rock stars. When wethink about it, it’s good advice for anyone wanting to achievetheir goals, no matter what their ability.09

BEAUTYWake up feeling wonderfulwith these easy beauty tips10AC D E FGBInquiries:Prestige 03 9571 1100Sally Hansen 1800 251 010L’Oreal Professionnel 1300 651 141Urban Originals 02 9386 4416Model Co 02 8354 6700The Body Shop 1800 065 232Estee Lauder 1800 061 326Wicked Sista 03 9568 5999Thierry Mugler 02 9663 4277HALuscious lipsFor the perfect pout, try Model Co Wonderfull LipPlumper in Hot Pink or Fiery Red, $24, with organicginger and capsicum oil these tinted glossesintensify circulation to help plump lips. Availablefrom department stores.BSee your sparkling eyesBrighten up with a sweep of lavender eye shadow. Try:Prestige Cosmetics Eyeshadow Quad in Sea Breeze,$19.95 available from Myer and Priceline.TIP: Use the darker plum shade along your top lashlineand the paler pink under your brow to highlight.CSay see-ya to sallow skinCan’t be bothered applying layers of foundation? Trythis Sally Hansen Fast And Flawless Airbrush Makeup,$24.95. Simply spritz onto the back of your hand anduse your fi ngers to smooth onto your skin. Availablefrom department stores and pharmacies.DGet your skin glowingBattle fi ne lines, wrinkles and age spots with EsteeLauder Perfectionist CP+ 30ml, $110. The skinsmoothing formula helps boost collagen productionwhile fading any patches of pigmentation. From allEstee Lauder counters.ESmooth frizzy or limp locksTackle bed-head hair with products to soothe andsmooth. Formulated especially for coloured hair, a fewdrops of L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni.Art Color ShowLiss Cream 250ml, $23.50 works wonders. Availablefrom L’Oreal Professionnel salons.FSensory sensationIf you need a quick morning boost, spritz on yourfavourite scent to awaken your senses. Our choice isThierry Mugler Angel Peony Eau de Parfum 25ml, $95.Available from department stores.TIP: Add a few drops of your favourite essential oilto the shower fl oor to lift your morning mood.GFlower powerWhether it’s fresh or fake, slip a fl ower into your hair fora bit of fun. Shown here, Wicked Sista Tropical Flowerin Dusty Pink, $7.95 from discount department stores.HAccessory actionGive your lobes a lift with a pair of sparkling jewelledearrings. Shown here, Urban Originals BermudaSwizzle Earring, $39.95.

BEAUTYBeauty shoppingfrom your bedroomwww.thebodyshop.com.auwww.meccacosmetica.com.auwww.aesop.net.auwww.adorebeauty.com.auWhen was the last time you bought a lipstick in one minute? What about a natural moisturiser or some upliftingpeppermint body wash? Hunting down your favourite beauty buys just got a whole lot easier with on-line shopping.There’s no need to write lists or get entangled in the traffi c, just jump on-line and let your fi ngers fi nd all yourfavourites. “Convenience is probably the biggest reason people shop on-line,” says Kate Morris director and founderof the website Adore Beauty. “It saves you from traipsing around all the stores.”All you need is a computer, a connection to the internet and a credit card. If you don’t have an internet connectionat home try your local library or see if one of your computer savvy friends would like to make an order with you.Spoil Yourselfby Juliette RichardsonInquiries:Rodney Wayne (02) 9360 0300Bobbi Brown 1800 061 326Equip (02) 9479 7777AfterSent out to be pampered, Sam Parsonage did feel like aprincess after a day of beauty bliss. Here’s what happenedwhen she met our makeover team.Makeup magic“I’m a lip gloss and mascara girl,” says Sam who normally spends about two minutes onher hair and make-up. Today Sam is glowing with a new look thanks to the Bobbi Brownmake-up counter. After a touch of concealer under the eyes, Petal and Bone Eyeshadoware smoothed over her eyes with lashings of black mascara. Her lips are a lovely rosy huein Naked Pink Lipstick and her cheeks have been brushed with a Nectar Blush.Hair heavenBoosting Sam’s blonde hair, Rodney Wayne blended creamy caramel and honey blondes,to create a soft, natural look. Sam’s wish list for her hair was to make it shiny and bouncyso, after her colour, hot rollers were used to curl the ends and add volume. To fi nish, ashine spray was spritzed over her hair to add extra gloss. Now all Sam needs to do iskeep her locks in good condition with regular moisturising treatments.Style fi leSam knows her way around the mall, and has invested in the right colours for hercomplexion. We checked with Catherine Gale a fashion stylist to see what shades suitwomen with fair skin. “Pink is perfect for a pale skin tone, it brings out the natural rosecolours in the cheeks, other good colours are sky blue, and well, everything pastel!” Shealso suggests adding hints of these colours in a scarf or earrings to black or white outfi ts,for a splash of colour.With special thanks to Rodney Wayne, Bobbi Brown make-up and super photographerSam McAdam. Earrings from Equip, $9.95.BeforeSam Parsonage11

NationalCP Register12It is well documented that population research throughregisters is the most likely way to identify causes andevaluate the outcome of prevention strategies that aresubsequently developed.State cerebral palsy (CP) registers have been running inWestern Australia since 1977, Victoria since 1985 andSouth Australia since 1997. During this time the rate andseverity of CP (the most common physical disability inchildren) has been monitored and reported. Through thismonitoring we have discovered that the occurrence ofCP has not reduced over the last 30 years despite hugeadvances in medical technology including increases incaesarean sections and foetal monitoring during labour.CP Registers in Australia have identified that:• Combinations of factors (causal pathways) are morelikely to be the cause of CP rather than a singledramatic event• Lack of oxygen at birth is responsible for far fewer casesof CP than commonly thought not more than 5-8%• Several factors presenting early in pregnancy areimportant as causes of CP• Multiple births are at high risk even when not bornpremature. This contributed to the argument to limit thenumber of embryos transferred during IVF• Survivors of a co-twin death are at particularly high risk• Severity of CP is on the increase• Post-neonatally acquired cerebral palsy is increasinglyfrom traumatic brain injury (including motor vehicleaccidents, accidental injuries, non-accidental injuriesand during/following a surgical procedure) anddecreasingly from infectionwww.cpregister-aus.com.auCurrent research includes:• Studying possible risk factors for cerebral palsy,including genes for clotting factors and susceptibilityto perinatal infection• Effectiveness of Botox ® for upper limb function andother therapy evaluation• Measuring trends in life expectancy (particularlyimportant for service provision and the fundingof disability)• Trends in severity of cerebral palsy by lengthof pregnancy• Follow up medical examinations and functionalassessments at five years of ageNSW, ACT, QLD, Tas and NT all commenced their registersin 2004 with the core aim of combining all data (includingthe existing data from WA, Vic and SA) into the AustralianRegister. This combined information will rapidly increaseour ability to investigate more problems more precisely.This is especially important for the less frequentlyoccurring types of CP such as ataxia and dyskinesia,as well as other small groups including multiple birthsand people with a severe impairment.QLD and SA are the only groups who receive recurrenthealth funding, the other registers rely on grant fundingand fundraising. The aim of our Australian Registeris to markedly reduce the incidence of cerebral palsyby identifying causal pathways to cerebral palsy thendeveloping prevention strategies and evaluating theoutcomes of these strategies.The Australian Register is web-based and people withcerebral palsy, parents, health professionals, educationprofessionals or researchers can register someone withcerebral palsy on the website. Individuals can alsoregister by contacting their state register by phoneor completing a paper registration.For more information contact the CP Helplineon 1300 300 29 20.

WilliamH.MacyRaising awareness of CPCats and dogs could have won the heart of Oscar nominee and Emmy Award winner William H. Macy hadhe continued with veterinary medicine at college. However, fate had other plans - he switched to theatreand has since become one of the world’s best character actors with roles in many leading fi lms, includingDoor to Door a made for television movie that he co-wrote about a travelling salesman with cerebral palsy.An accomplished film, television and stageactor and writer for over 30 years, WilliamMacy is one of the leading performers ofhis generation. Perhaps best known forhis role as the duplicitous car dealer inthe Coen Brother’s film Fargo, his actingcredits also include Magnolia, Pleasantville,Happy Texas, State and Main, JurassicPark 3, Boogie Nights, Wag the Dog andGhosts of Mississippi as well as a numberof television series including a recurringlead role on ER.However, it was his inspirational role asBill Porter, a true story about a salesmanwho has cerebral palsy, in the highlyacclaimed cable television film, Door toDoor that brought him to understand moreabout CP. Earning 11 Emmy nominations,Door to Door won Macy the award forOutstanding Lead Actor and also featureshis wife, Desperate Housewives star,Felicity Huffman.“The Bill Porter story inspired me to getmore involved with people with cerebralpalsy to ensure they are included in allfacets of society, “ said Macy. “Walkingin Bill Porter’s shoes taught me to seethe person first, not the disability.”In 2003 Macy was appointed by UnitedCerebal Palsy as a Goodwill Ambassadorand has become a prominent advocatefor people with disabilities. Excited andpositive about his role, Macy said heintended to help improve the quality of lifefor those with CP and other developmentaldisabilities.“It’s all about changing society’s attitudes,”he urges. “Just go over and introduceyourself. Reach out and make a differencebecause you’ll find that people with CPare not that different.”Both William and Felicity were alsoinvited to celebrate our 60th anniversarycelebrations in Australia, but due towork commitments this proved difficult.However, they have indicated a willingnessto travel to our shores as soon asthey can.Amongst his many current acting andproducing projects, Macy is currently inpre-production for the animated comedy,“Bee Movie” with Jerry Seinfeld, ReneeZelwegger, Robert Duvall, Uma Thurmanand Oprah Winfrey.In the smallest way I came toglimpse what it must be like forBill Porter and others with cerebralpalsy, and I knew that I wanted tohelp – I knew also that there was atremendous need for compassion,awareness and of course, fundingof research.William H.Macy, USA Today.Felicity with onscreenhusband Doug Savant.Alec Baldwin & William H. Macy in 'The Cooler' (2003)13

TENSECONDSTen Seconds With...Normie RoweHow long have you been in show biz?Around fifty years.What has been the highlight of yourcareer?Playing the lead in Les Miserables inthe premiere Australian production.How did you feel when you wereinducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame?It was really an exciting moment.You work within Australia and abroadto help people in need - how did youbegin with these pursuits and whatare they?I work for sick, disabled anddisadvantaged kids in Australiathrough Variety Club. Orphanagesand kindergartens in Vietnam. RemoteAboriginal communities in Australia.Anything like this takes two things, thedesire, and the first phone call. I also dida charity performance of Les Miserablesfor your NSW organisation.When you lent your support to raiseawareness of cerebral palsy, was thisfor personal reasons, i.e.. do you knowsomeone with cerebral palsy?Through my work on telethons, andwith Variety, I learned to understand thedifficulties of life for people with manydisabilities. I think that cerebral palsy isparticularly cruel. It is a lifetime thing,and affects people with perfectly goodmentalities. The frustration must beexcruciating. Anything I can do torelieve that frustration is a missionto me.What affect has this had onyour life?I realise how lucky I am, and that it’snot really what you have. It’s whatyou do with it that counts.YOURHEALTHPOWER TO THE PATIENTAC Neilsen StudyToday the internet is enabling patientsto be privy to more health-relatedinformation than ever before.Leading consumer and market researchcompany, ACNielsen has found that theinternet is now playing an increasinglyimportant role in consumer health withonline searches becoming the mostcommon source of health–relatedinformation for 79% of internet users.The survey found consumers wereincreasingly moving to the internet andaway from traditional sources of healthinformation, such as reading literaturein doctors’ surgeries or pharmacies.More than half of internet userslook online at least monthly forhealth-related information.Health topics sought over theinternet varied largely by age and alsoby gender. However, looking across allgroups, the most commonly searchedhealth topics were medical conditionsor diseases (73%); fitness (42%); andpharmaceuticals/medicines (39%).Doctors were also more likely to referpatients to health-related websites,with 78% of consumers surveyed sayingthey had been referred to a website bytheir doctor. One of the implicationsof the increased role of the internet forhealth purposes is that it is being usedmore in patient consultations. “Thistrend appears to be resulting in bettercommunication between healthcareprofessionals and patients,” commentedRachel Carroll, Associate Director,Client Service ACNielson.She says: “The amount of informationavailable online means that healthcareprofessionals are no longer thegatekeepers of health-relatedinformation.”14

YOURHEALTHDr Rosemary Stanton OAMSKIP BREKKY& WATCH YOUR WAISTLINEPeople who eat breakfast tend toconcentrate better during late morninghours, have better overall diets and eatless fat during the rest of the day thanthose who skip breakfast.Eating breakfast also consistentlyshows up as one of the healthy habits ofsuccessful slimmers. Most people feelmore like breakfast if they get up earlyenough so they don’t need to rush. Italso helps the appetite if you have awalk or swim before breakfast and don’tovereat the night before.GROWKeeping kids trimA recent study found that one in fivechildren did not eat breakfast and onein four had something inadequate, suchas coffee, tea, cordial or a soft drink. Tomake matters worse, many had not eatenany fruit or leafy green vegetablesin three days.Dr Rosemary Stanton says: “Do notvictimise fat children. Instead, workat changing the environment. Thatincludes leaving the car at home moreoften, having more fun exercise (likeflying kites or going swimming), havinghealthier school canteens, not stockingjunk foods at home and lobbying tostop advertising campaigns for junkfood directed at kids.”Food issuesDrinks: water is best. Keep cold water inthe fridge, freeze a bottle of water for theschool lunch box and make a rule thatkids drink only water in the car.It’s also important to set a good exampleyourself. Soft drinks are not suitable asan everyday drink. Fruit juices containvitamins, but one small juice a day isenough. Fat-reduced milk is best forkids over two years of age.Breakfast: start with a good cereal likeWeetbix or VitaBrits. Add some low-fatmilk and fruit. If desired, have toastas well.Lunch: use different kinds of bread andchoose healthy fillings for sandwiches.Don’t add crisps or muesli bars to thelunch box. For a treat, pop in somestrawberries or blueberries.Dinner: most home-cooked meals arehealthier than takeaways. A homemadehamburger can have less than 10g of fat,but some fast food burgers have threetimes that much. Restrict fast foods toonce or twice per month.Snacks: keep plenty of fruit, differentkinds of bread and healthy cereals inthe house, and encourage the kidsto make smoothies.Gone FishingA wallet card featuring recommended intakes ofcertain fi sh for women planning pregnancy andthose caring for young children has just beenreleased by the NSW Food Authority.The card will be distributed throughout the stateby doctors, midwives, dieticians, fi sh outlets,NSW Health and other participating groups.For more information contact the CP Helpline1300 30 29 20.FruitBreakfastParfaitPrep: 10 mins / Cooking: nil / Serves 4 /Not suitable for freezingUTENSILS1 sharp knife for cutting fruit(adults should use this)4 suitable glasses1 dessertspoon for layering yoghurt4 dessertspoons or teaspoons for eatingINGREDIENTS1 punnet strawberries, hulled and halved150g blueberries150g watermelon, chopped150g honeydew melon or rockmelon1 kiwifruit, peeled and chopped1 small banana, sliced2 oranges, peeled and segmented4 x 200g tubs vanilla yoghurt80g toasted muesliSTEPS1. Take half of the fruit and divide it evenlybetween 4 glasses2. Spoon half the yoghurt over, thenrepeat the layering with the remainingfruit and yoghurt3. Sprinkle with toasted muesli and serveTIP:A combination of fruit may be used for thisparfait, including melon, pear, apples oreven stewed apples and pears.Source: Weight Watchers Ultimate Family Cookbook

GOINGPLACESA traveller’sparadiseNew Zealand has a vast range of attractionsfor travellers with or without a disability. We've sourced somegreat travel ideas from our team on the CP Helpline So, if youhave restricted mobility and are keen to visit and enjoy thisgorgeous country, contact the helpline on 1300 30 29 20.New Zealand offers a world of experiences to energise andrefresh any time of the year. The country's awesome landscapes,lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it anideal haven in which to unwind, as well as participate in manyoutdoor activities.Some of New Zealand's best kept secrets are its luxury lodgesand sophisticated resorts, quiet fishing spots and boutiquewineries. Then there's the blend of European and Polynesiancultures, a thriving arts scene and an endless array of restaurantsand cafes. All of this, within such easy reach of Australia.In this issue, we thought we’d give you the low down on whatto see and where to go in the ‘land of the long white cloud’– with a range of holidays available from outdoor adventure togastronomique tours, you could find yourself heading acrossthe Tasman more than once in your lifetime!

NZTravelling EssentialsNew Zealand has so much on offer, soyou want to make sure you don’t miss athing. Tourism NZ have recommendedthe following items as ‘must haves’,no matter how long your stay:• Waterproof jacket/sunscreen• Camera and plenty of film• Guide book• The mindset to get out thereand experience everything!Air New Zealand has airfares from just $179 and a choiceof 137 flights a week from Australia to New Zealand departing from Sydney, Melbourne,Brisbane, Perth and Cairns to New Zealand's major gateway cities of Auckland,Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown.Air New Zealand offers a range of services for customers who require special assistancewhen travelling. In order to provide the best possible service Air New Zealand advises thatyou provide advance notice of any special requirements you may have. The airline’s generalservices and policies are outlined at www.airnewzealand.com.au For further detailsplease check with Air New Zealand on 13 24 76 or your travel agent.17

GOINGPLACESNZBAY OF ISLANDS The focal point isthe waterfront at Paihia where visitorscan choose from the many activitiesincluding launch cruises, big game fishingand coach tours. There are numerousoperators offering fishing trips. However,to avoid disappointment, you are advisedto view them in advance and choosethe boat which best suits yourparticular needs.TAUPO / HUKA FALLS & HUKA JETLocated on the thermal belt, this is NewZealand’s largest lake. Taupo has twoswimming complexes plus areas ofboiling mud, sizzling steam and geysersat Wairakei, north of Taupo.Experience a half-hour blast ofexcitement and thrills on the mightyWaikato River and the awesome HukaFalls on the Huka Jet Boat. Or view theHuka Falls from the lookout platformwith an accessible route from the carpark. Travellers with disabilities areassisted onto the jet boat. Individuals areexpected to decide if the experience issuited to their capabilities.THE CLASSIC NEW ZEALAND WINETRAIL is a major new touring route andruns from Napier to Nelson - offering oneof the world's greatest wine and foodtourism experiences.The Trail blends the best of new worldwines with outstanding Pacific cuisineand top class visitor attractions inHawke's Bay Tararua, Wairarapa/Martinborough, Wellington, Marlboroughand Nelson. Over several days you canwitness a greater range of scenery, tastea wider number of wine styles and savourmore fresh local foods than just aboutanywhere else in the world.FIORDLAND - “THE EIGHTH WONDEROF THE WORLD” Fiordland in southwest New Zealand is one of only twoplaces in the world where fiords can beseen. It is the work of 500 million years ofconstant sculpting by the elements. Morethan 500 million years old and stretchingover three million acres, Fiordlandcomprises hundreds of lakes, mountainpeaks, deep fiords and rainforests. Thejewel in Fiordland’s crown is MilfordSound, described by Rudyard Kiplingas the “eighth wonder of the world”.Visitors with disabilities to this regionshould be able to participate in most ofthe activities provided. The boats havevarying degrees of accessibility – analternative is to fly over the region.Some of the hilly uneven terrain makeswalks, including the Milford Walk, difficultfor restricted mobility. However, the LakeGunn Walk is suitable for wheelchairsand takes about 45 minutes. Bookingsfor boat cruises that leave from Milfordor Manapouri can be arranged fromTe Anau, the tourist centre of Fiordland.HOT AIR BALLOONING - METHVENThis is said to be the most picturesqueballooning location in New Zealand.On a clear day you can see the entireCanterbury Plains (a full 300kmpanorama) and Mt Cook (Aoraki).GISBORNE - EXPERIENCE THE BESTSUNRISE IN THE WORLD Located onNorth Island, Gisborne is the first city tosee the sun in the world and has much tointerest the traveller with a disability. Theregion has great wine, fresh seafood andincredible coastal scenery.The wine trail trips are appropriate to thisregion and access can be checked beforebooking as venues can change. There arenumerous parks and the area by the innerharbour, with its cafes, is flatand accessible.Just north of Gisborne is the town ofWhangara where the film Whale Riderwas shot.ROTORUA New Zealand’s worldfamous resort city is unique. Its naturalattractions include sparkling trout-filledlakes and rivers, giant geysers, boilingmud pools and lush forests. Also withineasy reach is jet boating, trout fishing,ballooning and 4-wheel drives.The township is mostly flat withfootpaths, level pedestrian crossings andlarge areas paved throughout township.REDWOOD FOREST INWHAKAREWAREWA The wide easyto follow route which winds amongstthe trees, some of which stand 65m talland are 1.64m in diameter, is accessibleand provides a rare opportunity forpeople with disabilities to enjoy a forestenvironment.For more information, contact theCP Helpline on 1300 30 29 20

GOINGPLACESAdelaide Things to see and doFine food, great wine, a sense of history and the goodlife can all be found in the elegant city of Adelaide, thecapital of South Australia and home to more than amillion people.Adelaide is a feast in every way. It’s said there are morerestaurants per head of population here than anywhereelse in Australia. The city is also the wine capital ofAustralia. Six out of the top ten Australian wines aremade within a few hours’ drive of the city.Offices here are just as likely to be housed in graciousVictorian or Edwardian structures as in modern towers,and colonial-era homes are lovingly preserved, theirverandas and Adelaide lace ironwork intact. Cafesand designer boutiques reside in buildings of abygone era.North Terrace is a boulevard of galleries and museums,flowing into the serene, green Botanic Gardens.Rundle Street runs parallel, lined with cafes, bars andrestaurants, the bustling hub of the East End.You can shop at leisure in Rundle Mall, take in theenticing tastes and smells of the Central Market and,at the end of the day, enjoy the stimulating nightlife ofHindley Street and the West End.You’re just 20 minutes from the tranquility of theAdelaide Hills to the east, while a selection of superbsandy beaches, including Glenelg, awaits to the west.TASTE THE ADELAIDE CENTRAL MARKET Jointhousands of people buying, selling and tasting thebest of South Australia at the Adelaide Central Market,established in 1869 and now the largest undercovermarket in the southern hemisphere. Nearby ChinaTown is also great for fresh local produce and authenticChinese food.Location: Gouger Street, Adelaide city centreHAIGH’S: CHOCOHOLIC HEAVEN Visit the Haigh'sChocolates Visitor Centre, home of Australia's oldestsurviving chocolate-making company and one of onlya handful world-wide still making chocolate directlyfrom cocoa beans. Take a free, 20-minute tour of thefactory and check out the heritage displays beforegetting down to business in the tasting room.Location: Greenhill Road, Parkside (just south of thecity centre)GO BACK IN TIME AT GLENELG Learn the mysteriesof Great White Sharks at the Rodney Fox SharkExperience. Discover South Australia's settlementhistory at the Bay Discovery Centre and see wherethe colony's first government was proclaimed underthe Old Gum Tree. In Glenelg you'll also find a greatbeach and wooden jetty and the lively shops, cafes andrestaurants of Jetty Road.Location: Glenelg, straight down Anzac Highway fromthe city centrePORT ADELAIDE & SEMAPHORE Head to historicPort Adelaide for a look at the excellent, hands-on SouthAustralian Maritime Museum and a short cruise to seethe divine dolphins of the Port River. Then delight inthe seaside village atmosphere of Semaphore, with itsmajestic Palais right on the water and a long boulevardof antique shops, cafes, bakeries and pubs.Location: Port Adelaide (straight down Port Road fromthe city centre)19

GOINGPLACESAdelaide cont...BOTANY BOUNTY: THE ADELAIDE BOTANIC GARDEN Marvelat native and exotic flora displays and 5000 roses at the InternationalRose Garden. Stroll through a lush tropical rainforest in the BicentennialConservatory (it's the biggest glasshouse in the southern hemisphere).Established in 1857, the 16-hectare Adelaide Botanic Garden is right onNorth Terrace and still South Australia's most popular attraction.Location: North Terrace, Adelaide city centreEXPLORE ABORIGINAL CULTURE AT THE SOUTH AUSTRALIANMUSEUM Explore the world's largest collection of indigenous artefactsin the Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, an award-winning exhibitionin the South Australian Museum. Delve into the life of Antarctic explorerSir Douglas Mawson, or find the opalised skeleton of a six-metre-longplesiosaur. Free tours run weekdays at 11am and weekends and publicholidays at 2pm and 3pm and for contemporary Aboriginal culture, heada few blocks away to Tandanya - National Aboriginal Cultural Institute.Location: North Terrace, Adelaide city centreClimateAverage winter temperatures Max 15.9 Min 8Average spring temperatures Max 21.7 Min 11.6Average summer temperatures Max 28.3 Min 16.5Average autumn temperatures Max 22.4 Min 12.5Around the coast, South Australians enjoy a temperateclimate that encourages outdoor living and a relaxedatmosphere. But in the north, where temperatures cansoar, you’ll find the very unusual town of Coober Pedywhere residents have gone underground to escapethe heat.For further information on recreation, tourism, sportand the arts for people with disabilities contact theCP Helpline on 1300 30 29 20.WhyI loveTheMacleayValleyThomas Keneally & The Macleay ValleyI’m attached to the Macleay Valley ancestrallyand by a conviction that it has some of the mostsplendid places on earth. I spent my early yearsin Kempsey, and it wasn’t until I’d travelled theworld that I realised how surpassingly beautiful thatvalley is, with its blue ranges to the west beyondthe Macleay River.Downriver, the interplay between river and seas hascreated some of the best beaches in the universe:South West Rocks and Trial Bay, Smoky Cape, acape of extraordinary grandeur atop a beach thatstretches away to Hat Head, another little jewel andCrescent Head.Southwards from Crescent Head runs a dirtroad – long may it remain so – that visits onepaperbark swamp and uncluttered beach andsplendid headland after another, all the way to themouth of the Hastings. If people just travelled thatthankfully unfashionable road once in a lifetime,they’d know they’d experience the essence ofcoastal Australia.Multi-award winning Australian author, ThomasKeneally has penned 26 works of fiction andeight works of non-fiction. His most famouswork, Schindler’s Ark became the highly acclaimedfeature film Schindler’s List.“Extract from The Great New South Wales Gazetteer,Focus Books.”

GETTINGAROUNDRAMP IT UPGetting around can prove difficult ifthe surrounding environment does notaccommodate mobility aids. One of thecommon solutions is to install a ramp.They are available in a range of shapes,styles and sizes and can be used toaccess both homes and vehicles.For built up areas where significantinclines or rises are involved, the bestIt’s asign.Next time you’retravelling the highwaysof Victoria, NewSouth Wales, SouthAustralia, Tasmania andQueensland, you may notice the handywork of South East Industries (SEI), aVictorian supported employment unit thatemploys people with disabilities.For the past 18 years, SEI has beenassembling the Everup Multi-ImpactGuide Post – a simple, durable and safedesign made from PVC with the abilitysolution is usually to have a registeredbuilder install a purpose-built, permanentramp. However, for small obstacles, aportable ramp is often a flexible, lowercost alternative.Small portable ramps can easily be usedin a number of situations and many aresupplied in their own carry bag for easeof transport.to bounce back after an accident thatcan reduce the risk of more seriousdamage or injury.Services offered around Australiainclude assembly, mailing services,comprehensive food packaging, shrinkwrapping, fulfillment and generalpackaging. If your business needs anyof these services – do yourself a favourand get a quote from a supportedemployment unit in your state!For further information contact theCP Helpline 1300 30 29 20.Using portable ramps frequently doesinvolve a significant amount of manualhandling so potential customers shouldcarefully consider whether this is asustainable solution for theirown situation.For more information contact theCP Helpline on 1300 30 29 20.REGIONAL TOWNLISTENS TO COMMUNITYIt’s been 24 years since “InternationalYear of Disabled Persons”, yet it appearsbuilding standards are still often laggingwhen it comes to access for people witha disability.However, there’s a quiet revolutionhappening in the Victorian regional cityof Bendigo. From car parks, to swimmingpools, to theatres - specialist advice isbeing sought that will make Bendigomore user friendly.The program also facilitated installationof accessible toilet facilities and lift at theBendigo Raceway; tactile ground surfaceindicators near the kerb entry to taxiranks for the visually impaired as well asthe installation of tele-typewriters (TTYs)to assist residents with a disabilityto communicate with Council.Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr.Rod Fyffe said:“We are committed to making sustainablechanges within our community thatensure a more accessible society.”It is not only people with disabilities whowill benefit from greater and safer accessto the city’s public buildings and services.The broader implication is that olderpeople, fit people who have an injury, orpeople with prams will also benefit fromthis work.For further information contact theCP Helpline on 1300 30 29 20.21

NeighboursAustralia's favourite soapieThis year, Australia's favourite soapie, Neighbours turns 20. In addition to their own celebrations, the whole cast and crew are alsohelping us raise awareness for National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week. Make sure you tune in to the show as you will see many ofour CP Week posters displayed on set - a great way to promote our message to the community.You’ve been in Neighbours for adecade now – tell us how your showbusiness career began?When I was eight years old, I got intoamateur musicals – my first role was‘Charlie Bates’ in a musical productionof Oliver.What is most professional ‘lesson’you’ve learnt along the way?I started in Neighbours when I was only15, so I guess the most important lessonI’ve learnt is always be ready to admitwhen you’re wrong!As “Toadie” you’re probably one of themost popular characters on the show– what do you think are the reasons foryour popularity?I guess Toadie appeals to a lot of peoplebecause he’s always the underdog. Hegets himself into some amazing situationsbut, at the end of the day, doesn’t takehimself or life too seriously. I like to thinkhe’s also a pretty funny character.Neighbours is still watched by millionsworld-wide, particularly in Britain – canyou describe the biggest differencesbetween your Australian and English22One of it's favourite stars, Ryan Moloney has been entertaining millions of viewersacross the globe playing the very popular character, “Toadfish”. Here he gives us aglimpse into life on Ramsey Street...Question time withRyan Moloneyfans and why you think the show haslasted so long?Neighbours is actually watched by 160million people around the world everysingle night. There really is not that muchdifference between the English andAustralian fans, only that the English arestill watching it at least twice a day. It’son at universities, when they get home,and then it’s repeated on cable.Have you done any work overseas?At the end of this year I’m off toCanterbury, England to perform in mysecond pantomime. I’ll be playing thepart of ‘Buttons’ in Cinderella. As theservant to the Prince, he’s the comicrelief role - unlucky in love, etc. It’s goingto be fairly hectic – the season runs for10 weeks with 2-3 shows per day, sixdays per week.Sometimes the script of a soapie canbe slightly exaggerated – do you haveany input in the development andstorylines of your character?Not really, sometimes you find that whenyou offer a storyline suggestion, thescriptwriters give it to one of theother characters!You’ve done extensive charity work,including an association with afundraising campaign for our centrein NSW. What motivates you to getinvolved in these projects?I’m in a fantastic position and have agreat life. It’s a really nice feeling to beable to do something good for others.I get a real kick out of being able to helpin any way I can. It’s wonderful whenparents tell you that you’ve made theirchild smile for the first time in weeks.Every job has its good and bad bits– what’s the best and worst thingabout working in a top rating soapopera such as Neighbours?The best thing is definitely job security.I lead a comfortable life and when youleave a job like this, there’s not a lot onoffer in the entertainment industry.The worst thing is when people ignoremy wife, Alison. I don’t like it when theydismiss her, just to get to me.Have you ever been tempted to tryyour luck overseas?Working in America has never reallyappealed to me. I really love entertainingpeople and can do that quite successfullyhere in Australia. I’ve worked in Englandand really enjoyed it.How do you see life progressing afterNeighbours?My wife and I have a production companyand she is also my agent, so I’m nowgetting more work as an MC and withspecial appearances. Ultimately I’d loveto work in radio – a breakfast show wouldbe fantastic!

In bed withMarisaWarringtonIt was a long road to TV stardom for Australia'sfavourite neighbour, Marisa Warrington. Now,she's leaving all the fame behind and movingon from Ramsey Street to follow her passion forlive entertainment.After many years of treading the boardsin various theatre projects both inAustralia and the UK, Marisa Warringtonjoined the cast of Neighbours at theripe old age of 29 to play the lovablecharacter, Sindi Watts.With her mother a professional operasinger and her father as an actor, it wasno surprise when Marisa declared herlove for entertaining at the tender age ofjust 13. Touring Victoria in a production ofAlice in Wonderland whetted her appetiteas a professional performer, and she hassince worked and trained with a numberof prestigious acting institutions includingthe Melbourne Theatre Company,National Theatre Drama School and theRoyal Shakespeare Company in the UK.Originally scheduled to appear in onlysix episodes, Marisa’s character Sindiwas the ‘bad girl’ on Ramsey Street.However audiences quickly grew to lovethe character and soon Marisa had foundherself a regular acting job that lasted fornearly two years.Without a lot of experience working intelevision, Marisa found that being a partof the soapie was a good opportunity toextend her skills base as a professionalactor. Like many Australian actorsseeking work, she also relished thechance to enjoy some financial security.As a seasoned theatre actor, Marisa hadexperienced the many highs and lowsthat come with working in show business.In between acting roles and auditions,she has also worked on radio, in fringetheatre, stand up comedy and asa voiceover.For many, this may seem a tough way toearn a living but, Marisa simply loves toentertain, she simply loves entertaining.“I’d like to be in my nineties, beingwheeled out on stage with the audiencethinking – is she still around!?”.Having performed a lot of Shakespearein her time, Marisa can see many ironicresemblances between the old bard anda soapie such as Neighbours. “Soapoperas are just a heightened combinationof tragedy and comedy – the smallerthings in life are made dramatic. Ofcourse, a lot of it has to be taken withtongue placed firmly in cheek”.After two years with Neighbours, Marisawill soon leave our screens to return toher true love of theatre and writing. She’salso established a production companywith two girlfriends and is recording analbum in her band ‘Lucy de Ville’ withcast mate Marcella Russo.Although, the fame game does little forher, Marisa is happy to lend her profileto charity organisations includingthe recent Charity Bed Race to raiseawareness for our centre in Victoria.“Being hurled down the road in betweencars and trams by some burly firemanwas a lot of fun! I knew I was in goodhands and it was all for a good cause”.23

TREATMENTNEWSHyperbaric medicineHyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, HPOT, is analternative therapy to drugs and involvesthe delivery of pressurized oxygen tooxygen-deficient tissues in the brain.Safe doses of oxygen are delivered tothe patient by breathing 100% oxygenthrough a mask or hood while insidea pressurised air chamber.The response of HBOT requires aninitial intensive oxygen saturationeffect. Usually 40-60 and even up to80 HBOT sessions are consideredas an introduction.Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy will not‘cure’ cerebral palsy, however itsinclusion may be an excellent pro-activemeasure when used in conjunction withother forms of medical directed therapy,exercise programs and conductiveeducation programs.A person with cerebral palsy has difficultymoving and maintaining their posturedue to damage to their developingbrain. Standard treatments includephysiotherapy for improving movement;speech pathology for communication;occupational therapy for independence;social work for building resilience;psychology and early education formaximising learning and medicationsfor reducing symptoms eg. BOTOX ® forspasticity; and surgery for realigningthe skeleton.Specialised equipment and technologyare often used together for overallmanagement and care that can alsoassist a person’s independence e.g.powered wheelchairs andcommunication devices.All of these treatments work together tolimit the damaging impact CP can haveon the person’s body; their capacityto do daily activities and their abilityto participate in the community. ManyAccording to formal studies in bothCanada and the USA, spasticity appearsto be consistently reduced, mobility andambulation improved and speech andcognitive behaviour improved in mostcases with Hyperbaric Oxygenation.Source: www.spinalrehab.com.auFor more information contact theCP Helpline on 1300 30 29 20.Combining TherapiesWhat are the benefits?experts think that it is the combinationof traditional medicine and therapiesthat achieves the best results.This belief is well supported by theincreasing life expectancy and qualityof life experienced by people with CPliving in western countries compared tothose in developing nations. Researchshows physiotherapy; speech pathology;occupational therapy; social work;psychology; early education; andmedicine help them reach their goalsand full potential.What is ConductiveEducation?Conductive Education (CE) is anholistic approach developed inHungary in the 1940s by ProfessorAndreas Peto, to develop problemsolvingskills through an educationprogram for people with cerebral palsyand other motor disorders (Parkinson’sdisease, multiple sclerosis, strokes,acquired brain Injury).Based on the belief that even imperfectsystems can learn different ways ofconducting brain impulses and makingconnections, CE aims to re-establishsome control of movement – it is alearning system based on logic andhard work.The participant learns to be moreself-aware and how to increasethe range and control of his or hermovement. Tasks cover all areasof motor skills, including walking,speech and breathing.Reported benefits of ConductiveEducation:• Increased mobility and overallbodily control• Improved posture andbody symmetry• Increased stamina• A reduction in ‘bad habits’• Improved managementof daily activities• Increased confidence inparticipant’s own abilitiesFor more information contact theCP Helpline on 1300 30 29 20.SPIDER THERAPYFor the past 12 years, Polish therapistshave utilised a unique piece ofrehabilitation equipment known as the“Spider”. Invented by Norman Lozinskiof Norman Rehabilitation, the Spider24consists of a rigid framework from whichthe patient is supported by a series oftension cords of varying elasticity.This unique suspension device enablesindependent and controlled movement,as well as strengthening affected partsof the body.The equipment enables the practitioner tocreate a unique “spider’s” web prescribedindividually for each patient. The flexibleconnectors allow changes to help thepatient improve balance and postureand develop voluntary movements withgreater precision and ease of movement.

Photo by Dean McNicoll, NMAMISSAUSTRALIA TOURMiss Australia 1973,Miss Australia Crown goes on tour Michelle DownesFor several generations of Australians, theannouncement each year of the winner of the annualMiss Australia Quest was a television highlight.Few Australians will forget the excitement whenMiss Australia 1961, Tania Verstak, was announced.On 18 May 2005, International Museum Day, thecrown that was awarded to three decades ofwinners was presented to the National Musuemof Australia by Miss Australia 1973, MichelleDownes and Miss Australia CompanyChairwoman Vici Funnell.The crown will feature in a new National Museumtravelling exhibition exploring the ways Australia’slongest-running charity event reflected broaderchanges in Australian society and culture as well asdocumenting the experiences of Australianswith disabilities over the last 50 years.Opening in Brisbane, the Miss Australia exhibitionwill begin in August 2006. National MuseumDirector, Craddock Morton, said the crownrepresented a much broader story aboutcommunity values, disability services andthe role of women in society.‘Miss Australia titleholders were celebrities athome and great ambassadors abroad. Thequest helped raise valuable funds and awarenessof disabilities, all the time reflecting 50 years ofpostwar history.’For tour dates and venues, visit the NationalMuseum from 2006 onwards on www.nma.gov.au25

FOODTHERAPYENTRÉEMAINDESSERT26

Entrée Garlic sizzled prawns500g raw prawnsSea salt and pepper3 garlic cloves, crushed1 small red chilli, chopped or pinchof dried chilli flakes1⁄2 tsp Spanish paprika2 tbsp Spanish sherry3 tbsp olive oil1 tbsp torn parsley leavesFOODTHERAPYPeel the prawns, leaving the tails, and pat dry. De-vein each prawn by threading athin bamboo skewer through the back of the ‘neck’ and hooking out any black thread.Season with sea salt, and place the prawns in a small frying pan thatyou can take to the table.Combine the crushed garlic, chilli, paprika, sherry and olive oil, and spoon over theprawns. Leave to marinate for 10 minutes or longer.Place the frying pan over high heat and cook, shaking the pan to turn the prawns, foraround 3 minutes until they change colour and the garlic is lightly golden – the sherrywill probably catch and flame, so be careful.Scatter with parsley, sea salt and pepper, and serve while still sizzling, with plentyor bread to mop up the garlicky juices. Serve with your favourate garlic aïoli.Good Cooking by Jill Dupleix; Good Cooking is published by Hardie Grant Books.RRP $34.95 Available at all good bookstores. Photography by Peter Cassidy.Main Lamb cutlets with lemon & ginger12 good-quality lamb cutlets2 garlic cloves, chopped2 lemongrass stems, peeled andsliced into fine rounds3 cm (11/4 inch) piece fresh ginger,chopped1 teaspoon sea salt3 tablespoons chopped coriander(cilantro) leaves3 tablespoons chopped mint60 ml (2 fl oz/1/4 cup) extra virginolive oil, plus extra olive oilFreshly ground pepperLemon wedgesRemove the cutlets from the refrigerator 1 hour before cooking. To make the marinade,put the garlic, lemon grass, ginger and sea salt in a mortar and pound into a roughpaste with the pestle. Add the herbs and pound for a further minute, then stir in theextra virgin olive oil and mix together well.Mix the chops with the marinade and leave for at least 1 hour to infuse. Preheat thebarbecue and make sure the grill bars are clean. When hot, put the cutlets on thehottest part. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side for medium rare. Put on a plateand cover with foil. Rest in a warm place for 10 minutes.Place three lamb cutlets on each of four plates. Mix a little oil with the juices on theresting plate and pour over the cutlets. Give a good grind of fresh pepper, placea lemon wedge on each plate and serve immediately. Serves 4The Food I Love by Neil Perry, published by Murdoch Books, RRP $85Available from all leading booksellers.Dessert Crepes with caramelised mangoCrepes125g /4 1 ⁄2 oz plain flour, sifted15g 1 ⁄2 oz caster sugarPinch of salt2 eggs325 ml / 11 1 ⁄2 fl oz milk100g / 3 1 ⁄2 oz pouring cream20g / 1 ⁄3 oz butter150g / 5 1 ⁄2 oz caster sugar125g / 4 1 ⁄2 oz pouring cream4 mangoes, peeled and thinly sliced1 vanilla bean, split in half100g / 3 1 ⁄2 oz mascarpone cheese4 scoops mango ice creamIcing sugar, for dustingTo make the crepes, combine the flour, sugar and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the eggsand whisk until smooth. Combine the milk and cream in a jug and slowly add to theflour mixture to ensure a smooth batter. Strain. Allow to stand for 30 minutes.Heat a crepe pan or a large non-stick frying pan on medium heat. Brush the pan witha little butter and add enough batter to thinly cover the surface. Once small bubblesappear on top of the crepe, turn it over. Cook on the opposite side for 30 seconds.Melt the sugar in a heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Once the sugar hasliquefied and started to turn golden brown, add 2 tablespoons of the cream andswirl the pan. Add the mango, the remaining cream and the vanilla bean.Cook for 2-3 minutes.Lay a crepe on a serving plate. Spread a spoonful of mascarpone over the crepe andspoon 4-5 slices of caramelised mango onto one quarter. Fold in half and half againto create a small pocket. Placing 3 crepes on each plate.Place a scoop of mango ice-cream on top of the crepes. Spoon over the remainingmango slices and drizzle over the sauce. Dust with icing sugar and serve.Surfing the Menu Again by Ben O’Donoghue and Curtis Stone; ABC Books,RRP $49.95 Available at all good bookstores.CP Australia

FOODTHERAPYDRESSINGSALADSChargrilledvegetableswith balsamicdressing28Makes 2 lunchbox salads2 baby eggplants (aubergines)12 Ligurian olives2 large Roma (plum) tomatoes1 garlic clove, finely chopped1 red capsicum (pepper)1 heaped tsp baby capers,rinsed and drained1⁄2 green capsicum (pepper)1⁄4 tsp sugar2 1 ⁄2 tbs olive oil1 tbs balsamic vinegar1 zucchini (courgette)6 bocconcini or 12 small freshmozzarella cheesesCut the eggplants and tomatoes into quarters. Cut thecapsicums in half lengthways, remove the seeds andmembrane, then cut each half into thick strips.Thinly slice the zucchini on the diagonal.Preheat a chargrill pan (griddle) or barbeque hotplate tohigh. Brush with 1 /2 tablespoon of the oil and cook thevegetables in batches for about 2-3 minutes, or untilgolden and slightly charred, adding a little more oilas needed. (The tomatoes are best cookedcut-side-down first).Put the vegetables and cheese in a large bowl. Mixtogether the olives, garlic, capers, sugar and vinegarwith the remaining oil, then pour over the salad and toss.Divide between two lunchboxes and sprinkle with pepper.

FOODTHERAPYServes 4 Serves 4 Serves 4Pumpkin &prawn + rocketScallop, ginger& spinachThai-stylechicken800g (1 lg 10 oz) pumpkin,peeled and cut into 3cm (1 1 /4 inch) cubes500g (10 1 ⁄2 oz) cooked prawns (shrimp),peeled and deveined2 small red onions, cut into thick wedges200g (7 oz) baby rocket (arugula) leaves1 tbs oil1-2 tbs balsamic vinegar2 cloves garlic, crushed1 tbs olive oilPreheat the oven to 200ºC (400º F/Gas 6).Toss the pumpkin and onion in a largebowl with the oil and garlic. Spread in asingle layer on a baking tray and bake for25-30 minutes, or until tender. Transferto a serving bowl, add the prawns androcket and gently toss together.Whisk together the vinegar and oil, andseason to taste with sea salt and freshlyground black pepper. Drizzle over thesalad and serve.300g (10 1 ⁄2 oz) scallops, without roe100g (3 1 ⁄2 oz) baby spinach leavesOil for brushing1 small red capsicum (pepper), very finelyjulienned50g ( 1 1 /2 oz/heaped 1 ⁄2 cup) bean sproutstails trimmedSake Dressing25ml (1 fl oz) sake1 tbs lime juice2 tsp shaved palm sugar or soft brownsugar finely sliced1 tsp fish sauceSlice or pull off any vein, membrane orhard white muscle from the scallops.Rinse the scallops and pat dry withpaper towels. Put all the sake dressingingredients in a small bowl and mixuntil the sugar has dissolved.Heat a chargrill pan (griddle) or barbequehotplate to high and lightly brush with oil.Cook the scallops in batches for 1 minuteon each side, or until just cooked.Divide the spinach, capsicum and beansprouts between four plates. Arrangethe scallops on top, pour over thedressing and serve at once.All Salad Recipesfrom ‘Tossed’Published by Murdoch BooksRRP $32.95 Available from all leadingbookstores September 20054 chicken breast fillets, cut into1cm strips2 carrots, julienned1 tsp grated fresh ginger35 g (1 1 ⁄4 oz) snowpea spouts1 garlic clove, crushed2 tbs soy sauce3 spring onions (scallions)sliced diagonally1 tbs peanut oilDressing2 tbs sweet chilli sauce1 tbs rice vinegar2 tbs peanut oilPut the chicken in a non-metallic dish.Mix together the ginger, garlic and soysauce and smother the mixture all overthe chicken. Cover and refrigerate forat least 2 hours – preferably overnight– turning occasionally.Nearer to serving time, put all thedressing ingredients in a small screwtop jar and shake well.Heat the oil in a heavy based pan. Addthe chicken and cook in batches overmedium heat for 3-4 minutes, or untilcooked and nicely browned. Drain oncrumpled paper towels and set asideto cool, then place in a serving bowlwith the spring onion, carrot andsnowpea sprouts. Pour the dressingover the top and toss lightly tocombine. Serve immediately.29

AROUNDTHEHOMEBathroom Modifi cationsWhat’s itall about?Tim KnowlesNationalProduct Manager,CaredesignGARDENINGTHE HYDROPONIC WAYThe Hydroponic Method of growing plants is a great wayfor people with cerebral palsy to nurture their green thumbsand enjoy the sense of achievement of growing and eatingfresh vegetables from their very own garden.Hydroponics is essentially the cultivation of plants withoutsoil. Many home gardeners use hydroponics on a smallerscale to grow fresh vegetables year-round and plants insmaller spaces such as an apartment or balcony.With no need to dig or weed soil, hydroponics enables thegardener to grow flowers, ornamental plants and vegetablesin containers that can be easily placed at an accessibleheight for each person.Hydroponics techniques allow for precise water and nutrientapplication directly to the roots of each plant. There arenumerous hydroponic systems including: Water Culture,Aquaculture, or Nutriculture in which the plant roots areimmersed in water containing dissolved nutrientsAggregate Culture in which materials such as rockwool,clay pebbles, gravel, perlite, vermiculite, sand or foam chipssupports the plant roots. One of the most common systemsusing an aggregate media is the Flood and Drain Methodwhere a water holding container such as a plastic dish isfilled with the aggregate and plants. The container is thenperiodically flooded with the nutrient solution. This systemalso includes the Trickle Feed Method.Aeroponics in which the plant roots hang in the air and aremisted regularly with a nutrient solution. Continuous FlowSystem in which the nutrient solution flows constantly overthe plant roots. This system is the one most commonly usedfor commercial production.Knowledge is power. So,before modifying any bathroomto make it fully accessible, lookclosely at your family’s needs andhow the space will be used. Thenstudy product options and possiblebathroom layouts to meet thoseneeds. The professional assistanceof your Occupational Therapist (OT),along with optional help from specialistcompanies such as Caredesign,will make information gathering arelatively painless exercise.Never be afraid, or embarrassed toask if certain types of bathroom careproducts exist, as many Australiandistributors source dedicatedbathroom products from all overthe world. Just because there mightnot be a lot of information on theavailability of a particular productor design, doesn’t always mean itdoesn’t exist or can not be found.Long term availability of the productsyou choose for the bathroom isvery important. Therefore, earlyconsideration of height adjustableitems such as washbasins, showerchairs, change benches and foldingsupport arms could be worthwhile.Obviously the cost of any modificationis going to greatly influence yourchoices and the final outcome, butmy advice is to always aim high fromthe start regarding product choicesor requests.Finally, the end result - an accessiblebathroom - doesn’t have to resemblean institutional environment or somethinglacking a modern feel.For more information contact theCP Helpline 1300 30 29 20.30

FIONAGIVENThere are many areas of civic life that remain largely inaccessible for peoplewith cerebral palsy. Solicitor and member of the NSW Disability Council andBoard of People with Disabilities Australia, Fiona Given has cerebral palsy.She was a key-note speaker at this year’s CP Australia conference whereshe raised the issue of citizenship and discussed how society still has a longway to go when it comes to inclusion for all.Over the past 25 years, society has become moreinclusive of people with disabilities. This has beenevident by the practices of deinstitutionalisation,inclusive education and open employment. However, peoplewith cerebral palsy still have a long way to go.Communication, therapy and technology are three very differentpaths to citizenship. Before we can begin to analyse thesepathways to citizenship, we must first define ‘citizenship’.In order to be granted full citizenship it is necessary to beaccepted by society – the primary element of citizenship isequality amongst all citizens. This is because the boundariesof citizenship are determined by the individuals who share arelationship with the state and the individual citizen’s personalrelationship with the state.Communication is the key to any relationship and, thus, is themain pathway to citizenship. Technology is intertwined withcommunication – society has become dependent on telephoneand e-mail to facilitate communication. Everybody usestechnology to communicate these days regardless of whetherthey have a disability or not.So, what role does therapy play in developing peoplewith cerebral palsy to become citizens? I am going to beprovocative, and argue that therapy is not a pathway tocitizenship, but a barrier.People with cerebral palsy continue to struggle to beequal citizens. We are underrepresented in education andemployment. Society continues to operate special schools andsupported employment centres, as opposed to ensuring peopleare appropriately supported in mainstream settings.I find it quite incredible that we are still debating whetherchildren with disabilities should go to mainstream schools.Even more incredible was last year’s New South WalesGovernment decision to withdraw transition support fundingto school leavers with disabilities intending on studyingat university.We have very limited access to justice, especially those withcomplex communication needs; 93% of women who are unableto speak will suffer some form of abuse during their lifetime.They will be unlikely to achieve any form of legal redress, dueto difficulties communicating with police and lawyers as wellas difficulties in accessing the court system. Furthermore,service providers will want to deal with issues relating to abuseinternally, instead of referring the issues to the lawenforcement authorities.Voting remains inaccessible to people with vision and dexteritydisabilities. Further, it is difficult to find an accessible pollingbooth. Many people with cerebral palsy do not even appearon the electoral roll.31

“I think we needto take a freshlook at therapy”We have commitment ceremonies in lieu of traditional marriagesbecause, if we marry, our pensions will be significantly reduced.We do not have freedom of movement, even within our owncountry, because our care funding is not transferable.I have touched on a few areas of civic life that remain largelyinaccessible to people with cerebral palsy. It is important forus to recognise that each of these inequalities are fundamentalhuman rights abuses. These issues appear every night on ourtelevision screens in the context of Rwanda and Iraq but hasanybody heard these human rights abuses discussed in thecontext of people with disabilities in Australia?I believe that therapy is a barrier, not a pathway to citizenship.I am going to refer to a paper I wrote with Victorian speechpathologist Kristine Rawlinson, entitled Citizenship andComplex Communication Needs; Rights, Wrongs and Lessons.The paper uses Sherry Arnstein’s Ladder of Citizen Participationto describe the relationship between therapy and citizenship.At the top of the ladder are degrees of citizenship power.This includes citizen control, delegated power and partnership.The middle rung of the ladder describes various aspects oftokenism, including placation, consultation and informing.The bottom rung is non-participation, and this is wheretherapy and manipulation sit.Therapy goals are often determined by the therapist and theparents. Many parents want their children to walk at all costs.They do not consider how this impacts on their children’sparticipation in society. Therapists may spend years trying toget someone walking. Yet nobody considers teaching childrenhow to direct personal care attendants.For many people with significant physical disabilities, theability to direct and manage personal care staff is the keyto participation in society. For example, managing my ownpersonal care staff means I am able to get ready for work at theappropriate time each day. I have the flexibility for staff to comelater in the evening if I have to attend a meeting or social event.Being a subject to therapeutic intervention means that childrenwith cerebral palsy become accustomed to being passiveand having others decide what is best for them. I believethis significantly slows the transition to adulthood.I recall participating in a study camp run by a disabilityorganisation when I was nineteen. A permission note was sentfor our parents to sign. Well that was like a red rag to a bull!Every person attending that camp was over 18 and had fullcognitive function. I was dead set on defending our rightto be autonomous adults. Despite lobbying the campconvenor and my mother lobbying the head of the organisation,because she too believed I had a right to autonomy, there wasnot sufficient time to change the policy prior to the camptaking place.The most interesting part of that anecdote was that I was theonly person in the group who picked up on the fact that ourautonomy was being violated. This was the thing thatbothered me the most.Children need to actively participate in therapy and makekey decisions about therapy goals. The goals need to befunctional and have a real impact on their daily lives. I believethe conductive education model surpasses the more traditionaltherapies in this respect.I think we need to take a fresh look at therapy. At the end ofthe day, does it really matter if someone has tight hamstrings?Is it going to prevent them from fully participating in society?My answer is no.Communication is a major key to citizenship. People with CPneed a voice of our own. We need to be able to express ouropinions, articulate our dreams and make our own decisions.It is time we had a seat at the table in key decisions affectingthe lives of people with CP. We need to embrace the sloganof Disabled People‘s International, “Nothing about us withoutus”, and defend it for all that it is worth. Therefore, we needto see greater representation of people with CP on the boardsof cerebral palsy organisations, and in high level managementpositions within these organizations.Our voice needs to be projected beyond this micro level.People with cerebral palsy need to be represented in aspectsof civic life, including politics, law, business and the arts. Thisrepresentation needs to go beyond mere tokenism. There is noreason why a person with cerebral palsy can not be the PrimeMinister or Chief Justice of the High Court, if this is what theyaspire to become.Technology has assisted many of us to participate in society.Indeed, I would not be delivering this speech without myPathfinder, nor would I be working. Yet, for many people,this kind of technology is considered a luxury.I think everybody is aware of the cost of technology for people32

with disabilities. It is the bain of all of our existence. Peoplethink I’m in a very fortunate financial position being a solicitor.I have to have the income of a solicitor just to be able to talk,and get around.Apart from the cost, there are other barriers that preventpeople from accessing technology. I think one of the greatestmyths about cerebral palsy and technology is the belief thattechnology will actually stop people from walking and talking.It is quite common to hear parents say that “I’m not going to letmy son or daughter have a power wheelchair because they willstop trying to walk.”This is a ridiculous statement. Generally, people with cerebralpalsy are not lazy. I do not think it is possible for any parent ortherapist, regardless of how empathetic they are, to actuallyunderstand just how much effort we do put into the mostsimple tasks.One day I asked my mother if it was an effort for people withoutcerebral palsy to stand, because I had no idea how standingfeels like for everybody else. She said no it is not an effort.Standing for five minutes in conductive education nearlykills me.So, given the effort that is involved for us, I do not see the pointin making life harder than it has to be by denying peopleaccess to technology.Having said all this, I do recognise the importance of walkingfor health reasons. People are not meant to sit down all thetime. Excuse the pun, but, having cerebral palsy is alwaysa balancing act!Another argument is that if people can walk they will walk,and if people can talk they will talk. If I am with people whounderstand me, and I’m having a good day, I will talk insteadof using my Pathfinder because it is much faster.This brings me to another urban myth. Some people believepeople should use their communication devices all the time.I have heard some people say they will not talk to people if theydo not use their communication device. This is also ridiculous.People are going to use different communication methods indifferent situations. For example, I would use vocalisationsand gestures at home with familiar communication partners.However, if I had to communicate with registry staff at theAdministrative Decisions Tribunal, I would use my Pathfinder.I think technology has to be put into context.We need to move away from the medical model towards ahuman rights approach. It is important that we recognise therights of people with cerebral palsy first and foremost. Theserights include the right to live in the community, the right toan education, the right to work, and the right to justice.People with and without a disability need to have aco-dependent relationship. People with CP need to becomeactive participants in society as opposed to simply passiverecipients of therapy and care. In Goggin and Newell’s recentbook, “Disability in Australia, Exposing a Social Apartheid”, theysuccinctly say: “All of us human beings need help, yet we yearnfor a society where we do not just ‘help’ people with disabilitiesFiona Givencompleted her combinedBachelor ofArts/Law degreeat Macquarie University in 2003,including honours in politics. In 2000, she spent a semester on exchange at the University of Calgary. She was admitted solicitorof the Supreme Court of NSW in October 2004. Currently she is working as a paralegal with the NSW Crown Solicitor’s Office.Pathfi nder‘A communication device with synthesisedand recorded speech capabilities’The Pathfinder uses the Minspeak language program “Minspeak ”.“Minspeak ” is a way of representing words, phrases and sentencesby combining "icons" (pictures). It is intended to facilitate thedevelopment of language, and fast, efficient communication skills.The emphasis is on generating novel words, sentences & ideas,rather than relying on pre-stored sentences.The Pathfinder includes infrared output as a standard feature.This allows your Pathfinder to learn remote control functions fordevices like your TV and VCR.The keyboard can be set to have 32, 64 or 128 keysCan be used by all ages33

BOOKSFollow Your Instincts“Follow Your Instincts” is a selection ofhonest and revealing insights by parentswho have a child with a disability.Parents of a child with a disability haveoften said that talking to other parents,sharing experiences, informationand practical ideas gave them theencouragement and strength to pursuewhat was needed for their child’s wellbeing and future opportunities.“Follow Your Instincts” has sought tocollect a range of experiences, commentsand practical ideas from parents andfamily members about their own searchfor a diagnosis for their child.Also included are comments regardingfinding and dealing with professionsand services, and managing the impactthat disability had on them individually,on their relationship, on their childand family.To order a copy, phone theCP Helpline on 1300 30 29 20.Activities For Everyone Art & CraftActivities for Everyone is a new bookwritten by Occupational Therapist MandyWilliams about crafts and activities thatcan be enjoyed by people of all abilities.Launched by Good Morning Australiacelebrity art and craft presenter ToniaTodman, who described the activitiesas “absolutely brilliant”, the book offersart and craft activities designed forpeople with and without disability,people working alone, or participatingin interactive groups.Activities have been designed to bepractical and easy to follow and includea range of steps that can be tailored tosuit the particular needs of the individual.Activities for Everyone is a great wayfor people of all abilities to tap intotheir creative side.If you’d like a copy of Activities forEveryone contact the CP Helplineon 1300 30 29 20.A ‘WORKING’HOLIDAY34A unique holiday program is givingSouth Australian people with speechand communication impairments theopportunity to learn new communicationskills and increase their independence.The focus of the program is to trainindividuals with severe and multipledisabilities to learn a skill that willincrease their independence andparticipation at home or inthe community.The program has recently been extendedto include taking the participants aged18-25, on an ‘educational’ holiday.Throughout their vacation, participantspractice using their communicationsystems in the community whilstshopping, dining out and enjoyingtourist activities.Program organisers noticed a markedincrease in confidence in all of theparticipant’s communication anddecision making skills that has beenliberating, allowing further participationin community based activities and theexpansion of social networks.For more information contact theCP Helpline on 1300 30 29 20.

Mark’s rightN TARGETRISINGSTARSixteen-year old Mark Tomkins is fastbecoming a champion archer, with hissights firmly set on the upcomingArchery Australia Junior Nationalsin January 2006.Mark has spastic diplegia cerebral palsy,which affects his ability to walk, writeand stand. He walked unassisted for thefirst time aged five, before undergoingmulti-level surgery at the end of his firstyear of school, which now enables him tobalance and remain stationary. Althoughfiercely independent, Mark sometimeshas to use his wheelchair for shoppingor visiting unfamiliar places.Mark discovered archery at the age of 9and it soon became his passion. Afterjoining a learner’s group, Mark quicklygrasped the finer points of the game andrevealed his competitive streak whichhas since held him in good stead atcompetition level. With many sportingachievements under his belt, he now alsoholds both the senior and junior titles fordisabled compound archers, and hasshot with some of the best archers inAustralia and the world.Don’t dump itRecycle your mobile phone.Australians purchase new mobiletelephones at the rate of 3-4 million peryear and it is estimated that between10-18 million mobile phones are sittingforgotten in desk drawers and cupboardsacross the country.According to the Australian MobileTelecommunications Authorityapproximately seven million mobiletelephones were sold in 2004. Thisstaggering statistic, coupled with thespeed of technology advances indicatesthat many mobile telephones willcontinue to be discarded at asignificant rate.Having such a huge amount of inactivemobile phones is not good for theenvironment either. Containing a cocktailof toxic substances, mobile phones thatare left to decompose in landfill, can seepThe concentration and energylevels required to shoot the arrowscompetitively has meant that Markcannot maintain his balance whilst on fulldraw. To get around this obstacle, Markcompetes as a seated archer using anadapted bow and arrow set known as a‘compound bow’ that is made easier todraw by a system of wheels and pulleys.With competitions lasting for up to fivehours, Mark sometimes needs assistancefrom his parents to steady himself andmaintain his balance.One of the highlights of his sportingcareer to date was the 2003 NationalJunior Games for the Disabled, where hecame first in the open, seated compoundcategory, and created an AustralianDisabled Record 1176 points metric.“I’d love to represent Australia at thenext Paralympics in Beijing in 2008,”Mark says of his future goals.A dream? Maybe, maybe not. But, withhis love of archery and competing, he’llno doubt have a great time trying!into groundwater, contaminate soil andenter the food chain causing a varietyof serious health problems.The Aussie Recycling Program will paya donation for every mobile telephonecollected by member organisations ofCP Australia - even mobiles that arenot in working order.Recycling your mobile phone throughthe program is a great way of keepingup to date with technology and atthe same time, assisting children andadults with cerebral palsy. Plus, sincemany businesses offer mobiles to theiremployees, they are in a particularlyunique position to donate large numbersof mobile telephones, which canpotentially mean substantial donationsfrom the corporate community.Recycling mobile phones is easy.Photo: Adelaide AdvertiserDONATE ITSimply call for a pre-paid post satchel.If you or your business are interestedin recycling mobiles on behalf of CPAustralia, contact the CP Helplineon 1300 30 29 20.35

LETS GOSHOPPINGBodyzone Back Massage CushionNeed a little pampering? Try the Breville Bodyzone Back Massage Cushion.Features customised massage and heat settings and is portable so you can useat home, offi ce or even in the car. RRP $49.50 Stockist Details: 1300 139 798Available from all major retailers.Peter Alexander PyjamasSlip into something comfortable with thesecute springtime pjs from Pyjama King, PeterAlexander. RRP $39.95. Available from PeterAlexander stores nationally or order on-linewww.peteralexander.com.au Stockists1300 366 683Corban & BlairPhoto Card BookPerfect gift for family and friends - keep yourfavourite photos in these cute photo card books.Available in black, cream, red, pink, light blue &silver RRP: $14.95 Stockists: (02) 9560 0122Skipping Girl “FlowerPatch” Nylon TotesAvailable in small, medium& large. Prices start from$49.95. Available in selectedSkipping Girl stockists.Enquiries tel: (02) 9357-660536Forehead ThermometerEssential item for all home fi rst-aid kits, TheTalking Forehead Thermometer gives a fast 2second response and features an easy to readlarge LCD screen and a human voice with highquality speaker. RRP: $69.95Stockists: 0407 140 500Available from pharmacies nation-wide.

LETS GOSHOPPINGCitrus PressThis stylish, easy-clean Breville citrus press is designed for fast, simple and effi cient juice extraction– perfect for those fruity summer cocktails. RRP $199.95 Stockist Details: 1300 139 798 Availablefrom all major retailers.Coles Myer Gift CardThe Coles Myer Gift Card is accepted at Myer, Megamart, Target Home, TargetCountry, Baby Target, Kmart, Coles, Coles Central, BI-LO, Pick'n'Pay Hypermarket,Offi ceworks, Liquorland and Vintage Cellars. Some conditions and exclusions apply.Please see in-store, visit giftcards.com.au or call 1300 304 990.Kitchen Aid BlenderAdd a bit of ‘funk’ to your kitchen with thisgorgeous Empire Red blender from Prices startfrom $299 and customers can fi nd out stockistsvia the web page www.petermcinnes.com.auor phone 1800 990 990Aussie Bum SwimwearMade in Australia and worn by Olympians andcelebs, Aussie Bum is taking the internationalmarket by storm. Range includes board shorts,underwear, sports gear, underwear etc. Pricesstart from $18.50 Stockists: (02) 9560 2626or www.aussiebum.com.auPuddings on the RitzSucculent fi gs generously marinated in exquisiteliqueur Muscat combined with a plump fruits ofthe vine and golden walnuts.Stockists: (03) 9459 1033 RRP: $4.95 - $29.95Range of sizes available from leading departmentstores and gourmet outlets.Nigella Lawson Living KitchenNigella Lawson's Living Kitchen range includes a set of4 Tea Towels RRP $79.95 and a set of 4 mixing bowlsRRP $169.95 Available at leading department stores.Stockists: (02) 9698-222537

TECHNOLOGYCHILD 1 CHILD 2ConventionalT1 - weightedimageDIFFUSIONTENSORIMAGINGDTI - basedorientationmapDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is anew type of magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI) that has the potential todiagnose specific brain damage, whichis not possible with any other currenttechnique. DTI measures the movementof water in the brain. A disrupted flow ofwater indicates where there could bean underlying problem.DTI is presently being used in researchfor schizophrenia, epilepsy, stroke,ischemic disease, multiple sclerosis,premature births and the normal agingprocess. In one study recently completedat Stanford University Medical Centre,63 premature infants whose MRI showedno abnormalities were given DTI between18-24 months of age. Three had beendiagnosed with cerebral palsy and 10with abnormal neurologic findings. DTIidentified brain damage in each ofthese infants.DTI is not yet being used in routineclinical work in Australia. Many currentMRI systems have the capacity tocarry out DTI. However, at this point intime, the software required can only besourced under research agreements.It is currently being used at the BrainResearch Institute (Melbourne), TheCentre for Magnetic Resonance(Brisbane) and the Prince of WalesMagnetic Resonance Research Centre(Sydney). More institutions will startto use this technique as it becomescommercially available. Research is stillbeing carried out to reduce the noiselevel for patients during imaging and toimprove techniques for clearer images.DTI has the potential to better classifycerebral palsy by identifying exactlocations of brain damage. It also hasthe potential to diagnose brain damageearlier and may (in combination with MRI)improve prediction of motor disability.An early diagnosis of cerebral palsywill become particularly important aseffective early interventions arefurther developed.For more information contact theCP Helpline 1300 30 29 20.Movement to Music38Some children and adolescents withdisabilities have fewer opportunities.South Australian Children’s ServicesEngineer David Hobbs has been workingon a ‘Movement-to-Music’ therapysystem, an innovative software programthat allows movements to betranslated into music.The program allows children with adisability to “play” music without actuallyhaving to hold an instrument. They simplyposition themselves in front of a webcamand the system generates musical notesand sounds as the child moves.With ‘Movement-to-Music’, a camerais attached to a computer so that theparticipant can see themselves on thecomputer screen. Then shapes aredrawn around the image of your body.These shapes will act like buttons thatmake different instrument sounds whenyour image moves through them on thescreen. The computer can detect alldifferent kinds of movements, from verysmall ones like moving a finger tovery large ones like waving an arm.For more information, contact theCP Helpline on 1300 30 29 20.

Website linksWEBSITESFamilies with children always seem to be ‘run off their feet’ – here are some websites our team thinks aregreat time-savers in sourcing all sorts of information!Everything!The Choice website allows you tocompare a huge range of productsand services for the household andfamily, including baby products, whitegoods, computers, financial investments,food, books, magazines, car and healthinsurance. Buy a single reportor subscribe for $14.95/quarter toaccess everything that this fantasticsite has to offer:• www.choice.com.auLoans & Credit CardsFind the best home loan, personal loanor credit card on the InfoChoice website.Their Selector allows you to comparerates and conditions for all the majorAustralian financial institutions and thesite also includes a great range of otherfinancial tools and tips:• www.infochoice.com.auHouses and UnitsSave yourself the endless Saturday trekaround estate agents by finding yournew home online:• www.realestate.com.au• www.domain.com.auDepartment StoresDiscounts on thousands of products:• www.dealsdirect.com.au• www.buyquick.com.au• www.discountshop.com.auEach of Australia’s major departmentstores also have a website, often withspecial offers for online customers.EntertainmentDiscover what’s on, where to go andhow to find it across Australia:• www.citysearch.com.auHolidaysBook flights, hotels, car hire and takeadvantage of special deals:• www.travel.com.au,• www.onlinetravel.com.au• www.travelnow.com.auCheap flights for students andbackpackers:• www.studentflights.com.auFind wheelchair accessible holidayaccommodation:• www.takeabreak.com.au/accessible/Where Is It?Work out where you’re going before youset off in the car! Where Is will help youplan your next cross-city trip with freemaps and driving directions:• www.whereis.com.auYes! I want to help adults and children with cerebral palsyTitle: ______ Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Company: ____________________________________________________Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Postcode: _________________Phone: (b/h) ____________________________________ (a/h)_________________________________________ Email: _______________________________________________________________Please accept my donation of$50 $35 $60 $500 Your Choice $Please find enclosed my cheque or money order; orPlease charge my: Bankcard / Mastercard / Visa / Amex / Diners (PLEASE CIRCLE)Card Number |___________________|__________________|__________________|__________________|Name on Card: __________________________________________________________________ Expiry Date _____/_____Pease send me more information on:Knowing more about cerebral palsyHow my social club can become involvedHow I can make a provision in my willHow I can assist through vounteer workDonations over$2 are taxdeductibleSignature _______________________________________________Mail this form to:CP AustraliaPO Box 184BROOKVALE NSW 2100

RURALCOUNTRYCONNECTIONWestern Australia video conference team.WESTERN AUSTRALIAIn a bid to tackle the issues of distanceand adequate provision of services,a new Video Conferencing andTeleconferencing Unit, has recentlybeen established by Western Australia.Called “Country Connection”, the videoconferencing unit has been created tospecifically cater to the needs of peoplewith CP who live in remote regions asfar north as the Kimberley, Kalgoorliein the east and Esperance to the south.In the past rural families have had totravel to Perth for assessment, equipmentprescription or treatment suggestions.Through real time video conferencing,Country Connection will greatly reducethis travel burden for families as wellas provide an opportunity for directconsultation between familiesand therapists.The visual interactive communicationcomponent will also ensure that skillsand advice can be communicated viademonstration of specific therapeutictechniques, how to use equipment, aswell as the opportunity to directlyaddress the particular areas of focus foreach individual child with cerebral palsy.SOUTH AUSTRALIAThe Spastic Centres of South Australiaoffer several accommodation services inthe Port Augusta area, including MobileRespite which provides a respite optionfor families in the wider northern region.A new service has recently been40established in Murray Bridge to providesupported community accommodationand the Outcomes Program providesflexible respite options for families inthe Murray Mallee, far Northern regions,South East and Riverland.QUEENSLANDThe State Wide Outreach team (SWOT),consisting of a Speech and LanguagePathologist, Occupational Therapist andPhysiotherapist, is funded to provideservices to children with cerebral palsyand related conditions in regional areasof Queensland.Travelling to the regional centres ofTownsville, Cairns, Mount Isa andCloncurry, the services provided bySWOT include:• Mealtime management and nutrition• Daily care activities (eg bathing,dressing etc)• Participation in school curriculumand assistance with development ofIndividual Education Plan (IEP) goals• Exercise programmes• EquipmentNEW SOUTH WALES / ACTTherapy services focus on assistingfamilies to follow programs that willhelp them to learn new skills regardingmobility, communication and selfcare.Families can now also accessinformation on transport options, ideason recreational and leisure options,advice on equipment as well as supportin funding applications .Services have recently been extended toinclude Coffs Harbour, Nowra, Orange,Dubbo, Moruya, Armidale, Spence,Queanbeyan, Wagga Wagga, Singeltonand Raymond Terrace.VICTORIAVictoria has 100 locations state-wide,with key services based in the majorregional centres of Bendigo, Ballarat,Geelong, Benalla, Wodonga, Shepparton,Seymour, Traralgon and Warragul.Broader services are also providedfrom the regional centres throughwidespread visiting programs andkey community partnerships.

CHAIRWITHA VIEWSeeing Eye to EyeOut and about Judy stops to chat withMy Restaurant Rules host, Dicko.THE VIBE CANTILEVERFrom $8,000 - $12,000 RRPno GST (dependant on options)Having cerebral palsy certainly has not stopped Judith Geppertfrom getting the most of out life. She’s scaled the heights ofthe Sydney Harbour Bridge, experienced the thrill of tandemskydiving and hot air ballooning and she’s even co-piloted aFerrari, notching up speeds of 200kph.Judith has always used a wheelchair for mobility, but notbeing able to join in on conversations at eye level with her‘able-bodied’ friends, work colleagues and family membershas always eluded her.Now in 2005, Judith has turned to technology to remedy thesituation. She has recently purchased a hydraulic wheelchairthat can elevate the seat to a level where she can now chatto friends, order drinks at the bar and do her banking over thecounter all with the switch of a button.Judith tells us how her new chair has given her a new ‘high’...“For over 50 years I have faced the world, in a wheelchair,looking at ‘butts’ and ‘navels’. But not anymore... I have finallyfound the solution... I bought myself a new highly manoeuvrablewheelchair; with a cantilever lift system (12” vertical lift) throughPride Products in Melbourne. It has a compact design superbfor indoor use and a sport-trac suspension for a smooth andstable ride over challenging terrain. With the assistance of TASCWorkshop and a few modifications to the controls I am ableto use this chair with my left foot.Now, my environment has opened up – I can do so many thingsthat many people take for granted. I can now sit at a kitchencounter, reach the supermarket shelves, am able to see overpeople in crowds, at sporting events or rock concerts, accesshigh counters in banks and some government offices, reachfor books and CDs at the library, and most important, havesocial contact with the general community at eye level.This chair also affords me the independence (which I cherish)to mix socially with friends or work colleagues for an afterwork ‘happy hour’ at the local bar.”And Judith’s plans for the next 50 years? In her usual directmanner, Judith says there will be “no more being looked downon, no more being left out of conversations and no moreeyeballing people’s butts.”Judith currently is employed as a Desktop Publisher and anInformation Officer in NSW – her position entails visiting schoolsand presenting motivational talks. She also does consultancywork for the government sector.For more information, contact the CP Helplineon 1300 30 29 20.41

RESEARCHUPDATEWe are familyThe question posed in a paper by West Australians Paula Dyke,Paula Buttigieg and Anita Ghose at the recent CP Australiaconference was “How Family Centered Are We in Our Practice?”The research evaluated the differences in perception of familiesand service providers regarding service delivery and the qualityof information given relating to their child’s condition, progressor treatment.The research consisted of 10 questions that reflected serviceproviders perceptions of their behaviours such as treating peoplerespectfully, interpersonal sensitivity and communication of specificand general information to their client’s family.Calling Parent Volunteers!Using the internationally recognized best practice research methodoriginating 60 years from on the .... Can we Child need Centre your for help Childhood to DisabilityResearch in Canada, team used their results to restructurekeep the dream alivea range of service delivery programs.Six decades The programs ago, a small run group by service of parents providers banded were together re-structured to help families toof children implement with cerebral strategies palsy. consistent Today that with support Family Centered is still welcomed. PracticeParents can play an active role in building futures for children with CP.(FCP) including family meetings, setting of goals and family friendlyPlease consider becoming a parent volunteer in your state - we need yourhelp now written more reports. than ever!Some volunteer Specific roles training for parents for service include: providers in ‘help giving practices’were also developed with an increased focus on supervision and• Meet and greetmentoring of younger inexperienced service providers. Criteria for• Hosting roles at parent eventsthe recruitment of staff was revised to ensure that all staff are able• Participation as the guest experienced parent in Linksto focus on aspects of service delivery other than just technicalsupport and information groupsor clinical skills.• Support roles during children’s school holiday programsThe results of these initiatives have been encouraging and have been• Individual support for other parentsused in a number of research and service improvement projects• Assistance with service evaluations, e.g. phoning otherthroughout Western Australia.parents to complete questionnairesFor•moreAssistanceinformationwith registrationscontact thefor theCPCerebralHelplinePalsyon 1300 30 29 20.Register• Guest speaking• Staff orientation• FundraisingCalling Parent Volunteers!VOLUNTEERFor more information or to register your interestplease call the CP Helpline on 1300 30 29 20 YES, I would like more information on becoming aParent VolunteerCalling Parent Volunteers!60 years on .... we need your help tokeep the dream alive60 years on .... we need your help tokeep the dream aliveSix decades ago, a small group of parents banded together to help familiesof children with cerebral palsy. Today that support is still welcomed.Parents can play an active role in building futures for children with CP.Please consider becoming a parent volunteer in your state - we need yourhelp now more than ever!Name (please print) ............................................................. Some volunteer roles for parents include:Six decades ago, a small group of parents banded together to help families• Meet and greetAddress ..........................................................................of children with cerebral palsy. Today that support is still welcomed.• Hosting roles at parent events......................................................................................Parents can play an active role in • building Participation as futures the guest experienced for children parent in with Links CP.Please consider becoming a parent volunteer support and information in your groups state - we need yourState ........................................... Postcode ......................• Support roles during children’s school holiday programshelp now more than ever!Email ..............................................................................Some volunteer roles for parents include:Telephone (day) ................................................................• Meet and greetMobile ............................................................................Fax ................................................................................Please fax this completed form back to 02 9453 3512or telephone the CP Helpline on 1300 30 29 20 to registeryour interest• Individual support for other parents• Assistance with service evaluations, e.g. phoning otherparents to complete questionnaires• Assistance with registrations for the Cerebral PalsyRegister• Hosting roles at parent events• Guest speaking• Staff orientation• Participation as the guest experienced parent in Links• Fundraisingsupport and information groupsFor more information or to register your interestplease call the CP Helpline on 1300 30 29 20• Support roles during children’s school holiday programs

Your Stars for 2006YOURDESTINYJessica Adams’ astrology columns and features have appeared in Cleo, Cosmopolitan, New Woman, Woman’s Own,Elle, Dolly, Girlfriend, The Daily Telegraph and B. She currently writes the stars for Vogue in Australia and Malaysia andThe Australian Women’s Weekly. For more information visit www.jessicaadams.comARIES March 21 – April 20You'll gain through other people's money, propertyor possessions this year, as Jupiter passes throughScorpio. Opportunities to expand your lifestyleand finances will come through a partner, familymember, group investors, or even the taxman.Saturn in Leo means you will be taking a creativeproject, pregnancy or child much more seriously.However, expect a long, slow learning curve andask older people for their advice. Pluto continues totravel through Sagittarius this year with powerful,life-changing experiences coming your way whenyou travel or study in this period.TAURUS April 21 – May 20Jupiter is in Scorpio in 2006, in your zone of expartners,current relationships, and potential futuredates. Opportunities to make more of someonespecial are on the way. If you are single, you will begiven a chance to improve your relationship withan ex-partner, or to begin an important relationshipthat could easily lead to marriage. Any problems inyour private life will be solved by an amicable split,or by a fortunate turning point. A child, a propertymove, a business investment or a major overseastrip are all possible for you.GEMINI May 21 – June 21You will either start a new job in 2006 whichoffers better hours, conditions or packages – orremain in your current position, but be pleasedto hear that workplace conditions are about to bedramatically improved. If you are looking for workat the moment, either on a full-time or part-timebasis, a genuinely lucky break is also likely tocome your way. Health and lifestyle are also biggrowth areas for 2006 and you will be at the righttime and place more than once if you are trying toboost your wellbeing.CANCER June 22 – July 23Jupiter, the planet of growth, is about to passthrough your zone of pregnancy, parenthood,creativity and sexuality. In one or more areas on thislist you can expect a boom period of opportunitiesdesigned to expand the personal or creative sideof your life. Even if children are not on your prioritylist, you could acquire a godchild, stepchild, niece,nephew or grandchild in this period.LEO July 24 – August 23You will renovate, decorate, or move by the endof 2006 as a think-big approach to your house orflat pays off. A better area or more space will bepriorities for a lot of Leos, and luck is definitely onyour side. Your family circle could easily expand inthis period, too. With Saturn in your own sign forthe first time in 28 years, you will take your imageand reputation more seriously and learn someuseful lessons about how to package yourself, andpresent yourself.VIRGO August 24 – September 23You will either take a much higher number of shortjourneys – regionally or interstate – in 2006, or planone or two really successful getaways which turnout to be among your most memorable holidays.With Saturn in Leo in 2006, you can expect tospend more time alone, and there may be a periodof soul searching. Uranus in Pisces will continueto make your current marriage or relationship abig source of change in your life. Alternative orunusual ways of operating as a couple will start topresent themselves. If you are single, you could betempted to begin a relationship with someone whois offbeat, unique or a true free spirit.LIBRA September 24 – October 23In 2006 you will receive a bonus, win, pay rise,more lucrative job, inheritance, solid investmentreturn, generous tax dividend, or other source ofpennies from heaven. As Jupiter in Scorpio formsan exciting angle with Uranus in Pisces, it is likelythat on more than one occasion, the extra cash flowwill be a complete surprise. With Saturn in Leo, youwill need to take your responsibilities to a friendmuch more seriously. You will have some excitinghealth or wellbeing alternatives to experiment within 2006, and one of these will bring you muchmore freedom in your life – although it's an offbeatsolution.SCORPIO October 24 – November 22What takes place in 2006 will be a real imageboosterfor you, so be prepared for a role whichboosts your reputation, or a new look which paysoff. Your name or face will occupy a much largerspace in other people's thoughts this year, and youwill find that you are often in the right place, at theright time, to make an incredible impact. This isthe year that a makeover could create a dramaticdifference in how you are seen. With Saturn inLeo, your job is likely to teach you some incrediblelessons about the disciplined and patient handlingof employers, employees or clients.SAGITTARIUS November 23 – December 22Sagittarians are great travellers and students, butif you are intent on taking a trip or course in 2006it will also require more patience and a greatersense of responsibility. Nevertheless, you will learna lot from travelling or studying this year. Don'tbe surprised if you hibernate more over the next12 months, as you either pursue something (orsomeone) secret, or you decide to take time outfor yourself. Uranus in Pisces is also having aneffect on you this year, and if you did not moveor renovate in 2005, you are going to seriouslyconsider a radical shift in 2006. The end resultswill be exciting and liberating!CAPRICORN December 23 – January 20You will make new friends in 2006 who addincredible things to your life, and they may betypical of the planet Jupiter – in which case, theywill be well-travelled, well-educated or keen toexpand their horizons. You will also be offered morethan once chance to become closely involved in agroup, club, class or other network. This collectionof people will help you to expand socially, but willalso bring you benefits you had not expected. Withyour ruler Saturn in Leo throughout the year, beprepared for a slow-down with finance, businessor property that directly involves other people ororganisations. You will learn a lot about managingjoint finances, no matter if the issue is taxation ora family inheritance. Caution and common-sensewill go a long way to securing your situation.AQUARIUS January 21 – February 19Your marriage or other close relationship will betested for its best, most lasting qualities this year.Even though you may feel progress is slow, youwill learn some useful life lessons about makinga partnership work. Nevertheless, by 2008, if youare genuinely burdened by being with your partner,you may have to make a difficult decision. If youare job hunting then remember that this is yourbig opportunity cycle and luck will play a part.Larger than life individuals or big global firms areon offer!PISCES February 20 – March 20Taking your lifestyle management, health andwellbeing more seriously in 2006 will pay off,even though the pace may be slow, and you mayfeel you have to be extremely disciplined. If youtrust to luck where your body is concerned youmay have to be educated about what good healthactually involves! Don't be surprised if you havean opportunity to travel overseas this year, or towelcome a foreign guest. A significant number ofPisceans will also emigrate, or relocate from cityto country, or vice versa. The opportunity to teachor study will also be offered to you in the yearahead, and accepting will automatically broadenyour horizons.43

Q U E E N S L A N DCerebral PalsyLeague of Queensland