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This week, we talk to Julie Spence about her son, Michael, aged 25. I Tell us a little about you, your age, disability and current situation... Michael is 25, with a diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism. He lives at home with us, his parents. He has three sisters who have moved out of home. Michael attended a mainstream primary school and then a specialist secondary school, both of which were positive experiences overall. His week is now filled with programs based at a Day Centre, plus some activities in the community. He does travel training, work experience, basketball, computer skills, personal development, drama, literacy and numeracy.  CAN Share with us all the amazing things your son can do, especially those that people in your local community may not realise he can do? Michael plays soccer every week in a local team but his favourite outdoor activity is horse riding. He really looks forward to his fortnightly lessons run by the wonderful volunteers at Rideability. From day one, Michael has been relaxed and comfortable on the horses and continues to surprise us with the skills he has developed. JUMP What has been his biggest achievement to date? How did he achieve such big heights? Michael’s greatest achievement has been to overcome the anxiety and panic attacks he started experiencing about five years ago. He developed phobias about a variety of things and for a while was almost unable to leave the house. Very slowly, and with the help of a good psychologist and medication, Michael was gradually able to take part in his outside activities again. We are so proud of the bravery and perseverance he has shown to face his fears and overcome them. PUDDLES What has been the hardest barrier for him to overcome? As an adult, the biggest barriers for Michael are finding employment now and accommodation for the future. Michael would like to have a part-time job doing gardening or working in aged care but it's proving difficult to find even a work experience placement. We, his parents, will soon face the challenge of finding supported accommodation for him. There is no clear path to achieve this as yet. Our region is not yet part of the NDIS but we hope it will assist Michael to continue to live a fulfilling life, to find future accommodation and also enable him to contribute to society.
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This week, we talk to Sara Silva about her amazing son, Samuel, who has just started school. I Tell us a little about you, your age, disability and current situation... Samuel is 5 years old his disability is a rare neurological disorder.  CAN Share with us all the amazing things your son can do, especially those that people in your local community may not realise he can do? Samuel started school this year and is going three days per week. He does conductive education at school and this has been modified to suit his abilities. He is doing well. He has also started to communicate using the PODD system, which is new to us and we are getting used to using it. JUMP What has been your biggest achievement to date? How did you achieve such big heights? The biggest achievement would be Samuel attending school. It has been great for his social development and I've noticed he is trying to communicate and being more vocal. At this stage, I think three days is enough for Samuel, as he gets quite tired and, on the days he is not at school, we have rest days. Another big achievement was going on holidays to Tasmania. Lots of preparation but it was a lovely trip! PUDDLES What has been the hardest barrier for you to overcome? The hardest thing to overcome would have to be accessibility. So far, we haven't had too many issues and when there are issues, such as not fitting the wheelchair into a place, I just avoid them. How people look at me and Samuel when we are out in public makes me feel uncomfortable and at times sad. What is one positive thing about the NDIS for you and how do you think the scheme will assist inclusion in your community? Can you give us one idea that would help your community be more inclusive? The NDIS has given Samuel an opportunity to do therapy either at home or school. This has been great. As well as providing him with a wheelchair and other equipment at home. One thing that the NDIS could look at is public accessibility in public areas, such as providing a ramp at beaches and accessible changing areas. At a lot of places, you have to go to a door further down that makes you feel unwelcome. This week, and for our inaugural edition of Puddle Talk, we talk to Ben Waechter – Founder and Managing Director of KYD-X. KYD-X hosts the Kids & Youth Disability Expo, which exhibits a range of services and products for people under 25 with a disability. Ben was inspired to start KYD-X after the difficulties he faced finding providers and therapies for his son, Harrison. Enjoy! I Tell us a little about you, your age, disability and current situation... We are a family of four – Husband Ben, Wife Suzi, oldest Son Austin (6) and our son Harrison is four. Harrison has been diagnosed with level 4/5 dyskinetic cerebral palsy after being born prematurely (24 weeks 4 days gestation). |
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