Family Advocacy

Parental reactions and conflicts

This short article lists the common patterns of stress experienced by families who have a child with a disability.

We all need parents but not forever

In this short article, David Brandon argues that parents should not have to be involved in running services for their sons and daughters with disabilities.

Women, disability and caring

The main responsibility for caring for their children belongs to women. This article examines the underlying assumptions about the roles of mothers of children with disabilities and how stereotypical gender roles influence the caring of a child within a family.

And the walls come tumbling down

Against the historical background of institutions, the author adds an interesting perspective to the debate on deinstitutionalisation. He maintains that the community needs to create networks which will share the responsibilities for inclusion rather than pouring resources into paid professional services which he believes can't deliver. Keyword: Community Development

Building and mobilising informal family support network

This article by a family support agency (STAR) in Victoria says that it is not hard to find enthusiastic people who will provide a foster home and family for a range of people with disabilities.

Great expectations....Disability can inspire them

This short article describes the four qualities of "Great Expectations" - vision, hope, determination and revision. It shows how these great expectations create real benefits for communities and how they cause mixed emotions for families. Keyword: Families

Patterns and trends in public services to families with a mentally retarded member

This article discusses the fact that while most people with disabilities spend much of their lives with their natural families, little attention has been given in the past by governments, agencies and researchers to the long term needs of families.

Ensuring informed choice by consumers in an Individual Supported Jobs Service

This paper, presented by Jane Baxter at an Open Employment Forum In Brisbane, discusses the procedures used by Workscope, an open employment agency for people who have high support needs.

Effective school to work transition

Rosemary Lawn, Managing Director of a Perth supported employment agency, discusses effective school to work transition for people who have high support needs. She presents thoughts by Barbara Wilcox, an American professor who visited Western Australia to help people really look at the issue of transition.

Community management: A working model

This paper examines the correct practices of community management - it acknowledges some of the criticisms of community management but also recognises from first hand experience where it has worked.

We work with families in NSW to defend and promote the rights and interests of people with developmental disability

Search Results

Parental reactions and conflicts

We all need parents but not forever

Women, disability and caring

And the walls come tumbling down

Building and mobilising informal family support network

Great expectations....Disability can inspire them

Patterns and trends in public services to families with a mentally retarded member

Ensuring informed choice by consumers in an Individual Supported Jobs Service

Effective school to work transition

Community management: A working model