VOLUME 18 Winter 2015 www.cpl.org.au
Meet Qld’s new
Disability Minister
Dogs are paw-sitively
perfect for therapy
Get ready for Picnic
in the Park 2015
FEATURE
Our doors are
always open
what’s
inside?
2
4
5
6
8
10
11
12
14
15
2
Feature
Our doors are always
open
Industry Insight
Introducing Qld’s new
Disability Minister
Profile
Riding to Rio
Inside CPL
A day in the life of
CPL’s Debbie Grant
In Focus
Picnic in the Park 2015
Regional Spotlight
Sensory room opens
in Rockhampton
HAVE YOUR SAY!
P: 1800 275 753
E: [email protected]
55 Oxlade Drive
New Farm QLD 4005
PO Box 386
Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
www.cpl.org.au
READ TOUCHSTONE ONLINE
www.cpl.org.au/touchstone
Editor – Maddi Obst
Media Manager
P: 07 3358 8028
E: [email protected]
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
facebook.com/
cerebralpalsyleague
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER
twitter.com/mycpl
FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN
linkedin.com/company/
cerebral-palsy-league
Faces and Places
Guide
Dogs are paw-sitively
perfect for therapy
News in Brief
Holiday fun on the
Gold Coast
State CCC update
P&G update
Diary
Touchstone Winter 2015
Patron
Governor of
Queensland
His Excellency Mr
Paul de Jersey AC
Cover image: Treasury Casino
& Hotel donated some beautiful
flowers for CPL client Tim to give
to his mum Kathy on Mother’s Day.
Thank you, Treasury!
One CPL client especially
enjoys spending time at
his local CPL service – and
they enjoy having him
there just as much.
Mondays and Fridays are Tim
Mooney’s favourite days of the
week. They are the two days
he attends CPL’s community
programs in New Farm.
Tim is almost 22 but looks far
more youthful due to a range
of complex disabilities acquired
before birth.
He has a micro-deletion from
chromosome 17, which results in
a range of physical differences
including being very small (he
weighs about 20kg), having
profound deafness and being
unable to speak or walk unaided.
CPL was determined to
cater for Tim – so much
so that several of the
carers completed the
special training course
to learn how to feed him
safely with a nasal tube.
Tim also can’t eat by mouth, so
needs to be fed using a nasogastric feeding tube, which,
much to Tim’s annoyance, has to
be reinserted every four weeks.
On top of being unable to ‘eat’,
Tim has a ‘floppy’ trachea or
airway, which means he is prone
to respiratory problems.
Despite all of these challenges,
Tim’s mum Kathy says he’s a
very happy and much-loved
member of the Mooney clan,
which includes dad David, his
older twin sisters Caitlin and
Jayne, 24, brother Matt, 23, and
younger sister, Ellie 20.
“It’s not as spontaneous as
other people’s lives, because
of the feeding and packing of
equipment and wheelchairs and
so forth whenever we go out
somewhere,” she said.
Tim started using CPL’s services
in 2013 after being turned away
from a number of other services
due to the complexities of
feeding him via the naso-gastric
tube.
According to Support in
Community Manager, Karen
Curren, CPL was determined to
cater for Tim – so much so that
several of the carers completed
the special training course to
learn how to feed him safely
with a nasal tube.
“It was a first ever for CPL. It just
shows how we are committed to
catering for individual clients and
their unique needs,” Karen said.
“Tim is an absolute pleasure and
everybody just loves him,” she
said.
Kathy says CPL was their saviour.
“We were knocked back by a few
services due to his feeding tube.
“It was a big tick to CPL from
us right from the beginning
because, unlike the other
services, CPL were so open
and willing to do whatever was
needed.
“They said ‘how can we do
this? We can organise training’.
Nothing was too difficult.
Tim with one of CPL’s
volunteers David Macklin
Kathy says CPL was
their saviour. “We were
knocked back by a
few services due to his
feeding tube.”
“The team have such a lovely
caring attitude.
“CPL is also quite unique in
having the Allied Health team
in addition to the community
support. That’s really comforting
for us,” she said.
Kathy is incredibly grateful that
there haven’t been any issues
with Tim’s feeding tube but,
above all else, she‘s thrilled he
has so much fun at the service.
“He’s quite gregarious and really
enjoys the social side of CPL’s
programs. When I come to pick
him up, he’ll be screeching and
laughing.
“He can’t participate in all
activities, but they do a great
job of getting him involved in
whatever he can do.
To find out more about CPL’s
services and programs in your
area, call 1800 275 753 or visit
www.cpl.org.au today.
Touchstone Winter 2015
3
INDUSTRY INSIGHT
PROFILE
Riding to Rio
Taking the helm of
disability services
Queensland’s new Disability Services Minister, Coralee
O’Rourke MP, opens up about her life before politics and
enthusiasm for the NDIS.
Tell us about yourself!
I live with my husband and
our two teenage children
in Townsville. Prior to the
election, I was the director of
an early childhood learning
centre. Spending time with
my family has always been my
greatest source of joy. I am
also passionate about early
childhood education, which has
taken up a lot of time over the
past ten years.
What experience do you have
with the disability sector?
My work with early childhood
education included working with
and providing services to children
and families living with disability.
Through this, I witnessed both
the challenges and opportunities
that often go hand-in-hand in
the disability sector.
What do you think about the NDIS?
I am extremely excited
about the potential the NDIS
has to improve the lives of
Queenslanders with disability,
providing support that allows
choice and control and long-term
planning. I am also proud, as
the NDIS is the most significant
investment in social welfare since
Medicare was established in 1975.
It is an exciting time for the
sector in Queensland as
the NDIS gets closer, as it
is expected to revolutionise
disability services and create
around 13,000 additional jobs
across the state.
Is the government planning to
make any announcements about
the NDIS?
A key election commitment of
the Palaszczuk Government was
to establish a launch site to test
the process for participants in
the Queensland context, ensuring
a more streamlined and effective
transition to the NDIS scheme.
Work is well underway on this
and there will be announcements
over the coming months.
As far as the full NDIS roll-out,
I am currently finalising
negotiations with the
Commonwealth so that the
Bilateral Agreement can be
signed. This agreement will detail
Queensland’s new Disability
Services Minister, the Hon.
Coralee O’Rourke MP
when, where and how the NDIS
will be rolled-out in Queensland.
This has to be signed by the end
of June, so I will be announcing
the details once it is signed.
How do you think the NDIS will
benefit people with disabilities
and their families?
People eligible for the NDIS, and
their families and carers, will
have greater choice and control
over disability support services
and will be able to choose
who provides this support
and decide how and when it is
provided. This type of approach
will focus on relationships
and experiences, as well as
traditional services, which I
believe will have a significant
positive impact on peoples’ lives.
“Under the NDIS,
the number of
Queenslanders
receiving disability
support is expected to
double from 45,000 to
97,000 by 2019.”
Early intervention and
passion put Paralympic
dream in sight for Jess
Jess Nielsen has been riding
horses since she was five years
old and 12 years later, she can’t
imagine life any other way.
In between graduating Year 12,
working a new job and studying
a Certificate in Hospitality, 17
year-old Jess participated in her
first riding competition in March
and now has her sights firmly set
on the 2016 Paralympics in Rio.
“I’ve always loved horses,” Jess
said.
“I started riding through a school
program and I just never stopped.
“A lot of training went into the
first competition and I loved it.
I’m now planning for the next,”
she said.
“If I do well at a few more
competitions, I would be in the
running for the Paralympics
in Rio and that’s definitely my
goal.”
Jess has cerebral palsy which
affects movement in her legs,
and uses a K Walker for mobility
when she isn’t cantering with her
four-legged best friend.
“Sometimes I use a wheelchair
too, because we go camping
quite a lot and the larger
distances can be a bit of a
challenge,” Jess said.
“I’ve had a lot of surgeries
to make sure I can keep my
mobility. I’ve had tendons in
my legs stretched, as well as
titanium rods and screws in my
legs.
“I have to stretch for about an
hour a day too, to make sure I
stay flexible for riding.”
Jess has been receiving support
from CPL’s Maroochydore
service since she was 18 months
old. When she was younger, CPL
assisted her with physiotherapy
and now she receives social
work support as she prepares for
life after school.
According to Jess’ mum Anne,
she doesn’t know where she
would be without the years of
4
Touchstone Winter 2015
“It’s so daunting in the
beginning, but CPL’s support
for Jess and our family has been
awesome,” Anne said.
“They’ve been so helpful at each
step of the way,” she said.
Anne says CPL’s support
has helped Jess to build her
confidence and self esteem.
“It’s great to know that we have
a plan for next year too. Jess
is going to keep working at
her traineeship and continue
training for the next horse-riding
competition.
Register for CPL’s
FREE NDIS info
sessions today at
www.cpl.org.au/getready
support from CPL.
“Jess has taken some huge
steps this year: she started a
traineeship with Cooroy RSL,
began studying a Certificate
in Hospitality and now to have
completed her first competition,
it’s all been such a huge boost
for her,” she said.
What this means is that people
with disability who would have
missed out previously because
of limited resources will now
have the opportunities they
deserve.
CPL’s Townsville MyTime group received a visit from
Minister Coralee O’Rourke MP and Aaron Harper MP.
Jess Nielsen competed in her
first horse riding competition
this year and now has her eyes
on the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
Jess has been riding since
she was five years old.
“I can’t imagine a day where we
didn’t talk about horses in one
way or another,” Anne joked.
Touchstone Winter 2015
5
INSIDE CPL
What gets you out
of bed in the morning?
Support Worker conference inspires CPL carer
“I love my role and I
love coming to work
every day because I get
to meet some amazing
people, and hopefully
I get to improve their
daily lives.”
Many of us easily jump out of bed in the morning,
have a shower, brush our teeth and start the day.
But for some children and adults with disabilities,
beginning each day is a little more challenging.
We learn how a CPL Mobile Carer supports people
at home and how she’s been improving her skills.
CPL provides personal care
services in the homes of
more than 600 clients in
Queensland, helping them
with everyday tasks that
many of us take for granted.
Debbie Grant is one of CPL’s
Mobile Carers. She travels all
across Moreton Bay and the
Sunshine Coast supporting
a range of clients to start
their day and get out in
their communities.
Debbie has been working in
the disability sector with CPL
for 18 months and says it’s
one of the most rewarding
roles she’s ever worked in.
“I love my role and I love
coming to work every day
because I get to meet
some amazing people, and
hopefully I get to improve
their daily lives,” she said.
From assisting someone
to start their day to meal
preparation or taking kids
to movies in the school
holidays, no two days are
ever the same for Debbie.
“Our clients are all
individuals and they
should be treated
as people, not their
diagnoses.”
“I’ve learnt that, more so
now than ever, I need to
empower clients to make
the choices themselves.
“I realise that instead
of concentrating on
their disability, I need to
concentrate more on their
ability,” she said.
Debbie recently attended
Queensland’s first Disability
Mobile Carer, Debbie Grant,
at CPL’s Strathpine service
Queensland’s first Disability Support Workers Conference,
hosted by CPL, Multicap and the Queensland Government
Support Workers (DSW)
Conference, hosted by CPL
and Multicap, along with the
Queensland Government’s
Centre of Excellence for
Clinical Innovation and
Behaviour Support.
The conference saw local
and international speakers
address over 200 Support
Workers from across the
state to help them best
prepare for the launch of
the NDIS in mid-2016.
Debbie said she left the
conference with renewed
inspiration to work hard
every day at a job she loves
– and she’s encouraging
other Support Workers to
make sure they’re ready for
the NDIS too.
“The DSW conference
boosted my motivation and
encouraged me to increase
my skills and knowledge,
so I’m now studying my
Cert IV in Disability with
CPL’s registered training
organisation, Mylestones
Training.
“One of the things that
drew me to the conference
was that there were going
to be some sessions about
the NDIS, but I came out
of there learning so much
more.
“It’s given me an awareness
that we need to be providing
the best quality service we
can; we need to be peoplefocused, and we need
to provide care that has
continuity for our clients.
“Everyone needs to be
focused on the person; not
the disability, but the person
as an individual,” she said.
Register your
interest for the
next Disability
Support Workers
Conference!
Are you a Support Worker or
Personal Care Assistant and would
like to know what the National
Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
will mean for you?
CPL and Multicap, along with
the Queensland Government’s
Centre of Excellence for Clinical
Innovation and Behaviour Support,
recently hosted Queensland’s first
Disability Support Workers (DSW)
Conference.
We received so much positive
feedback about the first DSW
Conference in Brisbane that we are
hosting three more in August!
4 August
Currumbin RSL Gold Coast
6 August
Mooloolaba Surf Club
Sunshine Coast
10 + 11 August
Rockhampton Leagues Club
Rockhampton
www.cpl.org.au/dsw
The conference will also be returning
to Brisbane in February 2016.
The conference will cover range of
topics, including the NDIS, and how
to support people with behaviour
challenges, complex physical needs,
autism and much more.
To find out more or register your
interest, visit: www.cpl.org.au/dsw
Touchstone Winter 2015
7
IN FOCUS
Picnic in the Park
“Picnic in the Park
is a fun day out for
families, but it also
builds community
understanding that
everyone should have
the same opportunity
to live a fulfilling life,
regardless of their
ability.”
It’s time to celebrate all abilities
Proudly presented by Treasury Casino and Hotel
Roma Street Parkland, Sunday 26 July 10am-3pm
Picnic in the Park is unique as far
as most community events go:
it has a popular, family-friendly
program, a public transportaccessible location, plus quality
food and entertainment. Not to
mention that entry is free!
However, what makes Picnic in
the Park so unique is what it
stands for.
It’s about showing the community
that people of all different types
of abilities should be included in
all facets of public life, and that
every community event should be
accessible to them.
CPL CEO Angela Tillmanns said
she hoped the diverse program
would bring joy to families, while
building understanding in the
community that all Queenslanders
should have the same opportunity
to live a fulfilling life, regardless of
their ability.
Ms Tillmanns said Picnic in the
Park was one of the few events
in Queensland that was truly
accessible and inclusive to all
community members no matter
their age, gender, race, religious
or cultural background or level
of physical or intellectual ability.
“I find it difficult to comprehend
that in 2015, all public events
are not designed to include
and cater for everyone in our
community, whatever their level
of ability,” she said.
“We often hear governments
and community organisations
talk about our need to embrace
cultural diversity; but what about
physical diversity?
CPL CEO
Angela Tillmanns
Glenn Swalling and Lottie
Cooke enjoying the sunshine.
Talented musicians
entertaining the crowd.
Don’t live in Brisbane? Don’t
worry, we’ll be hosting a series
of events across the state
during Disability Action Week
from 13-19 September 2015!
“I hope this year’s Picnic in the
Park will open people’s hearts
and minds to others in their local
community who have unique
abilities and qualities of their
own.
“We also hope it will define
the standard for all future
Queensland public events
in terms of accessibility and
inclusivity,” she said.
There were lots of cuddly
animals at last year’s petting zoo.
Stay tuned to the CPL website
or contact your local service
for details.
Get ready for the premier outdoor event that
brings together people of all ages and abilities!
A crowd of over 6,000
attended last year.
8
Touchstone Winter 2015
Brisbane’s favourite annual
outdoor family event, Picnic in the
Park, will return on Sunday 26 July
with another fun-filled program
for people of all ages and, most
importantly, people of all abilities.
Pig, will perform two free live
shows, with appearances by
the Fabulous Lemon Drops,
the Queensland Wildlife Park
Reptile Show and a performance
showcasing kids of all abilities.
This year’s event is anticipated
to attract even larger crowds
than the previous year’s 6,000
picnickers and will once again be
held at Roma Street Parkland’s
picturesque Celebration Lawn
between 10am and 3pm.
The jam-packed kids’ precinct
is sure to delight youngsters
with its adorable barnyard
baby animals, jumping castle,
sand wizard, face painting, an
accessible liberty swing and
roving performers.
Triple J’s Agnes Walker will
headline an exciting program of
live entertainment.
For all the local foodies, the
wide range of delicious street
food will delight every palate.
Picnic in the Park is proudly
presented by Treasury Casino
and Hotel with support from
Roma Street Parkland.
And for the kids, children’s
cartoon favourite, Peppa the
Back by popular demand will
also be a showcase of CPL
More information is available at:
www.picnicinthepark.org.au
clients’ artwork, including art
and craft stalls, art installations
plus a display of cutting-edge
technology and equipment.
Festivities are aimed at
promoting and celebrating the
achievements of Queenslanders
with disabilities and raising
valuable funds, so CPL can
continue providing vital support
to thousands of Queensland
adults and children.
Touchstone Winter 2015
9
REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT
FACES AND PLACES
2
Sensory Room brings light and
calm to Rockhampton families
$50,000 Iwasaki Foundation donation
supports Queenslanders with disabilities
A new cutting-edge sensory
room at CPL’s Rockhampton
service will enhance the lives
of local kids and adults with
disabilities, as well as others in
the community.
Built through a $50,000
donation from the Iwasaki
Foundation, the room features
interactive light boards, as well
as glow in the dark toys, tactile
boards and fibre optic curtains.
team would use the room to
engage and improve the senses
of people who have limited
sensory ability, as well as calm
people who were over-stimulated
and give their body a rest.
CPL’s Rockhampton service
officially opened a purposedesigned sensory room on 25
March that uses light, sound and
tactile equipment to heighten or
relax the senses of people with
sensory disorders.
The facility also uses vibrating
chairs and interactive bubble
tanks to help clients participate
on a variety of levels.
According to Karla, the whole
Rockhampton community could
benefit from the new sensory room.
Karla Gilson, Manager of CPL’s
Rockhampton service, said the
1
3
“We would love to
make sure as many
people as possible can
take advantage of this
incredible facility.”
Karla said she was “blown away”
by the generosity of The Iwasaki
Foundation.
4
“We are so grateful to have the
support of the local community
and The Iwasaki Foundation, in
particular,” Karla said.
“Their donation will help make
a real difference to the lives of
people with disabilities in the
Rockhampton area.”
2.
During the opening ceremony,
Iwasaki Foundation Grants
Committee Chair, Desley Rial,
unveiled a plaque in honour
of the Foundation’s generous
contribution.
3.
The ceremony was attended by
local VIPs, including Margaret
Strelow, Mayor of Rockhampton
and Councillor Rose Swadling.
CPL CEO Angela Tillmanns with Desley Rial
from the Iwasaki Foundation revealing the
new plaque for the sensory room.
10
Touchstone Winter 2015
1.
To find out more about
the sensory room at CPL’s
Rockhampton service, call
07 4927 5655 or visit:
www.cpl.org.au/rockhampton
5
4.
6
5.
6.
Joan Leonard working on her current
masterpiece at CPL’s Moorooka service.
Treasury Casino & Hotel donated some beautiful
flowers to clients at CPL’s New Farm service,
including Alex Campbell and Trevor Hughes to
take home to their mums for Mother’s Day.
Congratulations to CPL’s Billie Lewis-Cassidy
(centre) for winning the Rotary Business and
Pride of Work Award in May.
James Smith, Peter Thompson and Peter Mewett
at CPL’s Family Fun Day. Peter has just finished
with CPL after five years of working as our General
Manager of Business Strategy and Development.
Thank you for your contribution, Peter!
One of CPL’s FREE NDIS info sessions at Mt
Gravatt. Register for the upcoming sessions at
www.cpl.org.au/getready
CPL’s Phil Barker with Adele Hockey and David
Doyle from Westfield Strathpine and CPL’s Cath
Downes at the 2015 Supporters Soiree.
Touchstone Winter 2015
11
GUIDE
Dogs are paw-sitively
perfect for therapy
Learn about the benefits of pets on your health
and how dogs can be used therapeutically!
Dogs have been our favourite
animal companion since the
eighth century, but did you
know they can also be used as
therapy animals for people with
disabilities?
Taking a dog for a walk or
playing fetch might be part of
your everyday routine, but for
some people with disabilities,
these activities could be an
engaging and fun way to
develop strength, coordination
and fitness.
Therapy dogs visited participants
at Camp Have a Chat!
Using dogs for therapy
is becoming more and
more popular – and
not just for people
with disabilities.
Ciara Shouldice, one of CPL’s
Physiotherapists, explained why
introducing dogs into therapy can
be so beneficial for people with
disabilities, and the many health
benefits that come from having a
furry four-legged family member.
“Every time you play fetch with
a dog, you are using your upperbody strength and upper-limb
strength, as well as motorcoordination skills to throw and
catch,” Ciara said.
Jessie-Lee meeting
a therapy dog
“Using dogs for therapy is
becoming more and more
popular – and not just for people
with physical disabilities,” she
said.
“If you have a long haired dog,
like a border collie or a golden
retriever, you could give your
pet a makeover with some clips
or hair ties and at the same time
you’re working your fine motor
skills with grasping and releasing
the clips. And you’ll have a
stylish dog!
“Dogs are regularly being used
to help children with Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and
in some cases are even helping
doctors to diagnose children
with early signs of ASD.
“In the presence of a dog, many
children with ASD become
calmer and more relaxed.”
“The responsibility of owning
a pet can help people with
disabilities too. It can help to
build a routine and add some
structure to their day,” Ciara
said.
“Talking a dog for a walk can
assist some people with their
mobility too: many kids love
dogs and walking with one
might be the extra motivation
they need.
Owning a pet can also be good
for your general health: patting
a dog or taking your dog for a
walk helps to lower your blood
pressure and can also lower
stress levels in the body.
“Not to mention that animals
are non-judgemental. Dogs
are very affectionate and give
unconditional love. And they’re
always happy to see you,” she
said.
“Even something like playing
tug-of-war with a dog can
assist with gripping, holding
and strengthening. It also helps
to make therapy more fun and
interactive,” she said.
According to Ciara, introducing
a dog into therapy can serve
as a building block for people
with disabilities that face
challenges with social situations,
relationships, behaviour and
emotions.
12
Touchstone Winter 2015
Having a four-legged
family member can
also help to stabilise
your heart rate and
decrease anxiety and
depression.
“Introducing this into a therapy
program could help someone
with a physical disability to build
up their muscle strength and
improve their coordination.
Finley (L & R) and Richard (C)
with some new furry friends
Kaleb and his
new friend
While owning a pet can be very
rewarding, it’s important to
know that having a pet is a huge
responsibility and isn’t suitable
for everyone.
Before adopting a furry friend,
you should consider if a dog is
right for your family, lifestyle and
environment. It’s important to
take some time and research if a
pet is right for you; there is a lot
of information available online or
you could talk to your local vet.
Want to set up an appointment
with one of our Physios or
Occupational Therapists to
improve your strength and
coordination? Simply ring
1800 275 753 today or visit:
www.cpl.org.au
NEWS IN BRIEF
STATE CCC AND P&G UPDATE
Beach therapy boosts holiday fun
for Gold Coast kids with disabilities
A group of Gold Coast kids with disabilities got a thrill
in the Easter school holidays when they attended CPL’s
Beach Buddies therapy program at Tallebudgera Creek.
A brand new therapy program
run by CPL’s Varsity Lakes
service gave kids with disabilities
the opportunity to enjoy some
holiday fun at the beach while
receiving vital physiotherapy.
The Beach Buddies therapy
program was held across four
days over the Easter holidays
to give children with disabilities
and their families the chance
to vary their therapy routine
and learn ways to incorporate
therapy into beach outings.
CPL’s Gold Coast service delivers
essential therapy and programs
to around 150 children who live
on the coast, supporting them
through a range of specialised
services including physiotherapy,
occupational therapy, speech
pathology and social work, as
well as support at home.
CPL’s Varsity Lakes Allied Health
Physiotherapist, Leanne Proctor,
said the program was designed
to enable children with physical
support needs to work towards
Wiata Richards, Samuel Amiet, Charlotte
Valarie, Peta Brember and Cienna Valarie with
CPL physios Terry O’Grady and Leanne Proctor
“However, children with
disabilities also need to continue
their regular physiotherapy
routines,” she said.
CPL physios Terry O’Grady and
Leanne Proctor at the Gold Coast
beach buddies group
Peta Brember, Wiata Richards,
Samuel Amiet and Cooper Amiet
with CPL physio Terry O’Grady
1 July – Cairns
NDIS info session*
26 July
Picnic in the Park
4-5 July
Gold Coast Marathon
15 July – Sunshine Coast
NDIS info session* (TBC)
2 August
Brisbane Marathon
4 August – Gold Coast
DSW Conference
To get the most from this planning meeting, spend
some time thinking about you or your family
member’s goals for both the short and long-term
future. The more you can explain to the planner,
the more they will be able to thoroughly assess
your plan.
5 August – Redcliffe
NDIS info session*
There is a lot of information available about the
NDIS at www.cpl.org.au/ndis. It’s important to
know what the NDIS will mean for you.
10-11 August – Rockhampton
DSW Conference
CPL is also running NDIS info sessions across the
state to help you prepare. More sessions in new
Queensland locations will be announced in the
coming months, so stay tuned at:
www.cpl.org.au/getready
14 August
Wheel Make a Change
Regretfully the Parents and Guardians Association
has been unable to meet of late, as President Joan
Williams is unwell in hospital.
The whole CPL family wishes Joan a speedy
recovery and hopes she had a wonderful 90th
birthday celebration.
We hope to see Joan back on deck soon, to
continue CPL’s journey towards the NDIS.
Touchstone Winter 2015
30 June – Townsville
NDIS info session*
I would like to take the opportunity to emphasise
how important it is for clients and their families to
start preparing for the National Disability Insurance
Scheme (NDIS). It is due to roll out in Queensland
in July 2016. Currently the details of how the NDIS
will roll out in Queensland are unknown, but we’re
expecting an announcement about how this will
happen in August.
P&G Update
14
14 June – City2South
7-9 July – Townsville
Camp Have a Chat
Once you apply for funding under the NDIS, you
will meet with a planner, who will assist you to set
your goals and then determine your eligibility for
funding.
“We taught kids some fun beach
therapy activities that they can
enjoy on the holidays and which
involve the whole family.”
DIARY
A Customer Promise is a way of acknowledging
our promise to CPL clients, so they know what to
expect of CPL and what CPL expects in return.
The NDIS means that you will be able to self-direct
your funding to live the life you choose and reach
your goals.
“Beach Buddies is a way to vary
and change that routine while
still helping children to develop
core strength, improve balance
and mobility, and learn to
strengthen their arms and legs.
To find out more about
upcoming CPL therapy
programs, visit: www.cpl.org.au
Our State Client Consultative Committee
(CCC) Chair, Terry Donaldson, brings you
this latest update.
The State CCC has been actively working with CPL
to develop a Customer Promise. CPL will always
strive to provide great customer service for our
clients and their families.
their individual therapy goals
while socialising with their
siblings, as well as other kids and
families.
“It’s incredibly important that
children with disabilities don’t
miss out on experiencing family
holiday activities like going
to the beach over the school
break,” Leanne said.
State CCC Update
6 August – Sunshine Coast
DSW Conference
26 August – Gold Coast
NDIS info session*
30 August – Sunshine Coast
Marathon
9 September – New Farm
NDIS info session*
*To register for the free NDIS
info sessions, visit:
www.cpl.org.au/getready
Touchstone Winter 2015
15