We all packed our bags the night before, so in the morning all we had to do was pack the last minute things like toothbrushes and deodorant. We got up at 7am and were meant to leave home about 9-9:30am, but as the day progressed things kept going wrong. First, mum had to go back to the shops to get her phone working because she spilt water on her phone the other day so she had to get a new one. Second, mum had to go to the doctors to get her arm checked out because she had blood taken the other day and it had swollen in the morning when she got up. Third, mums partner had to ring up the dentist because he woke up with a bad toothache so he made an appointment, which turned out to be for 10am. Fourth, we tried to print off some receipts because we paid for our accommodation 6 months earlier, but the printer died, so once we were packed we had to see a friend so he could print them off then, finally, about twelve-ish, we were off for our four hour drive, to Adelaide.

We were about half way when mums partner got a phone call saying the change-table mum had ordered for the bathroom, so mum could take my sister and me to the toilet and shower us, would not fit. Confused, mum pulled over and rang the accommodation only to find out that they booked us the wrong bungalow. They had us in a small cabin where my sisters’ electric wheelchairs and I would not fit as they take up a lot of room. They then offered us a cabin with no wheelchair access and it had a few small steps. After many more discussions – mean while we were still sitting on the side of the road trying to explain we do not physically fit in the cabins and why every time we go to this particular place we stay in the biggest bungalow. So as they could not help us we turned around and went straight back home.

It makes me furious because people don’t understand. People say, “Yeah, sure, just go on a holiday” or “get away for a few days, you’ll be right”. I often laugh and say it’s impossible because they don’t understand how hard it is trying to find the right accommodation. I joke with my sister and my mum and say that it’s ok we’ll magically walk for a few days, no problem. Especially when one of our wheelchairs breaks down and the people fixing it expect us to sit on the lounge for the next week while they fix it. Yeah, like I don’t have a life or anything.

The only excitement I had on the trip was when we were sitting on the side of the road, I saw a mini-van exactly like the one in the movie “Little Miss Sunshine” but it was blue instead of yellow, which made everyone laugh as I said, ‘Quick! Act normal!’ I love that movie.

So that was our holiday ruined, once again. I feel really jealous of those who can get away and not have to worry. People who are lucky enough to experience time away and actually enjoy your self’s you are very lucky people indeed…

I’m happy that we didn’t get all the way there and then find out we had to go home again because during the four hour drive there is no where we can stop and go to the toilet. Last time we went away I was meant to get a biopsy. We drove the four hours because we can’t fly, and then I had to starve for eight hours before my biopsy which I thought sucked but I understood why. I got to the hospital with my twin sister, mum and her partner, sat in the room and the nurse guy was asking me questions. He left and came back and said, “I don’t think we can do a biopsy on you.” One, I was absolutely devastated because I was missing my study, and two, that my sister and I wouldn’t be finding out what particular Muscular Dystrophy we have. The last time they did a biopsy we were 2 years old, they did not store the muscle properly and it was no good. They didn’t want to do it on me this time, I’m now 20, because they were scared how I would react with the antiseptic as it was dangerous and because they think I did not have enough muscle for a biopsy. So now I will never get to know what particular Muscular Dystrophy my twin sister and I have. But you never know with the technology these days, one day I might eventually get to know the truth…

My name is Joanne Blesing and I was a successful Melbourne designer. Over six years ago my illustrious career was irrevocably disrupted by MS. I took my diagnosis in my stride. I returned to Adelaide for the support of my parents whilst I recovered enough to resume a somewhat normal life.

My initial diagnosis however, turned into a rapid onset of full blown chronic case of secondary MS. This combined with a spinal injury sustained as a result of an earlier car accident made for an unbearably painful daily existence for which even doctors had no solution.

At this low point, I completely withdrew from all social interaction purely and simply for the purpose of personal survival.

2 years ago, after 4 years of waiting, I started my personal battle to fight again for my health. This included the initialisation of the 1000 document submission and justification process for an electric wheelchair to which the end result has been Julia Farr through the MS McLeod Benevolent Fund, providing me a grant for the new ‘Levo’ electric standing wheelchair which is the first of its kind in South Australia. The grant also covered an exercise bike of an amazing style, which I had been able to cycle at rehab, (even though no one believed, it had been possible the years of cycling previously in my life as a triathlete allowed the memory to remain within the nervous system). The purpose of this grant is to research the impact of these innovative pieces of equipment on my active participation within the community and to identify and promote the benefits that result, so that others may be given the opportunity through the government funding.

Through my desire for personal growth and change, not only did I achieve the above, I also managed to acquire for myself a voluntary lecturing role at Adelaide University this being my first step in the direction of social reintegration.

Through determination and willpower, www.imageshift.info was created to shift as few or as many into a different state of consciousness.

The planning of this event has been achieved in spite of multiple, adverse factors and is the first stage of a larger framework for the return to work and society.

Five months ago now, I was granted the Levo C3 standing wheelchair. This amazing piece of technology has enabled me to stand up, providing independence and a new level of mobility.

Being able to be elevated to standing height makes such a difference in my mobility, and has increased my level of independence. But apart from the obvious physical advantages, one of the real changes has been to the way others see me and the way I see myself.

Being at everyone else’s level gives you a presence, makes you feel equal, and allows you to see the world from their perspective. It’s been amazing for my self-esteem and morale.

Whilst I can say that giving up was never on my radar, my new sense of self with the combination of my background of design and creativity, my desire to recreate and reestablish myself into the public eye, and obviously my experience of living with a severe disability, sparked the creation of “Image Shift”.

A Black Tie Masquerade Charity Dinner with the inclusion of a fashion parade of support team and the disabled was my way to make a difference. I wanted to give others the opportunity to be made glamorous, feel beautiful and play dress up – not only those in the parade but those attending as well. I had been playing dress up and presenter for years before my illness, and love the Melbourne designer within. I want to impart this knowledge and belief to others that may enjoy this aspect of life. The event, sponsored by Napoleon Perdis, Toni & Guy Adelaide, and Smallacombe Real Estate amongst others, showcased a fashion parade of beauty and glamour against all odds.

Despite this I am extremely happy and am self-employed, have travelled the world and volunteer my time and services for a variety of local charities.

I thoroughly enjoy guest speaking and wish to share my story with others. My most notable speech was at a VIP event at the Entertainment Centre in front of the ex-Mayor of New York, Rudy Guiliani in 2003.

Lupus Intus (The wolf within)
Hyde Park Press (self published), Richmond, Adelaide, 2009

Suzanne Ferschl has experienced an unnaturally high number of obstacles blocking her life’s path for the past 25 years. Her story is so unbelievable many will consider it fictional, but it is a real story of heroism of the most basic kind. This is an informative and comprehensive account that is honest, soul bearing and bursting with raw emotion, highlighting the unpredictability and fragility of life. A positive story laced with humour and set to inspire, motivate and empower people from all backgrounds. If you need to overcome anything in your life, you’ll want to read Lupus Intus.

SA Writers’ Centre Inc

Legislation has been important for people with disabilities in achieving services and integration into the community. This was particularly so in the halcyon days of reform in the 70s and 80s. However, legislation played a role even in colonial times.

South Australia was the first State to legislate for associations to be able to incorporate, as early as 1858. This enabled parents, friends and supporters of different groups to form legal entities for fundraising and providing services.  In this way members were able to avoid personal liability for debts of the association. This early start helps to explain why so many NGOs have played such a crucial role in South Australia’s disability history and still provide services today.

South Australia’s first Mental Health Act was less commendable. The Lunatics Act of 1864 breezily dismisses distinctions between mental illness and intellectual disability in its key definition: “ lunatic” “shall mean and include every person of unsound mind and every person being an idiot .”
Things could only improve from this, although until the late 1970s, the emphasis in our mental health legislation was clearly on control, rather than individual rights. At the stroke of a pen, the superintendent of a mental health institution could place a person’s finances under the Public Trustee, or detain someone indefinitely. Appeals lay only to the Supreme Court.

It was the South Australian Mental Health Act 1977-79 that led Australia in its reforms, with the creation of the Guardianship Board among other things to ensure longterm restrictions on a person’s liberty and management of finances were subject to scrutiny and approval by a special multidisciplinary body.

As a lawyer in the Crown Solicitor’ Office and then as the first Chairman of the Guardianship Board, I was heavily involved in the implementation of this legislation. However, the architect of this farsighted legislation was the then Director of Mental Health, Dr Bill Dibden, who should not be forgotten for his contribution.

However, it was the Committee on Rights of Persons with Handicaps which was a turning point for persons with disabilities in terms of law reform. In 1976, the then Attorney-General Peter Duncan noticed a short article in The Bulletin on the UN Declarations of Rights of Disabled Persons and Mentally Retarded Persons. It gave him the idea of a review of  South Australian law and policy having regard to these Declarations. He asked Charles Bright, a Supreme Court judge and me to work together to set up the review.

Over the next 5 years, (life was so leisurely then) the Committee produced 2 major reports on physical and intellectual disability respectively, which led to many changes of benefit to people with disabilities, including:
•    Anti discrimination laws
•    Improved access laws
•    The parking permit scheme
•    Employment initiatives

One can see its influence in the Principles of Disability Services Acts and national standards for disability services.

Perhaps, its crucial contribution was its rights perspective – that people with disabilities should be part of the community as a right; they should be able to enter public buildings without access problems; they should not be discriminated against in employment when their disability does not affect their ability to do the job.

Until then, advocates for access improvements had always met arguments based on need and cost. How many people in wheelchairs will actually want to enter this building was a frequently asked question which proved an obstacle for change. Arguments based on right were much more difficult to dismiss.

Just as the Bright Committee was ending its work, it was 1981 and IYDP [the Year of Disabled Persons ] which continued the focus on disability issues. The responsible Minister was again the Attorney-General because of the rights focus, and now Trevor Griffin, who brought considerable commitment to the task.

The momentum continued with a review of services for people with intellectual disability, chaired by Dr Bill McCoy, supported by others, including a young psychologist, Peter Millier.

The same slipstream saw the creation of Link magazine by Jeff Heath, who along with others including Neil Lillecrapp collaborated to obtain Government support to establish DIRC. Jeff played a significant role in publicizing the need for change in a light, very effective way, not dissimilar to Nick Xenophon.

The other significant force for change was Richard Llewellyn, who through commitment and personality became the Disability Adviser to the Premier, and enhanced the impetus for change.

This was a most creative and enjoyable time for me, as the principal writer of the Bright Reports and in the implementation of the legislative changes which followed. In this, I had the support and friendship of many people who were seeking the same changes, including;
Sir Charles Bright
Janet Belchamber
Jeff Heath
Richard Llewelyn
Peter Millier
Neville Kennedy
Maurice Corcoran
Ian Shepherd
Barbara Garrett
Neil Lillecrapp
Rosemary Martin
Peter Duncan
Trevor Griffin

They were heady days . There was a great sense of being involved in something worthwhile together.

Ian Bidmeade AM
June 2009

Ian Bidmeade is a lawyer with expertise in the areas of disability and mental health. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2008 for service to public health and to people with disabilities through contributions to administrative and legislation reforms, and to the community through a range of social welfare organisations. Ian is a Board Member of Disability Information and Resource Centre (DIRC).

It was 22nd October 1998; I had returned to work, had the day off & decided that I would go out fishing, with my father. Mum & Dad had a property about 14 km away, on the north coast, had it’s own boat launch area, & good fishing right out in front. Sharon wasn’t very keen for me to go out, even less, when I asked to use the Berlina, (Our new car, which she had been given control of). However she reluctantly agreed. So I set off for the day, had a good day’s fishing, & was retuning home, around 4pm. I had cricket practice to go to!

That’s when our lives changed forever! I had a serious accident on the way home. Trees don’t move for anyone!

Lucky for me an off duty ambulance officer was following, & managed to get me breathing, stopped a passing car & asked them to call into the next house, phone an ambulance & tell them the State Rescue Helicopter would be needed.

It was discovered later; I had sustained a brain injury & spent 12 wks in a coma. Months of care & frustration followed, for Sharon & my entire family. I spent a year at the Rotary building, Brain Injury part of Julia Farr (now Hampstead); to get me at my best, for me to return home.

Because of my brain injury, I have lost the use of my left side; have limited use of right arm & fingers; my sense of balance therefore I am confined to a wheelchair. However, I have learned since my accident, because I have seen far worse cases than mine, it’s far better to look at the things you have, rather than looking at what you have lost! I still have my brain; my wife & family; I can feed myself; can type slowly with my right hand (I use to be left handed).

But I think one thing I still have that is very important, my sense of humour!

I have written a book – U got to laugh!!, with help from Simon Kneebone & Sharon Menz (Sha). This was only created to have a laugh!

Carers are now required, not only in my life, but the entire family’s lives! They do an outstanding job (not highly paid either), for me, as with many people in similar situations. Life would be very hard for all of us, without their help!

They have a sense of humour, & believe me, often need one!

Being left alone probably helped my artistic imagination to flourish. I had a posse of imaginery friends who liked me for who I was. Not a school day went past where I wasn’t either physically or mentally abused. I never got the chance to develop social skills. The only thing that got me through those horrible, dark days was the belief that one day I would re-invent myself and be allowed to be myself.
I have a physical disability as well as psychiatric ones. These were most definitely accelerated by my childhood experiences.

I was born with two deformed knees so I have never been able to run or play sports that require them. At school the teachers didn’t believe me so they forced me to run. My knees would both constantly dislocate, often both at the same time. I became adept at putting them back into the sockets myself, but it was hard to hide the shame and the pain. My knees give me a lot of pain and I will never be able to jog or run. I can’t even kneel.

As a child I was very progressive in the arts but I was never told how good I was. I took the first job I was offered after I left school, just to get out of there. I felt so awkward and out of my depth in the workplace. My colleagues treated my like I was very strange, and didn’t attempt to bond with me. It wasn’t much of an experience.

A couple of years ago I decided I wanted to return to study. I had wanted to study at tertiary level for a while but never thought I could really do it. There were too many psychological barriers. I got counselling which helped me get the courage to start a course in Visual Arts, specialising in Textile Arts. I always had an interest in clothing design and embellishment. Studying the second time around was nothing like my former schooldays. I have a support network and am top of the class. I am now told I am very talented and that my wearable art creations are gorgeous. Now I get stopped in the street and asked about the things that I am wearing that I have made myself and where can they buy them. I have won numerous art prizes including a bursary from my college to attend a Textile Arts Forum, The Dawn Slade Faull Award and a Richard Llewellyn award.

My life now feels charmed in many ways but I constantly battle with severe depression, anxiety and phobias. I have really bad days when I can barely function. But I also have wonderful days where I am so creative and lucid. Artists have a significant role in society because we present alternative points of view, as we often see things that others do not.

3 months into my 5 month assignment I fell 4 stories from a building onto a concrete roof.

My injuries included a head injury, broken ribs, broken leg & 2 collapsed lungs.

I was transferred the same day to Singapore. When my condition was stable enough, 2 weeks later, I was flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

I was in a coma for a couple of months.

In Royal Adelaide Hospital for 2 months (during this time transferred to Julia Farr.
Only there for 1 night then back to Royal Adelaide when they discovered I had pneumonia).

I spent 10 months in Julia Farr. Slowly learned how to stand again and how to walk
Determined to walk out of Julia Farr, I could only take about 10 steps but I did it!

I did not speak for about 6 months – but once I started could not be stopped!!! I was encouraged to speak by Steve, who was the woodwork teacher at Julia Farr. Steve had a motorbike accident some years ago and is now confined to a wheelchair. He was a great motivator and always tried new ways of doing things.

He thought of the idea of using a tilt-table in woodwork. I walked around using a frame. Stood and sanded.

I was fed through a tube for 7 months. Again encouraged to eat by Steve. First thing I ate was an after dinner mint (melts in the mouth). My parents stacked the fridge with boxes of after dinner mints.

My accident happened on 1st May 1998 and I was discharged from Julia Farr on 30th April 1999.

After leaving Julia Farr I attended Payneham Rehabilitation day care for 6 months. I did physiotherapy, gym work, speech therapy and occupational therapy there.

The things that helped me through:
• support of family and friends
• my sense of humour
• my determination

I never lost my love of music – I had CD player in my room and always had music playing. One of my friends encouraged me by saying that I will get back to DJing in nightclubs. Now I DJ regularly in nightclubs (this is what I was doing before my accident & it’s wonderful that I am able to return to it).

I no longer drink alcohol. I have no idea how it will effect me. Anyway I’ve got better things to spend my money on such as records. Because a DJ can never have enough!

I go to the gym often. I need to be fit because I live such a hectic life. One of my favourite past times is going on long walks.

Before my accident I was a very keen cyclist. I used to go cycling on weekends with friends. I have not returned to it because I find it hard to maintain my balance and monitor traffic at the same time.

I still go to physio and speech therapy to maintain my recovery.

I have not returned to my degree. I feel that it’s a shame to have lost this after all of my study. But I don’t dwell on this. I’ve got new goals.

I have tried returning to study by trying sound engineering in 2001. I got six months through the course but I began finding the study difficult.

I do have a short term memory problem. Which I overcome using a note pad and a diary. I carry these with me. My long term memory is excellent. My mental stamina is not great. I need to pace myself.

So many people have helped me along the way during my recovery. It seemed like a natural progression for me to now help others. I now volunteer at the art class at Julia Farr / Disability SA. I have been here November 2005.

I started going to Broughton Art when I left Julia Farr. Here I attend a pottery and mosaic class once a week. I have been doing this for the past seven years.

I also do various short art classes in art at WEA and Adelaide School of Art.

I was involved with an Arts Access’s project Reins, Rope and Red Tape. This helped provide skills development so that young people are empowered to ‘take the reins’, ‘learn the ropes’ and ‘negotiate the red tape’ regarding issues of importance to them.

With Arts Access last year I was involved in a hip hop workshop teaching a group of disabled people at Bedford DJing. I taught one on one using a DJ set of CD players which you can adjust the pitch.

Also with Arts Access, I am involved in presenting and using the studio panel on a radio show about disabled arts. I’m now a trained radio presenter and studio operator. This is an area which I love working in and is something which I wish to continue. The show is Radio Cool on Radio Adelaide, 101.5fm, Sundays 1 to 2pm.

In 2005 I started working at art classes at Julia Farr.

I don’t dwell on what I’ve lost. I now have new dreams and a new reality. Life’s too short to be miserable. I’m going to have as much fun as possible while I’m here!

When I was 16 my Mum wanted me to be able to experience standing and walking so I started intensive physio. At the beginning I couldn’t even sit on the edge of a bed by myself but after two years I was ready to go to Queensland and get fitted for a special walking system called Walkabout.

My aim, after learning how to use Walkabout was to go to my year twelve formal so I would be able to stand and have photos with my friends. It was really funny to see the looks on their faces because I never told them I was able to stand. Still, to this day I cannot use it independently because I don’t have enough balance and muscle control although I do still use it for physio and for special occasions.

I have travelled to many places in the world with my family. The best trip I’ve had so far is when I went to Europe and England with Mum and a friend who was caring for me at that time. I now live independently with a friend and get assistance from support workers four times a day. I still have the full support of my family although I no longer live at home. Moving out of home was probably one of the best things I have done. I have been doing a counselling course part-time for the past three years. I already have my Certificate IV and now I am continuing with my Diploma. At one stage I didn’t think I would be able to complete the Certificate. However, when I received my Certificate two years ago and I was standing up there with one of my best friends who also completed the Certificate I thought to myself “If I can do this, I can go further”.

One of the best times I have had up to this stage was when I got my dog Benny. He has helped me through the good times, bad times, boring times and exciting times. He can be quite a challenge sometimes, but most of the time he supports me in a way that only people with pets can imagine. When things change in my life he is often the first to know. Mind you, he has had a good teacher. My previous dog Aaron made me realise what owning a dog was all about. So now Benny is joining me on my current journey.

I was once a dancer and entertainer working and managing dancers in the nightclubs of Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne. My work took me overseas where I performed in cabaret clubs around Japan for over a year. Before my ‘karmic reckoning’ my work involved roller-skating about nightspots in Melbourne, being a recognised identity and generally having an inordinate amount of fun. I had just passed through the audition process and was in rehearsals before intending to set off with a group of 4 fellow hopefuls to become pop-stars inBeijing, China. In May 1999 I was hit by a car while crossing Nepean Hwy in Melbourne. I sustained severe head trauma and after emerging from a 3 ½ week coma, was moved to a hospital where eventually I was taught to talk, walk, swim, run and ‘be’ again. This took 5 months and I was wheeled around for 8.

It took me 2 years to make the move back to Adelaide after my intensive rehabilitation was over. Upon returning here I fell into a black hole of not being known of by the support agencies. After informing them of my existence, I made the preliminary moves to therapy myself. The ensuing months saw me move into a flat to live independently and dive into a consuming schedule of rehabilitation. Basically I had a non-existent social circle. This was a huge change from my life before where I was eternally the centre of attention. My spare time was spent volunteering for numerous organisations and walking the long distances to get there. In the coming years I moved into studies of various alternative therapies. These were professional trainings but my desire was to learn to heal and expand myself. Through this exploration I have come a hell of a way. I can thank my indomitable determination to be physically able, independent and capable of a ‘normal’ life in my reaching the enviable position I inhabit now. I work with Arts Access in a Project Assistant role. Here I am able to marry the two realms of my experience…. Disability and Arts. My spark of old is slowly building into a smouldering confidence. I am assured of other’s faith and support and in this I find the ability to expand my skills…. to grow. I am excited of what lies ahead of me. What lies around the next corner I do not know but the glow is tantalising and I’m longing to reach it so I can see!

When I was almost three, my mother had a younger child to care for and was also expecting another, so it was suggested for her sake that I have a six-week trial at Woodville Spastic Centre, during which time they were not to visit me. This was very upsetting for everyone. After a couple of months, although I was given treatment every day, I became very stiff and jerking in my movements and was again unable to sit up alone. My parents decided that it was best for me and everyone if I lived at home. They moved house from port Pirie to Campbelltown, and I went to Woodville daily.

I led a full and happy life there. I was given physiotherapy every day, and there were various pieces of equipment that allowed me to exercise and expand my physical abilities. When I was old enough to go to school, I was picked up by the bus each day from home and enjoyed the program at Woodville which entailed school lessons, physiotherapy, speech therapy and play with other children. We were all handicapped in various ways, but still played as any other little boys. We played cops and robbers using whatever we needed to get around, wheelchairs, go-carts or bicycles. We had numerous crashes, but escaped with our lives, while keeping the gardener busy replanting shrubs and replacing turf. One of the most important things I learned at school was how to type using a pointer.

With the arrival of Miss Harris as acting Head at the school, we formed a junior branch of the RSPCA, of which I was made President. With my mother’s help I prepared and gave talks on the animal world and care of domestic animals. Miss Harris introduced the idea of prefects and I was made one. We organised ways of teaching road safety and we even had a pedestrian crossing. Miss Harris took me to the University to see the equipment used by Sir Douglas Mawson on his polar expeditions, and hearing of this, Lady Mawson invited me and my parents to her home at Mt Lofty. This was a great thrill.

My parents were ingenious in finding ways to help me enjoy various activities. My father used to let me feel I was mowing the lawn. The mower was placed in front of my chair with my hands on the mower handles, and my father would push from behind- very heavy work for him, but I was made to feel involved. At one time for some childish reason, I decided to run away from home, and before long the wheelchair got stuck. Suddenly to my surprise I was moving forward. I looked over my shoulder and saw that Dad, driving on his way home from work was pushing my chair in front of the car. Dad also used to take me out fishing in the boat. The nose of the boat would be right out of the water, we were ploughing through the water, spray would be flying, and the boat banging against the waves. There was a sense of freedom and adventure that nothing else could give me. Later I realised how brave and understanding my father had been to take someone like me out in a boat.

One particularly crazy escapade of my youth was when my brother-in-law Mackey gave me a ride as a pillion passenger on his motor bike. We were staying in the family shack on Yorke Peninsula and away from usual traffic. I was thoroughly secured on the back of the bike with some ropes, leaning up against the rider, and Mackey and I went on a scrub trek for a few miles. I think Mackey may have been glad to get back in one piece as I kept leaning to one side, and he had to lean the other way as a counterbalance.

When I was 10, Hills Hoists sponsored two children from Woodville to go on a three-week trip to Fiji. The whole of Woodville School came to see us off at the airport. During the flight to Sydney the pilot took both Caroline and me up it the cockpit, and we were treated like VIPs. We were given a tour of Sydney by members of the Manly Apex Club, and when we boarded the boat, our cabin was filled with flowers, fruit and sweets. One night we dined with the Captain, and for two 10 year-olds it was almost unimaginable that we should be dining with the man in charge of the whole ship. At New Caledonia we were met by two Frenchmen who motored us around the island. We were to prove what quick learners we were when we were able to farewell our friends with “au revoir” and “merci”. They weren’t to know how long we’d been practicing!

In Fiji we had a wonderful time and met many people including a group of Fijian scouts who took us out every afternoon, and gave us some hair-raising rides around town. We visited many places. Each day brought fresh experiences, and through all was the feeling of great friendliness of everyone we met, and we seemed to meet everyone! I have never seen so much natural beauty as in Fiji.

Back home it took a while to settle down to schoolwork again, but the usual routine soon took over. I had a further 6 years at Woodville, and during that time had three operations which gave me more freedom of leg movement and greater comfort.

At age 16 a decision was made for me to transfer to Ashford Special School. I was very unhappy about this at the time, but later realised I had been thinking of what was then and not, as my parents and teachers were, looking to the future. I began correspondence lessons and over the next two years they were to play a large role in my formal education. I took my science lessons at Adelaide Boys High where the other boys had to carry me up stairs. The person who drove me there was also my note taker. I was the president of the Ashford Social Club and played cricket against the international team at the time. Overall my studies broadened my outlook, taught me how to concentrate on an issue, and to develop a facility in self-expression. The greatest benefit I gained from my time at Ashford was from the various school activities which helped me develop self-confidence and personal initiative. These qualities have stood me in good stead in my adult years.

After I left school I felt I faced an uncertain future, but managed to gain employment with the Regency Park Centre. I was appointed the Contract Room Manager. In assessing and training young people with disabilities, seeking contracts for them, having to adapt contract work conditions and setting of targets for work, I learned a great deal, both about people and about the workplace.

At Regency Park, outside my work role, I was also the instigator of the Link Disco which was held every other month. I started the disco for people living at Regency Park, but after the first year I was able to open it to other young people in the community. It was the first integrated social event in South Australia. The disco continued to be successful for four years. I also wrote and assisted with the production of a video to show visitors to the Centre about what people were doing in the senior section. I felt strongly that visitors should not be shown through residents’ living areas, so the main purpose of the video was to protect residents’ privacy and avoid putting them on show. The video was also able to be used for PR and fundraising purposes.

While I was at the Centre I set up a Work Assessment and Skills Program. The program was designed to provide people with severe disabilities the chance to expand their range of skills. I was also involved in the devolution of the Rua Rua Nursing Home. This meant I had to go out and assess houses for practicality and suitability for prospective clients. This was a very interesting experience which subsequently suggested a direction for my future employment.

Because I knew my parents were unsure of how I would cope with independent living, and would be unhappy about it, I managed to be spirited away without them knowing, and while reassuring them of my safety, I did not let them know of my whereabouts for some time. My first taste of independent living at was at the Focus Housing Units at Mile End.

Some time later I was living in a group of units in the City with other people with disabilities and we discussed the need for client-managed personal care services. Maurice Corcoran and I wrote up the constitution and obtained funding from the Commonwealth for the first such service in the State. I managed the DIPSA and SAIL services through their formative years 1988 -1992. This entailed screening and managing a pool of attendants, recording performance between both parties, and reporting regularly to the funding bodies in order to obtain ongoing resources.

I was asked to design the first training course for Dom-Care support workers, and presented this at the Workers’ Educational Association. For fifteen years I continued tutoring in this course with the WEA on a contract basis, and got to know practically every support worker in Adelaide at that time. The workshops were my own conception and varied over the years to meet changing needs of individuals and organisations. Workshops were open to the general public, and also to organisations needing to meet training requirements for their employees.

Realising that my best chances of employment lay with myself, in 1988 I set up my own business, HC Harrison Consultants, Disability Consultancy in Access and Training, and have subsequently successfully tendered for many jobs with State government departments, and local government agencies. Private architecture firms have also contracted my services from time to time for access advice, as have individuals seeking reports to be presented to local government for home adaptations. The business seems to be constantly expanding as there is a dearth of consultants working in the area in South Australia. We are always busy and have had to employ an assistant.

I feel privileged to have been invited to join numerous Boards and Committees over the years, as well as attaining seven or more positions stemming from Ministerial appointments.

I now have a family of my own; something which I had hardly hoped was possible, although I am a naturally optimistic person. Jill and I were married in 1999. We bought our own home and had adaptations carried out to make it habitable for both of us, Reba our dog, and our visitors. Through Jill’s daughter we now have two beautiful grandchildren whom we love to have visit. Zaine was born in 2000 and as yet an un-named one in 2007. I consider I have had much happiness in my life.