League News Layout1 - Cerebral Palsy League

League News
VOLUME 28 • NUMBER 1 • MARCH 2004
Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland Quarterly Magazine
Grace makes her stand
GRACE will be six in March but has
only been walking for about six months.
The Country Women’s Association
chose Grace as the beneficiary of their
fundraising efforts for the League’s Hart
Walker Program last year.
Hart Walkers are designed to assist
children with mobility difficulties, to walk.
Before being fitted with the Hart Walker,
Grace had never walked, but since then
she has made progress with her
movements and has started to
become independent.
“I’d love to see her do all the things that
other little girls do like play in the dolly
corner,” Grace’s mother, Rhonda said.
“That’s what we’re working towards
we’re very grateful,” she said.
The Association raised enough funds
to purchase, adjust and maintain the
device for Grace over the next five
years or until she grows out of it.
Many League families requiring a Hart
Walker for their child have received
funding through the
generosity and
fundraising efforts
of various
Queensland
Clubs and
Associations.
Pictured: Grace
(front) took her
first steps after
being fitted with
the Hart Walker,
made available
through the
fundraising
efforts of the
Country
Women’s
Association.
With her family:
(left to right)
Emily, mother -
Rhonda, Ben,
Elizabeth and father -
John
Going casual
in the tropics
THE newly appointed
Minister for Communities
and Disability Services, the
Hon Warren Pitt MP, visited
with League client Shaun
Smith, 10, in Cairns to
launch Go Casual for a
Cause week.
Pictured: (left to right)
Minister for Communities
and Disability Services ,
the Hon Warren Pitt MP,
with League Client, Shaun
Smith, launching Go Casual
in Cairns.
The pair dressed down for the
occasion, to show support for the
fundraiser which aims to raise much
needed funds for thousands of
Queenslanders with cerebral palsy
and related disabilities.
Joining them were the many people
escaping the high temperatures by
taking advantage of the new Lagoon
on the Cairns esplanade.
For information on future League
events, contact:
Rebecca Lucas
Events Coordinator
Ph: (07) 3358 8027
rlucas@cplqld.org.au
i dream, therefore I am
1

Bridge to Brisbane
beneficiary again
FOR the fourth year in a row, the
Cerebral Palsy League of
Queensland was chosen as the
catering and corporate entry
beneficiary of the 2004 Sunday Mail
Suncorp Bridge to Brisbane Fun Run.
The League catered for more than
3000 people last year and will aim for
an approximate 3500 people this year.
As well as being announced the
catering beneficiary, the Fundraising
Institute of Australia presented the
League with a “Highly Commended”
certificate at its 2003 Excellence
Awards – Queensland Branch in late
November.
For further information or to participate in
League events, contact:
Rebecca Lucas
Events Coordinator
Ph: (07) 3358 8027
GLOBAL CHALLENGE
For CHARI T Y
INVITATION
The League is undertaking a new
venture, an Adventure!
Global Challenge for Charity is
for all those who dream of trekking
the Inca Trail, the Kokoda Trail or
the Great Wall of China, to name
just a few.
The Challenge is calling you to
attend an information night on
March 24 at the Cerebral Palsy
League of Queensland, 55 Oxlade
Drive, New Farm.
Information packs will be available
on the night for all those who want
the adventure of a lifetime.
ADVENTURE
By accepting the challenge to
experience some of the most
fascinating destinations in the
world, you will be helping to raise
funds for thousands of
Queenslanders with cerebral
palsy.
Come along to the information
night, and find out how.
For further information on Global
Challenge for Charity information
night, contact:
Anna Coles
Global Challenge Coordinator
0414 905 142
annacoles@bigpond.com
BY booking all of your company’s
business travel and encouraging your staff
and clients to book their leisure travel
through the Flight Centre “Takeoff” 1800
003 993 number, you can nominate the
League to receive one percent of the total
price of your booking.
Cerebral Palsy League of Qld
ABN 27 009 942 269
PO Box 386 FORTITUDE VALLEY Qld 4006
55 Oxlade Drive NEW FARM Qld 4005
www.cplqld.org.au
Executive Management Team
BRUCE MILLIGAN, Chief Executive Officer
Phone: (07) 3358 8003 Fax: (07) 3254 1291
Email: bmilligan@cplqld.org.au
GEOFF ROWE, Service Development & Policy
Phone: (07) 3358 8014 Fax: (07) 3358 8108
Email: growe@cplqld.org.au
GREG CUFFE, Organisational Services
Phone: (07) 3358 8064 Fax: (07) 3254 7387
Email: gcuffe@cplqld.org.au
STUART PILTON, Human Resources
Phone: (07) 3358 8078 Fax: (07) 3358 8103
Email: spilton@cplqld.org.au
MARGARET SCOTT, Marketing & Fundraising
Phone: (07) 3358 8090 Fax: (07) 3358 2495
Email: mscott@cplqld.org.au
From the CEO
AS you know by now, there has
been a State Government election
with the Labor Government being
returned.
Following the election there was a
Cabinet reshuffle and, in what
seemed like “the blink of an eye”,
the Disability Sector has a new
Minister.
I would like to welcome Warren Pitt
as the New Minister for
Communities and Disability
Services.
Mr Pitt is the Member for Mulgrave
(near Cairns) and during the Goss
Government was the Minister for
Business, Industry and Regional
Development.
Prior to entering Parliament he was
a schoolteacher.
On behalf of the League I look
forward to developing a good
working relationship with Mr Pitt.
I would also like to offer our thanks
to Judy Spence, the previous
Minister for Disability Services, for
the support she provided to the
League during her time in the
portfolio.
Ms Spence achieved significant
funding increases for disability
services and commenced an
important reform process for the
disability sector in Queensland.
I wish her well in her new portfolio
as Minister for Police and
Corrective Services.
Bruce Milligan
Chief Executive Officer
2

Parents and Guardians
Welcome and best wishes for 2004.
2003 was a year with many
challenges and I can envisage that
this year will also hold some
challenges for us.
The Board made a decision on
December 6 with regard to the Fig
Tree Pocket project.
The decision was that new
accommodation would be built for the
current residents of Sevenoaks.
This decision was in keeping with the
commitment given by the Board to the
residents.
There will, at this point in time, be no
other accommodation built on the Fig
Tree Pocket site.
There may be some respite beds
available in the future.
Disability Services Queensland,
however, gave a commitment in
principle to the League for the
Sevenoaks block grant to be
transferred to the new buildings.
Byron Albury, Chairman of the Client
Consultative Committee, and I wrote
to the Prime Minister and other
relevant Ministers regarding the plight
of our clients at Rocklea and Tingalpa.
Adept Packaging lost a contract for
packing yeast when Burns Philp
decided to process the work in China.
State CCC Update
GREETINGS everyone. Welcome to
another year of action packed
challenges facing the League and the
Client Consultative Committees.
The State CCC met in early February
and scheduled a planning day at New
Farm.
This will include discussing the 8th
Annual Client Convention to be held
on August 21 at the Riverside
Reception Centre across from the
League’s Head Office. The
Convention will be held during National
Cerebral Palsy Week.
Another activity we will undertake this
year is to work, in collaboration with
Geoff Rowe, Manager Service
Development and Policy, and League
Regional Managers, to bring new
representation, particularly from
country regions, to State level.
It is important to broaden CCC
representation to ensure League
clients and their families’ needs and
To date, we have not received a
response from Canberra.
Secretary of the Parents and
Guardians Association,Carol Barton
accepted an award on its behalf, in
recognition for her fundraising efforts
including those many raffle tickets she
persuaded us to buy, and the lovely
Christmas trees made by herself, and
Kent.
Once again, Indooroopilly Golf Club
made the League one of the recipients
from their Charity Golf Day, which will
be held at the Club on March 11.
I believe the donation to be for much
needed equipment for two children
living in the Western suburbs.
I would like to thank Julie Gardner for
inviting Maurice and me to the
Memorial Service for her mother, June
Gardner, who passed away in
Melbourne last December.
June was a tireless worker and
Secretary of the Sevenoaks
Relatives, Residents and Friends
Association.
Julie, we were very proud of the
manner in which the service was
conducted and we do hope you will
accept our condolences.
I believe that no one in the North
Region received a funding package
from the recent Adult Lifestyle Funding
Packages from Disability Services
interests are fully represented at
Board level.
The Board wants to hear from the
people who the League serves so
their decisions are as fully informed
as possible.
We warmly invite expressions of
interest from adult clients and parents
of children who receive League
services from the following regions –
Gold Coast, South Queensland
Country, Central Queensland, Wide
Bay Burnett and Brisbane Child and
Family Support Services.
Please contact your local Regional
Manger or the Client Information and
Privacy Officer on (07)3358 8049, for
more details.
Throughout the year, State CCC
members will be working on policy
reviews, developing a Terms of
Reference and keeping up-to-date
with what is new on the political front
regarding disability issues and
research on cerebral palsy.
Work will also continue with the
Queensland (DSQ).
We have so many League families
in need of assistance, even a small
contribution would greatly assist
some of our aged parents who still
care for League clients at home.
We seem to be forgotten each time
the funding comes around.
Maybe this could be one of our
projects for the new year.
We welcome any ideas you may
have.
The next Parents and Guardians
Association meeting will be held on
March 20 and I hope to see you all
then.
We may have a senior staff member
present at this meeting.
Please keep your support alive for the
Parents and Guardians Association.
If you are in need of assistance or
there is anything we can do to help,
please contact Carol on (07) 3359
4989 or myself on (07) 3268 2526.
Joan Williams
President
Parents and Guardians Association
development of a Queensland
Cerebral Palsy Register.
I attended a gathering at New Farm
which Professor Fiona Stanley,
Australian of the year 2003, attended
to discuss the development of the
Register.
I also attended the State Labor Party’s
Disability Policy launch where
Minister Judy Spence announced the
commitment of another $65 million in
funding to go into the base funding
over the next three years.
This is a welcome but much needed
injection of funds for people with
disabilities and their families.
I am also pleased to announce that
the Charter for Consultation is now
available in large print posters and will
be coming to a region near you.
Byron Albury
Chairman
State Client Consultative Committee
3

Review of Carer
Allowance (Child)
A number of concerns were raised
late last year about the review of
eligibility arrangements for the Carer
Allowance for carers of children with
disabilities, which resulted in fears of
families no longer being eligible for
their allowance of $90.10 per fortnight.
The new assessment approach was
introduced on 1 July 1998.
Those receiving the allowance at 30
June 1998 were advised that unless
they experienced a change in
circumstances, they would be
assumed to be eligible under the new
assessment rules for five years to 30
June 2003, and were not subject to
review.
With the expiry of that period, those
recipients were then subject to these
assessment criteria and would have
their eligibility reviewed by Centrelink,
as a requirement under social
security law.
In August 2003, the Commonwealth
Government responded to public
pressure and added six disabilities to
the lists that automatically entitled
families to the Carer Allowance
payments without the need for further
medical assessment prior to their
child’s sixteenth birthday.
These additions were – Down
Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis, Epilepsy,
Haemophilia, Phenylketonuria and
Fragile X Syndrome.
Where the child’s medical condition
or disability is not on the lists, they
would be assessed in a second stage
using the Child Disability Assessment
Tool (CDAT).
In response to the review of the Carer
Allowance last year, the CEO of the
Cerebral Palsy League of
Queensland, Bruce Milligan
responded on behalf of the Board of
Directors, clients and families to
convey concerns raised over the
current eligibility for the allowance,
such as:
• feedback on the complex and
confusing nature of the form;
• limitations on response
opportunities to explain
disabilities and effects;
• additional expenses incurred by
families of children with
Cerebral Palsy; irrespective of
level of disability
• eligibility for the Health Care
Card
• the intrusive nature of repeated
requests for medical
information already held by
Centrelink.
Thank You NRMA
Community
Foundation
THE NRMA Community Foundation’s
principle objective is to help those in
need build and secure a fulfilling
lifestyle with access to mobility and
other benefits enjoyed by most
Australians.
“The NRMA Foundation is one of the
few organisations where adults with
disabilities are eligible to apply
for funding towards their
equipment needs,” the
Cerebral Palsy League of
Queensland’s Community Grants
Coordinator, Preeta Harper said.
The Foundation’s principle
objective further explained its
focus as ‘being able to
provide help where it’s
needed most by funding
projects to assist the
disadvantaged in the
community, helping to
Pictured: Nathan Langdown is
seated in his new wheelchair, which he
received with funding from NRMA.
Nathan’s new wheelchair enables him to be an
active participant in the community.
provide education, security, mobility,
or other methods of support’.
“It is a welcome relief to have the
opportunity to apply for funds on
behalf of adults who, due to limited
financial resources, find themselves
unable to cover the cost gap between
MASS (Medical Aids Subsidy
Scheme) and the cost of a
wheelchair with modifications,” Ms
Harper said.
“Modifications provide the necessary
safety and comfort of people reliant
on wheelchairs for their mobility
needs.”
“It is wonderful the NRMA Foundation
understands how vital mobility is to
the quality of life for people with
disabilities.”
Since its establishment in 2002, The
NRMA Board has approved funding
for several individuals accessing
League services, including Nathan
Langdown.
Nathan’s new wheelchair enables
him to be an active participant in the
community.
Prior to having it, Nathan was often
confined to bed because he had no
reliable means of mobility.
As well as providing funds to
individuals, NRMA supported the
League’s Equipment Technology
Services (ETS) to purchase a digital
pipe-bending machine.
4

The League forwarded letters of
concern to the Minister for Family and
Community Services, Senator Kay
Patterson in October, and in a
submission to the Chair of the
independent review of the Lists of
Recognised Disabilities in December
last year.
The review was due to start in January
2004 and will look at the overall
effectiveness of the lists and
efficiency in providing a consistent,
objective way of assessing eligibility.
A response was received from
Senator Kay Patterson on 8
December 2003 acknowledging the
League’s comments and indicated
she had requested her Department
and Centrelink work together to look
at the issues raised.
Senator Patterson’s letter quoted
some interesting statistics from the
“bulk review”.
Eighty percent of carers for children
with cerebral palsy continued to be
qualified for the payment.
An additional seven percent retained
the Health Care Card, however, no
actual numbers of families were
provided.
By comparison, a recent article in The
Australian newspaper on January 7
quoted almost half of the families
subjected to the review lost the
payment, even with the six additional
disabilities added to the lists.
Figures released by the Department
of Family and Community Services
show that of the 67,570 cases
reviewed as of December last year,
36,538 families continued to receive
the payment, with 29,165 families
losing the payment.
6,843 families lost the payment but
retained their Health Care Card.
The Minister stated, “the carer may
still qualify for the Health Care Card,
even if the carer is not qualified for the
Carer Allowance (Child).”
“To qualify, the treating Doctor needs
to identify that the child requires at
least 14 hours per week of additional
care and attention.”
If you consider you may be eligible for
this, please consult your Doctor.
The League will endeavour to keep
families informed about the results of
the independent review.
Any comments or concerns would be
welcomed, either via local League
regional staff or the following contact:
Glenda Grimley
Policy and Research Officer
Ph: (07) 3358 8056
Kris almighty
IF there were any evidence of the
liberation of human potential, Kris
Bignall would be included amongst
the most courageous examples.
Kris has cerebral palsy; he
communicates with a lazer pointer
and keypad; operates a batterypowered
wheelchair with his chin; and
in 2005, will travel 12km per hour
around Australia to raise funds for
others with the same disability.
Above all, Kris is determined to show
Australia that it is possible for people
with a disability to achieve the things
they want out of life.
“I always wanted to drive around
Australia,” Kris said.
“I want to show people that the
disabled can achieve heaps,
Holiday fun
BRUCE, who works at the League’s
packaging facility - Adept Packaging
- enjoyed a reptilian encounter with
“Rocky” the Python at Redbank Plaza
during January.
Pictured, he seems in no way
hisSSSterical, or SSSscared.
Adept Packaging is a business
initiative of the Cerebral Palsy League
of Queensland, which offers
supported employment to people with
a cerebral palsy and related
disabilities.
sometimes, more than able bodied
people.”
”My wheelchair is battery-power
operated by using a joystick chin
control.”
Although the wheelchair travels at
about 10km per hour, Kris will try for
12km per hour to cover 100km a day.
He will need at least six people with
three cars to accompany him and is
currently seeking volunteers for the
two year trip, which will take place
from January next year.
One man has already signed up for
the journey, friend Ian Brittain will walk
the distance at Kris’ side for the
duration of the trip.
“Kris is such a legend and I am really
looking forward to joining him on this
epic journey of two years,” Mr Brittain said.
Much is left to organise for the
For further information on Adept
Packaging, contact:
John Brogan
Manager - Adept Packaging
(07) 3277 3796 or
(07) 3390 8577
www.cplqld.org.au/
services/adult/
supportedemployment
experience, such as tyres and
batteries for the powered wheelchair,
which Kris is hoping to gain assistance
with.
After the legalities of the trip are
organised, he will approach local
businesses for sponsorship and
donations for his trip.
In so many ways, Kris and his crew
will be helping to liberate the spirit of
human potential for many others.
For more information on volunteering
for the trip or sponsorship
opportunities, contact:
Kris Bignall
07 5443 6965 or 0409 033 326
ozwheelin2005@yahoo.com.au
5

TheraTogs
EQUIPMENT Technology Services
(ETS) Australia is now the Australian
distributor of an exciting new product
for children with cerebral palsy and
other movement dysfunction:
TheraTogs.
TheraTogs are a revolutionary
orthotic undergarment and strapping
system that is worn under a child’s
regular clothes.
They provide a foam-lined, Latex®free,
breathable, comfortable,
Velcro®-sensitive ‘external skin’ that
improves postural alignment and
stability, movement skill and
precision, and joint stability.
If a therapist/practitioner can effect a
change in the client’s stability,
alignment, mobility, or motor control
through unforced handling during a
therapy session, it is likely that this
change can be encouraged and
supported outside the session by a
properly-configured TheraTog
strapping application.
By allowing children to take their
therapists hands home, TheraTogs
provide a simple and effective way of
encouraging children to learn new and
better ways to move.
Clinical applications show that
TheraTogs can make an immediate
difference in conditions such as such
as ataxia, hypotonia, athetosis,
weakness, intoed gait, out-toed gait,
joint laxity, sensory integration issues,
postural mal-alignment and muscle
imbalance.
They enhance and support a child’s
therapy program, making it more
effective by helping the child to practice
skills consistently, outside therapy
sessions.
A new wearer immediately starts using
new groups of muscles in new ways;
it’s likely to tire him/her out more quickly
at first, until he/she gets used to them.
If the wearer is particularly weak, it can
take up to two weeks of gradually
increasing wear-time to get up to
comfortable all-day wear.
To start, manufacturers suggest
applying TheraTogs at home on
evenings and weekends and removing
them when the child tires.
Wear time can be doubled every two
days or so.
ETS several copies of Introduction to
TheraTogs- a nine minute
promotional overview for parents and
non-medical personnel.
A demonstration pair of is available
for inspection and both TheraTogs
and Clinical Sizing Kits are now in
stock at ETS.
Find out more about TheraTogs
www.cplqld.org.au/ets/
otherproducts/therapy/
theratogs
Pictured: Model,
Ting wears the
new TheraTogs,
now available
through Equipment
Technolgy
Services.
Jenni Dabelstein
ETS
Ph: (07) 3637 6360
Drama in the South
THE Child and Family Support
Services at Mt Gravatt has been
infected by the arts.
Toddlers and parents bumped to
the beats as part of a ‘Movement
and Music Group’, in which Dance
Therapist, Virginia Woods lead
them through a range of activities
including sensory, movement,
music and fun.
Children were supported to have
positive experiences with their
body in a fun, nurturing
environment, aimed to encourage
the children to develop skills
around social interaction,
anticipation of activities, problem
solving and body awareness.
Parents and children had the
opportunity to interact with others
at the group and established a
network of support for each other.
Two, eight week sessions of
movement and music have been
run so far, and a further two groups
are planned for term two.
As well as ‘Music and Movement’,
creative expression of a different
kind started on Saturday mornings
with the commencement of a
‘Drama Project’.
Nine budding young actors started
meeting to further their dramatic
skills with the help of Creative
Facilitator, Chris Pye.
The project is aimed at young
people interested in drama, who
so far include some clients from
the Cerebral Palsy League of
Queensland, their friends and
students from a local high school.
A core group of young people with
disabilities helped plan the series
of workshops, which develop skills
in drama, improvisation, role
playing and much more.
The finale will be a showcase of
talent incorporating the skills and
activities participants have
practised, presented to an
audience.
Teacher workshop
CHILDREN have started back to
school and those beginning year
eight have passed the milestone into
secondary education.
For teachers, it means an influx of
new faces they will get to know.
The League’s Child and Family
Support Services - Ipswich Team
recently assisted this transition for
children with cerebral palsy by
presenting a workshop to staff at St
Mary’s College.
Through hands-on activities and
discussion, the workshop provided
the opportunity for teachers to
develop a better understanding of
cerebral palsy and experience some
of the physical and learning hurdles
faced by students with the disability.
Teachers received the workshop
well and the Ipswich Team is looking
forward to collaborating with the
school to support children with
cerebral palsy as continue their
education there.
6

Teenagers talk up with
technology
DID you know that the Australian
Communication Exchange (ACE)
provides a speech to speech relay
service that allows people with
complex communication needs to
make phone calls independently
On January 15, three teenagers
travelled to Mt Gravatt to have a go at
making phone calls to their families
using their communication devices
via the ACE relay operators.
It formed part of the first ‘Let’s Talk
Day’ for 2004 for teenagers using their
own communication devices.
Michelle Stanton from ACE relay
explained how the system worked
before giving them each a turn at
making a call.
The teenagers practised and learned
the vocabulary they would need on
their devices to talk to the operator,
put the call through to their chosen
number and then converse using their
communication devices.
Being able to use the phone brings
many benefits to any teenager:
• chatting to friends
• ordering taxis or pizzas
• booking tickets for a concert
• phone banking
• staying in touch with family
The ACE system should improve in
real life situations for the teenagers
who attended.
The Cerebral Palsy League of
Queensland hosts ‘Let’s Talk Days’
throughout the State.
For further information, contact
Child and Family Support
Services - Brisbane:
Ph: (07) 3621 3800 (North)
Ph: (07) 3347 7200 (South)
For further information on ACE:
www.aceinfo.net.au
Seat belt support
TO comply with safety regulations
and maintain the highest standards
of comfort for users of League buses,
the Cerebral Palsy League Transport
Department has a program of regular
replacement of its restraint systems.
This is a costly exercise, so the
Department gladly welcomed support
from the Gambling Community
Benefit Fund to purchase new
restraints systems for two of its
vehicles recently.
Drivers reported the new systems
were effective on a range of
wheelchairs, especially the large
power chairs, and positioned
effectively around equipment, limiting
the amount of bending and twisting
required to fit them.
This is expected to result in enhanced
safety for all concerned.
The League values the support
received for this project and the many
past safety infrastructure projects
made possible through the Gambling
Community Benefit Fund.
Pictured: The Technology Support Team (left to right) Manager - Communication Board Service,
Margie Sampson; Tech Unit Assistant, Desley Eleison; Manager - Tech Unit and Speech Pathologist,
Nerida Maclean; Physiotherapist, Anne-Maree Stewart; and Occupational Therapist, Rosemary McCormack.
Your support team
SPECIALISED equipment can assist
people with disabilities to achieve
success and greater levels of
independence at home, school, work
and during recreational activities.
The League’s Technology Unit staff
assist primary therapy teams to find
solutions for specialised seating and
mobility; accessing alternative
keyboards, environmental control,
communication aids; assistive
technology hardware and special
needs software; and augmentative
communication, including speech
generating devices.
The Team is based at Geebung and
are available to assist families in four
main areas: Equipment Loans Library;
client consultations; education; and
information.
To access the Technology Support
Team, contact:
Technology Support Unit
Ph: (07) 3637 6350
www.cplqld.org.au/techsupport/
techunit
Boccia
THE Brisbane Social Boccia
League at South Brisbane
started on February 4 at Jagera
Art Centre – Corner Cordelia St
reet and Glenelg Street, South
Brisbane.
Competition time is 6.30pm
every Wednesday for the
Season.
Registration for the season is
$37, plus membership to the
Association, which is $22 for
over 18’s - and $16.50 for under
18’s.
The Redlands group
commenced its season on
February 29 at the Birkdale
School of Arts, Birkdale Road,
Birkdale.
Competition time is 1pm.
Registration is $20 plus
membership to the Association
as mentioned earlier.
If you are interested in the
best sport on offer to
athletes with cerebral palsy,
contact the Sporting
Wheelies on:
Ph: (07) 3253 3333
7

Regional therapy
services
THE Statewide Therapy Outreach
Team provides a service to children
with cerebral palsy and their families
who are based in regional areas of
Queensland such as Cairns, Mt Isa,
Townsville and the Mackay Hinterland
areas.
The Team visits these areas once a
year (twice a year in the Mackay
Hinterland) during which time
childrens’ progress is reviewed, and
recommendations are made in
consultation with local therapists
concerning goals for implementation
enabling improved function, and
enhanced educational access and
outcomes.
The Team follows up visits with
detailed reports, and maintains
communication with local educational
and therapy personnel.
The Statewide Outreach Therapy
Service (SWOTS) Team recently
conducted a survey to determine the
level of satisfaction with its service,
within the educational system.
Principals, advisory visiting teachers
and heads of special education
services completed the survey, as
well as some teachers and
therapists.
It addressed the accessibility and
responsiveness of SWOTS, the
Team’s targeting of Individual
Education Program (IEP) goals, its
level of involvement, communication
and the usefulness of information
SWOTS provided.
Opportunities were provided in the
survey, for respondents to comment
on valued aspects of the SWOTS
team service and on areas that could
be improved.
Responses to questions about
responsiveness, targeting of IEP
goals and communication suggested
the team is doing well in these areas.
Improvement suggestions were made
for information provided by the team
and outcomes achieved by the team.
twenty-two percent of respondents
suggested the team’s level of
involvement needed improvement,
however, there was no consensus as
to whether it should be increased or
decreased.
Comments suggested that more
frequent visits would be beneficial,
including improvements for the teams
accessibility, while others suggested
travelling expenses would be more
beneficial for the provision of services
and equipment in local areas.
Communication was rated as good.
Overall, it was found that 90.3 percent
of respondents were satisfied with the
service provided by the SWOTS.
When considering geographical area,
responses from Townsville were the
most variable.
Mt Isa expressed a high degree of
satisfaction.
Of the 9.7 percent of respondents
who suggested that the service
required improvement, 33 percent
were from Townsville and 66 percent
from Cairns.
It became clear the majority of the
SWOTS’ client base was happy with
the service but would prefer a greater
level of involvement and support.
Without the ability to increase either
the duration or the frequency of visits
to outlying areas, it is crucial that
SWOTS strive to continue to
maintain open lines of communication
with clients and involved personnel.
Pre-trip planning needs to be
optimised, as this will enable the Team
to provide quality outcomes for
schools and families.
The use of pre and post-trip
teleconferencing with has proved
useful and will be increased this year.
At present, the team works diligently
to see as many clients as possible
during visits, however, this by
necessity means limited time is
available for each person.
More strict prioritisation of children
requiring a service should allow for
greater time with the client, facilitate
an enhanced understanding of their
needs and establish a closer working
relationship with key personnel.
Waiting lists eliminated
AS a result of new equipment
purchased for the Cerebral Palsy
League of Queensland’s Equipment
Loans Library, there has been an
increase of 25 percent in loans and
waiting lists have been eliminated,
with the exception of electric
wheelchairs.
The new equipment was made
possible by the Sylvia and Charles
Viertel Charitable Foundation, which
provided almost $100,000 of the
funds.
The Equipment Loans Library is
essential to clients both as an
emergency supply of equipment, and
as a means of trialing equipment prior
to purchase.
As there is no government funding or
service available where people with
cerebral palsy can trial or adequately
borrow supportive equipment, the
League relies on the generosity of
community donations and grants from
trusts and foundations.
Equipment purchased included three
motorised wheelchairs; five pressure
relieving wheelchair cushions; a
wheeled walker; voice output device
software; a gooseneck mounting
system; and jellybean switches.
A unique postural system that can be
used to provide support in optimal
postures while sleeping - preventing
deformity - was extremely well
received by clients.
The wheeled walker was the first of
its type in the Library.
The mounting system and switches
can make access to voice output
devices, computers and
environmental controls, easier for
clients, as well as giving those with
more severe physical impairments a
trial of independent mobility with
electric wheelchair controls.
Now the Equipment Library has
become adequately stocked, people
with cerebral palsy will benefit.
With improvements in comfort and
function, both clients and supporters
will be able to concentrate on
participating in community activities
rather than functional tasks such as
getting out of bed and having a
shower.
The Library is accessible through the
League’s Adult Therapy and Social
Work Service Team.
The Team currently manages the trial
and loan of specialised equipment to
adult clients in Brisbane North and
Metropolitan, Sunshine Coast,
Toowoomba and Wide Bay.
Country and regional clients also
travel to Brisbane to access the
service.
8

Adept’s new forklift
ADEPT Packaging is one of the
League’s Supported Employment
Services, providing training and
employment opportunities for 30
people with high physical support
needs.
The workplace offers a highly
modified environment, physically
adapted to the mobility and support
needs of the individual workers.
The services provided to enable
clients to participate in employment
activities include personal care
support, on the job training and
coaching, case management, and
access to support through the
League’s Adult Therapy and Social
Work Team.
Current Government funding is
inadequate to address the extensive
support needs of the workers.
The business activities actively
subsidise support and specialised
transport costs to such an extent that
funds are not available for capital
equipment items.
The Gambling Community Benefit
Fund recently provided generous
support to the program enabling the
service to replace their 30-year-old
forklift.
Unlike the old high masted lift, the new
forklift fits into shipping containers in
which work is often delivered.
This has increased efficiency and
provided greater safety.
The new forklift enabled Adept
Packaging to undertake contracts
which provide the basis for
meaningful work for its supported
employees.
Pictured: Adept Packaging’s new
forklift will assist the business to
undertake new contracts, thanks to the
Gambling Community Benefit Fund.
Gambling funds
boost
infrastructure
THE State Government’s
Gambling Community Benefit
Fund is an indispensable
resource for many Queensland
based not-for-profit
organisations.
It is the largest on-off grants
program in Queensland,
having invested more than
$198 million in grants since
1994.
It returns taxes received from
gambling activities, Golden
Casket lotteries, wagering,
Keno and gaming machines
throughout the State.
The Gambling Community
Benefit Fund is the major
source of non-recurrent grant
funds received by the Cerebral
Palsy League of Queensland.
Approvals totalling $43,608
from submitted applications
were announced in the
December funding round.
These projects will assist in the
maintenance of League
infrastructure in Wide Bay,
Strathpine, Rockhampton and
Brisbane, and include:
• File System for Wide Bay
• Envelope Addressing
Machine to support
Printabout, Strathpine
• Photocopier for Rockhampton
• Minor building repairs and
training equipment for Adept
Packaging
ACCESS ONE provide a range of
mortgage information and
comparisons. Access One will
donate a percentage of its profits
to the League.
1300 722 278
PETALS will donate 25 percent of
every online order to the League,
when the number 7059 is quoted.
www.petals.com.au
Hotline Vehicle Insurance provide
a competitive vehicle insurance
quote, and will donate 5 percent
from new contracts and renewals,
to the League.
1300 134 222
9

Pictured: Rosemary McCormack from the Tech
Unit test drove the WiseDX System during a training
session. This training was necessary for the
League to prescribe the newly available system.
New system, wise
choice
THE Cerebral Palsy League of
Queensland’s Technology Unit
purchased a new system for its
Resource Equipment Library, thanks
to the Cecilia Kilkeary Foundation.
The Wise DX system was purchased
for set up on the Technology Unit’s trial
DX power wheelchairs for League
clients to trial assistive technology,
which integrates wheelchair driving
and environmental control.
This means that they can use their
driving joystick or switch to activate
other infrared controlled equipment in
their environment, such as TV, radio,
video, computer and communication
devices.
The Technology Unit, Adult Therapy
Service and Statewide Outreach
Therapy Service (SWOTS)
underwent training late last year, by
the developer of the system - Clinical
Engineer, Colin Clayton, who works
at the Great Ormond Street Hospital
for Children in London.
Mr Clayton visited Australia to promote
the WiseDX system and gave staff
the opportunity to trial it first hand.
Two clients also trialled the system
and were able to drive around, move
between equipment, as well as
operate a CD Player and Tuner, use
the mouse on the computer, play a
computer game, operate the room air
conditioner and play a Video on a
VCR.
Further staff training commenced in
February, which is essential for the
League to become a prescriber for the
Wise DX system.
For more information on the Wise DX
system, contact:
Rosemary McCormack
Occupational Therapist -
Technology Unit
Ph: (07) 3637 6356
Officially certified
AS highlighted in the
previous League News,
Head Office, Business/
Employment Services
and Equipment
Technology
Services (ETS)
a c h i e v e d
certification under
ISO 9001.
This involved the
efforts of staff and
clients in developing
the League’s Quality
Management System.
In recognition of its
certification, the League
received certificates to
be displayed in each of
these Services.
The presentation of the
certificates was made
during a series
Pictured: (back left to right)
Manager of the League’s
business initiative - Adept
Packaging, John Brogan with the
League’s CEO, Bruce Milligan.
Front: League Client, Steven Weir
holds a Quality Assurance certificate
for the League’s Head Office and
Business Initiatives - Adept Packaging,
Access Employment and Printabout
and Equipment Technology Services.
of morning teas, attended by the
CEO, Regional Managers, and
representatives from the Board,
Executive Management Team and
the Project Officer Quality
Assurance.
In presenting the certificates, CEO
Bruce Milligan congratulated staff
and clients for the tremendous
efforts made in preparing for and
achieving Quality Assurance.
This success has paved the way
for the extension of the Quality
Management System to all
Services across the League.
The process will involve staff and
clients from Adult Day Services,
League Adult Accommodation,
Adult Therapy and Social Work,
and Child and Family Support
Services.
The commitment of all involved will
not only maintain the quality of
services provided by the League,
but ensure continuous
improvement of services provided
to League clients.
Questions regarding Quality
Assurance, may be directed to:
Keryn Fox
Project Officer Quality
Assurance
Ph: (07) 3358 8011
10

Meet the Librarian
WHERE would you look first for
information on disability specific
information for your child and
family
The Cerebral Palsy League of
Queensland Library probably has
what you’re looking for and Library
Information Officer, Deb Cronan
can probably help you find it.
Deb has assisted students,
clients, staff and professionals to
find up-to-date, accurate
information and has researched
the integrity of all the Library’s
resources.
Public access is by appointment
only, but by consulting the League
Library website prior to contacting
Deb, you can search the catalogue
before checking for resource
relevance and availability yourself.
Alternatively, information can be
sought from the Library by phoning
Deb directly, who may be able to
send the information you are
seeking electronically, or through
the mail.
Deb Cronan
Library Information Officer
Ph: (07) 3358 8036
dcronan@cplqld.org.au
www.cplqld.org.au/services/
info/library
Volunteer service
THE League’s Volunteer Service is
busier than ever before, with 54 jobs
currently registered on Volunteering
Queensland’s website.
At present, more than 300 volunteers
are actively involved with the League.
Around 59 League staff are also listed
as volunteers.
Some volunteers contribute every
week, while others are on call for
specific activities ranging from data
entry in the League’s Marketing and
Fundraising Department, helping out
in Adult Services and assisting clients
with community access.
Once a volunteer job description is
decided upon, the information is
entered onto the Volunteering
Queensland website, interested
applicants are interviewed and the
necessary checks completed.
The volunteer is matched as closely
as possible to the job requirements,
but if the arrangement does not work
out, there are always opportunities for
the situation to be reassessed for
everyone’s satisfaction.
One thing though is certain, finding the
right volunteer for the job is always
worth the wait.
Anyone interested in volunteering with
the League can contact:
Jessica Panter
Volunteer Service Coordinator
Ph: (07) 3358 8008
Memorial gifts
OVER the years, many long-time
supporters of the Cerebral Palsy
League of Queensland have
expressed their wish for family and
friends to note their passing by way
of a donation to the League in their
memory.
To facilitate this, the League provided
funeral directors with a supply of
appropriately printed reply-paid
memorial donation envelopes for use
by mourners attending funeral
services.
Usually, the funeral notice contains
the notation “In lieu of flowers,
donations to the Cerebral Palsy
League of Queensland would be
appreciated. Envelopes available at
the service.”
During 2003, the League received
memorial donations:
In memory of Shirley Dorothy
Edwards, late of Tingalpa
In memory of Keegan Verse, late
of Scarborough
In memory of Patrick Broderick,
late of Toowoomba
In memory of Matthew Carman,
late of Kelso, Townsville
The generosity of their families and
friends is very much appreciated.
Enquiries about memorial donations
or bequests may be directed to:
Peter Wall
Manager Donor Relations
Ph: (07) 3358 8093
pwall@cplqld.org.au
Rueben Pelerman
REUBEN Pelerman, a prominent
Gold Coast businessman died
recently, aged 89.
During his life, he headed a
business empire, which included
hotels throughout Queensland
and a private hospital.
He also established a trust to help
many charities throughout the
State, including the Cerebral Palsy
League of Queensland, which
received more than $60,000 over
the last ten years.
Reuben Pelerman’s trust will
continue to help charities into the
future and no doubt the League will
continue to receive vital funds
from this source.
11

Yes! I want to help the Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland
Title: ______ Name: ____________________________________________ Company: _______________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________________ PC: ____________
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; or
Please charge my: Bankcard / Mastercard / Visa / Amex / Diners (PLEASE CIRCLE)
Card Number: |_____________|_____________|_____________|_____________| Expiry: ___/___ Amex No:__________
Name on Card: _______________________________ Cardholder Signature: _____________________________________
Please send me more information on:
Knowing more about cerebral palsy and/or the League
How my social club can become involved
How I can make a provision for the League in my Will
How I can assist the League through volunteer work
Q U E E N S L A N D
Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland
PO Box 386 Fortitude Valley Q 4006
Thank you so much for caring
Donations are fully tax deductible
League News
VOLUME 28 • NUMBER 1 • MARCH 2 0 0 4
Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland Quarterly Magazine
Book your tickets now to the All Queensland Awards Gala Presentation
The All Queensland Awards Gala Presentation will see Finalists from throughout the State, honoured
for their fundraising efforts on behalf of the League. Titleholders announced will inlude Mr and Ms All
Queensland, Community Service and the Westpac Corporate Award.
June 4, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
For further information on the Awards or to purchase your tickets to this prestigious event, contact:
Karen Dahlskog, State Coordinator - All Queensland Awards
1800 819 086
kdahlskog@cplqld.org.au
EVENT CALENDAR 2004
Date Event Location
31st May - 5th June
4th June
1st August
16th - 22nd August
20th August
2nd & 3rd October
9th October
2nd November
All Queensland Awards Finals Week
All Queensland Awards Gala Presentation
Bridge to Brisbane Fun Run
National Cerebral Palsy Week
Parliament House Charity Golf Day
Brisbane Valley 100 Canoe Race
Boardroom Blitz
Melbourne Cup Sweeps
Brisbane
BCEC
New Farm
Nation Wide
Wynnum Golf Club
Brisbane River
Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Stamford Plaza / Conrad Treasury
3rd December
Int. Day for People with a DisAbility
International
12