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Minister visits
Toowoomba
redevelopment
CPL welcomed Minister
for Disability Services and
Multicultural Affairs, Annastacia
Palaszczuk MP, to inspect
the progress of the $1.4
million redevelopment of its
Toowoomba facility on Monday
27 April.
CPL received $500,000 in
funding from the Queensland
Government for the
redevelopment of the South
Queensland regional offi ce in
Scott Street.
“We’re honoured to have
Minister Palaszczuk inspect this
project, which is set to benefi t
over 130 local residents with
physical disabilities, as well as
their families and carers,” said
CEO, Angela Tillmanns.
“The Queensland
Government has underpinned
the funding to get Stage One
of this project underway, with
additional funds also donated
by local Toowoomba businesses
and supporters.
“This is a critical project
for Toowoomba and the
surrounding region. It will
enable us to modernise,
upgrade and extend disability
services bringing all South-West
Queensland services together
under the same roof,” she said.
CPL is currently fundraising
an additional $200,000 required
for Stage Two, which will allow
for the purchase of specialised
adaptive technology and
equipment, landscaping needs
and construction of a new car
park.
The Scott Street facility
was established in the 1960’s
to provide vital services to
those living with disability. The
refurbishment is now required to
modernise existing facilities to
better meet increasing demand.
Positive Futures signals changes
to the Disability Services Act
The Queensland Government
recently made changes to the
Disability Services Act 2006,
which may affect some adults with
intellectual or cognitive disabilities,
who exhibit challenging
behaviours and receive services
funded by the Department of
Communities (Disability Services).
The legislative amendment
aims to protect the rights of these
people by only allowing the use of
restrictive practices by disability
service providers where
the practice is shown to be
necessary and authorised
by the right decision maker.
It also works to establish a
stronger system of positive
behaviour support that
would lead to a better
quality of life.
CPL adult services are
working closely with clients
and families who may be
affected by these changes
to better address their
needs.
Fact sheets and other
resources regarding
the change, including
A guide for families
- Positive behavioural
support and the use of restrictive
practices booklet, can be
accessed online at www.disability.
qld.gov.au/positve-futures
To fi nd out how the legislation
impacts upon you or your family
member contact your local service,
phone 07 3358 8056 or email
ydonnan@cplqld.org.au
In memory of Allan Moore
Allan’s Moore’s early school
years were spent at CPL (then
the Queensland Spastic Welfare
League) in New Farm.
He then went on to the New
Farm workshop where he happily
undertook many tasks and gladly
received his weekly pay packet
which he was extremely proud of.
In 1986 Allan moved to
Sevenoaks where he spent many
happy years attending Pathwayz
day service.
He then moved into his own
home at Mitchelton where he
enjoyed his independence and
the opportunity to experience life
in the suburbs.
Allan’s greatest enjoyment was
his beloved Broncos and Elvis.
Allan had many friends and will
be sadly missed by all who were
lucky enough to have been a part
of his life.
‘SHUT OUT’
National report into the
experience of people
with disabilities
The Australian Government
has released a report entitled
‘SHUT OUT: The Experience
of People with Disabilities and their
Families in Australia’, as a result of
a nationwide consultation process
to fi nd out about the issues, barriers
and frustrations felt by people with a
disability and their families and make
recommendations for future change.
The report contains many personal
accounts and fi rst-hand feedback on
situations people with a disability have
encountered spanning all aspects of life, including public transport,
education, employment, income support, disability services and
community participation. More importantly, it introduces some
possible political, social and economic solutions to the barriers and
challenges faced.
The purpose of the report is to inform the development of a
National Disability Strategy, which is due for release in mid-2010.
CPL General Manager Services, Peter Mewett said the report,
which goes beyond just ‘services’, provides the best opportunity
for stimulating discussion, awareness and action in communities
throughout Australia and across state and federal Government,
since the Hawke Government’s ‘New Directions’ Report of the
Handicapped Program’s Review in 1985 - which led to the groundbreaking
Disability Services Act in 1986.
“The new disability policy which will emerge from this report will
set a goal for the kind of life people with a disability have a right to
expect and outline the actions and reforms that need to take place to
achieve this goal,” Peter said.
“I encourage staff, clients, their families and anyone in the
disability sector to read this report and talk about it to their friends,
families, workmates and communities - even their local media and
MPs. We must use it as a catalyst to make their voices heard,” said
Peter.
As part of the consultation process, more than 750 written
submissions were received and a total of 2,500 people attended
public meetings across Australia. CPL was one of many
organisations who contributed to the report.
To obtain a full copy of the report (including an easy English
version) go to: www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/progserv/govtint/
Pages/nds.aspx
Board Member Michael Pini
Service review makes
real changes
The Board review of services
led by Michael Pini last year is
beginning to show real results.
The review canvassed
feedback from clients, families
and staff and resulted in
recommendations for improvement
across both children’s and adult
services.
Many of the recommendations
required increased lobbying
efforts with Government which
is an ongoing focus for the
organisation. Almost half of the
recommendations have been
completed with key initiatives being
implemented including increased
training for staff especially in the
area of medication administration
and management of client funds;
a new rostering system that
enables better matching of client
and staff preferences; access to
mobility allowance for supported
employees; trial of a youth client
consultative committee; improved
attraction and retention of staff;
and an equipment management
system.
The Board’s Disability Services
Committee comprising of Michael
Pini (chair), Yvonne Burns, Des Orr
and Ron Porter continue to keep
a close eye on progress and listen
to feedback from all sources to
assist guiding the organisation in
delivering improved and relevant
services to our clients.
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