This video was produced by JFA Purple Orange for the Inclusive School Communities Project. It is a 2-Year project aimed at helping schools become more inclusive for all students, including those living with disability. For more information about this exciting work currently underway, please visit the Inclusive School Communities website: https://inclusiveschoolcommunities.org.au/
School is an important time in all of our lives. It’s when we explore what we like to do, learn social skills and begin to develop our identity. But school isn’t all self-discovery and excitement; students face pressure academically and socially. These things are challenging for everyone, but if a school doesn’t support its students to be fully included, it’s even harder.
Purple Orange is running its first workshop in audio storytelling – for free! Over the course of 8 weeks, you will learn how to interview, record, write for radio, structure your story and edit it all together. You must live with disability to be eligible for this workshop. Don't wait - apply today! For this first course we can only accept 5 participants.
At Purple Orange, our aim is to create a world where all people who live with disability get a fair go in life. That won’t happen unless Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are listened to, respected, included and given choice and control over how they live their lives, as their community also includes people who live with disability.
Headshot Day was organised by Belle Owen and Lisa Gascoigne of Y Connect. Belle explained about the work they do, and why they organised Headshot day.
We know something needs to be done about plastic waste, which is why campaigns to ban the straw are gaining momentum. But could banning the straw create another problem with dire consequences for many?
The consultation period for the South Australian Government’s first Disability Inclusion Plan has now opened.
The Commonwealth Government has announced plans to commence a Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability.
Throughout January 2019, we collected employment stories from people living with disability. We found a diverse range of experiences, with some common themes.
How Communities of Practice and Communities of Interest are helping people living with disability lead a good life
JFA Purple Orange has published an updated version of our “NDIS Safeguards and Risk Enablement” policy position paper. Previously published in January, this version has had some minor tweaks to the original.
Communities of practice (CoP) and communities of interest (CoI) are ways of sharing, connecting and informing for people living with disability. This paper covers all aspects of CoPs and CoIs.
There is an information kit for NIDS stakeholders about the new Commonwealth government agency called the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission).
Storytelling has the power to build community, inspire action, and change the way we view the world. That's why we're dedicated to sharing stories of the people our organisation exists for.
We are thrilled to be assisting Our Voice SA, a self-advocacy organisation for people living with intellectual disability, on an important project about engaging with the NDIS and connecting with community.
When Ellen Fraser-Barbour was 19, she decided to travel on her own to India. Everyone told her it was a bad idea.
"You are crazy," they said. "You are deaf. You are blind! You can't travel on your own!" But Ellen decided that was their anxiety. It wasn't her anxiety. So she persevered with her plan.
Listen to the newest Purple Orange podcast episode on the link above.
Read the story and see photos of Ellen's trip to India here.
ALONE NO MORE – A journey to happiness
There was a time, when I thought, it was done,
Family, children, love and fun.
I knew deep inside, I had so much to give,
To that special person, who would help make me live.
Alone for so long, rejected by my family,
A burden due to illness, just left to be.
With the support of carers and friends, I lived on,
My independence fought hard for and finally won.
Then a miracle happened, a dream came true,
Out of nowhere, out of the blue.
A reconnection with a long-lost love,
Like an angel that was sent by the heavens above.
Wow, its so amazing the way I now feel,
A love so strong, it just seems unreal.
She came back into my life, from the distant past,
And we have established a love, that is now destined to last.
With a house now refreshed with a family’s embrace,
Children and grandkids, I’ve won the race.
Now a busy life full of planning and schemes,
Holidays, birthdays, Christmases and dreams.
I have found my place in this woman’s arms,
Who cares so deeply and keeps me from harm.
Who accepts me as I am, with unconditional love,
I feel like I’m flying on the wings of a dove.
Now a sense of purpose and fulfilment mark my days,
I’m basking in the glorious heat of loves shining rays.
So comfortable and pleasured by what’s come about,
Eternally thankful, I can’t help but shout.
So, I now move forward and rejoice in each day,
I throw all my energy into life, without delay.
Cause I know life can be short and I’ve done my time,
Sitting and waiting at the back of the line.
‘Bind man rolling’, you may know that’s my handle,
And to my determination, no-one can hold up a candle.
A positive attitude has led me to success,
A keen love for life, I cannot rest.
I will continue, to fight for this life,
A brand-new family and a caring loving wife.
I will go the distance and enjoy the trip,
I will live to my fullest and just let it rip.
Partying hard and enjoying life’s pleasures,
Writing a new story and uncovering the treasures.
Those sad, dark days, now far behind,
As I lay in the cradle of this new family of mine.
We want to see a world where everyone is included, respected and gets a fair go in life. We can't get there without acknowledging that our office sits on the land of the Kaurna people. Like people living with disability, we recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people continue to experience inequality and division. We want them to know we are their allies. We believe their culture, history, diversity and deep connection to the land deserves our highest respect.
6 November
Brain Injury Support and Education, or the “BISE group” is a free peer-support based program run from the Brain Injury SA Light Square office.
7 November
The Legal Services Commission is pleased to announce the new Law for Community Workers webinars are now open for registration: 6 free webinars covering the legal basics in key areas of law which are relevant to community workers and their clients.
20 November
There still exists considerable concern that although people with a disability are physically present in our communities, they’re still disconnected and living lonely lives of isolation and segregation (Shut Out Report, 2009). Although we may hold the goal for more inclusive lives for people with a disability, we’re often unsure how to go about it! This workshop is a learning event for those who are serious about exploring and discovering opportunities for welcome, contribution and connection that are abound within our communities for people with a disability. This is a practical workshop. We will share stories and use interactive exercises, refection and discussion!
4 December
Brain Injury Support and Education, or the “BISE group” is a free peer-support based program run from the Brain Injury SA Light Square office.