Artistic Jouney

 

 

The idea for my doll exhibition emerged about November 2016, while working with my mentor Nancy Brown However the journey actually started much further back that that.  The exploration of creating art dolls start with my tutor Mia Clark at the BIA (Brisbane Institute of Art).  Gabby picture with me above, was given  critical feedback the work boarded on craft - Or the tutor was not convinced it was art!  She still let me squeeze Gabby into the exhibition!  Hey Mia!  I have upgrade to making my own flowers!!!

 

 

I have always been drawn to images of eyes!  The picture in the window - 'Good eye/Bad eye' was one of the very first pieces I exhibited. This was a shop window street exhibition in Toowoomba for disability action week 2013 organised through the cpl.

 

Well not far into my third semester in one of Mia's classes she introduce me to the work of Merka Mora and the world of art dolls. I soon found my self try to learn to sew.  Lots of stabbing myself with needles and cursing the tutor. Like most artists, I have pretty strong political views and Mia thought I should be expressing that more in my art.

 

 

Yep! I can be bit one eyed at times.

 

 

Pretty much spent the rest of the semester playing with dolls while the rest of the class got to paint!

 

 

Scarlet was the closest I got to the concept of an art doll with a message the beauty wasn't skin deep and the eyes captured the soul.

 

I soon found I was not the only one fascinated with faces, eyes and dolls. In my other life I am a disability advocate and always jumping up and down about being pigeonholed or not ticking the right boxes!

 

This was when I first started to think about using my art to communicate feelings of isolation and being stuff in a box to meet funding requirements.  This was around the time I started campaigning for the NDIS.

 

 

The signing of the ndis agreement between

the Queensland Government and the Federal Government

 

Photo courtesy of Judy Dickson CEO

ALARA Queensland

 

 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme was the result of a human rights campaign, lead by those touch by disability themselves.  It was the first time a lobby group used their voice to set in monition an act that had the potential to empower their lives.

 

Early this year I was delight to assist with the opening of the Ipswich Area NDIS which was accompany with an art exhibition by local artists with disability. A number of artists that had come through the ArtISability program.

 

What a privileged it has been to help shape current public policy. It have definitely put my name on the map as a disability advocate in the Ipswich region.

 

 

And yet in terms of the disability art sector, there is a Mt Everest to climb. as I sense for an artists with disability its a double whammy!  People with disabilities are one of the most isolated group in Australia. We still struggle for access to the legal system whether we are a victim of an accused, due to our perceived in ability to testify and give reliable evidence.

 

Artists in Australia are seen as the misfits and dropouts of society.  Basically those who choose not to conform with the 9 to 5 world and the reason we need to have a 'real' job.  Unless you have a disability then qualification are not enough to warrant paid employment.

 

While I champion the NDIS for the arts/disability sector a whole new challenge in the funding and the sustainability of Supported Studios.  In some states this means our studios can not access arts specific grants as that is double dipping we are now dependent of gaining a market share for survival, not so easy being a new player in the game.

 

Like the rest of Australia 'art' is not seen as a valid form of employment. Its a hobby or past time to keep people with disabilities happy.  So NDIS funding for artists to continue to be part of supported studios has been more miss than hit.

 

 

 

During Introduction to watercolour last year I returned to painting faces.  Mia was not the tutor of that class.  This work form a major part of my digital exhibition for Off The Wall gallery in Newtown Sydney.

 

Freedom form Perceptions

 

 

 

So faces and eyes were again dominating my artwork and I found myself painting dolls. Clearly there was an exhibition bursting out, demanding to be created.  I mention this to my mentor Nancy, she nodded in agreement but suggested I stop painting and start creating.  Great Mia had another allied.

 

What will Mia say, as my first mentor she will always be in my head and then I remember the needle picks, the blood and they dumby spits!

 

She'll be proud! she suggested.  Just like my poetry this exhibition has emerged somewhere from my soul and taken over my life.  I thought that stopped when I stopped writing books the never sold. 

 

Slowly the images and concepts from me Freedom from Perceptions have emerged and evolved into my dolls exhibition!

 

 

Became Loo-Loo

 

 

 

 

 

I can give public speeches about distancing the word 'disability' for the worlds 'less fortunately'; recite facts and figures on disability without needing to look them up; run disability awareness and access training sessions that will have little impact on societies attitudes towards disability.  It's very safe for society to leave us in the pigeonholes its created.

 

People need to experience the reality of disabilities for themselves. In the Ipswich community gladly other artists with disability are now being recognised.  As the art community has experienced disability through my relationships; my work and the other artists with disability I work with; and my art.

Those in my networks no see my disability is just being a part of who I am.  A part they often forget about until my wheelchair needs lifting up some stairs. The more I reflect and develop my exhibition, the more I realise Mia Clark had planted the seed to grow three years ago. 

 

On A Roll with the NDIS

Breaking News . . .

I have chosen to have my Exploring Diversity Doll Exhibition at Drawing Point Gallery. For me this ticks off a few steps involved in my major NDIS goal.

 

1. To grow my art practises . . .
2. To grow Ignite Artists Network and work towards an inclusive arts community in Ipswich.

That's why I decided this exhibition needed to be hosted in Ipswich itself.  I believe the way to build community is through a collection of experiences.  Fact and figures are easily over-taken by social norms.

 

This exhibition is not about sales (but yes the dolls will be on sale) its about creating a platform for discussion and bridging the gap in understanding. 

 

The second step in growing my art practice was delivering 2 more pieces of artwork to Aspire Galley for "All About Colour" exhibition from Wednesday next week.  

 

 

Ink on Fabric

 

 

Artist's Members of Aspire have a chance to showcase their art journeys for 2017/18 at the end of the year so this week I have been working on these pieces . . .

 

 

 

 

But as you know my NDIS plan is not all about art.  My other goal is to continue living independent in the community.  To achieve this goal I want to be healthy, maintain my strength and prevent falls.  Thus one of my request was access to physio and hydro therapy. 

 

I have had my second physio session and have 3 more booked in.  There's still a bump or two, including working my 5 sessions a week into a over crowd weekly agenda.  But yes! If you do your maths that's an hour every day.  2 sessions at home, 2 sessions at the pool and a session with the physio.

 

Feeling very unsure about how this will pan out, as regular exercise has been difficult since I have recovered for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and if I over exert myself my fibromyalgia flares up. I am struggling with how to explain that to a physio who has a motto of 'no pain, no gain'! 

I believe this is an outdate exercise model.  However the latest model to come out is 'high-intensity' interval exercise. The question is am I training for life? Or am I just wanting to maintain muscle tone and balance.  With a return to health is walking again possibility?  Great, questions to ask myself!

My first cardio session ended in a seizure. As you can see this has resulted in me trying to think more clearly what my physio goals are and whether I request a new program or do I seek out another physio who better fits my health philosophy. Like support workers, physio's aren't always a good fit.  It doesn't make them a bad physio or support worker, rather our thinking doesn't match.

I selected a therapy provider that offers a range of services and purchased a block booking where I can access physio or ot depending on my highest priorities.  My current physio has been really helpful in getting me started in looking for right wheelchair. So I requested she right-up my wheelchair prescription and we can explore other things like posture.
 

So there's my trip for the week - go with a provider who can offer flexibility in service delivery and opt for a trail period, I feel it is important to have a good working relationship with any health professional. I went for 3 months agreement. So if things aren't a good fit at the end of October, I can stay with part of the service provider for OT and find a physio whose philosophy I feel more in syndic with.

 

 

The National Disabilities Insurance Scheme is about empowering people living with disabilities to make choices about what their priorities are, not fit a service they are assigned too.  I think many people and families who loath the package I have selected.  However for me I can see I starting to shine and I'm a lot less stressed about the structure of my supports in general.

 

Life is not perfect and neither will the NDIS ever be.  My goal is to make it work as best I can for me.  Partially self-managing means I can self advocate for my needs. No one knows how my body works better than me.  I have always try to work hard on providing the best investment for my body, so it lasts the distance. This includes a good diet, exercise and health maintained (including mental health) are keys steps in achieving these goals.

 

For other participant I know social skills and making friends is the most important part of their ndis plan.  For these people group or centre-based supports might alien with there goals better.

 

 

 

Many people in our community have strange ideas about how my life is lived and others with disabilities. We all like to fit things into neat little boxes. Early this year I went on a cruise.  You'll love it!  Friends and family assured me. 

As a creative person . . . I crave space and solitude, usually with a good book, this are in terrible short supply on a ship!  I also don't like noise I create enough of that in my head with my thoughts.

 

Anyway cruising is not my idea of a holiday. However I did had some pretty interesting conversations on board.  I meet the family and friends of a pretty saxes lady who was a mother of two.  Rachel marriage and had kids are having a stroke which left her totally depend on others.  However this has not prevented her from making friends and being part of what seems a very support community or one hell of a party animal.

It was so refreshing to watch this group of 20 family and friends holiday and party like all the others on a ship.  Rachel care is higher enough that she could of easily be put in a nursing home and forgot about.

 

There is a perception in the general community, that people with disabilities don't have friends or relationships and it they do it is assumed they are other participants that access the same service provide. One question I am asked get a lot is and by people on the ship was 'do you have friends?' I came up with my best reply ever!  I sure do . . . I have a habit of collecting friends. I am deeply blessed in rich, life long friendships.

 

I was out with a support worker today and said,  OK I know a lot of people who live in Ipswich.  I caught up with a friend who went to the same high - school today, its hard to believe that was 30 year ago.  Another friend passed away earlier in the year. Last week she would of turned 49.  Our parents were friends before we were born. Their friendship didn't last but our beautiful friends lasted the highs and lows of 48 years on earth.  These are rare gems I have in a throw-away society. So socialising is not something I need assistance with.

 

The other thing my support worker commented on today was lack of access in Ipswich.  With so many organisations to support people with disability you would think Ipswich was an accessible city, was her comment.

 

Well the places  other people with disability access may be more  accessible and suit there individual goals and needs.  However I also know organisations who work with people with disabilities have other agendas and community access is not one of those agendas.

While people with access needs are not accessing parts of a community for whatever reason the cost of up grading builds in not justifiable. Talk about catch 22 for everyone.

 

A Portable ramp does the trick

Historical parts of Ipswich are where artist tend to gather, and are not wheelie friendly and will never be due to buildings being heritage listing. However if I want to build my profile as an artists and share trade secrets then that's what it takes!

 

One day my support workers will workout I truly live outside the square!  And that's why Australia needed the ndis - cause nobody lives in a square anyway!

 

Telling Stories

 

Friends in the Garden of Life

 

Mixed Media

 

Not currently for sale

Last year I wrote a post on the 'power of telling stories', for visual artists who want to build their networks and potential audience and sales.  Telling Stories is equally important to build Disability Awareness.  Our misconceptions often place limits on ourselves and others.  I can provide seminars were I rattle off figure like 17 million people in the world have CP; Cerebral Palsy is primarily a physical disorder, however people with CP often have secondary disabilities such as: epilepsy; vision impairments, communication disorders; hearing loss or lower than normal IQ levels.

 

 

 

The majority of people with CP have average or higher levels of intellecance, even in people who are non verbal. Did you know the a five different types of CP?  CP is damage to the brain that occurs at birth; during birth or in the early years of life. 

 

These are all facts you can read on the World CP Day website. What assist the community is the understanding is real stories from real people with CP or other disabilities.

 

I am simply 1 in 17 million people with CP.

 

 

 

I am also a small business owner, published author, poet, arts worker, Queensland representative on Supported Studio network.  However my Bio only tells half my story.  It does not record my type of CP or how it affects my daily struggles.

 

 

 

That's my artwork on the wall!

 

As a result of my birth I have spastic quadriplegia otherwise known as ataxia cp.  Which means when I choose to walk I walk with a gate and my entire body is affected by the spasticity.  

 

Growing up I was the eldest of 5 children, I was helping mum with the housework before I finish high school and I was also vice-president of Interact (Rotary) Club in my senior year. 

 

 

 

Leaders For Tomorrow Graduation

 

I graduated from USQ in 1991 and did a frontline training course in Christian youth work.  Chronic Fatigue robed my of my twenties and early thirties.  During this time I was writing for Creative Christian Enterprises and a active member of my church and small group leader.

 

I moved out of home for the finial time (I hope - LOL!) just before I turned 30.  That's about 20 years living independently.  My parents got a lot of 'looks'.  Com'on, do you really think she asked?

 

It was one of the few times I actual asked for advice.  I didn't like being told what not to do then and I still don't! Just ask my GP...

 

During my 30's I continued to write for Creative Christian Enterprises, complied 3 volumes of poetry; self-published a Children's book; was on the board of Community Access Transitional Services; Ipswich-Community Aid and Ipswich Poetry Feast Committee and the Sharing the Road Conference Organizing Committee and teaching Sunday School.

 

 

And still found time to party!

 

In my 40's I discovered my true passion for art.  I still love being part of my community and working towards inclusion for all; I still love writing and poetry, but I am at my happiest while creating artwork.

 

 

My dinning room that doubles as my home studio

and Ignite Artists Meeting Room.

 

My passions are art and working towards social inclusion for all.  This is why I founded Ignite Artists with the aims of providing disability awareness in the Ipswich art community and professional development opportunities for other artists with disability.  Founding my studio has enable me to gain leadership in the national arts and disability sector.

 

 

 

"We don't get to chose the cards we are dealt!

We can only chose how to play them,

I hope I am choosing well.

 

Me playing on P & O's Aria Curse 

 

This is my story, please share it and create disability community awareness as we celebrate world cp day on 6th of October. I'll be celebrating it with my friends from Studio 8 at the opening night of their Abstraction Art Exhibition.

 

You can check out their amazing at work at the Ipswich Community Gallery 7th, 8th and 9th October.

 

Because we are . . .

 

 

Working towards inclusion - the story of the dolls!

Enjoying Diversity

 

One of the things I love about living in Australia is multi-culturalism. Australian society apart for this nations first people, is made-up of people for around the world.  As a result our diets are enriched by the flavours from all over the world.  As migrants bring their traditional family recipes with them. Some of my favourites are Thai, Greek and Italian.  It is good to remind ourselves unless we are of indigenous decent, all of us have descendants from other nations.

 

  

Sadly with so many cultures bring their cultural traditions, customs and beliefs, sometimes the melting pot boil over.  When people hold deep ingrain beliefs we tend to hold them as truths. After all society tells us, we are the most important person in the world.

 

At Uei - we get you!

 

It is often all about us!

 

 

However in its attempt to keep world peace and make us all accountable to each other, the UN reminds us that we are all born free and equal. Each of us was born naked and naked each of us will return to the earth.

 

These powerful statements have given birth to 'the Charter of Human Rights'. This chart reminds us the we are not the most important person in the world. That I am your equal and you are my equal, whether you are Jew, Atheist, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Male or Female, Black, White or a colour in between; or maybe you are Albino.

 

 

 

I believe each of us was whole and that includes some of us that were born with in perfections or develop beliefs or practises out side the norm.  The Charter of Human rights remind us that these people too have human rights and are thus therefore entitled to the same freedoms and rights such as education and protection under the law.

 

These are the rights that people has protested, marched, fought for and died for over the centuries.  Sadly mankind has a quest for power, authority and wealth and since the begin of time we have attempted to assert our authority over others. 

 

 

 

When I think of human rights campaigns by far the largest that comes to mind is slavery.  Where rich land owners, brought and sold people like the were commodities. These people were deprive of all rights except food and water to keep them alive. 

 

It is with great sadness that I reflect on our nations own dark history.  The history my teachers never taught.  As the English sort to exhort it dominance in the 1700's the took capture of natives or hunted them like cattle.  Natives including those in Australia were considered less equal, and thus in some parts - White Europeans sort to eradicate the aborigines from Tasmania.

 

These first Australians had to fight for equal rights in a land the first inhabited. Growing up I didn't understand the land rights movement.  To me I sore no colour I hadn't been taught the true history of Australia.  I was ignorant!

 

         

Sadly in 2017 all Australian citizens and residences are not all equal under the law.  Some still have no access to the justice system,    (those with mental health, intellectual disabilities, and denature) and some who chose same sex partners can not become there partners net of kin.  They have no legal rights to their adopted children or property in the event of separation or deaths.

 

I still fight for my own rights to be treated as an equal.  As a person with disability I am view as less and imperfect.  Having been 'healed' several times  I am seen as a fake, not the fake healer that attempted to heal me.

 

It has been a real struggling working on this exhibition, I am still not sure how my inclusion statement will best be made or if I will attempt to make it at all.  I think great art makes people think!

 

(NIDS) Rolling on brown grass

 

I remember when I was planning for the NDIS wondering if the grass was greener on the other side and certainly I have found lovely green patches of grass!

 

In the general community there is still some confusion around what that National Disability Insurance Scheme is and how it works.  It is not a lump some of money that is paid into my bank account. The amount of money deposited into my bank account has not changed. 

 

Then NDIS is more like the medicare system, you make a claim of you expenses.  These expenses are approved at the time of your plan approval allowing you to pay for the support you need at home and to access the community.  In essence I pay my invoices through my broker. Thus the money is in my brokers account not mine.

 

The exceptions are my transport allowance which was previously my mobility allowance is paid in to my bank account and any equipment needs a quote to be approved by the NDIA before purchase and payment by my broker. Other participants may of chosen to ask the NDIA to manage their plans on their behalf.  

 

 

 

Continuing to work on my doll exhibition

 

I have chose to broker my supports through support organisations because I feel it gives me and my support workers policies to protect us both.  I feel strongly my support workers deserve the best working conditions the industry can provide.

 

Some things are working really well for me, like designing a weekly schedule to fit around my art prctactise; planning a physical therapy program that will enable me to live my best life. Ooh and shopping for a new wheelchair to enable me to take part in community art workshops. 

 

In choosing a support service I wasn't looking for a prefect service because I know that service does not exist.  I was looking for a service who could provide me with flexible support at the times I needed.  In the end this came down to which support staff team I enjoyed working with the most.

 

As I've shared one roster is a lot easier than four and if for some reason my times need to be altered, both myself and the rostering team, I know that can happen. We that was what I hoped.

 

Networking at FUSED Festival

 

The reality is being with a larger organisation, to allow for a larger support worker pool to chose from means someone other than my coordinator is in charge of my roster.  They may not know I need a support worker I have trained up to work in the pool on Wednesdays and Fridays, or I start work with a meeting at 9 am on Tuesday morning, thus my support times on this day need to be fixed.

Late its been difficult to plan and make appointments, for fear the shift is not filled. Then there's the ongoing transport issues and finding staff who are happy to drive their cars.  Its at the point where I am starting to think, how much time do I need to give these guys to get their act together?

Which is very sad when I am really happy with the staff team I have around me.  Those who support me have adapt well to the change in the NDIS environment.  A world that gives participant choice and control over there support services. I feel highly respected and the team is happy to support me with my  NDIS goals around art and keeping my independence.

Right now the grass is not what I hoped for, but do I keep watering it and nurturing the grass in the hope I can revive it and enjoy rolling on it?  Or do I search for greener grass that may not be beyond my current supports?  Umm decisions . . .  

.
 

 

 

Life of Sorrow

 

Yes to Equality

 

I feel deeply grieved never in my life have I felt so missunderstood. My love and compassion mistaken as bigotry. I am deeply wounded that my words of support and attempts to plea against hate are judge at hate.  What is equality when my believes are invalidate and seen as out of date.  Denied my own religious freedom. Those who want their human rights appear with glee that mine are squashed.  These a people who I support, but at the same time want to hold true to my one personal beliefs.

 

I am voting YES to give all Australians the same rights under the marriage act.

 



 

However for most that is not enough and to the other side I am viewed as a trader. I am commanded by God to love, in the face of hate.  I have lost my right to post on my timeline.  I can not read others posts without profound sadness at the level of lies and hate hurled at those denied their rights wearing scars of wounded life. Our government had no right to put us in this position.  It should have a backbone to change the law.  Church and state are separate. Instead of blaming religion why not blame the government who put us all in that position.

 

YES TO LOVE AND FAIRNESS

 

Fear and despair, if I come to despise the world and feel gutted, worthless, out of date and invalided.  I struggle to go on hoping we come out granting EQUALITY.  I would hate to see the YES vote fail and this soul destroying exercise to be in vain. If I who has faith to hold on to feel life in pointless then how many have taken their lives because the don't have my strength?  How much blood do we have on our hands?  How many victims fallen into paralysing depression? And how many people like me fear to have an opinion.

 

To the PM I hope you are happy will this course of democracy? 

 

In memory of those who didn't survive the Peaside

 

and peace to those that do.

 

 

 



Freedom of speech

Conversation or to convert another person is to persuade another person or person's to your own way of thinking.  As a Christian we call the witnessing to our faith as commanded in Matthew 28: 18 to 20,  sharing my personal beliefs should not mean I need to justify what I believe or produce proof of a God.  

My faith is a personal relationship with the Christian God Head (Father, Son and Holy Sprit) and this relationship is very different to other Christians, to the point I prefer to call myself a follower of Christ.  My faith will never make a better person than anyone. That's the whole point of my faith, all are sinners, therefore no one on this earth can meet Gods standard.  Yes I base my beliefs on a 2000 year old text, but many parts on the manuscript are much older.  
 

I happy to explain this further, but not argue.  Freedom of speech gives me the right to express my views your right is to reject those views. God gave mankind the freedom to chose right from wrong. Let's face it! You don't want me to preach you, nor do I want to be told my beliefs and my religious text is out dated. That to me is as offensive as a NO vote is to some gay people.  

Why some see a NO vote as a personal rejection and judgement but don't accept my personal believes is for me judgemental. It's ok to say YES and its ok to say NO based on your beliefs.  To say otherwise is to reject the validity of another beliefs.  Sure like me you  give your argument but leave personal judgements and attacks out of a much needed debate.
 

I did not want a say until I took time to understand why same-sex marriage was a human rights issue.  I did not understand the marriage act nor the legal implications. Although same-sex marriage is not my idea of what a biblical marriage should be.  That is not the question.
 

The question is what is the legal definition, what should it be and how does the wording of that act give every individual the same protection under the state law.  God's law (which we all break) is no longer the same as the states laws.  This is what this vote is about - bringing all state and territories laws in to one, so all same sex couples have equal rights across Australia, that is what makes this a human rights issue.  

I thought a friend express these points well yesterday,

Some people may wonder why same-sex couples want marriage equality and why it is different to de facto relationships. Here are a few reasons why:
• A legal marriage offers equal protection under the law.
• With a legal marriage, you are immediately the next-of-kin.
• A legal marriage offers all the citizenship rights of The Constitution.
• A legal marriage is immediately valid, unlike de facto rights....
• A legal marriage offers immediate joint property and inheritance rights.
• A legal marriage offers undeniable rights to benefits and insurance.
• The rights of a partner in a legal marriage cannot be denied by blood relations.
• A legal marriage is a sworn, binding contract that can only be broken in a court of Family Law.
I know there are a lot of other things that are going to be discussed in this debate, but these are some of the practical reasons many would like this change. 

I not wanting to tell you how to vote.  Except I want you to vote according to you own convictions, without being judgemental by others. God is a God of Love, the only thing he hates is sin. He still loves the sinner. There is enough ‘hate’ and judgement in the world without politicalise the right to choose how to live. It might be different to my choice, but you should still have the same rights as others.

YES! To Love, NO! To judging others

Rolling on with the NDIS (My Journey)

 

A key aspect of my NDIS plan is living independently in my community. This includes things such as independent living, planning for my best life (health & wellbeing), building my visual art practise, and participate in the Ipswich arts community.

 

 

 

One of the key groups that will enable me to achieve my goals is Ipswich Arts Connect, over the weekend we participated in the first Ipswich Arts Festival. Which was a celebration of visual arts, story telling, poetry, music and performance. One of the activities I took part in that allowed me to market my  Ignite Artists Network   was Ipswich Rocks. 

Being involved is this activity allowed me to be creative; enjoyed exploring Ipswich parks, build my business networks and advertise. Each of these are core elements that will allow me to achieve my NDIS goals.

 

Rocks were located over the weekend

 

People who are finding my rocks are now discovering my business and supports I provide to local artists on the art journeys and hopefully enjoying my Disability Week's posts on local artists living with disabilities.  Hopefully next year we can host our own event as part of the FUSED festival.

 

 

HIDE *  FIND  * CLAIM PRIZE * REHIDE

 

See Ipswich Rocks on facebook 

 

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is designed to support people with disabilities to engage in their local communities through providing support with their daily living activities; support to access the community; mobility and medical aids; technology that improves independence; physical therapies and behaviour supports.

 

Participants now have greater choice about how they will achieve their goals and what works for their family units.  These choices involved:

 

• How they want to be supported
• Who (Service Provider) they want to support them
• Generic services such a cleaning services can now be accessed. 
• When they want to be supported. You may not want to go to bed at the same time every night. Some nights you might want a night on the town.
• Where to purchase your equipment
• How to manage your package.

 

I am partially self-managing my funds through a Plan Manager. It took a lot of work to initially, as I negotiated service agreements and established a weekly routine that would suit my current work commitments and enable me to get my artwork to galleries on time. Remember I wanted support to work around my art practise and  not my art practise around my supports and staff availability. 

 

I am currently producing a series of dolls to exhibit

around the theme of diversity and inclusion

to exhibit in 2018.

Now the agreements are established with my service providers, its just a matter of forwarding the invoices to my plan manager for payment. This has given me full control over what my weekly support looks like.

 

Sure 10 weeks on . . . things are still not in order and to be honest I am learning along side my providers. My support team is still not finalised and transport continues to be an issues. However I was not under the illusion that it would be otherwise. Transport and the associated costs has always been and issue and will continue to be until decision makers realise what it costs people with disabilities to travel from A to B.

Last week I travel from North Ipswich to the Ipswich Show grounds and back and didn't receive much change from $17.

Just before I joined as a NDIS participant, I has a reoccurrence a choric health condition so I am still feeling my way as  to what my new activity level will be.  Thus I anticipate more changes to my schedule ahead.  However, that is what a normal artistic life looks like.  
 

If I can give one tip:- it is life isn't going to stop while you transfer to the NDIS and setting up the support you want does consume a fair bit of time to get it all set up, so be prepare for those unexpected bumps in the road.

 

In terms of building my individual art practice this week a new group exhibition opens to the public at Aspire Gallery - Landscapes, Seascapes and Treescapes. 

 

  

As I continue to build on my doll collection.       

Community Living

 

I in 5 Queenslanders have a disability. Mine is very visible but many are less oblivious. Most of my readers are aware of my level of community participation, as an advocate for others living with disability one of my goals is to increase the participation rates of people living with disabilities in the Ipswich region. 

 

This many be though art, education, employment, volunteering, playing sport or other recreational activities. I believe the talents and the skills of people living with disabilities are the most under utilise skills set in the region.  Many people have skills to offer but society has established barriers that make our challengers more work.

 

I herd a interesting comment last week . . . but Debbie gets up our ramp all the time.  I keep reminding my friends . . . in terms of 'disability' I am a limited edition.  Not everyone who users a wheelchair can take the risks I take in using ramps that are not built to specification. It takes good core strength to tackle slopes and my poor body is feeling the effects of using footpaths over the FUSED festival weekend.

 

 

If I didn't have good core strength I couldn't do this 

 

Many refuse to tackle the obstacles I take on everyday as I build my art business.  And for many our footpaths pose to great risk. Even I am not keen to tackle this intersection today.

 

If we are to build participation rates of people with disabilities in the Ipswich region we need to work together to make our community more accessible and this goes beyond the physical challenges I face in getting to and from work.

 

We need to look at creating environments that are accessible to a whole range of disabilities, simple things such as lighting (flashing lights can set off seizures) or create visual harasses; noise can create a barrier for hearing impaired and those with sensory disabilities. Still the largest barrier for people with disabilities is social acceptance and the need for greater awareness of the nature of disability and challenging the social norm.

 

I encounter these daily as many believe my speech impairment points to a intellectual disability or maybe that's just sitting in a wheelchair or needing the assistance of a support worker.

 

However the attitude of I'll use the CBD when the footpaths are accessible. Doesn't help our caused either.

 

My challenge for Disability Action Week 2017 is to take 15 minutes to listen to the issues form another prospective. While participation rates are so low, he cost of improving access remain a valid challenge.  If council address physical access they want value for money.

 

Meantime I welcome any councillor who wants to walk the CBD with me, this disability action week, but just not today!