Community Voices Presentations in 2008

"A community where everyone, regardless of background or disability, feels welcome, included and supported"

On 3 April, a group of 34 Welfare TAFE students came to MDAA in Harris Park. George Ayoub from the Advocac y team talked to them about how MDAA supports people with disability from non English speaking backgrounds and their families and carers. Tony Shoushani, Community Voices (CV) member, explained about his work with MDAA Committee, TAFE trainings and how he learned to do public speaking with the CV Project. Tony also told his experiences using services and gave some practical tips to the future workers.

Susan Laguna from the Advocacy team and Luis from CV talked to TAFE welfare students at Meadowbanks on May 26. Hannen Abdallah (CV member) teamed up with Susan Laguna to talk about her story as a person with disability from a non English Speaking Background to welfare students at Meadowbanks TAFE on May 29. The students made a lot of questions and Hannen was very happy with the interest and comments she received on the day.

The CV members got together on 1 May to hold a Refresh Session (updating presentation skills and personal stories). We had the visit of Yvonne and Graeme from Aburn Council and also Markby and Liliane as guests. As a part of the day we held the Biggest Morning Tea (to raise funds for the Cancer Council) and we close with a light lunch that everyone enjoyed.

Carmelita Bongco (CV) was at the front of MDAA stall at the Filipino Information Day at Blacktown held on May 7. A lot of people came to talk to Carmelita and get information about what MDAA does. Again, on 19 June, Hannen (CV) teamed up with Susan (MDAA Advocacy Coordinator) to participate in a staff meeting at Canterbury MRC. Hannen enjoyed the day and the warm welcome from MRC staff.

On June 20, Luis (CV) went all the way to Northern Beaches TAFE and talked to a group of more than 50 Welfare Course Students about experiences of people with disability from non English Speaking Background and how MDAA works to support them and their families and carers in New South Wales.

Shu Chan (CV) talked to 15 Korean workers that came to visit MDAA. Susan and Viji from the Advocacy Team were also there to welcome the workers on 25 June. Our visitors were so happy to exchange experiences, they took a lot of pictures and presented Shu and MDAA with some presents they brought from Korea.

 

Luis and Hannen from the CV Project and Vanco and Gordana from the Advocacy Team participated in a round of information sessions for Carers celebrated in Sydney. The round was organised by the Australian Foundation for Disability (AFFORD) and the session were held 18 June at Summer Hill and on 24 June at Green Valley and the final session was held on 30 June at Canley Vale.

Patricia Berrutti, Carer/Family Support Coordinator AFFORD was in charge of organising the sessions. Thanks to Patricia for the invitation it is always nice to meet some of our valuables carers and their families.