INABILITY POSSABILITY INC. CHRONOLOGY OF ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS
Working interdependently with Young People with ABI requiring high
levels of care
February
2001
Jenny Scott, Chris Nolan's dance and movement therapist, asked Chris,
who acquired a brain injury in 1996, if he would like to take part in the 2001
Federation Day Parade. Chris gave a long blink for "Yes" and a group
formed which made a successful application to Arts Access to participate in as
one of six Disability groups in the Parade. That group: Chris, Jenny, Eileen McCormack, Megan
Atkins, Keith Storace, Bernard Ryan and Mary Nolan met several times to plan
how to represent Young People with Acquired Brain Injury living in Nursing
Homes. They defined their central message as INABILITY POSSABILITY. They set out to design and build a
float with the grant of $1000 provided by Arts Access Victoria. The float was
designed to convey the message that we can do better for young people with ABI,
who are isolated and out of sight in aged care facilities.
6 May
2001
Before a crowd of 300,000 people, Chris, Wayne and Colleen, young people
with an ABI, in wheelchairs led their float in the Melbourne Federation Day
Parade. The core team, calling
themselves Inability Possability, was assisted on the day by family and friends
and in all they numbered 23 people for the parade.
June
2001
The group, moved by the isolation of young people in nursing homes, and
inspired by the support for their cause that they encountered through the float
building experience, continued to meet and take on other projects to help young
people with ABI requiring nursing home levels of care have 'voice' and a better
life. Inability Possability started fund raising with the dream of a tandem
recliner bike for YPINH with ABI.
10 August
2001
A 'Jazz Concert' was the first fund raising event and raised $300.
September
2001
Inability Possability became incorporated after deciding that they would
have more success fund raising and applying for grants if they were an
incorporated entity. A Constitution was prepared and they defined their
Statement of Purposes.
September
2001
A Consortium for YPINH (including those with ABI) began. The Consortium comprises people concerned about young people in nursing homes, including representatives from: MS Society, Melbourne City Mission, and family members and friends. Mary Nolan, a member of Inability Possability, is a founding member of that Consortium. The Consortium ran a very successful pre election campaign including a strong email campaign. Labor, Democrats and Greens included YPINH in policy. Labor and Democrats launched their Disability policy in Melbourne. (Links were also established with other states and the Head Injury Council of Australia). Inability Possability supported the Consortium.
October
2001
Federal Election - Flushed with their success, the Consortium began
planning a National Summit about the issue of YPINH, scheduled for May 2002. Inability
Possability supported the Consortium, in designing the logo and letterhead for
the Consortium. The latter part of 2001 was dotted with occasional
opportunities to give profile to the cause of ABI and Young People in Nursing
Homes (YPINH), including a segment aired on the ABC 7:30 Report.
10
October 2001
Mary Nolan and Eileen McCormack presented a paper at the VCOSS
Conference about YPINH with ABI.
December
2001
Chris Nolan's story was featured in Thompsons Real Estate Magazine in
November. In December 2001. It was chosen as one of the best stories for 2001
and Thompsons made a donation of $500 to further the work of Inability
Possability.
19
December 2001
Inability Possability had discussed the isolation of YP with ABI and
families and carers of young people in nursing homes and agreed to support Mary
Nolan in giving opportunity for such a group to meet. Mary Nolan forwarded a
letter of invitation to relevant bodies working with young people with ABI in
nursing homes. The letter identified the isolation of young people living in
nursing homes (and their families and friends) and invited them to a meeting on
20 January 2002 to share their experiences, develop a communication network and
to be a stronger voice to bring about change where it was needed.
20
January 2002
25 people attended the first meeting for Young People with Acquired
Brain Injury Requiring Nursing Home Levels of Care and their Family and Friends
meeting, There were a further 41 apologies from invitees who could not make it
on the day. Stories were shared. Hopes were recorded. The meeting ultimately
resolved to remain in contact and form 'The Association'.
Jan to
October 2002
Inability Possability assisted with the hosting of the meetings of the
Association throughout 2002, preparing the agendas, recording and sending out
the minutes, and keeping them informed of events surrounding the issue of YPINH
with ABI.
March
2002
Following a one-page article appearing in The Age about Young People in
Nursing homes, several people associated with Inability Possability and The
Association wrote letters to the Editor, and fives of the letters were
published.
April/May
2002
Inability Possability and The Association members assisted in a campaign
to increase awareness in politicians and the community about the YPINH issue in
readiness for both the National Summit on YPINH and the forthcoming negotiation
of the Commonwealth, State and Territories Disability Funding Agreement. Some
members of the Association provided case studies to the print, radio and
television media. Print: The Age
(Gary Tippet) 5/3/02; The Australian (Richard Yallop) 22/4/02; Melbourne Times
(Alison Dean) 24/4/02; Radio:
Community Radio 3 CR 10/4/02, 16/4/02 23/4/02; ABC Radio Gippsland Morning Show
5 minutes 2/5/02; Life Matters Radio National (Geraldine Doogue) 9 Minutes
1/5/02; Television: 7.30 Report
ABCTV (Natasha Johnson) 7 Minutes 1/5/02.
2 May
2002
'National Summit on Young People in Nursing Homes' organized by the
Consortium for YPINH Members of Inability Possability assisted with the
organisation and operation of a very successful Summit at the Hotel Sofitel,
Melbourne. 180 participants
attended from every state and territory in Australia. Mary Nolan was a keynote
speaker presenting 'The Human Experience'. There was agreement on a Call for
Action, which included the formation of a National Advocacy Alliance. 'still the doors are open - writings of
life' a book of stories from and of young people with ABI, families and
friends was published by Inability Possability and launched at the Summit.
Copies were given to all 180 participants at the Summit. Many of the contributions for the
publication came from members of The Association and Inability Possability.
This book, designed and produced by member Megan Atkins and funded by an
anonymous donation, is a very useful tool in giving voice to the experience of
Young People with ABI in Nursing Homes, their families and friends, and
educating those unaware of the issue.
25 May
2002
Inability Possability conducted a trash and treasure stall at Camberwell
market and raised a further $650 toward their plan to purchase an appropriate
bike to give young ABI sufferers who would normally be confined to wheel
chairs, theopportunity to have some broader life experiences.
26 May
2002
Several members of Inability Possability attended the inaugural meeting
to give support to the formation of the National Advocacy Alliance for YPINH in
Melbourne.
July 2002
Two IP members had letters published in The Age Good Weekend, and were contacted by friends of YP with ABI from NSW. Cath Dwyer from Triple J Radio recorded for a program on Young People in Nursing Homes, with Chris Nolan, his frineds and 3 members in Inability Possability taking part. The 16 minute program went to air on the Triple J Morning Show on 24/07/02 and was re-played on Radio National 'Life Matters' on 25/07/02.
August/September 2002
Inability Possability, assisted by Carolyn Atkins, worked to define goals and a formulated strategic plan. They also designed a promotional and information 'flyer' for the group.
September 2002
Brain Injury Awareness Day Prahran - ten years on from the MICCHI Report, a landmark study into ABI, the original MICCHI panel was present to look at progress 1991 - 2002. Three IP members attended.
December 2003
Inability Possability member, Kieth Storace, completed his Honours thesis, 'Quality of Life of YP with ABI living in Nursing Homes: Contribustion of Social Support and Psychological Wellbeing'. This research compares the quality of life of young people with ABI living in nursing homes with young people with ABI living in other situations.
Twenty peple from Inabilty Possability and the Family and Friends Association attended a meeting wth Dr Chris Fyffe, a member of the Grimwood group, which also includes Kris Honey and Jeff McCubbery. THe group was commissioned by Disability Services DHS to report on YP with ABI in NH (as promised by the State Goverment Acquired Brain Injury Strategic Plan of 2000).
The Family and Friends Association is now incontact with 27 young people with ABI requiring high levels of care across urban and rural Victoria. Most of these young people and their families and friends experienced isolation before the formation of the association.
December 2002
Mary Nolan, a member of Inability Possablity, received a commendation in the Community SEction of the Human Rights Awards for her work in the area of young people with an ABI.
March 2003
A Camberwell Market stall organised by Eileen McCormack and Jacinta Coulston raised over $700.00.
Family and Friends association meeting in North Fitzroy.
May 2003
Inability Possability were successful in a submission to the Art of Difference Festival at Gasworks Arts Park. They commissioned an artist to work with a YPINH with an ABI to produce an artowrk in response to the young person and their experiences. This was the first time a project of this nature had been undertaken.
Recumbent Bike Project: members of Inability Possability met with Heather and Ian Safstrom to test a recumbent bike.
June 2003
The Family and Friends Association met with Chris Fyfe to hear a summary of the outcomes of the report into young people with ABI living in nursing homes.
Inability Possability were successful in obtaining a funding grant from the RE Ross Trust to purchase a computer for the organisation and develop a website.
Inability Possability participated in the co-ordination of the National Conference on Young People in Nursing Homes held at the Hyatt in Melbourne. Three members of IP presented a paper at the conference on the work of INability Possability under the theme of Momentum: Advocacy and Moving Forward.
August 2003
Inability Possability purchased a computer and printer with a grant from the RE Ross Trust.
Inability Possability met with Dominion Private Clients to discuss how the company and Inability Possablity can work together.
September 2003
Inability Possability facilitated a meeting of the Family and Friends Association, with Heather Lawson from HDG Consulting who is preparing a report to review the Slow to Recover Program, a program which many young people with an ABI are funded by.
Clayton Utz Solicitors prepared Copyright Documents and an Insurance REview for Inability Possability pro bono. Our thanks go to Clayton Utz for their support.
Inability Possability received a grant from the Lord Mayors Fund to produce display panels to be used at conferences and fundraising events.
October 2003
An Inability Possability member has a letter published in the Age Good Weekend magazine on the barriers faced by young people with ABI living as interdependent members of the community.
Inability Possablity receives a grant from the Good Shepherd Sisters and an anonymous donation to assist in publishing a second editioin of 'still the doors are open - writings of life'.
November 2003
Inability Possability writes to all City of Yarra councilors in preparation for their Aged Care Crisis Forum.
Inability Possability received a donation of T-Shirts and Vests from DM Promotions.
December 2003
Members of Inability Possability ran a raffle at the Meredith Music Festival to raise funds for the Bike Project.
Inability Possability launched their website at www.inabilitypossability.org.au
January 2004
Inability Possability assisted the YPINH Consortium with the design of a brochure, postcard and logo for the Labour Party Conference in Sydney
February 2004
Inability Possability submitted an eight page response on behalf of the Young People with ABI Family and Friends Association to the Acquired Brain Injury Slow to Recover Review. This review was commissioned by the State Government. The report was prepared with feedback from members of the Family and Friends Association from a meeting held in early February, attended by Merilee Cox from Headway Victoria. Copies of the response are available.
March 2004
Inability Possability members had a stall at the Camberwell Market to raise funds for the Bike Project.
Inability Possability members called into the Radio National Program 'Australia Talks Back' to discuss the social impact of young people with ABlliving in nursing homes.
April 2004
Inability Possability designed and produced display panels with through a donation from the Lord Mayors Fund and Taylor Made Signs.
Inability Possability produced and launched the second edition of the book 'still the doors are open - writings of life' and a brochure on the organisation. The evening was a great success both in attendance and distribution of the book. It is an effective means to allow people's stories to be told and keep awareness of the issue of young people living in nursing homes at the fore. This booklet is a compilation of writings from a diverse range of people. All have been profoundly affected by ABI, either personally or as a family member, friend or professional. Thank you to all those who contributed.
May 2004
Dominion Private Clients take on IP as pro bono clients
July 2004
Senate Community Affairs References Committee Inquiry into Aged Care. Young people living in Aged Care Facilities were included in the Terms of Reference in the recent Senate Community Affairs References Committee inquiry into aged Care. 196 submissions were received from all around Australia. To view a complete list of submissions, please visit the website: http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/clac_ctte/aged_care04/submissions/sublist.html
September 2004
In September film maker Rob McCafferty and his brother Beau and cousin Sean Kelly along with amateur actors Chris Nolan, Marcus Downey, Matt High and Gregor Peele made a short film to help raise awareness of the issue of young people with an ABI who live in nursing homes. In our lobbying of politicians, bureaucrats and service providers we will include this DVD along with our letters or submissions. It is approximately 2 minutes and has a strong impact.
IP launch the DVD "Dirty Old Town'. This film was produced and funded by IP with Rob and Bequ McCafferty and Sean Kelly from Redlands Media. The film is to promote this issue of young people with ABI living in nursing homes.
October 2004
Inability Possability further developed their website adding additional information and links.
November 2004
Inability Possability is supporting a group of people working on suitable accommodation options for a young person with ABl living in a nursing home.
December 2004
As some of you will be aware Chris Nolan was one of the founding members of the Meredith Music Festival. 2004 saw another successful MMF and with the support of the organizers Matt High and Gregor Peele and the Nolan family, Inability Possability used the festival magazine as a place for the issue of young people with ABI message to be put out there amongst other young people. Inability Possability also use the festival to raise funds by running a raffle and in doing this we get to talk to young people and tell of Chris' story and others like him who lives the reality of life in a nursing home. We were amazed at the empathy and sense of injustice this issue arouses in the young people we talk to as we sold the tickets and gave out information pamphlets.
May 07 2006
Family and Friends Association meeting in North Fitzroy
August 2006
Inability Possability made a submission to the Senate Community Affairs References Committee inquiry into the Funding and Operation of the Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement. IP was invited to give evidence to the enquiry.
October 29 2006
Family and Friends Association meeting in North Fitzroy
June 2007
Family and Friends Association meeting in North Fitzroy
October 14 2007
Family and Friends Association meeting in North Fitzroy
February 2008
Inabiltiy Possability held a fundraiser at the Westgarth Cinema showing the movie The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, about 'locked in' syndrome. Over 100 people attended the event.
August 2008
Inability Possabilty fund a research document into 'Eight years of nutrition intervention for a young person with an acquired brain injury' carried out by Food Physics.
October 2008
Inability Possability made a submission to the Victorian Government Family and Community Development Committee Inquiry on the Provision of Support Accommodation for Victorians with a Disability or Mental Illness to represent the views and needs of young people with severe ABI.
December 2008
Inability Possability made a submission to the Federal, State and Territory Government National Disability Strategy to represent the views and needs of young people with severe ABI.
December 2008
IP designed and funded the printing of a report 'ABI - A socio-medical model of care' written by the 'What Does Chris Want' Group. The report is a socio-medical model for the care of young people with severe acquired brain injury, and is the first of its kind.
February 2009
IP became a partner organization in the Building Better Lives Initiative with the Summer Foundation
March 2009
IP funded of the second print run of the WDCW report 'ABI - A socio-medical model of care'.
May 2009
Reproduction of IP poems in the September 09 issue of Synapse magazine published by the Brain injury Association of Queensland.
June 28 2009
Family and Friends Association meeting Brunswick
October 18 2009
Family and Friends Association meeting Brunswick
October 2009