| As the figures show, 148 people with disabilities
and their family members were supported to attend the conference.
Support included reduced fees, assistance with travel and accommodation,
provision of equipment and aids, employment of support workers,
provision of attendant care for family members, and allocation of
45 full fee bursaries. However there were an additional 16 family
members who requested financial assistance that we could not afford
to assist at the time (these were mainly requests for assistance
with travel from regional and remote areas).
192 people attended from rural and remote areas across Australia
including participants from Thursday Island, Mount Isa and Broome.
More than a third of people came from interstate and New Zealand.
Presenters
Across the three days of the conference there were 25 formal
presenters. Of these:
- 8 were people with disabilities (these disabilities included
both intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities)
- 8 family members (parents and siblings)
- 2 were international experts in their field
- 3 were from rural and regional areas (including Broome, WA;
Townsville and Innisfail Qld)
- 1 was from a non-English speaking background
In addition to this, as part of the conference an “Idea
Expo” was held, with presentations by 11 organisations from
across Australia. Of these two were from outside Qld and another
three were from rural and regional areas in Qld. Many of these
Expo presenters were people with disabilities and family members.
Conference Outcomes
All conference participants received an evaluation form. 108
evaluation forms were returned to CRU by participants. In addition
to this formal feedback we have also received informal feedback
through face-to-face conversation, letters, phone calls, cards
and emails.
Whilst there were minor suggestions for improvement regarding
administration and the venue, the overwhelming feedback was that
the conference was a very positive and valuable experience for
people. In particular participants commented upon the extent to
which the conference provided:
- Inspiration
- Analysis
- Information/Practical advice
- Deepening of understanding
- Connections to the people and to the movement
- The honour and privilege of hearing people’s life experiences
The Book
CRU is has completed developing the papers into book and has been
published early in 2004. The book is called "Like a Sweet
Cup of Tea: Shared Lives, Neighbourhoods and Communities and is
now available for purchase for $32.50. |
papers
