Scope in the media (2011)

December 2011

• Cole's big step up

Cole Birrell-Jarvis has been given the gift of walking, and his greatest Christmas wish is for other children to follow in his footsteps. Spokeswoman Kylie Payne said Scope hoped to raise $84,000 to give seven Victorian children the independence of walking. Courier Mail, 24 December 2011. Read full story. 

• Tidings of joy at Christmas

The greatest gifts this Christmas have already been received by some families in Victoria. Cole Birrell-Jarvis is now 12 and it is his selfless Christmas wish that other children similarlyafflicted can follow in his footsteps. He has a Hart walker provided by Scope. Herald Sun, 24 Dec 2011, Page 26. Read full story.

• Scope for festive cheer

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Westfield Plenty Valley, thanks to a young artist from Dandenong. Westfield invited children to enter Christmas drawings for the chance to display them on Westfield’s Christmas gift cards. Whittlesea Leader, 6 December 2011, Page 23, General News. Read full story.

• Disabilities celebrated

Bendigo will celebrate International Day for People with Disability today. Scope Loddon Mallee Regional Manager Mary Sullivan said people with a disability were like all Australians, having special talents, passions, abilities and dreams. Bendigo Advertiser, 3 December 2011, Page 7, General News. Read full story.

November 2011

• Help's on the menu

Ann Gaylard, from Cafe Escape in Parkdale, and Tim Cadusch, from Bundoora Park Cafe, have received certificates from Scope, in recognition of their efforts to provide access to people with communications disabilities. The cafes will display a communication access symbol. Melbourne Weekly Bayside, 30 November 2011, Page 6, General News. Read full story.

• Help's on the menu

Vikki Roberts, from Bundoora Park Cafe, is right behind the cafe's new communications access symbol – and so are its patrons. Northern Weekly, 29 November 2011, Page 10, General News. Read full story.

• Symbol to speak volumes

People with speech and communication difficulties are set to benefit from a new symbol expected to function like the universally recognised wheelchair access sign. The Age, 18 November 2011, National. Read full story. 

October 2011

• Narre Warren students get insight into disabilities

Students at Maramba Primary School are raising money for people with disabilities. Berwick Leader, 26 October 2011, Page 18, General News. Read full story.

• Working together for Troy

Lalor North Secondary College helped to support one of their own last month through Schools Week, part of the Scope See Me September campaign. Star (Wallan-Kilmore-Broadford), 4 October 2011, Page 3, Regional Changes - South. Read full story.

September 2011

• Challenging perceptions of living with a disability

What's it like to manoeuvre a wheelchair or eat with no hands or feet? How do you communicate when you can't hear? These are some of the areas schoolchildren around Victoria will be finding out this week when they come together for a one day conference to experience what it's like to live with a disability. ABC Radio National, 5 September 2011, Life Matters. Listen to story. 

August 2011

• Lessons in true courage

When Lynette Rowe was born without arms or legs, doctors warned her parents she would be lucky to survive six months. Ms Rowe is now 49. She and her parents have proved the doctors wrong and turned her tough start in life into an amazing success story. Ms Rowe worked for Scope and is a community educator with the Scope Young Ambassadors Program. She has turned her disability into a positive influence on the community. Herald Sun, 18 Aug 2011, Page 25, General News. Read full story.

• Helping hand for Ruby

Life with cerebral palsy will be a challenge for Ruby Francis, but the Better Start program will give her some much-needed help. Manningham Leader, 24 Aug 2011, Page 7, General News. Read full story.

• Bollywood dances into lives of residents and carers

Bollywood dance has left the big screen and made its way to Geelong. Asha Bollywood Dance's Asha Prasad said the style was beneficial for anyone with cognitive, sensory, neurological or mobility impairments. Scope Manifold coordinator Amanda Grant was full of praise for the program. Bellarine Independent, 26 Aug 2011, Page 9, General News.

• Scope See Me September Young Ambassadors Conference

The host talks about the Scope See Me September Young Ambassadors Conference. The host says John Hughes from MasterChef will be there and the CEO of Scope. 3CR, Melbourne Breakfast, 25 August 2011, 07:58AM.

• Lions give Jordan his freedom

Stawell Lions Club has helped a boy gain freedom and mobility for the first time. Jordan Schampers, 13, has Angelman syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disorder characterised by several symptoms including severe intellectual disability, speech impediments and an unstable jerky gait. His mother Linda heard about Scope's GoKids Mobility Advisory Service. Wimmera Mail Times, 26 Aug 2011, Page 1, General News.

• Scope tees up NDIS support

A special kind of morning tea was held in Brimbank to encourage the community to support a National Disability Insurance Scheme. DisabiliTEAs were held in Sydenham and St Albans as part of the Every Australian Counts campaign for the NDIS. Brimbank Leader, 30 Aug 2011, Page 14, General News.

• Women taking control

A support group in Chadstone is giving women with disabilities a voice. The Chadstone Women's Group, organised by Scope, meets once a month at Amaroo Neighbourhood House for activities and support. Malvern East resident Debbie Donald, who has cerebral palsy, said the group had become an important part of her life. Waverley Leader, 9 Aug 2011, Page 20, General News.

• Scheme promise has huge care factor

After 40 years of caring for her daughter, Toni, in her Croydon home, Judy Watkins is about to see her life turn around. She is welcoming the best news she's heard in years, the announcement of a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and crossing her fingers that after waiting on a list for more than 20 years, Toni also looks set to move into a residential care facility in Chadstone. Maroondah Leader, 16 Aug 2011, Page 1, General News. Read full story.

• It's all about inclusion

To celebrate National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week, Scope is asking Australians to make their community more inclusive, more accessible and more welcoming for people living with cerebral palsy. John Hughes of MasterChef fame is a perfect example of how people living with cerebral palsy make valuable contributions to society. Bay Post, 5 August 2011, Page 34, General News.

• Support can make a big difference

National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week reminds us as a community that we could be more inclusive, more accessible and more welcoming for people living with cerebral palsy. Bendigo resident Christopher Loveless is a 41-year-old who has spastic quadriplegia, a form of cerebral palsy. He attends Scope in Bendigo and has done so since 1974. His favourite activities are computers, cooking and art. Bendigo Advertiser, 5 Aug 2011, Page 8, General News. Read full story.

July 2011

• Scope for creativity

An exhibition featuring the works of artists with a disability has opened in Moorabbin. Kaleidoscope, which showcases the work of 21 Scope artists, opened at the Kingston Arts Centre last Thursday. Moorabbin Leader, 6 Jul 2011, Page 18, General News.

• Pumped for balloon footy

Players were on the ball at Maroondah Indoor Sports Centre to trial balloon football. The sport follows the AFL rules but with the football replaced by a weather balloon and the competitors using a wheelchair to move around a basketball court. Maroondah Leader, 28 Jun 2011, Page 17, General News. Read full story.

• Taking shot at the new

People with disabilities were given a sporting chance last week. Scope's community inclusion and development team in partnership with Whitehorse Council and Eastern Recreation and Leisure Service staged the sporting festivities. Hundreds of families flocked to the event to attempt archery, fencing, soccer, tennis, netball, gymnastics and tai chi. Whitehorse Leader, 29 Jun 2011, Page 14, General News. Read full story.

June 2011

• Ling gets behind Scope fundraising

As captain of the Cats, Cameron Ling is used to a warm welcome wherever he goes in Geelong. But even he was taken aback with the reception he got when he walked into Scope's Shannon Park Industries yesterday.
Geelong Advertiser, 25 Jun 2011, Page 24, General News.

• The child for life

Give a thought to those looking after disabled children into adulthood. For most parents, life becomes easier when their children grow up. Though many now leave home much later than we did, they will be off our hands, eventually. Some parents, however, will never have the luxury of parenting from afar, occasionally enjoying grandchildren and handing them back at the end of the day. Herald Sun, 18 Jun 2011, Page 23, Weekend.

April 2011

• Working with children who have autism

The Scope Loddon Mallee Autism Team is dedicated to supporting individuals and families who live with autism. "The team finds working with children who have autism to be very rewarding. They enjoy the diversity of the work, and the challenges of discovering what works best for the child and their family," said Mary Sullivan, Scope' s Loddon Mallee regional manager. Bendigo Miner, 21 Apr 2011, Page 26, General News.

• Wheel in and have a ball indoors

The North West Region Wheelchair Soccer League, run by Scope, the Football Federation of Victoria and the Access For All Abilities program, holds indoor matches where teams of five people, including a goalie, play across two 20-minute halves. Hume Leader, 26 Apr 2011, Page 5, General News. Read full story.

• Fiery memories

A Warranwood artist offers a glimpse into his reflections in his entry for the Kaleidoscope exhibition and competition at Maroondah Art Gallery. Bill Murray took out second place with his acrylic painting Fire – In Memory of Dad. Kaleidoscope is an initiative of Scope. Maroondah Weekly, 26 Apr 2011, Page 9, General News. Read full story.

• Fun on wheels as game gathers pace

Wheelchair soccer is rolling into Hume, giving people with a disability the chance to get involved in community sport. The Wheelchair Soccer League in the northwest is run by Scope, the Football Federation of Victoria and
the Hume and Whittlesea Access for all Abilities program. Hume Weekly, 26 Apr 2011, Page 5, General News. Read full story.

• Garden to nurture the senses

Scope Outworks in St Albans has been treated to a garden makeover, courtesy of local hardware staff. The garden has been turned into a sensory garden that people supported by Scope can go to throughout the day. Brimbank Leader, 19 Apr 2011, Page 8, General News. Read full story.

• Winning artist inspired by his dad

An award-winning Warranwood artist with cerebral palsy says his late father pushed him to pick up a paintbrush. Bill Murray won second prize for his painting 'Fire' in the Kaleidoscope art competition organised by Scope. Manningham Leader, 13 Apr 2011, Page 33, General News. Read full story.

• Pat's pedal power makes difference

For Pat Lourey and his mates, raising money for a good cause is just like riding a bike - even after 15 years, you never forget how to do it. The Bushrangers raise much-needed funds for Scope and the Brocka Avenue Respite Centre. Geelong Advertiser, 2 April 2011, Page 8, General News. 

March 2011

• Heartless thieves target disabled

A disabled man robbed twice in three months has been forced to consider the extreme step of chaining his wallet to his wheelchair. Scope Chief Executive Diana Heggie said attacks on people with a disability were becoming more common. Herald Sun, 22 March 2011, Page 18, General News. Read full story.

• Laura takes her first public walk 

A Moonee Ponds school has helped a four-year-old Keilor Downs girl walk in public for the first time, after raising thousands of dollars for a hi-tech aid. The school pledged to buy Laura a walking aid after being introduced to her in June last year, through its involvement with disability service provider Scope. Brimbank Leader, 29 Mar 2011, Page 7, General News. Read the full story and watch the video.

• New hope for Gabby

Seven year old Gabby is just like every other grade one student. The Beveridge girl, who has cerebral palsy and epilepsy, is doing well at Beveridge Primary School, making new friends and discovering a love of maths. Scope said a National Disability Insurance Scheme would help people like Gabby as they grow older. Sunbury Leader, 8 March 2011, Page 14, General News.

• Daily struggle to cope

A Heidelberg West family, already struggling to care for a disabled daughter, has copped a severe blow with the main breadwinner suffering a stroke. The family are also going to have to replace their van, which they use to take Alice to her five weekly visits to disability service Scope. Heidelberg Leader, 8 March 2011, Page 9, General News. Read full story.

• Insurance for disabled

Like many mothers looking after a child with disabilities, Angela Clarke worries about her daughter's future. When Rachel was just six months old, she was diagnosed with a rare birth defect that stopped her brain from fully forming,
leaving Ms Clarke's youngest daughter with cerebral palsy. Scope has joined the push for a national disability insurance scheme. Waverley Leader, 8 Mar 2011, Page 9, General News.

• Family banks on relief

Despite being in their late 60s, Gay and Noel Smith are still looking after their profoundly disabled son, Carl. But the Smiths hope that could change with the introduction of a national disability insurance scheme (NDIS), which would provide for the needs of all Australians with disabilities. Planning for such a scheme is still in its infancy, with a draft report being released by the Productivity Commission. Scope backed the report. Manningham Leader, 9 March 2011, Page 7, General News. 

• Mum joins cover bid

A Noble Park mother has joined a growing national campaign to introduce a disability insurance scheme. Penny O'Connell's son, Jacob, is one of only 500 people in the world diagnosed with Phelan McDermid syndrome. Scope said a scheme would help the families and carers of the disabled. Moorabbin Leader, 9 March 2011, Page 4, General News.

• Scope for insurance

One of Victoria's major disability support groups has joined the campaign to introduce a national insurance scheme for the sector. Scope has lent its voice to the growing national campaign for disability insurance. "The scheme would provide assistance to all people with a significant disability, no matter how their disability was acquired," Scope Chief Executive Diana Heggie said. Preston Leader, 8 Mar 2011, Page 15, General News.

• Upfront with disability

A Nunawading family says more support is needed for their daughter who manages life tasks without limbs. The Productivity Commission's draft report into Long Term Care and Support for People with a Disability provides a solution. Whitehorse Leader, 9 March 2011, Page 8, General News. Read full story.

• As life rolls by ... scheme has Scope for Glen Iris woman

Glen Iris resident Joanne Van Den Eynden has cerebral palsy and says a national disability insurance scheme would greatly help her manage the "unpredictable" costs of running a chin-controlled electric wheelchair, which she relies on for mobility. Stonnington Leader, 8 March 2011, General News. Read full story.  

• Students leap at chance to volunteer

Year 9 students at Patterson River Secondary College are connecting with the community under an innovative program that combines education with community work. Activities run at the school include working as Scope Young Ambassadors. Frankston Weekly, 8 March 2011, Page 8, General News.

• New hope on disabilities

Williamstown's Karen Stewart hopes a campaign by disability support group Scope to introduce a national disability insurance scheme will help her do more of the things she loves. Hobsons Bay Leader, 8 March 2011, Page 9, General News. Read full story.

• Cover call for disabled

Glenroy resident Lee-Anne Mackie is 39, enjoys shopping, the theatre, dinner with her friends and is a normal, sociable person. But sometimes Ms Mackie cannot go out when she wants to. She has cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair, cannot speak and cannot go anywhere without a carer, with one not always available due to funding limitations. Ms Mackie lives in a community residential unit run by Scope. Scope is campaigning for the introduction of a national disability insurance scheme to provide lifetime funding for people with disabilities. Moreland Leader, 7 March 2011, Page 9, General News. Read full story.

• Group seeks support

A Noble Park mother has joined a growing national campaign to introduce a disability insurance scheme. Scope is leading a campaign for a no-fault insurance scheme that would provide people with disabilities with funding for care, support, therapy and equipment. Mordialloc Chelsea Leader, 7 March 2011, Page 13, General News. Read full story.

• Bruce keeps fish sweet

A community minded man who enjoys helping young patients smile through his ongoing voluntary work at the Dandenong Hospital, recently received a Holt Australia Day Community Service Award for his contributions. "Our most recently completed project, completed on behalf of Scope, was a front fence and a gate for a family in Hampton Park who have an autistic child," Mr McLennan said. Pakenham News, 3 March 2011, Page 120, General News. Read full story.

February 2011

• Bombers fly up

The Essendon Football Club ended a Community Camp Tour with a visit with Scope clients. Bendigo Weekly, 11 February 2011, Page 23, General News. Read full story.

• Bombers scope out Bendigo

Essendon forward David Zaharakis says the Bombers' goal for season 2011 is simply to improve. Zaharakis, who joined his team-mates at Scope Bendigo on Tuesday, said he thought Essendon's connection with the Bendigo community was important to the club and that the Community Camp visits to Scope were valuable experiences. Bendigo Miner, 10 February 2011, Page 6, General News. Read full story.

• Essendon winds up dizzying trip

A whirlwind visit by Essendon Football Club players and staff to Bendigo and district wound up yesterday. Day two in the AFL club's community camp included visits to Our Place in Eaglehawk, Eaglehawk North Primary School, Eaglehawk Secondary College and Scope Victoria. Bendigo Advertiser, 9 Feb 2011, Page 53, General News.

January 2011

• Up And Away bounds into contention for $96,000 cup

One happy ending isn't enough for Yambuk greyhound owners Torn and Ann Sinnott, who tonight race Up And Away for a spot in the Adelaide Cup. Up And Away boasts an exceptional record of 11 wins from 15 starts, including victory in the Laurels Classic (515m) at Sandown. Scope Manifold Heights has earned $15,000 from Up And Away. Warrnambool Standard, 13 January 2011, Page 26, General News.

• African wildlife experience a cause for celebration

More than 60 people with a disability got a taste of African adventure without travelling thousands of kilometres to get there. International Day of People with a Disability was celebrated last month, with not-for-profit organisation Scope and Wyndham Council arranging a group trip to Werribee Open Range Zoo. Wyndham Leader, 4 Jan 2011, Page 3, General News. Read full story.

• Bate's star makes it a straight eight

Up And Away snared the Great Chase series at The Meadows representing Scope and, as a reward, the organisation will get the equivalent of 10 per cent of Up And Away's prize money for 12 months. Sun Herald, 2 Jan 2011, Page 45, Sport. Read full story.

• Laurels a win for Scope

Scope Manifold Heights picked up another $5000 when flying greyhound Up And Away won the Group 1 Laurels Classic at Sandown on Thursday. Geelong Advertiser, 1 Jan 2011, Page 55, General News. Read full story.