Scope - Therapy, Training, Consultancy - Communication Resource Centre

Book Launch - Activities for Everyone

Book Review & Poem- by Melinda Smith

Mandy Williams, author of 'Activities for Everyone.

The Communication Resource Centre recently celebrated the completion of the book "Activities for Everyone- art and craft" The book launch was held at the Victorian Arts Centre on December 3rd 2003. Melinda Smith was the MC, presenting her perspective of the significance of the day - The International Day of People With a Disability.

Tonia Todman, art and craft guru, from Good Morning Australia, formally launched the book. After Melinda presented her poem, (see below) Tonia and Yolanda (Australian Idol contestant and Scope employee) demonstrated their creative skills to the delight of the audience.

The book is designed to be used by anyone, including people with disabilities. It includes many simple ideas to help disability support workers, teachers, therapists and families to assist people with complex needs to participate and enjoy the fun of creating their own masterpiece. The book was written by Mandy Williams, Occupational Therapist with the Communication Resource Centre.

For further information or contact the Communication Resource Centre on Tel: (03) 9843 2000 or email

Book Review & Poem- by Melinda Smith

"Activities for Everyone - art & craft"
I had the fun of reading this interesting book during the Christmas/ New Year break. It is certainly a book that will inspire you to be creative and imaginative, whatever your abilities. I like the sensory focused approach section that follows each activity. The ideas for smelling and tasting are very motivating and communicative. Being a woman with cerebral palsy, I like the idea of making something with paint, glue and a pair of scissors. Sometimes it can be frustrating to be restricted by equipment - but the book suggests alternate tools and adapted equipment to use. You will want to explore the many options given. Anything is possible! Anything is achievable with "Activities for Everyone - art & craft.

With A Difference - Melinda Smith

When I was a child I wanted to knit
I tried big needles
I tried weaving on a big loom
I made a few things
that fell apart

I used red scissors I could grip
But never could I cut a straight line
I sewed with pointless needles
Only to big sheets of Hessian
Never could I thread needles
I learned to sew with the longest threads of wool
I used too much glue, always running out
Making more things stick than I intended to
I was happy to try anything
Put in front of me
Thanks to my family
For introducing me to a world of

Creating things
With a difference

Now I am an adult
Excited by color, purples and greens
I don't care how long it takes me to grip my pencils
A rubber mat to steady my paper
I like the smell of paint and water, on the floor,
Music blaring in the background
My clothes stained with saliva
The picture I draw
Of someone

Who really is me

Doing art with a difference
Is an acceptable talent

(I have come to believe)

Melinda Smith