THE Geelong branch of the National Council of Women Victoria (NCWV) will host its 81st annual luncheon later this month.<\/p>\n
The function, which has the theme “Parenting with a disability”, is open to all women and men to listen to and meet Emelia Young, the keynote speaker.<\/p>\n
Ms Young’s research and multidisciplinary work saw her receive the Minister’s Award for Outstanding Leadership in 2018 for the development of a specialty area that incorporates occupational therapy and maternity care, through nurturing independence and support of the growing number of young parents with disabilities.<\/p>\n
She was also nominated and received a commendation award for the Excellence in Promoting Health, Housing and Wellbeing category for her contribution to the program.<\/p>\n
In Australia, a significant number of children live with parents who have disabilities. About 15 per cent of children aged 0 to 14 live with one or both parents with a disability.<\/p>\n
These parents face various challenges including societal barriers, outdated stereotypes, and lack of accessible resources and supports.<\/p>\n
They often face open discrimination when people assume that having a disability affects someone\u2019s ability to be a competent parent.\\<\/p>\n
Parents with disability are highly capable and bring unique strengths to parenting. Many of the skills they have developed in navigating a world not always designed for them – such as creativity, adaptability, ingenuity, and problem-solving – make them exceptional parents.<\/p>\n
Ms Young said being able to support new families before and after the birth of their babies through the one-of-a-kind program in Victoria was a privilege for her and for disability service provider Yooralla.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are striving for equality in our society and that requires giving people access to the right type of supports to enable independence and participation in everyday life.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis includes providing information, support and equipment to parents with a disability. When these are implemented, parents thrive caring for their child and feel empowered.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ms Young works every day to assess and implement strategies and equipment for people with disability, to increase their participation and engagement in meaningful everyday activities.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen parents feel supported, their stress and anxiety around parenting is reduced, and they therefore have a more positive experience in the early stages at home with their baby,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is why I am passionate about continuing this program.”<\/p>\n
The NCWV Geelong branch luncheon will take place at “The Pecten” within the Shell Club, corner of Bacchus Marsh and Purnell roads, Corio, on June 30 from noon.<\/p>\n
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THE Geelong branch of the National Council of Women Victoria (NCWV) will host its 81st annual luncheon later this month. The function, which has the theme “Parenting with a disability”, is open to all women and men to listen to and meet Emelia Young, the keynote speaker. Ms Young’s research and multidisciplinary work saw her […]<\/p>\n