Feeling Frustrated

I just got a phone call from Centrelink asking if I had submitted some forms that they needed me to fill out in regards to the Carers Allowance I receive for Brodie. Apparently they never got them. I went into the Centrelink office in Warragul on June 14th and GAVE them to one of the workers there. She stamped it and said that they would send it to the Disability Services section.

I asked the person who phoned me to chase it up. He said that he will send me of another copy of the forms today. If I don't hear back from him I am to fill out the new form.

I am kicking myself that I didn't make a copy of the forms. I swear Centrelink will do my head in one day.

Ambassador Program

Yesterday afternoon I went to the GETT Centre in Traralgon (where Brodie goes to TAFE for 2 and a half days a week) so that I could participate in a short course called the Ambassador Program.  Basically it's a program to help young people with disabilities and their parent(s) develop skills & confidence to help them speak publicly and tell their story about their life.

As an ambassador we will be expected to participate in some form of public speaking. From what we learnt today the first group spoke to schools, ADASS (a group for people with disabilities that live in our Shire) and some other groups that I can't think of right.


We got to meet a couple of kids from the last course & their Mums. They spoke to us telling how much they enjoyed the course and what they are now moving on to since completing the course last year. 

This program should be interesting. It's meant to bring us out of our shell. If yesterday was anything to go by I really don't think that is necessary for Brodie. He was the loudest person there and definitely made sure that he was heard. He was also class clown but that's my boy for you!  I wonder what skills he will walk away with after this program .. only time will tell right.

Future Options Expo

Brodie & I went to a Future Options Expo (the info on the site is from last year) this morning in Morwell. Basically it's where a variety of community organisations get together so that parent, schools, carers, youth/students can see what is available to help young adults with disabilities. Whether its to help them get a job, learn life skills or even further their education.

some of the pamphlets we collected

Brodz was very reluctant to go but I made him come. He handled it quite well. In fact he was busy socialising with quite a few people he knew. Kids he knew from Interchange or TAFE through to teachers and an aide he had in High School. I think he was glad I dragged him out of the house.

It was pretty helpful but I was slightly disappointed. There was one service I wanted to talk to but there weren't there today which was a shame. I can't even think of their name right now but I will talk to Miss G. at Brodie's school. I am sure that she will have the contact details I need.

I like the idea of Brodie being associated with Mawarra especially their vocational training program and the catering company that they have. Brodie loves working with food so that is at least one option we can explore.

I have a lot of pamphlets to go and read. I take Brodz up to his school tomorrow so I might see if I can talk with Miss G (the Special Ed. teacher) and let her know how things went today. We probably need a meeting again at any rate.

The Paediatrician, Our Bishop & Disability Services

I meant to write about this the other day but hadn't gotten around to it. I took Brodie to see the paediatrician last week for a check up and for him to fill in some forms for Centrelink. Anyway while we were there Michael said that Brodie has made some fantastic changes over the past few years. All in a positive way. It made me feel good to know that things for Brodie are moving in the right direction and that people can see the differences.

Yesterday while at Church our Bishop asked to see me. Mostly to for our tithing settlement but he wanted to catch up too because he hadn't seen me much for a while. That's mostly because I haven't always been well enough to go each week. Bishop mentioned that he had spoken with the Young Men's President about Brodie, well all the kids really, but he said how they both thought Brodie has come a long way since they first met him back in 2006.

Bishop explained that he is able to have a decent conversation with Brodie now without him getting angry & frustrated. He also stated that when he first met him it was easier to talk to a brick wall (to be honest I used to think that way about the boys father).

He also said that I have done a wonderful job in raising both boys. Of course I said it was a team effort and that there have been a lot of people involved and it has been a lot of hard work on everyone's part. I did remember to say thank you :)

I know I have said this already but it sure is good to know that people can see the huge difference in Brodie. They can see that he is a wonderful kid & he is able to show it. I must tell Brodie that there are so many people out there that can see how he has changed for the better. I just hope that he is able to show that at home more. Maybe he will once he knows what others think.

One last thing. I got a phone call from the Dept. of Human Services - Disability Services on Friday morning. We had put in an application with them back in January of this year and had our first interview with them at the same time. They were to review our case and contact various other agencies we had been in contact with to see if we qualified for their assistance. So here it is almost 6 months down the track and our application has finally been approved as of last Thursday. Of course once Brodie was accepted as a 'client' he will receive their assistance for life. I am so grateful that it was approved. Not that I didn't think we would be knocked back or anything but its so nice to get some good news.