by Jenni Heckendorf ‘Searching for Authentic Change- Getting the Head and the Heart Together’. Dare to dream;

Not many people know this but I was inspired by Sharon, my bride doll. She was all dressed in white with a long white veil. She had long brown which I used to brush for hours. I brushed it so much most of it fell out. She was all dressed in white with a long white veil. She had long brown which I used to brush for hours. I brushed it so much most of it fell out. I decided Sharon was going to be a beautiful bride and a good homemaker. I wanted to be like “Sharon”. I decided Sharon was going to be a beautiful bride and a good homemaker. I wanted to be like “Sharon”.

I think I have achieved those two things in my own way. I moved from the hostel to a 24hr supported group home. Since then I’ve lived in private and public rented accommodation with my husband of 15 years

The Spastic Centre of N.S.W The Centre consisted of 2 hostels, 2 special schools and a very large sheltered workshop. I felt more restricted in the group home than I did in the hostel. I found the one on one staff more intense in the group home than in the hostel.

Attitudes. Many people fought the therapies and constrictions of the braces, rules and regulations of the Spastic Centre.

I accepted most of them and looked at the positives of the therapies perhaps one day making me better. Although I detested many of them, they probably made me a better person in the end. I did not accept everything and the things I did not accept I tried to change. From a young age, I joined committees, residents committees, sports committees, even committees to discuss the menus at the Hostel.

I also looked at staying at the Hostel in the most positive way we could. Looking back at our own lives if I was to stay at home, I would probably be stuck in a lounge chair watching daytime TV. I also looked at staying at the Hostel in the most positive way we could. Looking back at our own lives if I was to stay at home, I would probably be stuck in a lounge chair watching daytime TV.

Decisions Because I didn’t want to be the oldest one in the school, I didn’t do years 11 and 12. Looking back on that decision, I often wonder how it would have changed my life. I decided to concentrate on my personal goals.

Freedom Living in the hostel and group home, I was made to do what other people thought I should do. When we were married and we moved into our own home, it took time before I felt comfortable asking for help. Now I think I am often better at this than David.

Through listening to David talk about his studies in philosophy, sociology and the law, I have learnt many things. I look at things in different ways. Accepting the ways people live in different societies and cultures. Yet, realizing law is what rules our culture. Epilepsy has stopped me from reading for long periods of time.

I take an interest in many things outside the house. I have completed several courses in writing and have a university diploma in Fine Arts. I enjoy people. Art, photography in particular. Expressing myself through pictures and by the spoken word, such as short prose and poetry.

People might think being a homemaker, and going out and socializing on occasions is an easy life. I do it to educate the public and myself about the differences in social and emotional issues. As many of you will agree, being a homemaker is tough. I think I do a pretty good job of it despite many disabilities.

We can all “make a change” Work, If you can. Work, If you can. Join committees even by sending your written ideas. Join committees even by sending your written ideas. Participate in courses or groups Participate in courses or groups Write, poetry, prose. DARE TO DREAM Write, poetry, prose. DARE TO DREAM