Author(s): Walter E. Conn

Parenting

Central to this book is the passionate belief that disabled people have a right to full, rich lives, celebrating their humanity, beauty and gifts. The story, spanning three continents, is a portrait of a troubled, severely autistic boy, his family members, concerned friends and community and mental health professionals. It offers an insight into a mother's search for social and government services, and a recognition of the gaps that existed for her family and those of other children with high support needs. It is a story of how the congregation of a local Anglican parish in Melbourne, together with the local community, responded to the family's need and were instrumental in setting up a network of practical support for vulnerable families. Political lobbying resulted in changes in government policy, which in turn led to the setting up of 400 small family type homes in Victoria. An unexpected aftermath was the establishment of a project to support a centre for disabled children in Delhi, India. "This deeply moving life story sends messages in all directions. How timely the National Disability Insurance Scheme has now been legislated by the Commonwealth Government for this is an important first step in recognising the needs of disabled people, their families and carers. In a small way Heather Bloom's war against apathy' is one of countless stories where families and their local communities have taken action to improve the situation of children and their families struggling to cope..." Dr Peter Hollingworth AC OBE; Former Governor General of Australia