Reflecting on 2017

Celebrating what we have achieved as a community.

We are coming to the end of another busy and exciting year here at Scope, as we reflect on the year that was and celebrate the successes we have had as a community.

Scope recently held our Annual Awards, and as always it was wonderful to see the many achievements of the people we support, Scope staff and members of the community.

We were honoured to have in attendance the Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, the Hon. Jane Prentice, and Shadow Minister for Disability and Carers, Senator Carol Brown, who both presented awards to Scope customers. The Public Advocate Colleen Pearce also attended and presented Scope’s Communication and Inclusion Resource Centre (CIRC) with the Public Advocate’s Award.

Scope also recently celebrated International Day of People with a Disability (IDPwD) on Sunday 3 December. IDPwD is about increasing understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrating their contributions and achievements.

To celebrate, we hosted an event for key Victorian organisations to raise understanding about what they can do to become more inclusive towards people with disabilities.

Our Communication Access Assessors led thought-provoking activities and discussions at tables around the room, sharing how they communicate as people with communication disability and inviting guests to reflect on the importance of being able to get your message across.

Following this event we released the findings of a survey that explored the experiences of Australians with disability when communicating in the community and the attitudes they encounter.

The findings highlight the need for increase the public awareness and understanding in this area. You can read more about this research on our website here.

Thank you for your support and for being a part of the Scope community, and I wish you and your families a safe and happy Christmas.

Dr. Jennifer Fitzgerald, Scope CEO

Image: Dr. Jennifer Fitzgerald (centre) with Communication Access Assessors Carmen Debono (left) and Brett Reynolds (right) at Scope’s IDPwD event.