Video presentation
This is a transcription of the audio from a video presentation prepared for UnitingCare in 2014 :
Hello . My name is Jeff Bishop . My wife and I have been members of St Margaret ’ s Uniting Church in Hackett ACT for many years . Our youngest daughter , Joanne , is a 43-year-old lady with Down Syndrome .
The question which haunts all parents of adult children with disabilities is , “ WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO OUR CHILD WHEN WE DIE ? More specifically , Where will they live ? Who will care for them ? Who will love them ? Joanne lived with us for 40 happy years , but we knew that couldn ’ t last forever . For the last 3 years she has been a resident of Ross Walker Lodge , in the grounds of St Margaret ’ s .
Ross Walker Lodge is a residence for people with special needs , principally intellectual disabilities . It tries to blend the best features of both independent and communal living . It has 6 bedsitters , each with an ensuite . They are large rooms with space for bed , chairs , small kitchenette etc . and , under the same roof , are common areas for kitchen , dining and living rooms . Some residents choose to spend much of their time in their own rooms while others prefer socialising . It ’ s up to them .
What is the case for churches getting involved in disability matters ? Is it because they are experts in disability ? No . Is it because they have a lot of spare land ? Some do . Is it because they have a lot of money ? If only !
The simple reason is that churches are good at creating and fostering caring communities . That ’ s the attraction of Ross Walker Lodge . St Margaret ’ s , apart from initiating and facilitating the establishment of the Lodge , provides a warm , welcoming , supportive circle of friends . The Lodge is not just bricks and mortar ; it and its residents , have become an integral part of what our local church is . In similar circumstances , most churches could and would do the same .
We ’ ve had lots of help from many sources , not least UnitingCare Disability . Initially , in the planning stage , and now as the Operating Agency responsible for the day to day running of the Lodge .
The thought I ’ d like to leave you with is this . If your local church has some spare land , perhaps an old tennis court or car park , please think seriously about using it for disability housing . You don ’ t have to have all the money or know-how yourself . Talk with UnitingCare Disability . They
St Margaret ’ s News 20 RWL Special Issue