News

The freedom to make mistakes
Tue, Sep 18 2007

Most people would not think that the ability to make their own mistakes is a freedom.

Most people are not Dennis and Janet Williams.

Dennis and Janet are great examples of how far human rights have come for people with disabilities living away from their families.

Now married, they live happily – and independently – in Sunshine, with only three hours of support each week for tasks like shopping and attending specialist medical appointments.

Joanne Ploog of the EW Tipping Foundation has watched the couple make their journey over the past 12 years. Although they are no longer supported by the Foundation, she remains a firm friend and helping hand.

“Dennis and Janet are a fantastic example of everything we work towards – people with disabilities making their own choices about how they want to live.”

Both Dennis and Janet have lived with family, in an institution, and in a shared house. Twelve years ago they started in the EW Tipping Foundation’s outreach and transition program in Monash Street, Sunshine. This program was developed with the dream of supporting people so they could grow to true independence.

Gradually, Dennis and Janet have been able to learn new skills and reduce the amount of support hours they need. They learned to cook, clean, shop, problem solve, find out answers by themselves, manage their time, communicate well, socialise – and make mistakes.

“Independence means we can make our own choices,” said Dennis. “We can go out when we want to; we can have privacy in our relationship. We don’t have to share all our possessions.”

Dennis and Janet really value their relationships with people like Joanne, and others who have helped them along the way.

Now, they lead a busy life. They both work three days a week – Dennis travels across town by train to Mordialloc Safeway, where he has been a valued member of staff for the past 15 years. Janet works at High Point Industries.

In their spare time, they enjoy bowling, spending time with friends, swimming, eating out, dancing, shopping, visiting family, movies, walking, DVDs and videos, and being involved with the local neighbourhood house committee.

“Some people try to help us. We like them helping, but really only when we ask for help,” said Dennis. “We don’t want anything special from the community – we just want to be treated like anyone else.”