News
Time to move out of home
Thu, Aug 2 2007
Chris Mason thinks that at age 30, it's time he moved out of home.
His mum and step-dad, Bernie and Graeme Bedford of South Oakleigh, don't disagree.
But for Chris, a talented artist, moving out of home has more challenges than for most other people. Chris has autism, and living independently looks like a big challenge. Now, however, he has help from the DirectLife project, run by the EW Tipping Foundation.
DirectLife helps people with a disability who want to live independently by establishing a support group of people important to them, perhaps finding someone for them share a house with, working out living arrangements, and making contacts in the community.
As part of the program, Chis has been matched with a volunteer to help him get out and about in the community.
Luke Quigg, 24, of Elwood, shares Chris's passion for art and says the opportunity to spend time with Chris has yielded unexpected benefits.
"What have I got out of it? I?'got a good mate," he said. "Our rapport is fantastic. I deal with Chris like I would any friend.
"It's helped develop my patience and it's showed me another side of life that people my age just don't know about unless they have a personal connection."
The pair have been to the aquarium, the Melbourne Zoo, to have a look at some of Chris's exhibited artworks - or sometimes they just hang out and have a pizza.
Chris's mum, Bernie, has watched the friendship develop from the sidelines.
"I thought the chance of it happening was pretty slim," she said. "But it has happened, and they really like each other. Often the only friendships people with disabilities have are with people who are paid to work with them, but this is different.
"When Chris was young I was told what he'd never be able to do - but look at what he does now!"
Chris thinks living independently would be interesting. "I'd like to live closer to my girlfriend," he said.
DirectLife Facilitator, Naomi Moore, says Chris has also had a Living Skills Assessment and is now exploring the possibility of sharing with another young man with a disability in the community.
"The issues for Chris are the same as those facing any young person moving out - you just need more structures in place and equip people with the skills they need," she said.
For more information about the DirectLife Project, contact Naomi on 9564 1010.
The E.W. Tipping Foundation provides services for, and advocates on behalf of, people with a disability and others in need. Its innovative services support around 600 Victorians to achieve their aims and realise their dreams.
Further information is available by phoning Communications Co-ordinator Janet Granger-Wilcox on (03) 9564 1000 or 0409 029 298, or visiting www.tipping.org.au.
110 Drummond Street Tel: (03) 9564 1000
Oakleigh VIC 3166 www.tipping.org.au