Disability: Disability Blog

The history of Melbourne' s Kew Children' s Cottages (1887- 2008) is the challenging story of an institution that failed its residents - and it is vividly relevant to today, when the rights of people with disabilities are the subject of a royal commission. Those with an intellectual disability were historically the most vulnerable in our society and the least protected. Governments continually failed them by underdelivering on ambitious promises of reform. Failed Ambitions traces the development of Kew Cottages and the broader themes it gives rise to, including changing social ideas about intellectual disability. Australia saw a shift from a belief that those with intellectual disabilities were educatable to a view, which took hold in the 1920s, that the ' feebleminded' were unreclaimable and a menace to society. It took until the 1980s to formally recognise the rights of disabled peoples, and demanded dismantling institutions like Kew and associated ideas of disability. Throughout Kew Cottages' history, a cohort of journalists, parents, activists and residents fought for and finally gained greater rights and respect. This is a moving and powerful story that deserves to be read by all policymakers so we can avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common mental-health condition in children and is present in most countries around the world. Although there is an abundance of literature on ADHD with plenty of scientific information, this condition remains controversial and often under diagnosed. Many books have been written for parents about ADHD, but most of them are quite scientific. This book is a go-to guide for parents and teachers, providing up-to-date knowledge in a simple, easy-to-read format. It is filled with information a doctor would like to provide but is often unable to do so in the limited appointment times available. This book also gives a framework and practical tips for how you can manage and advocate for your child in different settings, with or without medication. It summarizes evidence to date for medication and alternative therapies, examines commonly held beliefs about ADHD, and debunks myths. This book is written by a developmental pediatrician, Desiree Silva, and an ADHD coach, Michele Toner, both of whom are passionate about improving the lives of children with ADHD and their families. They both have over 20 years of experience in the field and recognize the need for this practical guide. Allied health workers, general practitioners, and others who have contact with children will also benefit from the information in this guide. [Subject: Health Studies, ADHD, Child Health]