Stories.

Notes from past Gatherings:

Things people said about Seeking a Voice

"I was very, very pleased with the conference because of the attitude of all other participants. Because of the laid back approach, I felt there was no pressure to get through the agenda on either day. The humour that existed made me quite at ease. The facilities that were provided were excellent for a vision impaired person and wheelchair users. The hotel was very well colour coordinated and the floors were tactile numbered. The information I gained out of the conference, I have already commenced passing on to my local community. I am looking forward to continuing working with QDN." - Bill McKennariey, Gold Coast.

"Organisationally this was the smoothest conference of its type I have ever attended. My personal and professional needs were met at all times, without fuss as a result of great forward planning. I was thus enabled to concentrate all my time and energies on the business of the conference. Thank you to the staff of QDN - have you thought about hiring yourselves out as a consultative team for organising seminars?" - Susan Kennedy, Sunshine Coast.

"One of the things I liked about the conference was meeting so many other people with the same vision. Living in a rural community, you sometimes feel isolated and I think that was the most positive thing that came out of the conference - rural communities and city communities had the same issues and problems and a lot of us had the same ideas. Now that we have made these connections, I would really like to see those connections continue and strengthen. Thank you and congratulations to the organisers. Well done, a great effort." - Sharyn Rowen, Stanthorpe.

"I thought that the conference was fruitful as it brought people from various parts of Queensland together in one place where we were able to bounce advice off one another to better the QDN network. Hopefully we will not lose the ideas that were put forward. I think it is important that we continue to support the network." - Willie Prince, Brisbane (originally from the Burnett region, Waka Waka Tribe, Cherbourg).

"Seeking a Voice was an inclusive experience because there were people with a variety of disabilities and a sense of equality. Everyone shared issues of access, whether they be physical access, print or other.

At the conference there was a great sense of community and inspirational vision for fundamental changes that will facilitate the full inclusion of all people with disability into the wider community.

There was also an acknowledgment that people with disabilities require support workers to facilitate their participation and these, and other supports, were available as a matter of course.

As an organization, QDN has the potential to link all people with disability, including individuals from groups who identify with different cultures, lifestyles, genders and gender-orientations from all over Queensland. This inclusive network will benefit from contact with similar networks in other states or territories." - Francis Vicary, North Queensland.

"I was pleased to be invited to participate in the "Seeking A Voice" conference. I had read the QDN conference material and it all sounded so good, but then it always does on paper.

In the very first formal gathering I cast a discerning eye around the room. I felt my face flush and I beamed with excitement from within. I myself was in a wheelchair but the people about me were a diverse group of people with all manner of disabilities. Yes, there were other wheelchair users there, but only a few. It is easy for the community to identify disability with a wheelchair but many other disabilities are not always as readily apparent. They are however just as real and just as challenging.

I came away from the conference with a sense of optimism. We hadn't solved any specific disability problems, but WOW, we had participated in the start of developing a network for all people with a disability. In a phrase - "united we stand divided we fall." Queensland Disability Network, with your participation will become a powerful tool for all people with a disability." - Toni Hansen, Rockhampton.

"I have got a really positive feeling about QDN. It was so good to see people with a disability getting together and working together." - Anthony Baguley, Central Queensland.

"QDN should provide a voice and an information and communication network for all people with a disability throughout the state." - Col Mackereth, Charters Towers.

"Judging by the enthusiasm present, QDN will have a great future." - Ann Bromley, Sunshine Coast.

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