by Jenni Heckendorf

1
by Jenni Heckendorf

• Searching for Authentic Change-
• Getting the Head and the Heart
• Together.
• Dare to dream

2

• Not many people know this but I was inspired by
  Sharon, my bride doll.
• She was all dressed in white with a long white
  veil. She had long brown which I used to brush
  for hours. I brushed it so much most of it fell
  out.
• I decided Sharon was going to be a beautiful
  bride and a good homemaker. I wanted to be like
  Sharon.

3

• I think I have achieved those two things in my
  own way.
• I moved from the hostel to a 24hr supported group
  home.
• Since then Ive lived in private and public
  rented accommodation with my husband of 15 years

4
The Spastic Centre of N.S.W

• The Centre consisted of 2 hostels, 2 special
  schools and a very large sheltered workshop.
• I felt more restricted in the group home than I
  did in the hostel.
• I found the one on one staff more intense in the
  group home than in the hostel.

5
Attitudes.

• Many people fought the therapies and
  constrictions of the braces, rules and
  regulations of the Spastic Centre.

6

• I accepted most of them and looked at the
  positives of the therapies perhaps one day making
  me better. Although I detested many of them,
  they probably made me a better person in the end.
  
• I did not accept everything and the things I did
  not accept I tried to change. From a young age,
  I joined committees, residents committees, sports
  committees, even committees to discuss the menus
  at the Hostel.

7

• I also looked at staying at the Hostel in the
  most positive way we could. Looking back at our
  own lives if I was to stay at home, I would
  probably be stuck in a lounge chair watching
  daytime TV.

8
Decisions

• Because I didnt want to be the oldest one in the
  school, I didnt do years 11 and 12.
• Looking back on that decision, I often wonder how
  it would have changed my life.
• I decided to concentrate on my personal goals.

9
Freedom

• Living in the hostel and group home, I was made
  to do what other people thought I should do.
• When we were married and we moved into our own
  home, it took time before I felt comfortable
  asking for help.
• Now I think I am often better at this than David.

10

• Epilepsy has stopped me from reading for long
  periods of time.

• Through listening to David talk about his studies
  in philosophy, sociology and the law, I have
  learnt many things.
• I look at things in different ways.
• Accepting the ways people live in different
  societies and cultures. Yet, realizing law is
  what rules our culture.

11

• I take an interest in many things outside the
  house.
• I have completed several courses in writing and
  have a university diploma in Fine Arts.
• I enjoy people. Art, photography in particular.
  Expressing myself through pictures and by the
  spoken word, such as short prose and poetry.

12

• People might think being a homemaker, and going
  out and socializing on occasions is an easy
  life.
• I do it to educate the public and myself about
  the differences in social and emotional issues.
  As many of you will agree, being a homemaker is
  tough. I think I do a pretty good job of it
  despite many disabilities.

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We can all make a change

• Work, If you can.
• Join committees even by sending your written
  ideas.
• Participate in courses or groups
• Write, poetry, prose. DARE TO DREAM