News

In April, Champion Michael embarked on an exciting two-week respite trip with Mentor Sam. From 24 March to 7 April, the pair journeyed across the USA’s East Coast, exploring iconic destinations like New York, Miami and Orlando.

Highlights of Michael’s trip included attending a captivating Michael Jackson musical on Broadway in New York, meeting his beloved Disney character Mickey Mouse at Disney World in Orlando and witnessing an exciting basketball game between Miami and New York in Miami — a particularly memorable moment given Michael’s allegiance to the Miami Heat basketball team.

This overseas respite trip marked a first for Champions Life Skills. Michael’s notable progress in key independence skills has been remarkable. Moreover, this experience has notably boosted his confidence and overall sense of wellbeing. With its proven success for Michael, his family and Sam, we look forward to organising more adventures in the future.

Here are some touching words from Michael’s mother Helen:

Michael had spoken to us and many other people over the years about his dream of going to the USA to see a Basketball game, see a show on Broadway about Michael Jackson, go to Miami, New York, and Orlando.

That dream has come true due to the support we receive from Sam and Mary Strada and their team at Champions.

Michael’s confidence has grown, and he speaks with joy about his journey, he connected with people in the US when he was wearing different jerseys and caps and began conversations about life down under.

Since he has been back, he has started to do little things like hanging up his tee shirts and football and basketball jerseys in his wardrobe.

Believe it or not he’s now sleeping in his own room, rather than sleeping on the lounge downstairs (it’s been very challenging for over two years to try and get him to sleep in his room).

He’s been tidying up after he has had dinner, these are all little things and these changes have been since he went away with Sam, who provided lots of fun but also real role modelling for Michael.

In a speech from Bill Shorten in 2009 as the NDIS was being created “… people with a disability feel the need to be ordinary……. to be part of the normal order of things…… to seek and enjoy the opportunities that we each regard as fundamental human rights.”

This scheme and the care provided by Sam Strada has enabled Michael to be closer to achieving his “reasonable ordinary life”.

Thank you, Sam, Mary & the team of Champions.