NSW Carer Awards

Lisa and Brenton Ashford-Potter

Lisa Ashford-Potter from Woonona (in Wollongong, NSW) was one of twelve recipients of 'Highly Commended' Carer Awards, during NSW Carers Week (14 - 20 October).  Lisa's Awards Profile reads:

Lisa’s son Brenton is 22 years old and is a volunteer, sportsman and martial arts practitioner. Brenton has Down syndrome, severe verbal dyspraxia and mild motor and oral dyspraxia. Together, Lisa and Brenton have created their own tutoring and community awareness  organisation, Chatter Hands, which provides services to families,  TAFEs, universities and community organisations to help people to communicate through Australian Sign Language (Auslan). 

Lisa followed the Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach to care for Brenton, looking at ways that he can be part of and supported by his community as an active and contributing member.   

She is a community welfare worker and a member of the ABCD Asia Pacific Network, presenting at national and international conferences, Lisa also provided care for several other members of her family including palliative care at home for her father. 

(Brenton was named last week as one of the Don't DIS myAbility campaign ambassadors for 2012.)

Congratulations Lisa, on your award.

You can read about all of the 2012 NSW Carers Awards Recipients here, including Carer of the Year, Maria Heaton.

• Chatter Hands