The Korean Cockatoos Disability & Carers Association Inc is a community group for Korean families with children who have been diagnosed with Autism and other developmental disorders. It has been running for more than 10 years and has grown to more than 50 families.
Each meeting has an education session which is then followed by lunch during which the group relaxes, time is spent getting to know each other, listening and sharing experiences as a carer and having a laugh together. Other activities include training sessions, visiting other organisations, advocacy and peer support, family events, and fathers meeting.
Recently, it was awarded a Team Up Peer Network grant.
Jeongmin Park, of the Korean Cockatoos Disability & Carers Association Inc, was squawking with delight.
“I’m so happy. I shared the news with the group. We are waiting, waiting, waiting and finally we get good news,” Jeongmin said.
They will use the funding to run peer group training, small peer group meetings, and a larger workshop that will be open to the wider community.
Jeongmin explained that the group chose their name because the cockatoo is a “beautiful bird that makes a lot of noise”.
“The peer movement is very important because we can get together to share information about our lives. We will build our capacity to deliver workshops, and deliver a big open workshop to the community,” Jeongmin said.
Learn more about the Team Up Peer Support Network at www.teamup.org.au