Workshop – Dr Peter Gibilisco and Debbie Mackenzie

Itches and Scratches by Dr Peter Gibilisco

This paper identifies autobiographical work, with the motif of Itches and Scratches to help identify disablement.   For example, what if you can't scratch where it itches because you have nothing to scratch it with?  This is because I have a progressive neuro-transmitter dysfunction that simply won't allow me to reach wherever it itches.  But this autobiographical issue was raised with another purpose in mind, a purpose I might add which might help our society understand the itches people like myself have to deal with.

In my paper I also acknowledge how the problematic lifestyle noted in George Orwell’s book 1984 can compare with the frustration of disablement, allowing me to acknowledge that the major issue that I had been trying to discuss in my past Doctoral dissertation is unfortunately being ignored.

About Peter

Diagnosed at 14 by a Neurologist with onset of the disability known as Friedreich’s Ataxia, this is progressive and left me wheel chair bound by the age of 23, now 45 and with a speech impairment.  Despite this I completed and passed a Ph.D. at the University of Melbourne, in Dec 2005 titled: The political economy of disablement: A sociological analysis that was praised by examiners.  I have been widely published and was awarded by Disability Professionals Victoria as “Emerging Disability Leader of 2007”.  Recently, I completed a study tour of Hawaii, which was to see me present a guest lecture for the Center for Disability Studies at the University of Hawaii.

FLEXIBILITY OF SUPPORT WORKERS? 

 By Debbie Mackenzie and Peter Gibilisco

This paper will focus on Support Worker’s and how they can improve the quality of life of a person with a severe disability. In this paper we enquire how human support is the most effective way of further assisting people with severe disabilities to reach their full potential to fully participate in society. Such measures are effective within reason, to ensure capable flexible responses too an infinite amount of human problems that have the potential to help people with severe disabilities reach there full potential in work and education. 

This paper introduced how the theoretical goals of the State Disability Plan are to ensure a Person Centred Approach by Support Workers.  However, in practice this approach may be limited according to disability.  Then we analyse the competency of support. Followed by the analysis of the related pitfalls in an American context, believing one of these to be the fact that the actions of a Support Worker, are not given appropriate value within society.  

BIOGRAPHY

I am the main Support Worker to Peter Gibilisco, which has allowed me to develop immense amounts of practical and theoretical experience. In 2006, I was a recipient of a Department of Human Services scholarship, to further my knowledge in disability through education at Chisholm TAFE. In early 2008, I accompanied Peter Gibilisco as his Support Worker to Hawaii, where he undertook research as a visiting scholar at the University of Hawaii for 16 days.

s an academic and public intellectual who is making a profound contribution to understandings of the social and personal dimensions of disability through his research and public advocacy, while also contributing to the struggles of people with disabilities for social justice.

In 2007 Peter was the recipient of the inaugural Emerging Leader of the year award.  In accepting the Award from sponsor HESTA Super Fund, Peter said "Thank you.  Firstly, there needs to be tribute and thanks paid to Gail Reardon and all at the D P V, for allowing all participants to enjoy an inspirational and empathetic event and for an award that is a highlight in my burgeoning career in the disability sector. 

This award is very gratifying and will help me further amplify the voices and give recognition to people with severe disabilities.  I would like to thank all people directly and indirectly related to my training and personal care needs. To name a few, Tim Marjoribanks, Hugh Stretton, Bruce Wearne, Matthew Brett and Debbie McKenzie. “

In December 2005, Peter successfully completed the requirements for his PhD in Sociology at The University of Melbourne, and graduated in March 2006 which builds on his earlier fine achievements in completing undergraduate degrees in Arts and Accounting, and a Master of Arts degree.  He is now actively publishing his work in both academic and popular forums, including On-Line Opinion, and is also pursuing opportunities for undertaking postdoctoral research and advocacy based work in the profession.

Peter is currently working on turning his PhD into a book, which will appeal not only to an academic audience, but to a wider general public readership aiming to enhance opportunities for people with disabilities', and 'upholding the choices and rights of individuals with a disability.'