Member Profile: Julia
Member Profile: Julia Julia: a story of life and love Julia is a very special member of the Independence Australia community, joining us in 2015 to access case management services. This year she began her journey from being fiercely independent to requiring more formal supports. Julia had a rough start to life; being born with an intellectual disability into a challenging family environment meant she was often left to fend for – and defend – herself. To this day, she still deals with the nightmares that this upbringing has caused, with these recollections being vivid even 40 years on. This difficult childhood would cause most to withdraw and become bitter, but not Julia. Throughout all she has experienced, she has been determined to rise above her challenges and live an independent, meaningful life. 12 Independence Australia
Her tenacity has shone through some major turning points in her life, most particularly during the birth of her daughter, Nicola. Nicola was born with a significant disability – so significant that Julia was told she would be lucky if her child lived for a week. However, in true Julia fashion, she refused to listen to their opinions and was determined to give her daughter the best opportunities possible, regardless of how long they had together. Both Nicola and Julia defied all expectations, with Nicola living a life full of love, until her passing at the age of 12. This same tenacious spirit saw Julia shake off the negative family influences she grew up with and seek a new family – a family who loved and cared for her; the kind of family she deserves. A chance meeting with a taxi driver named Steve formed a fast friendship, with Steve eventually being nominated as Julia’s legal guardian and accepting her into his family with open arms. Together with Steve, Julia felt as if she could take on the world, and with his help she certainly did. Julia gradually linked up with her community; she became engaged in adult learning, attended weekly bingo, and joined her local church. Her vibrant and loving character meant she has won many hearts, with many of the people involved in her life going above and beyond to give her the best life possible. Every accomplishment has been a cause for celebration and pride, and although she never had a lot, she has always shared her celebrations with others. Julia loves shopping and purchasing gifts for all the special people in her life, paying particular attention to those who have kids that she can spoil. In 2015 she joined the Independence Australia community to access case management services, and with the assistance of her case manager was given opportunities previously unavailable to her. She was able to engage with her love of English and maths again by attending weekly adult learning classes, and go on a holiday twice; first to Healesville Sanctuary and the second time to Falls Creek to learn to ski. These holidays were particularly important to Julia as she had previously not had many opportunities to go away and make new friends. Finally, since being given unfortunate news about her health, she has been able to tick a number of items off her ‘bucket list’, specifically going to the movies, playing with puppies, and writing a memoir about her life. Her case manager fast became a key individual in her life, allowing her to access many opportunities that would otherwise have been out of reach. All her life Julia has battled life-threatening illnesses, and although she has always come out on top, she is nearing a new stage of her life where she needs more support. Although this transition is scary for Julia, her history has shown that she will address this time with her trademark tenacity and resilience. Julia’s biography is a stark reminder of the importance of remaining determined in periods of extreme stress, and being resourceful. Resilience is at the very core of her being, and the progress Julia has made in her life shows this – she is her own protector and advocate, and with the love from the key people in her life she has had the opportunity to flourish as a person. If anyone living with a disability feels that they may benefit from the assistance of having access to one of Independence Australia’s Case Managers, they can contact Dr Andrew Sinclair on 1300 704 456. Inform – Spring 2017 13
