For the first seven years of her life, Robynne Clifton was confined to a hospital ward for treatment, hundreds of kilometres away from her family. Ms Clifton is one of an estimated 400,000 Australians affected by polio and wants people to know that although the viral infection is no longer a threat, it is not forgotten.
Read More ▷This book is dedicated to all those touched by polio: young people, parents, siblings, extended family members and friends, doctors, nurses, splint makers, and physios, who made supreme efforts to get us through. Although it was inevitable given the impact of the virus, to our dismay the battle is on again and a new generation is called to arms. Many did not survive the illness and we salute them.
Read More ▷“Polio & us” is a very thought provoking book. It is an important part of the history of the polio epidemics and their survivors who have overcome their disabilities without anger, but with cheerfulness and a determination which has been associated with polio survivors, even when they may later have developed Post Polio Syndrome.
Read More ▷I invite you to join our storytellers in celebrating the defeat of childhood polio through tenacity and determination. Many achieved careers, raised families and took on leadership roles – ordinary people who achieved some extraordinary tasks, just by living everyday lives.
Read More ▷The value of the novel is not only in its characterisation of the time period, but it is also a poigant reflection on the treatment of the disabled, that still resonates with its audience today. It is constantly reflected in the novel that being a cripple is very much a mindset; the young Marshall does not think of himself as disabled and is quick to take offense when it is dared mentioned by anybody else, whether intended to be used against him or in his defense.
Read More ▷Jean Denecke’s account of her encounter with polio and her subsequent life dealing with permanent disabilities emphasizes the ordinariness of her experiences. As she puts it, “except for my physical condition, I feel that I lead a perfectly normal life” (p. 16). Denecke wrote the book in the mid-1950s, approximately eight years after contracting polio in 1946 when she was twenty-nine.
Read More ▷Some interesting data on estimated childhood immunisation coverage in Australia can be viewed here.
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Read More ▷As the AGM proceedings were winding up on 6 December, and with Christmas coming fast upon us, Jen and Mary-ann performed this wonderful duet as a special treat for participants, and for our website viewers.
Read More ▷Polio Australia held its 5th Annual General Meeting and Planning Forum in Sydney on 5/6 December 2013. All State Polio Network representatives attended and the Management Committee was joined over the course of the two days by a number of guest presenters and other participants.
Read More ▷Listen to Polio NSW President and Polio Australia Vice President, Gillian Thomas, talk about polio and its late effects, why you should put your name on the Australian Polio Register, the benefits of becoming a member of Polio NSW, and more.
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