Student Wellbeing

Abilities Awareness

"People with disabilities are people with abilities"

The aim of the program is to make all people aware of what they can do, not what they can't do, and to talk about the abilities people with a disability have.

The program offers one hour Disability Awareness Workshops for Preps - Year 12. A typical session can include:

• Ability/Disability Awareness exercises and football demonstration
• A vibrant and colourful powerpoint presentation showing examples of what Jim has achieved despite his cerebral palsy
• Feedback and question time

Also available is "Jim's Movie" which is a copy of Jim's book in movie form. It shows Jim driving his Batri-car, at work in schools, playing footy, cricket and golf and just living his life (12 minutes duration).

Each student/participant will receive a free copy of Jim's book "Jim has overcome his disability" which was launched in August 2004. This is an inspiring photographic book showing how Jim uses his abilities to live life to the fullest!

Curriculum programs we can work with you to develop include:

• Leadership
• Ability/Disability Awareness

The Abilities Education Program was pioneered by Jim Asimakopoulos in November 1988. In the past 18 years Jim has visited over 2000 schools and delivered over 4,300 talks. Jim's aim is to deliver 5,000 presentations and with your participation this goal can be reached!

Jim has cerebral palsy which sometimes affects the way his muscles move, but it does not affect his intellectual capacity. Jim has a Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training from Victoria University of Technology and has published a book "Jim has overcome his disability". He has also completed two public speaking courses and an advanced presentation skills course.

The Abilities Education team is available to visit all schools statewide free of charge.

The team includes:

• Jim Asimakopoulos, Manager
• Joanne Damm, Project Officer

We would love to hear from you!

Email damm.joanne.h@edumail.vic.gov.au, or asimakopoulos.jim.a@edumail.vic.gov.au
Phone: 9349 3543
Mobile: 0411 263 617

The Abilities Education Program is located at:
150 Palmerston Street
Carlton 3053