<![CDATA[MF+A - News]]>Sun, 07 Jun 2026 17:47:21 +1000Weebly<![CDATA[Where resilience meets future possibility – Out of the Ashes]]>Sun, 07 Jun 2026 02:58:39 GMThttps://www.michellefrench.com.au/news/where-resilience-meets-future-possibility-out-of-the-ashesMF+A Director Michelle French and Senior Consultant Linda Oppy were invited to attend the Melbourne launch of Out of the Ashes, the biography of Marie Browitt and Stephanie Browitt.
Michelle and Linda first met Stephanie and Marie when they were engaged by Gordon Legal to provide independent expert opinion in their legal matter. It was a rare kind of engagement for Australian expert witnesses, as the case was to be heard in the United States. Over the course of the matter, they undertook assessments, prepared reports, and gave depositions — something not typically part of Australian expert witness work.
Following resolution of the matter, Michelle and Linda reflected on the professional and clinical insights gained through that experience. The book launch provided an opportunity to reconnect with the Gordon Legal team and other experts involved, and to mark an important milestone in Stephanie and Marie’s ongoing journey.
Out of the Ashes is an apt title for that journey, characterised by resilience and realism. In telling their story, Stephanie and Marie are open about what they have lost, and optimistic about where they are heading. Their account reflects adaptation grounded in lived experience, rather than optimism divorced from circumstance.
Occupational therapists frequently work alongside individuals and families facing profound and lifelong change, assisting them to understand how injury or loss reshapes function, identity, and life roles. In expert witness work, this involves articulating the longer‑term implications of change and supporting consideration of a person’s current and future needs.
Rarely, however, is there an opportunity to see that process of adaptation so actively unfolding over time.
Out of the Ashes offers insight into resilience, adaptation and future possibility. These themes sit at the center of community rehabilitation, and of the independent expert opinion work MF+A is engaged in.
]]><![CDATA[Occupational therapists call for the removal of children from Nauru]]>Mon, 29 Oct 2018 20:46:16 GMThttps://www.michellefrench.com.au/news/occupational-therapists-call-for-the-removal-of-children-from-nauru
Australian occupational therapists have highlighted the tragedy of occupational deprivation occurring on our nation’s doorstep and its terrible effect on young children.
Read more...
]]><![CDATA[Google Maps Adds Wheelchair Accessible Routes]]>Thu, 22 Mar 2018 05:00:48 GMThttps://www.michellefrench.com.au/news/google-maps-adds-wheelchair-accessible-routes
Google has officially introduced wheelchair accessible routes in Google Maps. It is currently rolling out globally with Sydney being one of the first major cities to be included. Google plans to add more cities in coming months. Learn more...
]]><![CDATA[Accessible City]]>Wed, 14 Feb 2018 21:14:49 GMThttps://www.michellefrench.com.au/news/accessible-cityPicture
What would a truly disabled-accessible city look like?
Read the article...
]]><![CDATA[Calls to Overhaul NDIS to Better Accommodate Indigenous Australians]]>Thu, 08 Feb 2018 09:05:36 GMThttps://www.michellefrench.com.au/news/calls-to-overhaul-ndis-to-better-accommodate-indigenous-australiansPicture
A First Peoples advocacy group has called for an overhaul of the National Disability Insurance Scheme to better accommodate Indigenous people, after a study found ill-health and disability were driving psychological distress in older Indigenous Australians.
probonoaustralia.com.au
]]><![CDATA[National Park Access for Disability]]>Sat, 09 Dec 2017 02:46:40 GMThttps://www.michellefrench.com.au/news/national-park-access-for-disabilityPicture
Australia has a terrific array of National Parks. If you are planning to visit them with a disability, a little research can make your experience far more comfortable.
Visit this link for some tips:
Campground Disability Access
]]><![CDATA[Camping with a Disability]]>Sat, 09 Dec 2017 02:39:36 GMThttps://www.michellefrench.com.au/news/camping-with-a-disability
Is camping with a disability tricky?
Here are some tips to make it easier.
How to Camp with a Disability
]]><![CDATA[Rights for Consumers with Disability]]>Wed, 06 Dec 2017 05:47:39 GMThttps://www.michellefrench.com.au/news/rights-for-consumers-with-disability
Do you know your rights as a consumer with a disability?
There are resources to help you understand and use your rights.
Learn more about your rights
]]><![CDATA[Auditor Stands Up to Disability Agency]]>Tue, 24 Oct 2017 05:08:07 GMThttps://www.michellefrench.com.au/news/auditor-stands-up-to-disability-agency
An audit has identified a number of shortcomings and inconsistencies relating to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) compliance with the laws governing its implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Read more...
]]><![CDATA[The Hibbot: Giving Children with CP the Chance to Walk]]>Mon, 16 Oct 2017 05:19:50 GMThttps://www.michellefrench.com.au/news/the-hibbot-giving-children-with-cp-the-chance-to-walk
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