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WELCOME Finding the gems in 2021 and looking forward to 2022. Kia ora koutou katoa, We’re really excited to be bringing you the first edition of the relaunched and revamped magazine The Review . Our hope is that you will find the magazine to be a source of connection with your fellow Cerebral Palsy Society members, that the content you read will be heartwarming, encouraging and inspiring, as well as informative and useful. Each edition we’re going to bring you member stories, updates about Cerebral Palsy research, and other relevant news and information from the health and disability sector. 2022 is well underway and I hope your Christmas and New Year season was a special time.... and that it’s not too much of a distant memory by now. Last year, was one that many of us will be glad to see the back of. But amongst the everyday trials of 2021, and the curve balls that Covid-19 threw our way, there has been plenty to celebrate as a Society. The get Programme received a revamp when we replaced the paper-based voucher system with an e-card that is much easier for members to use, and for staff to administer. The restrictions imposed on us by Covid-19 lockdowns last year meant we had to seek new ways to encourage members to engage and connect with the Society – and with each other. We ran competitions via our Facebook and Instagram pages and started running virtual quizzes in place of the beloved coffee groups. It was great to see people attending the quizzes, testing their general knowledge, having a fun time, and letting their competitive nature shine through. On October 6 we launched the inaugural Be Green & Be Seen day, to celebrate World Cerebral Palsy Day. Members joined us by dressing green for the day and decorating their letter boxes. We can’t wait to see you get behind Be Green & Be Seen 2022. Here’s to a safe and happy year ahead. We look forward to walking along side you this year and offering the Society’s support and service to you and your whānau. Ngā mihi, Catch up with Clare Clare Williams General Manager Talking Trouble is a group of New Zealand Speech Language Therapists specialising in research, training, and resources about communication difficulties. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people living with Cerebral Palsy rely on alternative forms of communication. Talking Mats are physical or digital cards that can be used as a communication tool. Images and words, such as activities or parts of the body, are on the cards and a person using them can place a card on a scale, such as ‘working well’, ‘need help’ or ‘unhappy’ to express how they feel, eg, they may be happy at home but struggling in school.  There are different sets for various age groups, and they can be adapted for simple and more abstract ideas. Talking Trouble has developed a New Zealand specific version for young people, which includes Te Reo Māori.  A complication of living with Cerebral Palsy is both motor and communication difficulties. This can present challenges when learning alternate communication methods like Sign Language. The option of placing pictures (physically or via eye gaze or other communication means) can be an easier way to communicate.  For more information go to: www.talkingtroublenz.org or www.talkingmats.com . The benefit of Talking Mats BYAMY HOGAN Cerebral Palsy Society Researcher and Member Support Advisor JAN–APR 2022 THE REVIEW | 3