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Cerebral Palsy Society researcher and member support advisor Amy Hogan has begun her first term as co-preisdent of the Oceania Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Childhood-onset Disabilities. Her appointment to the role is believed to mark the first time someone living with a disability holds a leadership role in any of the approximately 12 international Academies. Amy is sharing the position with Dr Georgina Clutterbuck, a lecturer and physiotherapist from the University of Queensland, Australia. The Oceania Academy aims to “provide opportunities for connection, learning, and New appointment lays groundwork advocacy towards meaningful participation and improved quality of life for and with people with cerebral palsy and other childhood-onset disabilities across the lifespan”. Amy and Georgina will be sharing leadership of the Academy’s work across the Oceania region. “The position is collaborative rather than hierarchical and focuses on direction-setting, coordination, and representation, rather than day-to-day operational management,” Amy says. “The role is about holding the bigger picture: connecting people, supporting good work to happen well, and helping the Academy contribute meaningfully THE NEWS to research, practice, and lived experience across the region.” Their two-year term began on March 8, after they were sworn in at the 13th Oceania Academy Biennial Conference held in Hobart from March 4-7. Amy says being co-president means a great deal. “Being in this position is about laying groundwork - showing that leadership roles in research, policy, and professional organisations can and should include people with lived experience of CP and other childhood-onset conditions. Amy is also co-chairperson of Access Matters Aotearoa and a Member of Auckland Council’s Disability Advisory Panel. Our Conductive Education Centres cater for a range of ages, abilities and provide programmes including block & intensives sessions, school holiday programmes, regular and consistent therapy from a multi disciplinary team, etc. If you are looking for support, contact your local centre and have a chat about what your needs are.  www.nzfce.org.nz