Celebrating Mark Thompson's 61st Birthday: A Remarkable Journey

April 7, 2025

Recently, our Senior Behaviour Support Practitioner, Monica Cachia, had the immense pleasure of celebrating Mark Thompson's 61st birthday with him, a milestone that is truly special. Mark, who has Angelman's syndrome*, is reportedly the oldest person in Australia with this condition and has been showcased on the news broadcast, ‘60 Minutes’ in the past. His journey and achievements are nothing short of inspiring.

When celebrating Mark's life on his birthday, we reflect on the variety of activities that bring him joy and fulfillment each day. He shares a close bond with his sister, Skye, and whether they are watching hockey or enjoying a day at the beach, their time together is always cherished.

Mark also has a passion for woodwork, bush walks, massage, swimming, and going on picnics. His love for music is another significant aspect of his life. He has engaged in Music Therapy sessions with our Music Therapist, Christopher Hills, which have been a source of great enjoyment and relaxation for him.

If you see Mark in the community, you can bet he is heading off to one of his favourite venues to watch movies, go shopping, visit parks and beaches, attend a live show, or go bowling. His enthusiasm for life is evident in everything he does.

Last year, Mark had the exciting experience of participating in the National Bowling Competition in Canberra, which he thoroughly enjoyed. His love for bowling is just one of the many ways he stays active and connected with others.

Mark Thompson's 61st birthday was not just a celebration of his life so far but also a testament to his resilience, enthusiasm, and the love he shares with his community. Here's to many more years of happiness and adventures for Mark!

Happy Birthday, Mark! 🎉🎂

*Angelman's syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects the nervous system. It is caused by changes in the UBE3A gene on chromosome 15, leading to developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, speech impairments, and movement and balance issues. Despite these challenges, individuals with Angelman's syndrome often have a happy demeanor and a strong interest in social interactions.

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New NDIS Resources to Support Conversations about Restrictive Practices

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The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissio n has released a new suite of resources titled "Restrictive Practices and Me", designed to support meaningful conversations with participants when regulated restrictive practices are included in their behaviour support plans. These resources aim to uphold participants' rights and ensure that discussions around restrictive practices are accessible, respectful, and tailored to individual needs. Developed in collaboration with people with disability, NDIS providers, authorisation bodies, and advocacy organisations, the materials reflect a commitment to person-centred practice and transparency. What’s Included? The Restrictive Practices and Me toolkit features: A tip sheet for practitioners and providers Plain English and Easy Read discussion books A case study illustrating practical application A set of icons to visually represent different types of restrictive practices These resources are editable and adaptable, allowing practitioners to tailor content to each participant’s circumstances. For example, pages not relevant to a participant’s situation can be removed, and images can be reused in other formats. Why It Matters Under Section 20 of the NDIS (Restrictive Practices and Behaviour Support) Rules 2018, participants must be informed when restrictive practices are proposed. These conversations must be conducted in a way that is easy to understand and respectful of the participant’s autonomy. The Commission emphasises that restrictive practices should only be used as a last resort, and must be the least restrictive option available. They must be included in a behaviour support plan and follow the appropriate authorisation processes. Regulatory Priorities for 2025–26 This initiative aligns with the NDIS Commission’s broader regulatory priorities for 2025–26, which include: Reducing and eliminating regulated restrictive practices Strengthening oversight of unregistered providers Improving management of high-risk health concerns Ensuring providers support and train skilled workers Commissioner Louise Glanville reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to human rights, stating that “practices that restrict the rights or freedom of movement of people with disability can be traumatic, dangerous and breach basic human rights." Accessing the Resources The Restrictive Practices and Me resources are available for download on the NDIS Commission website . Providers are encouraged to use, adapt, and share these tools to foster informed, respectful, and rights-based conversations with participants. Link : Talking to participants about Restrictive Practices Reference: NDIS Commision 2025-26 priorities focus: participant rights and safer services