TASC was originally
founded in 1991 by a group of high level spinal injured people as a
support group, which has gradually evolved into the present
organization. TASC has now built up a vast network of volunteers
who with their various experiences are able to offer moral support,
advice and information to the new patients in the Spinal Unit. TASC
covers the same geographical area as the Auckland Spinal
Rehabilitation Unit, which is from New Plymouth, Taupo, across to
the Eastern Bay of Plenty, up to Cape Reinga.
Back on
Track
TASC helps to run Back on Track meetings which are held every 2nd
Thursday afternoon at the Spinal Unit. We have guest speakers who
come and talk with new patients about their experiences on a wide
range of subjects. These afternoons are very well attended.
Back-On-Track is open
to everyone - see News page for more details.
The Buddy System
The
Buddy System has been operating successfully for several years.
Our coordinators visit every new in-patient in the Spinal Unit to
explain what the Buddy System is all about. If the new patient is
interested in this service, the coordinator sets out to find a
Buddy for him or her. Through our network of Tetraplegics and
Paraplegics we are able to provide a suitable buddy who will visit
the new patient several times while he / she is in the Spinal Unit
and, if possible, again after discharge. Spouses, parents, children
and other family members can also ask for a buddy.
| TASC Committee Member Profiles |
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Murray Cohen Murray was President of TASC from 1998 until 2003. He is a C4/5 Tetraplegic and injured himself in 1987 when diving into a swimming pool. Murray is a regular visitor at the Spinal Unit and is a vital part of our team. For me, TASC is about being amongst people with disabilities and their whanau, accepting their friendship and assisting them in any way within my powers, to achieve quality of life. |
Pam Fergusson Pam Fergusson is president of TASC. She brings with her over 20 years of experience working with the buddy system, as well as many community groups. Injured as a young lady Pam learned that she had to adjust quickly in order to get the things that she wanted in life. She is one of those rare people that looks for the positive in a situation and moves on from there. Pam became a T7/8 Paraplegic in 1965. She was later to marry and has raised three very successful boys. I find the buddying of newly injured spinal patients very worthwhile and I find it inspiring to see how people come to terms with their level of disability during their stay here at the unit. |
Tom Callagher
For me TASC helps
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Harold McIsaac Harold McIsaac, TASC's Honorary Treasurer, has been involved with TASC since its inception. His eldest son, Robert (TASC's founder), a tetraplegic was very involved in the court action against ACC which resulted in the achievement of 24 hour care. As a Chartered Accountant with his own practice, he has the resources to back up these efforts. Harold has also developed a caregiving agency, approved by TASC. Mclsaac Caregiving Agency is contracted to ACC for supply of specialised home care for spinal injured persons. |
Wayne Te Rangi
I think that TASC is about improving the outlook on life for both tetraplegics and paraplegics. This is achieved by support, sharing of experiences, and bringing encouragement to live as independent a life as possible. That is why I feel that the buddy system is so important and successful and that it can create life-long bonds between people. |
Ann Phillips Ann is pictured here with her partner Don. Ann joined TASC in July of 2002. She works in the office at the Spinal Unit overseeing the Buddy System, Back on Track Meetings and Outings. Ann is a wonderful addition to our office. I love working for TASC; especially when I know that it makes such a difference to peoples lives. I think that the biggest thing for me is the realisation that I get to have a part to play in their rehab and in helping to get them back home! |
