Discovering that your child will be born with a disability is a moment that can overwhelm any new parent. Questions about how to cope, provide support and meet their child’s unique needs often arise. For the Barling family, this reality came during a routine scan when they learned their daughter would be born with spina bifida. Seeking guidance, they turned to long-time family friend Cath Lourey a founding member of Mpower who had faced similar circumstances years earlier with her own son.

From the very beginning, Georgia flourished. She was full of energy, quick to walk and talk, and brought joy to everyone around her. At age three, her parents connected with Mpower to access vital supports such as the Toy Library and Early Intervention therapy services that were valuable at the time for families of children with disabilities.

At an early age Georgia faced new challenges when she developed epilepsy. Unbeknownst to her family, she was experiencing frequent mini seizures during sleep, which eventually led to an acquired brain injury. Throughout this difficult time, Mpower provided consistent support to the Barling family fostering inclusion, encouraging Georgia’s involvement in activities that built confidence and social skills and offering reassurance every step of the way. This support included playgroup opportunities, assistance with kindergarten and school transitions, and guidance through the complexities of disability funding. Thanks to Mpower’s encouragement and tailored approach, she transitioned smoothly into kindergarten and school, feeling included and empowered at every stage of her journey.

As Georgia grew, she continued to take part in Mpower’s holiday and social group programs, giving her the chance to build friendships and develop important skills for independence. Through these programs, Georgia formed lasting friendships and strong connections with support from the Mpower Team who encouraged her along the way. Today, she lives in a supported share house with one of her best friends she met years ago at Mpower and embraces life to the fullest a true reflection of her resilience and the ongoing support of her family and Mpower.