The 12th Biennial Conference of the Australasian Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine took place in Cairns, Australia, where Sureni Jayaweera Perera, the Chief Executive Officer of the Frank Hilton Organization, received the Advocacy Achievement Award.
Founded in the 1960s as the Fiji Crippled Children’s Society – Suva Branch, the Frank Hilton Organization is dedicated to helping children with disabilities. Over the years, it has enhanced its services to meet the comprehensive needs of the children and families who seek its support.
This nonprofit organization provides a multidisciplinary approach, offering vital services for children’s welfare, including physiotherapy, speech therapy, audiology screenings, and a Positive Behaviour support unit. Additionally, it offers early detection and intervention services for children living with disabilities.
Sureni has played a pivotal role in advancing early childhood intervention for more than a decade through the Frank Hilton Organization’s Early Detection and Intervention program, positively impacting thousands of Fijian children by providing essential support and resources.
In her acceptance speech, Sureni highlighted the importance of commitment and perseverance in advocacy. She remarked on the necessity of maintaining determination and dedication despite challenges.
“Even amidst the complexities and limitations that surround us, it is imperative that we maintain unwavering resolve and steadfast commitment. As service providers, practitioners, academics, and policymakers, we have a duty to uphold the rights of children with disabilities and their families, regardless of the constraints we face. Every child deserves to thrive, and it is our collective responsibility to raise our voices and enact tangible, meaningful, and transformative change in their lives,” she stated.
Sureni’s powerful message aligns with the goals of the Frank Hilton Organization. Her commitment to the cause and effective leadership highlight the significant impact that collaborative efforts can have. Her advocacy not only emphasizes the urgent needs of vulnerable families and children but also elevates the visibility and support for the organization’s critical work.