Peter Rowe is an artist, poet and musician based on the Sunshine Coast. He has Down Syndrome and his life was transformed by facilitated communication. He performs locally and nationally with his band QWERTY which includes Linsey Pollak. For nearly 30 years Peter Rowe could communicate only on a very restricted level because his speech is severely affected by Down syndrome. His family and those who know him, believed he had very little understanding and comprehension. His life changed dramatically when he was introduced to Facilitated Communication. Peter started to communicate by pointing to letters on a keyboard. He is now experiencing a freedom of expression which has many facets. Peter began to write. His writing has been prolific and has covered many genres including poetry, short stories, children's stories and narratives on his own life. Whilst Peter's children's stories are fun for children they carry a deeper message for children and adults alike. Peter feels that he has learned the lessons of his stories the hard way. A book entitled "Tapping on the Heart of the World", written by a group of talented authors, who belong to a Creative Writing Group called "The Brotherhood of the Wordless", has been sold out and re-prints have been ordered. As they are without speech, the entire group uses Facilitated Communication. Presently there is an ABC Documentary, in the making, featuring the various members of the Brotherhood, including Peter. Art was introduced into Peter's life as a form of therapy to assist him to overcome extreme physical, sexual and emotional trauma, suffered at a residential facility which is presently under investigation. His art has developed much further than therapy and he has become a talented artist in his own right. During an art course in 2003, Peter was introduced to the basics of illustration. This acted as a catalyst to creating his own complete books. So far, Peter has written and illustrated numerous books, with "The Big Black Cloud" being the first to be published. Peter hopes that the publication of his children's stories will enable him to receive recognition from the wider community, reaching into children's story circles, and solidifying him as a valued artist on the Sunshine Coast. One of Peter's favourite artistic pursuits involves his love of music. Peter, along with internationally renowned artist Linsey Pollock and local artist Terri Delaney form a musical trio called "QWERTY" which has performed in many venues across the Sunshine Coast. They have recently performed at the Woodford Folk Festival, to a standing ovation, and at the Music by the Sea Festival in Sandgate to a very appreciative audience. They have also played The Fringe Festival in Brisbane and are booked for a festival in Tasmania in January, 2007. Recently, Peter held a preview of his artworks, mostly acrylics on cavas, at his home in Caloundra. The works were well received by guests, with a number of paintings being sold on the day. Peter works with an Art tutor on a regular basis to help him develop and grow. The opportunities that Peter has forged for himself throughout the process of becoming an artist has opened many doors for other people with disabilities to express themselves creatively, and be 'seen' by the wider 'non-disabled' community. Peter Rowe now lives at home in Caloundra, Queensland, Australia with his parents, Betty and Justin, who are a great support to Peter in all of his endeavours.