diff --git a/include/wx/generic/collpaneg.h b/include/wx/generic/collpaneg.h
index e071301004..5df9de8f43 100644
--- a/include/wx/generic/collpaneg.h
+++ b/include/wx/generic/collpaneg.h
@@ -68,6 +68,11 @@ public:
 
     virtual bool Layout();
 
+
+    // for the generic collapsible pane only:
+    wxControl* GetControlWidget() const
+        { return m_pButton; }
+
     // implementation only, don't use
     void OnStateChange(const wxSize& sizeNew);