CELEBRATING 120 YEARS COMMEMORATIVE EDITION

in touch Issue 4 | Autumn 2015 with Senses Australia Equipment vital in helping In this issue Update 02 clients’ achieve their goals Our services 03 120 year celebrations 04 Equipment such as iPads, sensory resources, toys, games, Update 05 positioning equipment and climbing equipment play a vital role Thank you 06 in helping our clients develop their skills, strength, confidence Update 08 and experience to enable them to achieve their goals.

Equipment is too expensive to be purchased We are hoping to raise enough funds to before it is trialled and found to be successful. help us readily provide the following items:

“For example, we’d like to trial the use of an Equipment/resource Cost APPlicator iPad switch in conjunction with an iPad. By plugging a switch or multiple APPlicator iPad Switch $5,000 interface – to make iPads switches into the APPlicator, it can then switch adaptable be used by a child with limited mobility to access apps and music on their iPad. Sensory resources to loan to $500 families to trial “5 year old Emily, is one of our clients who we believe would benefit greatly Toys and games for use in $200 our therapy sessions Emily using eye gazing technology to help from an APPlicator iPad switch,” explains her communicate. Rebecca. “Emily enjoys using her iPad Children sized tables and $800 “This year our Children’s Therapy Services especially when she is unwell. We believe chairs – for use in individual has a number of exciting trials we would the APPlicator would enable Emily to have and group therapy sessions like to conduct. Trials involving new some control and interaction with the Positioning equipment to $1,500 technologies and different pieces of iPad’s functions and applications. Emily loan to families to trial equipment that we haven’t used before, that would be able to start and stop her own 1 x Smart Trike to loan to $100 we feel are needed to support our clients music, without having to rely on others to families to trial at home or when they are out and about,” do it for her. She could also interact with her Foam climbing equipment $500 says Rebecca Lamhut, Senses Australia’s iPad to play games rather than passively Coordinator of Children’s Services. watching. We would also like to encourage Mini trampoline $50 Emily to use the APPlicator to be able to “We would like to conduct trials first and turn the pages of interactive books on her Every little bit helps. If you would like to loan the new pieces of equipment and iPad, supporting her education.” support our Autumn 2015 Appeal and our other resources to our clients to support clients, like Emily, please donate online their needs and assist them to meet their Our Autumn 2015 Appeal is raising www.senses.org.au or call Senses Australia goals. If the trials are successful, we can funds to support our Therapy Services on 9473 5400. All donations of $2 or more then support the families to purchase or be to purchase vital pieces of equipment are tax deductible. funded for the equipment or resource. such as the APPlicator. Update COMMEMORATIVE EDITION

Our YouTube Debbie’s column channel 2015 marks a special year for Senses Australia as we celebrate Did you know Senses Australia has a YouTube channel? Simply visit 120 years of providing disability services to the Western www.youtube.com/user/SensesAU Australian community – and we are all very proud! I am sure We have recently uploaded new you will agree that this is a significant achievement. videos and by subscribing to our YouTube channel, it is a great way Much has changed Plans are well underway to help mark our to stay up-to-date with what’s since 1895 when 120 years including a beautiful rose that happening at Senses Australia. the Western will be launched soon (please see page 6 to Australian Home find out more) as well as a special lift out Teaching Society in , an exclusive end www.youtube.com for the Blind was of year celebration and much, much more. /user/SensesAU formed and our More details will follow soon. We do hope journey began. you will join us in our celebrations. Today, as Senses Australia, we are As we look towards our future, Senses Western Australia’s leading disability Australia will be having a growth spurt. service provider, with a difference, At a recent meeting, the Senses Australia Making the most providing almost 200,000 hours of direct Board resolved to grow the number and service to almost 1,000 people with type of services we will offer to people of the warmer disability plus their families and carers. with disability and expand the locations weather at which services will be available. These We are different because: really are exciting times for Senses Australia This year we have an exciting 1. We focus on the individual and I look forward to sharing them with array of videos that we will 2. We provide a comprehensive service you. To find out more please visit our new website www.senses.org.au be uploading to our YouTube 3. We are not diagnosis or disability specific channel each quarter – all 4. We have a reputation for quality service Best wishes of which are part of our 5. We have a proven track record ‘Added Value Campaign’. of disability service These videos are informative, 6. Our clients tell us that they are well Debbie Karasinski, CEO educational and are filmed by satisfied with their services. our therapists along with our clients and their families.

We are hoping that these videos provide Our new patron our clients, families, staff, carers, students and our community with an insight Senses Australia is pleased to into our services, as well as the support, announce that Her Excellency resources and equipment that is available Kerry Sanderson to assist people with disability. AO, the Governor of Western Australia, is our new patron. In the first video, our physiotherapists talk about fitness, exercise and making the Her Excellency, has a special most of play areas around during connection to Senses Australia the warmer months of the year. To watch having been a Board member prior the latest video, please visit our YouTube to becoming Governor. channel – www.youtube.com/user/ SensesAU

02 CELEBRATING 120 YEARS COMMEMORATIVE EDITION in touch with Senses Australia Our services

Scholarship means the world to Alexander Seven year old Alexander has always had a love of music which has played a special role in his life, giving him the want and need to move his hands and also experiencing life through its sound.

Alexander, who has Lissencephaly – walk, so I would stand him in front of the a debilitating condition, is severely visually piano, just out of arm’s length to try to impaired and intellectually disabled. get him to take a step and then help him He has very little hand abilities and does to walk to it,” says Linda. not seem to move his fingers individually. Alexander enjoys playing with the piano “Music has always played a special role every day. He already knows how to in Alex’s life,” says his mother, Linda. get different sounds from it and likes to “Before he was diagnosed I used to sing experiment with that. And, it is hoped to him constantly to calm him down. thanks to the Dinko Bosikovic Scholarship The constant rhythm of music helps him from Senses Australia that was awarded to make sense of everything, especially when Alexander last year, he will be able to work Alexander and his mum, Linda, he feels stressed. Music also helps to cheer with a music teacher. enjoy playing the piano together. him up. He bobs to music when it’s on “I think it’s very special that he was and lays and listens to it when he is tired. given the scholarship, which we hope The Dinko Bosikovic Scholarship is “When he was about a year old I was to use to find a special teacher that can awarded annually by Senses Australia scratching my head trying to work out work with Alex to help focus his learning. and is made under the terms of a bequest how to get him to use his hands and so Obviously with his lack of finger ability the from the estate of Pauline Sophia Maria I started getting him to play the bongo expectation for Alex’s playing is a little Bozikovic in memory of her late husband. drums with me. He loved it and it gave him different but it’s not about comparing him The scholarship is awarded to and for the the motivation to move his hands. with others, it’s about working within his assistance and advancement of a music I then used to sit with him at the piano abilities to help him explore the instrument, student who is blind. and he loved getting it to make noise. gain enjoyment and focus his playing a bit Nominations for the 2015 Dinko Bosikovic more. It may be that we start doing this “When he was about two years old and Scholarship will open in March – more with an easier instrument like the drum to able to stand, he would love to stand information will be posted to our Facebook help him get the idea of structured playing in front of the piano and play with it. page soon. before we work with the piano,” says Linda. For a long time he could stand but not

Senses Australia is currently in search To become a host family, you will You can make of full-time host families. If you are a undertake a comprehensive assessment. a difference this reliable, empathetic and compassionate We will guide you through the requirements person who would like to make a long and conditions related to becoming a host year by becoming term commitment to nurture a child’s family and will provide intensive support, a host family development and growth, we would initial and ongoing training and financial love to hear from you. reimbursement to assist you to enrich the Host families play a special child’s quality of life. role in the lives of children It is desirable you have some knowledge of, or experience in working with people If you would like to find out more, please with disability and ensure they with disability and/or complex needs, visit www.senses.org.au/careers-with-us/ are given a safe, stable and however this is not essential. current-vacancies or contact Jodi Perkin, nurturing home environment. Manager of Service Development on 0401 181 643.

CELEBRATING 120 YEARS COMMEMORATIVE EDITION 03 120 year celebrations COMMEMORATIVE EDITION

Our history Our vast history dates back to 1895, when Senses Australia, one of Western Australia’s oldest charities began providing services to the Western Australian community.

In 1894, the concept of teaching people On 15 August 2001, The Royal WA who were blind had finally crossed the Institute for the Blind and the WA 120 year Western Australian border and taken Deafblind Association amalgamated to root. With institutions established in form Senses Foundation, the organisation celebrations Victoria, New South Wales and South for people who are blind, deafblind and Australia between 1866 and 1884, the multisensory impaired. We have a number WA counterpart was known in 1895 as Senses Foundation then became of exciting initiatives The Western Australian Home Teaching Senses Australia on 1 July 2013, the Society for the Blind. Its charter was to planned this year to help organisation as we know it today. With provide education and employment for this most recent change in our name, celebrate our 120 year blind citizens. came changes to our constitution, as milestone, including: The organisation was then to go on to an effect of becoming a not for profit have a number of name changes: charitable company limited by guarantee • Being a Gold Charity in the 2015 in 2013. The changes to our constitution WAToday Swan River Run (see page 1896 Western Australian Industrial has enabled us to: 8 to find out how you can be a part School for the Blind of this event) • Deliver services to all people with 1898 The Victorian Institute and disability • Raising awareness about Industrial School for the Blind, Senses Australia and our services WA Inc. • Widen our geographical distribution throughout Western Australia – of service delivery 1932 The West Australian Institute we have a Community Service and Industrial School for the • Include a Statement of Governing Announcement being broadcasted Blind (Inc.) Principles to guide the new on GWN7 (please see page 6 to Senses Australia as a provider of find out more), our banners will 1967 The Royal WA Institute for services to people with disabilities, and be on display and will take pride the Blind (Inc.) of place along St Georges Terrace, • Make this new company fundamentally The Royal WA Institute for the Blind Perth during May and we are taking different from other ‘not for profit’ had a long history of service provision part in a special edition liftout in organisations. for people with vision impairments and The West Australian – stay tuned other disabilities in WA. Initially, its Although we have witnessed a number to find out more goals were the provision of education of changes throughout our history, what • Plus, an exclusive end of year event. and employment for WA’s blind citizens. hasn’t changed is our commitment to However, with dramatic changes in social people with disability and to excellence We would like you to join with us in attitudes to disability over the last century, in service delivery. celebrating this milestone throughout its role evolved a great deal to include 2015 and have just 10 unique employment, training, respite, recreation partnership opportunities available and a variety of accommodation options. for key stakeholders to align with us. Partnering in this manner enables you to showcase your business and increase brand awareness across WA, while supporting your organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility strategic objectives. To find out more visit www.senses120years.org.au

04 CELEBRATING 120 YEARS COMMEMORATIVE EDITION in touch with Senses Australia Update

2014 Children’s Did you know? Senses Australia has recently launched our new website! Christmas Party Not only does it look different, we think it’s easier to navigate – directly from the home page you are able to easily Special thanks to everyone who attended our 2014 Children’s locate the information you would like Christmas Party at Hyde Park on Sunday, 14 December 2014 by using the ‘I want to know about’ feature – which guides you through and made it such a memorable day for our clients, their information about our services and families and our staff alike. joining our team, plus much more. Visit www.senses.org.au to find out more. Please let us know what you think of our new website by sending us your comments through the ‘Contact Us’ page.

NDIS update The two year NDIS trial in the hills is gaining momentum and Senses Australia is already supporting a number of individuals and families in the NDIS hills trial site. Senses Australia has undertaken much preparation for the NDIS and we are continuing to develop our systems “Each year we hold a Christmas Party for Along with a special visit from Batman, and strategies in order to support our young clients and their families to Spiderman and of course Santa Claus, individuals and families through the come together,” explains Rebecca Lamhut, children and their families took part in NDIS rollout. Coordinator of Children’s Services. craft activities, water play, face painting, “As part of our family support program, balloon twisting, games and much, In addition to our comprehensive our Children’s Christmas Party enables our much more. suite of services including a range of young clients to celebrate and have fun community, equipment and therapy “More than 80 people attended our 2014 with their mum, dad and siblings, with lots supports, Senses Australia has Children’s Christmas Party. Families were of help and support from our staff. employed an orientation and mobility able to relax, have fun and celebrate and instructor who is able to support “The day would not have been possible were encouraged to participate in range both children and adults with vision without the kind support of our donors of activities, games and entertainment. impairment to navigate the community and we’d like to thank all who chose to Old friends were able to catch up and new successfully using vision aides, for support this event in our 2014 Spring friends were made, it was fantastic to see,” example using a white cane. Appeal – it really was such a wonderful says Rebecca. day,” says Rebecca. We encourage individuals and families to prepare for the NDIS through contacting us or the National Disability “The day would not have been possible without Insurance Agency (NDIA) directly. The My Access Checker, on the NDIS the kind support of our donors and we’d like website, is a helpful tool for individuals to thank all who chose to support this event.” and can be found at www.ndis.gov.au/ my-access-checker Rebecca Lamhut, Coordinator of Children’s Services

CELEBRATING 120 YEARS COMMEMORATIVE EDITION 05 Thank you COMMEMORATIVE EDITION

Senses Australia receives much support GWN7’s ‘Sweet from our clients, kind support Senses’ donors, community groups and corporate To help celebrate our 120 Senses Australia would like to year celebrations this year, especially thank Landsdale organisations for GWN7 have kindly offered Rose Gardens who will which we are very us free air time in the form introduce a new rose, ‘Sweet grateful. Thanks of a Community Service Senses’ in time for our 120 to this support, Announcement (CSA). year celebrations this year. our community Thanks to GWN7, our CSA, will be “We greatly appreciate the support broadcasted throughout rural and remote of Landsdale Rose Gardens,” says helps us to make Western Australia to help promote our Emma Kerley, Senses Australia’s Manager, services and raise our profile. Communications and Marketing. “The rose will be launched at this year’s Melbourne a difference to the Broadcast of our 30 second CSA has International Flower and Garden Show already begun – if you would like to view lives of our clients, held from Wednesday, 25 March 2015 to our CSA, please visit our YouTube channel Sunday, 29 March 2015 and the sale of www.youtube.com/user/SensesAU and their families, carers ‘Sweet Senses’ will help raise vital funds to search for ‘Our point of difference’. and ultimately the support our services. With each rose bush sold, Landsdale Rose Gardens will donate Western Australian $1 to Senses Australia to help support our services throughout Western Australia,” community. says Emma. ‘Sweet Senses’ is described as a highly fragrant, repeat flowering H.T rose that Landsdale Rose Gardens are kindly donating $1 from is honey apricot in colour. The young each ‘Sweet Senses’ rose bush sold, pictured below. bronze coloured foliage matures to a healthy glossy olive green and the rose grows to approximately 1.2 metres high by 0.9 metres wide. The rose, ‘Sweet Senses’ will be available for purchase in May from Landsdale Rose Gardens, Bunnings, Mitre 10 and a number of mail order nurseries just in time for Mother’s Day. To find out more about ‘Sweet Senses’ please visit Landsdale Rose Gardens www.landsdalerosegardens.com.au

06 CELEBRATING 120 YEARS COMMEMORATIVE EDITION in touch with Senses Australia Update

Flu vaccines – Keeping healthy prepare for winter in autumn Did you know the flu virus infects your respiratory Here are five ideas to help you stay healthy this autumn, system such as the nose, boost your immunity and avoid colds and flu this season. throat and even your lungs?

Diet: Eat foods that are high in vitamin the couch all autumn. Go out for dinner, The flu differs from a cold. Flu-like C, including fruits and vegetables such invite friends over, visit museums, wrap symptoms such as fever, sore throat as lemons, kiwi fruit, capsicum and up warm and go for a walk in the park and muscle aches develop suddenly broccoli. If you are struggling to eat the with your family or go out to the movies. and last about a week. It can cause recommended two serves of fruit and five mild to severe illness and at times can Scrub: Frequent hand washing is one serves of vegetables each day, try juicing. cause complications such a pneumonia of the best ways to avoid getting sick and A blend of carrot, beetroot, spinach and and bronchitis which can require spreading illness, as it limits the transfer lemon is a stress-busting combination hospitalisation. Flu can also make some of bacteria, viruses and other microbes. that will help boost your immune system. underlying medical conditions worse. This is important in the colder months Also, ensure your diet includes plenty of when we tend to cough and sneeze To ensure you are vaccinated against lean meats, fish, poultry, low-fat dairy, more frequently. this season’s flu strain it is important legums, whole grains, nuts, seeds and to be vaccinated each year. The viruses Lack of sleep can have a serious lots of herbs and spices. Sleep: circulating in our community continually effect on your immune system, making Exercise: It is vital to keep your change and immunity from the vaccine you more vulnerable to catching colds. workout regimen up during autumn, with does not last a long time. Be prepared This can also result in a substantial a recent study showing that moderate for winter and have a flu vaccine early. decrease in the white blood cells that level of regular exercise has a long- help to fight infection in the body. Be The seasonal flu vaccine is provided term cumulative effect on the immune sure to create a relaxing bedtime routine, free to: response. Don’t go overboard, as overly avoid watching the tv or using the strenuous exercise releases the stress • Pregnant women computer just before bed. Try turning the hormone cortisol in the body, which can lights down low for an hour before you • People aged 65 years or older weaken the immune system. go to bed, as this will help to boost the • Children aged from six months to Connect: Socialising helps strengthen release of melatonin in the brain. Also, try under five years of age your immune system by keeping you to go to bed and get up at the same time active and reducing your stress levels, every day, even on weekends. • Aboriginal Australians aged 15 years so avoid the temptation to rug up on and older • Individuals aged six months and older with medical conditions that Avoiding colds and flus put them at risk of severe influenza including heart disease, chronic As well as being vaccinated, try to the following tips to help respiratory conditions, chronic stop the spread of colds and flu: diseases requiring medical follow-up or hospitalisation in the past year, 1. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing chronic neurological conditions, and always aim into the crook of your elbow people with weakened immune 2. Use disposable tissues to blow your nose and never reuse them systems and children aged six 3. Regularly clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitisers months to 10 years receiving long 4. Do not share personal items such as drink bottles, cutlery, crockery and towels term aspirin therapy. 5. Avoid crowded public places if you are unwell To find out more about this year’s flu 6. Do not send children who are ill to school or day care centres vaccine, please speak to your GP. 7. Stay home from work if you are unwell.

(Source: Australian Medical Association, Perth Now, March 14 (http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/severe-flu-warning-for-people-in- wa-after-long-hot-summer/story-fnhocxo3-1226854799661?sv=c4dbb7dada6fbf517011d5f0ccf680a2) and Optum Newsletter May 2014).

CELEBRATING 120 YEARS COMMEMORATIVE EDITION 07 Update COMMEMORATIVE EDITION

WAToday’s Swan River Run How you Join us on Sunday, 26 July 2015 for WAToday’s Swan River Run and help us celebrate 120 years of providing disability can help services to the Western Australian community. Donating is one of the most As a Gold Charity, Senses Australia has a Your kind support will help Senses Australia simple and effective ways you can limited number of Gold Charity Runner provide essential services to people with contribute to Senses Australia. places available. By registering as a Senses disability of all ages – services that each By donating to Senses Australia Australia Gold Charity Runner you will individual has chosen as essential for you can make a real difference help us raise vital funds to support our them to live as independently as possible to people’s lives. clients, their families and their carers living and as part of their community. Donating to Senses Australia throughout Western Australia. Your donation or support of this event is easy, you can donate: All you have to do to take part is visit will also assist us in ensuring excellence www.swanriverrun.com.au/charity-listings/, in all of our services through: internal register your details and raise $750. and external training, education and Online You can choose to run the 14km course recruitment to ensure a state of the art or 5km course. service and a best practice environment. Donate via our website www.senses.org.au With 25 Gold Charity entry places Help us make a difference to the lives available you will: of many Western Australians – register as a Gold Charity Runner today! • Be part of our 120 year celebrations Mail • Raise vital funds that will be used to support the Western Australian Just fill in the form on the letter community in many ways – help us that accompanied your edition of make a difference In Touch with Senses Australia and post in the enclosed Reply Paid • Receive a free Senses Australia envelope included – no stamp is running t-shirt required. • Receive a fundraising kit and support • Start the run right at the front of the pack! Phone Simply call us on 08 9473 5400. All donations of $2 or more are Keeping up to date tax deductible. If you would like to find out more please call Senses Australia needs your help – we 1. What is your full name? Senses Australia on 08 9473 5400. would like to ensure our database is up to 2. What is your postal address? date, that there are no spelling mistakes in your details and that we are sending 3. What is your email address? all of our correspondence, including our 4. How would you like to receive newsletter In Touch with Senses Australia, correspondence, including our to the correct address. newsletter In Touch with Senses Australia – via email or post?

Please take the time to answer these few questions and send your responses to Kaye Foster, Relationship Marketing Coordinator, PO Box 143, Burswood WA 6100, or email [email protected]

In Touch is the official publication of Senses Australia. Head Office 11 Kitchener Avenue, Burswood WA 6100 PO Box 143, Burswood WA 6100 ABN 93 169 195 127 CAN 162 912 156 Tel 08 9473 5400 Fax 08 9473 5499 Email [email protected]