ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT Published May 13, 2015

Leading disability service provider with a difference

Proudly supported by Gold Partners – Beyond Bank and PKF Mack | Silver Partners – CreativeADM, LWP Property Group and Biz365 | Event Partner – Watershed Winery Leading disability service provider with a difference

Kerry Sanderson Colin Barnett

Premier’s Message This year marks 120 years of furniture produced at the institute the opportunity to participate in Organisations such as Senses Australia. During this that fi lled our homes. Cane community life. Senses Australia enrich our society furniture making was one of the and bring about positive impacts time Senses Australia has This year we also commemorate fi rst trades taught at the institute on people’s lives. undergone great change and the Anzac Centenary and to assist blind people remember the important role On this anniversary I congratulate growth to become the renowned to attain employment, along with the institute played as a place Senses Australia on its contribution disability service provider it is offering support, training and of assistance for service men to the Western Australian today. education. that lost their sight during World community and thank Senses on Established in 1895 as The For many years the institute War One. behalf of all those it has helped Western Australian Home Teaching inhabited a site in Maylands on over the last 120 years and those it Senses Australia now provides Society for the Blind, but more which the famous art deco building will serve in the years to come. services nationally to more than widely known as the Royal WA was built in 1937. 650 children and adults with Institute for the Blind, it is one Although it is now the home of a range of disabilities. For of the oldest disability service the West Australian Ballet, the Government, working in partnership providers in Western Australia. building still inhabits the spirit of with community organisations Many Western Australians will a place where young children and is essential to achieving better Colin Barnett fondly remember the cane adults with vision impairments had outcomes for people with disabilities. Premier of Western Australia

Editor: Louise Allan | Writer: Laura Galic | Subeditor: Kirsten Hyam | Design: Kara Smith Advertising: Eithne Healy, 9482 3559

02 For more information or to make a donation to Senses Australia please visit www.senses.org.au or call 9473 5400 Leading disability service provider with a difference

How is Senses Australia different? Focus on the individual Reputation for quality service Senses Australia focuses on the Senses Australia has a reputation person with disability and meeting for the provision of quality his or her needs through an services, which is expressed by the individual response. State Government, other disability service providers and current and Provide a comprehensive service past clients and their families. Senses Australia has a ‘wrap- around’ service where therapy can Proven track record of be provided to an adult receiving disability service in-home personal support, respite Senses Australia is one of the Who we are can be provided to the family of a oldest disability service providers Western Australia’s leading Senses Australia is committed to child receiving therapy or positive in Western Australia, having behaviour support can be provided provided disability services to the disability service provider helping people of all ages with disability meet their goals. to an adult being supported in community for 120 years. Senses Australia delivers almost shared accommodation. 200,000 hours of direct service Senses Australia aligns its Clients are satisfi ed with to nearly 1000 children, adults services with the six National Not diagnosis or disability specifi c their services and seniors with disability, as Standards for Disability Services, Many people with disability have Over 90 per cent of clients dual or multiple diagnoses. Senses agreed or strongly agreed well as providing support to ensuring compliance against these and other internal and Australia is one disability service Senses Australia was improving families and carers. external requirements, and provider that offers services to their life and 94 per cent said With more than 260 employees, continuously improves its people with a broad range of Senses Australia was helping where 90 per cent of these people services with involvement from disability and also offers unique them achieve what was work directly with clients, clients, families and carers. services for people who are deafblind. important to them.

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1896-98 1894 The organisation was renamed The Western Australian Industrial School for the Blind and in 1898 became known as The Victorian Institute and Industrial School for the Blind, WA Inc.

Our 120-year journey Celebrating 120 years 1895 Originally known as The Western Over the past 120 years the only thing that has not changed is Australian Home Teaching Senses Australia’s commitment to people with disability and Society for the Blind, its charter excellence in service delivery. was to provide education and employment to blind citizens. 1967 Then known as The Royal WA Institute for the Blind (Inc.), its role evolved a great deal to include employment, training, respite, recreation and a variety of accommodation options for WA’s blind citizens.

1932 Some 30 years later, another name change to The West Australian 1898 Institute and Industrial School for the Blind (Inc).

2001 2013 2015 On August 15, 2001, The On July 1, 2013, Today Senses Australia is WA’s leading Royal WA Institute for the Senses Foundation became disability services provider, holding the Blind and the WA Deafblind Senses Australia, a not-for- highest ethical standards and striving for Association amalgamated profi t charitable company excellence in all it does. The organisation to form Senses Foundation, limited by guarantee, to be provides almost 200,000 hours of direct the organisation for people able to provide disability service to almost 1000 people with who are blind, deafblind and services to all people with disability and their families and carers. multisensory impaired. disability across Australia.

04 Board of Management: Bill Cutler, Rick Matich, John Groppoli, Ruth Shean, Bruce Campbell-Fraser, Colin Emmott, Beth Gordon Leading disability service provider with a difference

CEO’s Message I am so extraordinarily proud • By the 1940s, as many other DSC Director General’s Message to lead an organisation which community-based organisations has served Western Australians were being developed, The Western Australian for 120 years and which has a Senses Australia had disability services system that successfully lobbied for commitment to serve for many, currently supports more than compulsory education for many years to come. people who were blind and 25,000 people with disability Senses Australia is not only one had introduced the teaching has grown from humble of the oldest charities in Western of life skills into its education beginnings at the end of the Australia, it is one of the leaders, programs. 19th century. committed as it is, to its vision and • By 1970 Senses Australia had Like other Western societies, it was passionate about its purpose. built the fi rst independent living the passion of families and the Our vision is for a community units incorporating non-slip contribution of philanthropists that which embraces and respects fl ooring in the bathrooms, eye- laid the foundations for our current uniqueness and diversity and level power points and grab rails. service system. where a person with disability has Absolutely revolutionary. Senses Australia, currently one equal opportunity to aspire and to • In 2006 Senses Australia moved of the nation’s most progressive We are building a system that achieve. away completely from an disability service organisations, can responds to the individual needs And our purpose is to assist people institutional model of service trace its origins back to 1895 when of people with disability and of all ages with disability to meet delivery with the sale of the it commenced as The Western offers a wide range of service their goals and aspirations and Maylands site and now provides Australian Home Teaching Society options. People with disability we do that through providing all its services in the community. for the Blind, supported by a now have increasing control contemporary and responsive private committee of ‘subscribers’ over their services and can tailor • By 2013 Senses Australia had services. who supported the institute these services to meet their introduced a comprehensive fi nancially. specifi c needs. Our work and how we work is built model of service delivery on our values of respect, integrity, for all people with disability Senses Australia, in its current and More than ever we will need excellence and innovation throughout Australia. previous iterations, has been a organisations such as Senses Australia to continue key partner and innovator in the Throughout its long history, Today Senses Australia continues providing world-class, evidence- local disability support system over Senses Australia has led the way to listen to people with disability based services that meet the the past 120 years. Thousands in the provision of contemporary and will continue to respond with needs of children and adults of Western Australians with services for people with disability. the provision of quality services. with disability in WA. sensory and other disabilities have • When Senses Australia started From all of us at Senses Australia, benefi tted from the specialist Congratulations to its journey in 1895 as The thank you for sharing in this – our expertise and commitment of the Senses Australia for reaching Western Australian Home celebration of 120 years working staff and management of Senses its 120th birthday! Teaching Society for the Blind, for people with disability in over the past 12 decades. families were required to care Western Australia. for their children with disability There have been monumental without assistance. changes in this system since 1895. Senses Australia led the way The National Disability Insurance with a charter to provide Debbie Karasinski Scheme and other related reforms Dr Ron Chalmers education and employment Chief Executive Offi cer are fast-tracking developments in Director General to blind citizens. Senses Australia disability services in WA. Disability Services Commission

For more information or to make a donation to Senses Australia please visit www.senses.org.au or call 9473 5400 5 Leading disability service provider with a difference

Speech Pathology for children At Senses Australia a dedicated reassess and ensure progress has team of speech pathologists, been made.” occupational therapists, Speech pathologists work in a physiotherapists, social workers, number of ways to achieve a clinical psychologists and positive outcome for a child’s deafblind consultants work communication development. in partnership with parents “We provide one-on-one speech and their children to support therapy or speech pathology development. intervention and work alongside parents and other main people in Senses Australia Senior Speech the child’s life,” Ms Gorman said. Pathologist Alicia Gorman said the language delays, which focuses about the things they have done, organisation provided vital early “Parents are key to supporting on the importance of involving follow instructions that have childhood therapy services for kids their child’s communication parents in their child’s early three to four important words up to six years with disability. development and we can provide language development. in them and group items by “We meet with parents to discuss them with tips, strategies and ideas category, such as types of fruit, It Takes Two to Talk – The Hanen their goals for their child, what they about how intervention can be toys or transport. Program for Parents provides would like them to be able to do embedded in daily routines. parents with valuable information However, it is important to note and what support they would like,” “Providing information and and skills to support their children these developmental milestones she said. upskilling to parents is important with early communication and are guidelines only and children “Together we will plan how to because they spend the most language development. grow and develop at different support their child to achieve amount of time with their child rates, according to Ms Gorman. Ms Gorman said by the time a these goals. and provide the best language model for their child. child was three-and-a-half years “Although, if a parent is “When early communication old, they had usually started concerned about their development is identifi ed, our “We also visit a child in their home, using connecting words to child’s early communication speech pathologists will complete daycare or kindergarten to provide join sentences, such as ‘and’, development, it is defi nitely worth an assessment of how the child support within the child’s natural ‘because’, ‘but’ and ‘so’. contacting a speech pathologist currently communicates and environment and the people they or general practitioner,” she said. Their grammar is also developing identify their strengths and areas interact with every day.” and they are likely using words “Early intervention is really of need. In addition Senses Australia runs such as ‘is’ and ‘are’ and learning important and provides the best “From there we establish a set of an evidence-based program for new words quickly. At this age, opportunity for children to reach goals and later review them to parents of young children with children can tell simple stories their full potential.”

Tips for starting school Starting school for the fi rst time is a big · Encourage your child to focus their attention · Encourage your child to use age appropriate adventure and an exciting milestone in your on just one activity for a small amount of scissors and have them cut along a straight child’s life. Here are some ideas about how time. line. Craft activities are great fun! you can help your child prepare before they · Leave your child for short periods of time · Enjoy play dates together where children begin school: with someone that is familiar to them and can learn to play cooperatively, share and someone you feel comfortable with. take turns with other children similar in age. · Encourage your child to go to the toilet, get dressed and eat without too much help. · Routines are important in a young child’s It is important you work closely with your · Have them help you choose items they will life – following a routine brings predictability child’s teacher, especially if your child has need for school, including a school bag, hat and children will know what to expect and special needs. Your child’s teacher will need and lunch box. This will help them recognise when. to know how they should modify instructions and work tasks, how to help keep your child their own belongings. · Have your child practise copying basic calm and how to use specialised equipment drawing patterns such as straight lines, · Give them simple instructions such as ‘put – this will help to ensure your child has a circles and zigzags. There are some on your shoes’ or ‘choose a book we can wonderful start to their school life. read together’ – this will help them to listen, great drawing patterns available online understand and follow instructions. that can be printed and traced. Source: www.kidspot.com.au.

06 For more information or to make a donation to Senses Australia please visit www.senses.org.au or call 9473 5400 children withdisabilities. with particularadaptations for children withfeeding difficulties, based feeding intervention for SOS isafamily-centred, research- benefit toclients. Approach toFeeding tobeofgreat Sequential Oral Sensory(SOS) therapists have found the In particular,SensesAustralia’s from interstate andoverseas. training andexperiencegained of feeding andmealtimes,with particular expertiseinthearea Senses Australia’s therapists have had oral motordelay. cent ofthosewithcerebral palsy oral motordifficulties; and68per children withDownsyndrome had range offoods; 82percent of children withautismate alimited A studyshowed 94percentof feeding even morechallenging. additional complexitiesthatmake Children withdisabilitieshave experience,” shesaid. then feeding becomesanegative have thecapacity for learningand hormones arereleasedsothey don’t feel anxiousatmealtimes,stress they can’t eatout.Whenchildren child andtherestoffamily and have tocookseparate mealsfor the child thesamefood every day,they “Often parentshave togive their of childrenwithfeeding difficulties. stressful andupsettingfor parents Lamhut saidmealtimes couldbe of Children’sServicesRebecca Senses Australia Coordinator sensory components. behavioural, motor,oral-motor and activity thatinvolves physical, a simpletask, feeding isacomplex milestones. Despite beingseenas language andbehaviour significant delaysinmotor, difficulties often goontohave Children withpersistent feeding difficulty eating. number ofchildren have daily livingandyet alarge Feeding isabasicactivity of Feeding difficulties madeeasier Insurance Scheme. or undertheNationalDisability Helping ChildrenwithAutism fee for service,withBetter Start, 18 years andcan beaccessedas is available for allchildrenunder Senses Australia’s feeding team approach,” shesaid. then it’salmostlike adesensitisation the child’sdifficulty withfeeding and profile ofallthethingsunderlying certain smells.We puttogethera textured food orthey don’tlike “It couldbethey don’tlike acertain with eating. behind achildhaving difficulties approach toassessthereasons Ms Lamhut saidSOSused aholistic feeding problems. evaluate andmanagechildrenwith approaches tocomprehensively and nutritionalfactors and oral, behavioural, medical, sensory The program integrates motor, with feeding diffi Supporting children • Senses Australia, in • Senses Australia feedingmatters.org. information, visitwww. with them.For more professionals whowork and thefamilies and with feeding diffi website for children an inaugural Australian Lotterywest, developed Matters intheUSand conjunction withFeeding diffi children withfeeding improved outcomes for review content tosupport regularly toestablish and across Australia meet where expertsfrom Feeding Reference Group, Australian Paediatric establishment ofthe has supported the culties. Leading disabilityserviceprovider withadifference culties culties 07

LWP0301 Supporting siblings [email protected]. Program, contact SensesAustralia SocialWorker SineadBrunton at For moreinformation aboutSensesAustralia’s SiblingSupport be nicefor themtosupporteachother.” with specialneedsoften have commonconcernsandfeelings, soitcan needs tomeetothersandstart buildingfriendships. Siblingsofchildren “This isafun andinformal wayfor siblingsofchildrenwithspecial Senses Australia SocialWorker SineadBruntonsaid. siblings ofchildrenwithspecialneedstocometogether,” “Our siblingfun daysareheldthroughouttheyear toencourage siblings ofitsyoung clients. Senses Australia provides supporttofamilies, includingthe Leading disability service provider with a difference

Moving out of home A big stage in any person’s life is moving out of the family home. For people with a disability, Senses Australia offers the services and support required to help them live their life as independently as possible and in the way they choose. People with a disability may choose to live in their own home; share with one or more people; or live with a host family. Whichever option is chosen, the staff at Senses Australia are well trained and supported through continuous supervision and mentoring to assist people with a disability in their living arrangements. Support workers can provide assistance at mealtimes; showering, dressing and other personal care; socialising in the community; assisting with medication; transportation; attending medical appointments; and shopping for groceries.

Life skills groups Clients have the opportunity “The aim of the group is to to participate in a number of create a fun and safe place for groups and activities organised our clients to learn, including by Senses Australia. things you need to buy to cook a recipe, how to make a meal Senses Australia’s Senior or snack, cutting food ready for Occupational Therapist Amy Brown cooking, being safe when cooking, said the Adult Therapy team held making a recipe book with photos a number of groups throughout and using the recipe book to try the year, including a protective cooking something at home. behaviours group, cooking classes, hydrotherapy, a coffee group and “The recipes are presented with last year organised a visual cues, so people who have Senses Australia Christmas Walk diffi culty reading can follow the around the river. recipes more easily.” “Our cooking classes are held For more information contact Alternative living arrangements throughout the year. We identify Senses Australia’s Coordinator clients who have a goal to develop of Adult Therapy Services for people with disability their cooking skills and these clients Holly Coopes at Living alone a great transition for people who are invited to participate,” she said. [email protected]. A person with disability may wish are thinking about moving out to live alone, owning their own and living on their own but are home or renting. Support workers not quite ready yet to live alone. can visit people in their home and Living with a host family assist them to be as independent Senses Australia can help people as they wish to be. with a disability choose a family Sharing with one or more to live with that best suits them other people and their needs. Senses Australia A person can share their home has comprehensive assessment with another person who may or processes ensuring all registered may not need disability care and families have security checks in support. Shared living is an option place and have undertaken the for people who want company, as relevant training to be a host well as independence. This is also family.

08 For more information or to make a donation to Senses Australia please visit www.senses.org.au or call 9473 5400 Leading disability service provider with a difference

Transitioning to adult services At Senses Australia the team encourages communication with of therapists are well trained all involved. and equipped to support their “We work with their employer to clients through each stage see what communication methods of life, especially as they and supports are needed within transition from children’s to the work environment,” adult’s activities. Ms Coopes said. Senses Australia’s Coordinator of “They might use a communication Adult Therapy Services device that helps them express Holly Coopes said it was important what they want to say, so we will to work with a teenager with ensure the staff knows how to disability and their family to discuss use it. what was most important to them “Or if the person is in a wheelchair, now they had left school. we make sure the people who work with them know how to move and “School has a lot of structure and assist the person with disability. people have a lot of certainty as to what to expect, so when they “Our services make sure the leave, it can cause general anxiety,” person with disability is safe and she said. the staff who work with and around them know best how to Senses Australia tries to make sure support them.” transitions, such as school life to employment, are not too stressful For more information contact for the person with disability and [email protected].

And we thought we did good work.

Congratulations to Senses Australia on supporting the Western Australian community for over 120 years, and our thanks for the opportunity to play a small part.

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Emily is fi nding her voice Six-year-old Emily Becker is new pathway of communication, trialling the Tobii Eye Gaze which, for example, she could use System, which her family and to indicate when she wanted a cuddle, a taste of jelly or a bath. team of therapists hope will ultimately become her ‘voice’. “Emily really enjoys fun games on the eye gazing system that When Emily was one month old, are designed to allow her to gain she developed meningitis, resulting the strength she needs in her eye in an acquired brain injury, and left muscles to make this system as her unable to walk, talk or even eat. effi cient as possible,” Mrs Becker Today Senses Australia provides said. Senses Australia Coordinator of a community where our family Emily with speech therapy, “Even on days when Emily is not Children’s Services feels so supported and where she physiotherapy and occupational feeling 100 per cent, using the eye Rebecca Lamhut said the already has many friends,” therapy and helps her family gazing system and doing a fun APPlicator would enable Emily Mrs Becker said. source essential equipment and activity like a game can take her technology to signifi cantly improve mind off things and improve her to have some control and be “From the moment we said the her quality of life. wellbeing and mood. more interactive with the iPad’s teachers at our local school functions and applications. were enthusiastic but nervous, Emily’s mother Nicole Becker said “Learning a new mode of Senses Australia initiated the the most important goal they communication is actually really “Emily would be able to start and meetings that planted the seeds had for Emily was to help her fun for her and we couldn’t be stop her own music, without having of possibilities in her educators’ communicate. happier about that.” to rely on others to do it for her. She could also interact with her minds and have ultimately helped “Our Senses Australia speech Another piece of equipment iPad to play games rather than her grow, interact, learn and therapist Jodie Hooker has worked that could play a vital role in passively watching,” she said. develop in this environment. tirelessly to try to make this as easy helping Emily in her daily life, is an “Their passion and enthusiasm as it can be for someone who has APPlicator iPad switch. Emily’s team of therapists has also for inclusion and for wanting the spastic quadriplegia and no ability worked hard to support her entire By plugging a switch or multiple best for Emily has played and to speak,” she said. family and teachers. switches into the APPlicator, it can continues to play a crucial role in Mrs Becker said the eye gazing be used by a child with limited “We were keen for Emily to attend this incredibly important and very technology gave her daughter a mobility. our local public primary school in special part of Emily’s life.”

Technology is vital How can I access Special equipment, resources This includes basic visual support children and adults with their Senses Australia’s and technology play a vital with a piece of paper, showing communication. children’s therapy services? pictures and vocabulary where the role in helping people with “Our services start when children are • My Way funding. child points to what they are trying disability develop their skills, a few months old until they are to say, or more complex systems • National Disability Insurance 18 years and then they can strength, confi dence and that use specifi c communication Agency funding. experience to enable them to transition into our adult services. devices and software. • State funding (Disability achieve their goals. “It’s quite a seamless process and “We also use switch adaptor toys for Services Commission) – people can be with us across their Senses Australia Coordinator of children who don’t have fi ne motor eligibility criteria apply. lifespan. Children’s Services Rebecca Lamhut skills and can’t press little buttons, • Paying a fee for the service. said for children who had limited so by using a bigger switch they can “Our services are provided in voluntary control over their muscles use their whole hand to move and the home, in school and in the • Medicare rebate for Allied and limbs, it could be quite diffi cult activate it,” Ms Lamhut said. community, depending on what the Health Services through to get their messages across. family’s goals are for the child. referral from your GP. “Or they might be able to activate In order to overcome this, the team it with their head or foot depending “Research shows these are the best • Better Start funding. of therapists teaches children how on where they have the most places for intervention. Our services • Helping Children with Autism. to use augmentative alternative control. There’s quite a range of are very much centred around the communication to express their technology in terms of simple to family and the child’s goals and For more information email thoughts, needs, wants and ideas. complex devices that can support aspirations.” [email protected].

10 For more information or to make a donation to Senses Australia please visit www.senses.org.au or call 9473 5400 Leading disability service provider with a difference

A registered NDIS Kevin connects with his community service provider Busselton resident Kevin Sambell, “He was unsure how to connect to The two-year National Disability who has been profoundly deaf activities in his local community Insurance Scheme (NDIS) trials since childhood, is now able to because he was unable to communicate with them are in full swing with two trials participate in and connect with effectively,” she said. underway – one in the Hills his community, thanks to support region of Perth and a modifi ed from Senses Australia. “Kevin’s support worker assists him to communicate with others using Western Australian model of As part of the WA NDIS My Way fi ngerspelling. Our speech therapist the NDIS operating in the South trial, a My Way personalised plan is also assisting with potential was developed with the help of West called My Way. communication devices which a My Way coordinator, which The NDIS supports people with identifi ed Kevin’s goals and the will enable Kevin to effectively disability to exercise more choice methods needed to implement communicate independently.” and control over their supports these goals. Kevin is now a regular at the and services. It was through this model Kevin Senior Citizens Centre in Busselton, Senses Australia is a registered was made aware of the services where he participates in indoor NDIS service provider and offers provided by Senses Australia, which bowls, table tennis and Tai Chi. He personalised therapy services, have helped him achieve his goals. has also pursued his passion for specialist support, respite and more photography and woodwork. to people with disability across Senses Australia Service Development Manager “Senses Australia has an offi ce in all ages. Jodi Perkin said Kevin’s support Busselton, so we have been able For more information contact worker had assisted him to to develop a service for Kevin [email protected] or visit live more independently and that is individualised and fl exible www.senses.org.au. connected him to activities of and meets his needs within his interest. community,” Ms Perkin said.

Can you provide a loving, safe environment for a person with disability?

Your role as a host family is to provide a homely and welcoming environment Senses Australia provides vital support People are at the centre of what Senses which allows trust and relationships to develop to their full potential. to people of all ages with a disability and Australia do, with their consistent, important to people who are deafblind. services making a lasting difference for If you are a reliable, empathetic and compassionate person who would like to people with disability and their families. make a long term commitment to nurture an individual’s development and Since 1988, Lotterywest has supported growth, we would love to hear from you. Sense Australia will provide intensive Senses Australia in WA with more than This has been made possible thanks to you support, initial and ongoing training and financial reimbursement to assist $2.7 million in grants to help change lives. and the Lotterywest Games you play. you to enrich the individuals quality of life.

Everyone deserves to have a safe and loving home.

For more information on becoming a Host Family, call Jodi on 0401 181 643 lotterywest.wa.gov.au www.senses.org.au Games Grants

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Western Australian camp for people who The role of a deafblind consultant are deafblind Senses Australia’s Deafblind “The team facilitates informal Senses Australia hosts the a setting that is supportive yet Services team has undertaken and formal groups, where appropriate, to better meet largest ever gathering of enables them to participate at specifi c training and has client outcomes in a group/ their own pace,” he said. expertise relating to people deafblind people in Australia peer situation. This may include every second year. Senses Australia Deafblind living with deafblindness peer support, mentoring and Consultant Karen Wickham, (congenital and acquired). The Western Australian camp information exchange,” who coordinated last year’s for people who are deafblind Senses Australia’s Manager Mr Wittorff said. camp, said more than 50 people provides a chance for people Deafblind Services from across Australia and New “Deafblind consultants to catch up with friends, share Matthew Wittorff said Zealand attended the camp in participate in clients’ individual lived experiences and engage in Senses Australia was considered Hillarys. service plans, case conferences recreational activities and outings a centre for excellence in and therapy meetings as in an environment that is safe and “The camp helps minimise the deafblindness. “Our deafblind required and develop resources supportive. isolation people feel that results consultants present both nationally necessary to meet the client- from both loss and impairment,” Senses Australia’s Manager and internationally, conduct specifi c communication needs. she said. Deafblind Services ongoing research and coordinate They also provide training to Matthew Wittorff said the camp To ensure campers had the best specialised projects for this unique family and support workers in was a wonderful opportunity for experience, more than 100 population,” he said. these communication needs to people who were deafblind to volunteers attended last year’s “Deafblind consultants assess, deliver the plans. take part and enjoy a weekend full camp to provide one-on-one plan and develop programs “Deafblind consultants also of activities including canoeing, communication and sighted relevant to the needs and provide training to direct care archery, abseiling, swimming, art guide support. aspirations of people who are workers, teaching staff and and more. The third WA camp for people deafblind, in particular the need to therapy staff working with “The camp enables people who who are deafblind will be held in for communication, one-to-one people who are deafblind. are deafblind to come together in 2016. human contact, social interaction The Deafblind services team and emotional wellbeing, support has developed training with orientation and mobility and modules and delivers training rehabilitation.” for communication guides. Senses Australia’s Deafblind The team and the service it consultant team members act as provides play an integral part in the lives of people living with consultants to other professionals, deafblindness in Australia.” Biz365 congratulates support staff, caregivers, external agencies and the local community To fi nd out more about Senses Australia on its to ensure the communication, Senses Australia’s Deafblind behavioural, psychosocial, Services visit www.senses.org. equipment and mobility needs are au or contact Senses Australia’s met for clients who are deafblind Manager Deafblind Services at 120 years or who have dual sensory loss. [email protected]. of supporting the Western Australian community

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T: (08) 6394 4349 W: www.biz365.com.au 12 Leading disability service provider with a difference

Roma’s story: looking back – working as a brush maker At 19 years Roma began working Today Mrs Hare loves spending at the Western Australian Institute time with her children, for the Blind in Maylands as a grandchildren and great brush maker. grandchildren, reading Braille books and listening and singing It was here she met a young man along to songs on the radio. by the name of David Triat, who was also blind, and soon they fell in About eight years ago she love and married in January 1948. won the 6PR Mother of the Year competition after being Together Roma and David raised nominated by her proud children and Eighty-nine-year-old Roma Hare three sighted children, David, admits she was “a bit embarrassed Margaret and Jennifer. by it all”. has been blind since she was “Mum and the guide dog would a young child, but through “I did my own housework and looked Roma was also the Western walk us to school and we had the sheer determination and a after my own children because I was Australian runner-up in the same opportunities as every other positive attitude, she has done used to doing things myself,” Barnardos Australia Mother of the child. She goes out of her way to almost anything a sighted Mrs Hare said. “I had a great social Year competition for her many make others happy and nothing is person could do. life and having the guide dogs got achievements throughout her life. ever too much trouble for her. me out of the house. Roma owes her assertiveness and “She cooked us nourishing meals, “She’s always had a very funny sense capability to her father, who always “I’ve always said to never feel sorry kept the house spotlessly clean, of humour and always looks on the said: “Roma, I know you can’t see, for blind people because there is knitted our jumpers, sewed some bright side of life. It really was a but you’ve got to learn to feather nothing we can’t do and there’s of our clothes and even made house full of fun and laughter.” your own nest” or “you’ve got to always some people who could be our wedding cakes,” her daughter Top right: David and Roma on their wedding day. learn to paddle your own boat”. worse off than you.” Jennifer said. Top left: Roma and her guide dog Beauty.

Ending the isolation Orientation and Mobility Age-related dual sensory loss “Senses Australia is the centre of Senses Australia is now eye disease or injury or an acquired or deafblindness is an isolating excellence in deafblindness or dual offering Orientation and brain injury. sensory loss and our expertise dates disability for an increased Mobility (O and M) services “An O and M instructor will go back to our earliest beginnings. number of Australians in an to people of all ages with you to explore your ageing population. “It is our goal to educate and with vision impairment environment. They can provide create resources for people working advice about moving around in To help older Australians living with in the NDIS and My Way in the aged care industry, so they your home, school, workplace or deafblindness, Senses Australia will trial sites. can support older Australians who to use public transport or taxis,” undertake a nationwide project receive care and give them the “Orientation and Mobility is Mr Wittorff said. called Ending the Isolation. support they need. We want to about knowing where you are “They can help you to navigate Senses Australia Deafblind Services help end the isolation for many so you can get to where you your community successfully Manager Matthew Wittorff, lead older Australians experiencing want to go and travel there by providing suggestions about researcher in the project, said it deterioration of vision and safely,” Senses Australia’s how to use landmarks for would help aged care workers hearing.” Manager Deafblind Services orientation or they may suggest identify when a person had a Matthew Wittorff said. Thanks to funding from the mobility aids or vision aids such combination of vision and hearing Commonwealth Government’s “Anyone with a vision as a white cane or guide dog if impairment. Department of Social Services, impairment can benefi t from you have trouble detecting “This is a signifi cant move for over the next two years the project meeting with an O and M bumps, dips or obstacles in Senses Australia into the aged care will undertake signifi cant research instructor, a professional your path. A GPS can also assist sector and we are excited to be with the help of people receiving with specialist skills and you with orientation for route supporting older Australians and services from aged care providers in knowledge.” travel.” our community in this way,” he Western Australia. A Senses Australia O and M For more information contact said. Findings will assist in developing instructor is available to discuss Senses Australia on 9473 5400 “We also have a long history and resources as well as information mobility needs with people with or visit www.senses.org.au/i-want- proven expertise with supporting packages, which will be available to a vision impairment which may to-know-about/orientation-and- people who are deafblind. the aged care sector nationwide. be from birth, acquired through mobility.

For more information or to make a donation to Senses Australia please visit www.senses.org.au or call 9473 5400 13 Leading disability service provider with a difference

Banking with a conscience – Get your Become a volunteer supporting Senses Australia running Senses Australia welcomes Each year Australians donate For example, Beyond Bank shoes on! volunteers from all walks millions of dollars to not-for- Australia offers an everyday WAToday’s Swan River Run has of life and offers them the savings account called a profi t groups and although nominated Senses Australia as a opportunity to be involved Community Reward Account the rising cost of living is Gold Charity at this year’s event in many facets of the that donates a percentage of putting pressure on that organisation. the average annual balance to on Sunday July 26. generosity, there are simple customer’s nominated not-for- By committing to fundraise a Currently volunteers assist ways to support the community profi t organisation or community minimum of $750, Gold Charity with administration tasks, that can ease the impact on group. Runners will help Senses Australia archiving, newsletter provide essential services to people production, fundraising, special your hip pocket. Senses Australia has registered as with disability of all ages and assist events, recreation activities, a benefi ciary and has called upon Making informed choices on the organisation with internal and gardening, maintenance and all supporters to nominate them everyday activities such as where external training, education and social support with clients. you bank and which savings as preferred community group recruitment to ensure a state-of- Tasks undertaken can be as account you open may enable they would like to support. Contact the-art service and a best-practice simple as sharing a coffee and you to easily support charities and Beyond Bank about opening a environment. having a chat with someone community groups close to your Community Reward Account to who is socially isolated heart. start your savings and to support With only 25 entry places available, or as complex as taking Senses Australia. Gold Charity Runners can choose That is because some fi nancial to run the 5km or 14km course responsibility for organising an institutions are actively embracing If you are involved in a community and will be invited to take part aspect of Senses Australia’s the support of the community group, not-for-profi t or local charity, in Senses Australia’s 120-year services that fi ts in with the sector by implementing unique these accounts also provide a way celebrations as well as receive a volunteer’s interests and initiatives and programs that to boost fundraising efforts. free Senses Australia running shirt, competencies. deliver community rewards on Senses Australia will provide the fundraising kit, ongoing support For example, last year a behalf of customers. It is worth Beyond Bank donation to go and start the run at the front of the volunteer developed a very considering this and what they towards its services and thanks pack. To register visit successful Camera Club project offer when reviewing your choice their supporters for their continued www.swanriverrun.com. for residents in supported of banking partners. support. au/charity-listings/. accommodation. Volunteering can be regular 5 Cents for 5 Senses and ongoing or one-off occasions. It can also be as Did you know all those fi ve cent coins lying around the house, simple as sharing a hobby or car and workplace could make a big difference in the lives of interest with someone who people with disabilities? needs assistance to access community activities. United Way WA launched the 5 Cents for 5 Senses campaign in 2011 with The West Australian, Westpac and HBF to raise vital funds for local Senses Australia has clients not-for-profi t organisations. who love to go to the football, gym and movies, All you need to do is collect your loose change, place the fi ve cent pieces go swimming, walking and in plastic coin bags in lots of $5, take them to the nearest Westpac branch fi shing, do drawings/colouring and ask them to bank it to the United Way 5 Cents for in, jigsaw puzzles and games 5 Senses account or donate online at www.givenow.com.au/uwwa. or attend craft groups, slot Senses Australia is one of fi ve charities chosen to benefi t from the car racing and many other donations. recreational activities. People who are interested in becoming a valued volunteer at Senses Australia can visit How can your coins help? www.senses.org.au and 900 x fi ve cent coins equate to one hour for a complete the online deafblind consultant. 40,000 x fi ve cent coins equals application. a specialist to the Pilbara to provide specialist advice, For more information call support and training. (08) 9473 5473 or email [email protected].

14 Leading disability service provider with a difference

How you can help Senses Australia welcomes Everyday Hero charity, which the kind support it receives from provided an easy platform for clients, donors, community groups people to fundraise in participating events such as the upcoming and corporate organisations. WAToday Swan River Run or This support plays a big part in Chevron City to Surf. helping people of all ages with “Now we are in a position where ‘Sweet Senses’ disability, their families, carers and we can invite our supporters to ultimately, the Western Australian Landsdale Rose Gardens, Western Australia’s most awarded rose enter an event and nominate community. nursery has recently introduced a new rose, Sweet Senses, in time Senses Australia as a recipient of for Senses Australia’s 120-year celebrations. “A general donation made online any money they raise through through our secure website is the participating,” she said. With each rose bush sold, Landsdale Rose Gardens will donate $1 easiest way to contribute to to Senses Australia to help support services throughout WA. For more information on how Senses Australia,” you can join Senses Australia’s Sweet Senses was launched at this year’s Melbourne Senses Australia’s Relationship fundraising program and help International Flower and Garden Show. Marketing Coordinator make a difference to those living Kaye Foster said. Described as highly fragrant, it is a repeat fl owering Hybrid Tea with disability, email rose and is honey apricot in colour. The young bronze coloured “A donation, no matter what the [email protected] or phone foliage matures to a healthy, glossy olive green and the rose bush amount, will go directly where it’s (08) 9473 5400. grows to about 1.2 metres high by 0.9 metres wide. needed most.” It is available for purchase from Landsdale Rose Gardens, Friends and family can make a Bunnings, Mitre 10 and a number of mail order nurseries. donation to Senses Australia in To fi nd out more visit Landsdale Rose Gardens online at memory of a loved one or in lieu of www.landsdalerosegardens.com.au or Senses Australia at a special gift, such as for a birthday www.senses.org.au. or anniversary. Another way to make a signifi cant and lasting difference is to make a bequest to Senses Australia. Thank you for your support. How can you donate? A bequest is the act of giving All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. personal property or money, such Donating is one of most Title _____ First name ______Surname ______as cash, stocks, bonds or jewellery, simple and effective ways or naming Senses Australia as people can contribute to Street Address ______the benefi ciary of an insurance Senses Australia. By donating Suburb ______Postcode ______policy through provision of a will or to Senses Australia you can estate plan. make a real difference to Email ______people’s lives. All donations of $25 $50 $100 or my choice $ ______“Workplace giving programs are $2 or more are tax deductible. becoming popular. Donations are My cheque or money order is enclosed made from your salary to charities. Donating to Senses Australia They are a simple and effective is easy: Please debit my credit card: Visa Mastercard Amex way to regularly contribute,” Online Card number ______Mrs Foster said. Visit www.senses.org.au Expiry date __ __ / __ __ Signature ______“Workplace giving deductions and click the donate tab are made pre-tax, providing an on the homepage. Cardholder’s name ______immediate benefi t to the person in Mail Please charge $ _____ each month to my credit card until I the form of a tax deduction.” Fill in the donation coupon advise otherwise. on this page and post to: For more information about Please send me information on how I can leave a gift to workplace giving and how PO Box 143, Burswood WA Senses Australia in my will. employers can support 6100 Senses Australia in this way visit Please tick here if you do not wish to receive any further Phone www.good2give.org.au. communication from Senses Australia. Call Senses Australia on Mrs Foster said Senses Australia (08) 9473 5400. Post to: PO Box 143, Burswood WA 6100 had recently registered as an

For more information or to make a donation to Senses Australia please visit www.senses.org.au or call 9473 5400 15 With our 120 years of expertise, we’re shaping the future for people with disability.

Senses Australia, Western Australia’s leading disability service provider, provides services to children, adults and seniors with disability, as well as providing support to families, carers and other professionals. Therapy services Assistive products and equipment Assistance in the home Assistance in the community Orientation and Mobility Respite support Moving out of home Managing plans

www.senses.org.au

Leading disability service provider with a difference