Masquerade Ball celebrates spirit in a year of challenges
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Therapy Focus’ Newsletter — Summer 2021 Masquerade Ball celebrates spirit in a year of challenges On Friday 4 September, Therapy Focus staff and guests came together at Optus Stadium to celebrate the unveiling of the new-look Therapy Focus and the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel. The masquerade themed event opened with a moving operatic performance by Varley Strings and was co- hosted by Robbie Figg and Therapy Focus customer, Luke Fitzpatrick. Luke also gave the keynote presentation, sharing his journey from three open-heart surgeries as a child to becoming the self-proclaimed “regular bloke” he is today. In his speech, which resulted in a standing ovation from the 400-strong audience, Luke said that his journey to get to where he is today was thanks to the support of his family, friends and therapists. “To most people, my life might sound pretty ordinary. But to you all, who work with people like me every day, who have overcome challenges – like being born with half a heart – my life and my journey to get to here today, is extraordinary.” Continued on page 3.. Therapy Focus CEO Angelena Fixter and Administration Officer Co-Hosts Luke Fitpatrick & Robbie Figg Suzie Delaporte with performers from O Entertainment. InFocus Summer 21 | Page 1
From our Chair & CEO Masquerade Ball celebrates As we slowly emerge from the bubble that has been our life in WA that is more meaningful. We are proud to say that it truly came from spirit in a year of challenges for most of this year, we reflect on within and thank Carmel for her Another highlight of the event was the presentation of how challenging the uncertainty contribution. has been in so many areas of our the annual staff awards, with a number of Therapy Focus life. And yet, each day we have Our staff have rewritten employees acknowledged for their outstanding achievements soldiered on amidst fear for our what’s possible when people in a challenging year. 2020 Leadership Award winner; Team Leader Kelvin Kong personal health and wellbeing, and come together for a cause. We believe in often conflicting emotions about the continued delivery of essential That cause is Therapy Focus. all things unique. services such as those we provide at We’ve worked through a Therapy Focus. How resilient is the pandemic with a very low Like you, like us. human spirit! staff turnover rate of 4.5%, It can be difficult to look forward and attraction to our roles has when you are in the midst of such steadily increased over the turmoil, and so it was with great excitement that we launched our past few months - meaning new Ideology at the Masquerade that we can increase access Ball in September. This was the to our services. We are culmination of almost 12 months’ focused on reducing our work to redefine the organisation – who we are, why we exist and what waitlist and feel confident sets us apart from other service that changes to our systems providers. We collaborated with and scheduling processes will 2020 People’s Choice Award winner; Advanced Occupational Therapist Melissa Athannassiou with her customer, Kayla Barker 2020 Innovation Award winner; Advanced Occupational Therapist Nicky Montgomery our staff, customers, partners and soon result in shorter wait stakeholders to develop our Ideology with a core belief at its centre: That times for customers. Advanced Occupational Therapist Cockburn Team Leader Kelvin Kong necessity of teletherapy, Nicky every person’s journey should be Melissa Athanassiou was awarded was awarded the 2020 Leadership recognised the need to reimagine And so, we prepare to farewell 2020. the 2020 People’s Choice Award, Award in recongition of the service delivery in relation to a extraordinary. This core belief guides A year that has indeed been an which acknowledges employees exceptional leadership he showed sensory program called the Alert us in all that we do. extraordinary journey for us all. We who have gone ‘above and during the COVID-19 outbreak. Program. Nicky worked tirelessly Armed with our Ideology and a also farewell two Directors from our beyond’ to support Therapy Focus to make the program accessible Angelena Fixter In his nomination, colleague Jordan clear understanding of who we Board; Michael Banton and Amanda customers, their families and online, with a vision of making the CEO Hitch wrote: are and how we are evolving, we Reed. Michael has served on the carers. program accessible to both existing looked to refresh the Therapy Focus Board for an incredible 11 years and “During a very difficult time for customers and those in rural and logo to reflect our new direction. This year a record-equalling 85 made a valuable contribution based our team, Kelvin was calm and remote communities. Nicky is a We took a unique approach to our nominations were submitted for 61 on his extensive experience in the reassuring, personally calling each forward thinker who continually rebranding by inviting our staff to Therapy Focus employees. commercial sector during a time team member to inform us of a strives to adapt and find solutions create the concept for our new logo of great disruption for his industry. Melissa was nominated by Dawn developing situation and answer by re-imagining current work and were delighted to receive 20 Amanda served on the Board for Barker in recognition of the our questions. He repeatedly practices and service delivery submissions. All were creative and four years and provided important outstanding services and support demonstrated his willingness to go models.” thought provoking, but a submission insights as a customer and member Melissa provided to Dawn’s above and beyond his professional To see more photos from the event, from Advanced Occupational of our Customer Reference Group. daughter, Kayla. In nominating responsibility to ensure the visit the Therapy Focus Facebook Therapist Carmel McDougall truly Melissa, Dawn said “there was a emotional wellbeing of his team.” On behalf of Therapy Focus, we page. To learn more about the new- reflected our Ideology and carefully time when I didn’t think I would see wish you all the best for the festive Advanced Occupational Therapist look Therapy Focus brand, visit considered our past and future. Kayla’s 21st. [Melissa] gave Kayla Nicky Montgomery was the recipient therapyfocus.org.au/about-us Carmel’s concept was developed season. Enjoy spending time with all the skills and the tools to move of the 2020 Innovation Award, in into what is now the Therapy Focus your favourite people, doing some forward, to enjoy life and love who recognition of the creativity and logo and you can learn more about of your favourite things. Summer is she is”. ingenuity she demonstrated in our rebrand on page 11. One of here with new promises of sunshine, You can watch an interview with developing a sensory program. our guiding principles is Stronger adventures and, hopefully, open Dawn and Kayla regarding Melissa’s Together, and by tapping into the borders. We are putting the majority In her nomination, Team Leader nomination on the Therapy Focus collective wisdom of our staff we of 2020 behind us and looking to the Fiona Payne Siobhan Clery wrote: website at believe we have created a logo future. Chair therapyfocus.org.au/news. “Prior to COVID-19 and the InFocus Summer 21 | Page 2 InFocus Summer 21 | Page 3
“She is unable to crawl, stand on “Everyone has different needed to invest and have access her own or walk yet”. needs and abilities. Our to powered mobility devices such as the Explorer Mini for clients like She is restricted to laying on the priority is to increase Olivia. floor, sitting in a supportive chair function and independence”. or having someone position or “Having easy access to this device move her to help reach for things According to Advanced within our pool of resources means and play. This means Olivia is at Physiotherapist at Therapy our therapists can simultaneously the risk of passively experiencing Focus Sinead Creedon, research work on gross motor skills such as Little her world, rather than actively has shown that early paediatric crawling and walking, whilst also engaging mobility should start at a young age developing driving skills and an with it. because it is linked to development. understanding of ‘cause and effect’,” she said. Explorer, Recently, Olivia’s Physiotherapist “Early powered mobility not only at Therapy Focus, Laura Cruz, allows independent movement, but Janelle said having access to the arranged for Olivia to trial the has been linked with improvements Explorer Mini meant her daughter Explorer Mini. The paediatric power in cognition, communication and could partake in simple activities Olivia wheelchair is designed to provide early visual skills, as children learn such as playing with other kids early movement experiences to how their world works when they and generally becoming more very young children with mobility explore and interact with it,” Sinead independent. challenges. It is targeted at children said. “Anything that helps Olivia do aged 12-36 months and allows a Last year Sinead visited Melbourne something independently is a win,” safe and supported position from to attend the International Seating she said. which to explore their environment. Symposium— a conference with presentations from leading experts For more information about When we asked how she went in the field of early powered Therapy Focus’ early childhood Laura said Olivia worked out how to mobility. intervention services visit use the Explorer Mini in no time. therapyfocus.org.au or call “Olivia was amazing! She is such a It became clear to her after the trip 1300 135 373. clever little girl”. that her team at Therapy Focus Because she has not yet experienced independent crawling or walking, assistive technology like Olivia trials the Explorer Mini under the watchful eye of Physiotherapist, Laura Cruz. the Explorer Mini gives Olivia the chance to move around at home and the park on her own. “It was so good to see her approach toys and people of her own accord, rather than have to ask to be carried to them,” Laura said. The Mini Explorer When we asked Olivia’s sucker for an 80s/90s pop tune— severe scoliosis and had torticollis mum, Janelle, about who her favourites are a-ha ‘Take On and hip dysplasia. Me’ and Tiffany ‘I Think We’re Olivia was, she said she was Her conditions only affect her Alone Now’. a very happy, bright and physicality. She has only been content 21-month-old. “She is very social - she smiles, able to sit without support for waves and blows kisses to short periods of time in the last She loves to read books, build everyone she meets,” Janelle said. few months, which means, she block towers and stir ‘coffee’ for needs supervision because she her family, friends and teddies. Olivia also lives her life with can lose her balance easily. She loves Minnie Mouse and her collagen VI related myopathy, a absolute favourite thing to do condition that affects her skeletal “She isn’t strong enough to brace is dance and wave her arms to muscles and for which there is herself with her hands to break music. Like many of us she is a currently no cure. She also has her fall,” Janelle said. InFocus Summer 21 | Page 4
Delivering services to After a short tour of the town, Kelsie completed a functional assessment Finding the right switch remote Western Australia for a resident who is deaf and has mobility challenges. By Robotics & Emerging Technologies Project Manager, Kelvin Kong. The group then visited the home PILLOW SWITCH of another resident who uses a Pictured above is a pillow switch. It has a soft surface and can be used by pressing your head or cheek on it. wheelchair to complete a home modifications assessment. At Therapy Focus we have a are large button switches that are These switches and mounts are range of adaptive switches and suitable for people who can’t use available as part of kits that our Ngaanyatjarra’s Project Manager accompanying mounts that our small buttons and controls, whilst customers can trial to see what Stewart assisted Kelsie, helping to customers can trial. But what are pillow switches usually have a soft works best for them. create a plan that considered all switches and mounts, and how can foam surface that can be activated aspects of the house, including the Prior to the expansion of our they increase independence for by the head, shoulders, arms or bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and switch kits, trialling switches was a people living with disability? hands. access points. complicated and drawn-out process. Kelsie said that it was imporant What is a switch? The primary goal of switching is to Customers would have to travel to to consider cultural factors whilst increase independence, allowing various suppliers to trial devices A switch is an adaptive device ensuring the resident’s home met that allows people with limited the user to exercise more control and limited access to devices meant Therapy Focus Team Leader Kelsie Davis (R) and Brand Engagement Manager access standards. movement to engage with and over the things they need and want lengthy wait times. Now we can Tessa Leschen (L) enjoy a photo opportunity in Warburton. use electronic devices and other to do in their daily lives. It can help bring a range of switches to our It was also important to consider uncover people’s potential when customers, allowing them to trial the practicality of the building technology. Switches offer solutions One of the biggest challenges home modifications and functional for movements that may be difficult they are given the right technology the devices in their homes and about living in Western Australia assessments for residents. adjustments. As Warburton is so and the devices to access the everyday environments. This makes for people with disabilities, such as is receiving therapy and health far from Perth, accessing building technology. the trial experience more enjoyable Kelsie and Tessa were accompanied turning a knob. The switch offers an services in remote locations. In supplies and tradespeople can be and comfortable, and ensures our by Jane Clark-Munn who is the easier movement, such as pressing What is a mount? October, Therapy Focus looked to difficult. It was up to Kelsie and customers can access the devices Disability Services Manager for a button for example. address this challenge by providing Stewart to ensure the build was Mounts are often used with they need in a more timely manner. Ngaanyatjarra Health Services assessment services in the remote achievable. Switches can help people with switches, attaching the switch to and coordinates service delivery in The switch kits also allow Aboriginal community of Warburton. For more information about disability and limited movement the user’s wheelchair or an item this region. Jane has forged strong our therapists to complete Therapy Focus’ assessment and participate in a range of daily tasks of furniture. The mount holds the Therapy Focus Team Leader Kelsie relationships in the community comprehensive assessments that such as using a computer, activating switch in the correct position for use Davis and Brand Manager Tessa and reached out to Therapy home modifications services, or to toys, turning devices on/off and help identify which switch and Leschen made the 1500km journey Focus to provide services to NDIS request services in regional areas, and allows for easy access. using household appliances. They mount setups are best suited to to the town, which is just south participants, who have limited visit therapyfocus.org.au or call can also operate other assistive How do I choose the right people’s needs, and observe how of the Gibson desert, to complete access to supports. 1300 135 373 technologies, such as voice output switch? the devices will be used in their devices and powered wheelchairs. everyday environments. At Therapy Focus, we have an Creative casts “The team really took great care of Jack - we’ve had a fantastic makes it difficult for people to walk with their heel down on the ground. There a many different types of switches and they are often extensive range of up to 15 different switches and accompanying For more information about our switch kits, or to arrange an for Jack! experience since being referred to categorized by their unique features positioning mounts, which allow for assessment, speak with your For more information about Therapy Focus in Margaret River”, and the type of assistance they completely customisable setups Therapy Focus Key Worker or Therapy Focus’ physiotherapy Bron said. provide. For example, plate switches that accommodate individual needs. contact us on 1300 135 373. or serial casting services, visit For young West Coast Eagles fan In his most recent round of casting, therapyfocus.org.au or call Jack, living with cerebral palsy Jack’s therapy team got creative 1300 135 373. has many challenges. But with and made a set of blue and yellow the support of his mum, Bron and leg casts, complete with hand- his therapy team, Jack has been drawn Eagles emblems for the receiving serial casting procedures young footy fan. to help improve his calf and leg muscles. “He handled the actual casting process quite well. He is out of Serial casting has helped Jack the cast now, and is doing very with his range of motion as well as well, with the help of lots of helping to stretch and lengthen his physiotherapy,” Bron said. leg and calf muscles. The most common type of cast is The serial casting process can be a below the knee cast (pictured), done in isolation, or to complement which is used to stretch the calf other interventions such as Botox, SMOOTHIE SWITCH muscle. When this muscle is tight, it surgery or exercise. Pictured here is a smoothie 125 switch. It has a low profile and is easy to press. It comes in a variety of colours. InFocus Summer 21 | Page 7 InFocus Summer 21 | Page 6
What do clothing protectors, window art and all-natural dog treats have in common? They are all products being made and sold by Therapy Focus customers operating microenterprises with support from their families, friends and therapists. Turning hobbies into business: Creative sisters Lisa and Lizzie recently launched their micro-enterprise, LandE Designs, at Perth Makers Market, selling clothing protectors. Lisa, who A spotlight on customer is living with cerebral palsy, has been a customer of Therapy Focus for more than two years, and in that time has been receiving a range of services including microenterprises occupational therapy, speech and dietetics. The business idea was a family affair, with Lisa and Lizzie noting that a lot of the clothing protectors available were designed for a younger market and not entirely age-appropriate for 20-year old Lisa. “Lisa gets a source of income via LandE Designs, and we get to work together. Not only is it fun, but we get to make executive decisions on everything in our business - we’re the bosses now!” Lizzie said of the micro- enterprise. It’s a similar story for Therapy Focus customer Kim, who is in her final year of high school. With the support of her family, Kim started her micro-enterprise, Kim’s Kim at her stall with Occupational Therapist, Chloe Hampel. Window Art, creating faux stained-glass decals that can be attached to windows, mirrors and glass. “Initiatives such as microenterprises help the people, Kim’s Therapy Focus Occupational Therapist, Chloe we work with apply what they have been working on in Hampel, said that Kim’s therapy team have been therapy sessions to a real-world situation. It also allows working to improve Kim’s core strength and shoulder them to form community connections and generate an stability so she can create her works of art with greater income doing something they enjoy and are passionate control and minimise fatigue. As Kim is non-verbal, she about.” uses her communication device to communicate with her customers. You can support these microenterprises by purchasing their products and following them on social media: “Kim has come such a long way since the start of the year, and her mum has been amazing at incorporating LandE Designs small therapy strategies into everyday activities,” Chloe @LandEDesignsAustralia said. https://www.facebook.com/LandE- “During our sessions with Kim, we’ve created Designs-641939876432451/ business cards, labels, laminated tags and Kim’s Window Art packaged her items and painted some of her @kimsworldart artwork.” Kim’s Window Art https://www.facebook.com/ For Michael, who has autism, it was an affinity to his fauxstainedglass2020 four-legged friends that inspired his microenterprise, Mikey’s Dog Treats ‘Mikey’s Dog Treats’. The dog treats are all-natural, @mikeysdogtreats homemade with no preservatives or additives, and made with love by Michael. Mikey’s Dog Treats https://www.facebook.com/ mikeysdogtreats/ “Michael’s Occupational Therapist and I have been supporting Michael to increase his confidence and social communication so that he can engage more actively in his micro-business”, Michael’s Therapy Focus Speech Pathologist, Jordan Cable said. Michael at his stall with Speech Pathologist, Jordan Cable and Physiotherapist, Roisin Gillen. InFocus Summer 21 | Page 8 InFocus Summer 21 | Page 9
Supporting the transition to adulthood Our Rebrand: Your Questions Answered Transitioning from adolescence to Raeden’s mother, Rochelle, said that Curtin University Research Associate, adulthood is hard for everyone. It she saw many changes in Raeden Julia Tang, said that the program can be particularly challenging for throughout the program. has been life-changing for many people with neurodevelopmental participants. Why are you changing? • Staff uniforms and ID cards “He became committed to things and As our organisation grows and evolves, we need our • Emails from us and your therapy team conditions such as Autism Spectrum saw them through from start to end,” “It is wonderful to hear from brand to reflect all that we offer. It needs to reflect the Disorder. Often, a massive milestone • Our service agreement, forms and reports Rochelle said. participants who have gained more highly individualised therapy services that we provide to of moving into adulthood is securing • Office signage and fleet cars confidence in their ability to try a broader community. employment. In 2014-15 the National “His confidence to participate new things, such as managing their Disability Insurance Agency reported • Stationery, brochures and newsletters increased, and he thought finances, using public transport, and We know that Sunny the Sunflower is much-loved and that 42% of NDIS participants with an important part of our history, but as we grow our • Our website and social media autism aged 15 and over were not in deeply about his future.” cooking,” she said. services for adults with disability, people with brain the labour force, and only 1 in 4 were “He set goals, and routine daily “Consultation with participants, their injury, and people aged 65+, we need our brand to How long will the changes take? employed. habits were set and stuck to. He took families and health professionals resonate with a broader audience. We are taking a phased approach to the roll-out of our an interest in physical activity and such as the Therapy Focus clinicians To combat this statistic, the ‘Transition new brand to reduce costs and minimise waste. attempted to leave the house more on supporting the program has enabled What is the meaning behind the new logo? Project’ has been created. The project outings.” us to gather perspectives on what • Existing stationery will be used until stocks run out. aims to improve opportunities for If you look closely, the letters ‘t’ and ‘f’ can be seen to a successful transition to adulthood adolescents and adults with autism “Parents were also made welcome as form an abstract face. This reflects our focus on people, • Signage will be installed in stages. might look like for adolescents living through two critical programs that part of the program. We could attend building relationships and our core belief. with autism.” • Remaining merchandise and resources, including support the transition to adulthood. the group sessions if required by the Support graphics form part of our broader brand The project is funded by the child and always had our questions Curtin University is currently seeking tote bags, pens and other items will continue to be identity and have been created to add a unique and Department of Communities and run answered.” adults aged 16-30 with Autism distributed until stocks run out. memorable element to the brand. The intersecting lines by the Curtin Autism Research Group Spectrum Disorder to participate By keeping our name and primary brand colour For Raeden, it was the one-on-one of the support graphic represent shared pathways and in collaboration with Therapy Focus. in their ongoing program. This will mentoring sessions with his Therapy navigating the journey, together. we hope to avoid any confusion for our customers be free for the first 11 applicants. Within the Transition Project sits Focus therapist that he found to be the Purple remains our primary colour, as we believe it is and their families, but appreciate your patience and For more information or to register ‘The Transition Program’. Developed most valuable aspect of the program. synonymous with Therapy Focus and is part of who we understanding while we work through these changes. contact Sonya Girdler via email to in Sweden, it strives to empower are as an organisation. “The program is structured so that sonya.girdler@curtin.edu.au adolescents and young adults on the participants take part in group Have more questions? autism spectrum to pursue their goals Alternatively, Therapy Focus sessions that provide information customers with or without an autism What changes will I see? If you have any questions about these changes or would within life areas such as employment, on each life domain area, while also You will see our new logo appear in many different like to know more about our new brand, please speak education and relationships. The diagnosis can register their interest working with a therapist, individually, places. This will include: with your therapist or contact us on 1300 135 373. program, run in six month periods, in a program commencing in April to identify what is important to them,” consists of group-based workshops in 2021 via teletherapy, which can be Therapy Focus clinician Zakyria addition to individual mentoring and accessed using NDIS funding. For Anastasi said. support. more information or to register “They explore what they would like contact your local Therapy Focus Before joining the Transition to achieve or be able to do by the end office. Visit therapyfocus.org.au/ Program, participant Raeden found it challenging to attend school every of the program, and their therapist mentor supports them to work locations for contact details. Christmas closures day or stick to a consistent routine. On behalf of the team at Therapy Focus, thank you for your support in 2021 towards that goal.” and all the best for a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Please note that Therapy Focus’ offices will be closed from 5:00pm on Wednesday 23 December 2020. Rergular office hours will resume from 8:00am on Monday 4 January 2021. For emergency repairs during this period please contact: Perth Metropolitan Area: • Guy’s Mobile Wheelchair Services: 0410 480 481 • Improved Living solutions: 0447 722 831 • HospEquip: 9456 1661 • Unicare Health: 1800 656 654 / 247@unicarehealth.com.au Lower South West Region: • Cape Abilities: 9751 1446 • Better Life Centre: 9791 3353 InFocus Summer 21 | Page 10 InFocus Summer 21 | Page11
What’s on Infocus Summer 2020 QUIET TUESDAYS AT AGWA Therapy Focus Ltd ABN 67 796 715 775 JANUARY 2021 For three Tuesdays in the January school holidays, Phone: 1300 135 373 the Art Gallery of Western Australia is running ‘Quiet Fax: +61 (08) 9451 5480 Tuesdays’. This initiative invites people with sensory Address: PO Box 20 challenges to visit the art gallery in a desensitised Bentley 6982 5/1140 Albany Hwy environment. Bentley 6102 For more information visit www.facebook.com/agwa Website: therapyfocus.org.au TELETHON HOLIDAY MAKERS PROGRAM Email: JANUARY 2021 enquiries@therapyfocus.org.au Facilitated by SpectrumSpace, and operating in Editor: Fremantle, Marangaroo and Mandurah, children Tessa Leschen aged 5 -18 are invited to join the Telethon Holiday Brand Engagement Manager Makers Program. From prison escapes, picnics at tessa.leschen@therapyfocus.org.au the zoo and bush survival outings to some awesome InFocus is published quarterly. visitors including special effects experts and Permission to reproduce articles Western Swamp turtles, children on the spectrum appearing in InFocus may are encouraged to partake. be obtained from the Editor. Contributions are welcome. For more information visit InFocus reserves the right to edit www.spectrumspace.org.au/social-groups/ submissions. holiday/eoi/ facebook.com/TherapyFocus CAHOOTS SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM twitter.com/TherapyFocus JANUARY 2021 linkedin.com/company/therapy- Throughout January Cahoots is running a variety of focus-inc school holiday programs. Children of all ages can join in established camp programs for a day of fun instagram.com/therapyfocus and recreation. Camps operate in a day, overnight or Contact Therapy Focus to update week stay style. your mailing preferences and to unsubscribe. CAHOOTS YOUNG ADULT SOCIAL CLUB FEBRUARY 2021 Cahoots offers multiple 18+ social club events throughout February. Participants can expect to catch up socially for a meal, movie, dancing or a similar fun activity. The social club runs from 4-8pm on Saturday evenings through February. For more information visit www.cahoots.org.au/activites/ InFocus Summer 21 | Page 12
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