CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 19 - January 2020
KEY WORD SIGN MADE EASY Afford is committed to providing resources about Key Word Sign for our clients, carers, staff, family and friends. Successful communication is essential for everyone to be able to understand each other and respect each other’s values. Key Word Sign can be the key to making it easier for anyone who has communication difficulties to be able to express themselves. What is Key Word Sign? Key Word Sign is a simplified form of manual signing, designed for use by and with people who have communication difficulties. It is different from Auslan in that speech is used when signing Key Word Signs and only the key words in a message are signed. Our sites across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria have started implementing ‘Signs of the Month’ posters for our clients and staff to use to help with communicating. The posters are also helpful in encouraging everyone to take the opportunity to learn about other ways to communicate. Featured on the posters are the corresponding line drawings of the signs which show how to do the sign and encouraging everyone to get involved and practice using them. Principles of Key Word Sign: • Always use speech together with the sign • Speak in normal, grammatical sentences • Sign only the key words in the sentence • Use facial expression and body language • Use directionality and placement • Teach relevant signs Who can use Key Word Sign? • Not everyone can learn to use signing to get their message across (i.e. for expressive communication). • But everyone can benefit from signing to help their understanding! • As the person develops their vocabulary and communication abilities, Key Word Sign can be used for developing language. Key Word Sign is also useful for adolescents and adults who need ongoing support with understanding speech, learning new vocabulary and being understood by others. Key Word Sign Australia has developed this great app with Scope Victoria, which lets you access individualised resources, videos, the Key Word Sign Australia dictionary and more. Check it out on the app store - https://apps.apple.com/au/app/key-wordsign-australia-auslan/id1037292601 The information in this story is provided from KWS NSW and KWS Australia. No one is harmed in the use of signing, and you never know what skills a person may develop in the future. To find out more about Key Word Sign and how we can help you communicate better with your loved one, contact our Allied Health team on: 1300 233 673 or alliedhealth@afford.com.au
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 19
Zhave your sayZ share your thoughts and ask other readers for advice We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, stories and advice with other readers. Let us what you want to see in our next edition. Inspire someone! Send your letters: Afford Marketing - Carers Newsletter 3-7 Marieanne Place Minchinbury NSW 2770 Or email: marketing@afford.com.au
MAKE A SPLASH THIS SUMMER We know Summer in Australia can get extremely hot! The hot weather provides the perfect time to hit the beach or check out your local pool for a great way to cool off with friends and family. Many beaches now offer beach wheelchair hire, but not everyone loves to feel the sand between their toes. What if you want to visit a local pool and you are in a wheelchair? In Australia, it is not mandatory for public pools to install hoists. However, there are local pools out there with hoists available. Check out these locations for a splashing summer! New South Wales: • Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre www.aquaticcentre.com.au • Raging Waters Sydney - www.ragingwaterssydney.com.au • Shelly Beach Tourist Park - www.shellybeachholidaypark.com.au • Byron Bay Rainforest Resort www.rainforestresport.com.au Queensland: • Sea World Gold Coast - www.seaworld.com.au • W Brisbane - www.marriott.com.au • The Westin Brisbane - www.marriott.com.au • Sailability Club Wharf Tin Can Bay (boating access) www.tcbsailability.wixsite.com/sailabilitytincanbay • RACV Noosa Resort - www.racv.com.au/RACV/Noosa Victoria: • Patterson River Wharf (boating access) - www.vic.gov.au • The Peninsula Hot Springs - www.peninsulahotsprings.com Happy swimming!
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 19
SLES SUPPORTS EXPAND Moving into the workforce isn’t always straight forward. Gaining extra skills in resume writing, interview processes, communication and budgeting, are all skills that can help your loved one be better prepared for employment. Afford’s SLES (School Leaver Employment Support) Program provides opportunities for school leavers to attend industry visits to workplaces that engage their interests. With the support of SLES trainers, they also have the chance to attend open days for TAFE to learn more about courses available. SLES trainers are there to support your loved one achieve their work goals from preparing for the interview, work experience and through to job placement. Recently, our SLES program launched in Queensland! This is the first of our employment services to expand into the Queensland market and we are very excited to offer this service to our clients here. The New South Wales SLES program has been a pioneer for amazing outcomes for clients. Our trainers listen to trainees’ goals and together, they develop a personalised plan which is regularly reviewed and may include invaluable skills such as: • Developing work ready skills, e.g. money handling, barista training • Communicating to an employer • Improving customer service skills • Job application and job seeking skills • Creating a resume and cover letter Currently SLES services are available in New South Wales and Queensland. Queensland supports are currently available only from the Gold Coast with plans to expand this service to all of our locations in the Sunshine State. To find out more about our School Leaver Employment Support and other Employment Supports contact our Employment Supports Manager Symone on: 1300 233 673 or 0481 917 431.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au
CARER CONNECTIONS Edition 19
upcoming carers events and activities Keep up to date with info sessions, events and seminars at www.facebook.com/Afford
NSW EVENTS Event
Cost - Free
Carer Peer Connect Webinar
New webinars for carers starting from February 2020 on Carer Peer Connect.
13th February 2020
For carers who are unable to attend physical groups, Carer Peer Connect runs webinars on carer topics including health and wellbeing, impacts of caring and taking a break.
10:00am 11:00am Carers NSW In-person and online workshops options are available
DETAILS
More details via - www. carerpeerconnect.org.au
QLD DETAILS EVENTS Cost - Free Event
VIC DETAILS EVENTS Cost - Free Event
Carer, Mental Health and Wellbeing Expo
NDIS Information Session
25th February 2020 10:00am 2:00pm
A free event with information about carer services, mental health services and supporting well-being activities. More details and tickets via - www.facebook.com/ events/594462441386091/
Carers QLD KedronWavell Services Club 21 Kittyhawk Dr Chermside, QLD 4032
getaway in 2020 For many carers, the idea of a holiday may seem like an unrealistic and unreachable goal. Having a relaxing holiday with your loved one might be more realistic then you think! Afford offers travel options for your loved one to travel solo, with friends or family members on a dream getaway! Afford Getaways are supported holidays where everything is taken care of. We travel to some of the world’s top destinations, including Disneyland, Singapore, Pacific Cruises, or a tailormade holiday just for you!
12th February 2020 10:00am 12:00pm Carers VIC Level 1 37 Albert St Footscray, VIC 3011
A free workshop for carers by Carers Victoria. Are you caring for a person with a disability? Do you want to know more about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)? This two hour information session is designed specifically for carers. More details and tickets via https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/ndisinformation-session-6825tickets-86484839483
Riddle me You measure my life in hours and I serve you by expiring. I’m quick when I’m thin and slow when I’m fat. The wind is my enemy. what am i?
Check out the 2020 itineraries here - https://issuu.com/ affordnsw/docs/afford_getaways_2019-20_web It’s easy to book an Afford Getaway call 1300 233 673 or email getaways@afford.com.au Answer: A candle.
For more information please call 1300 233 673 or email info@afford.com.au