March 20, 2020 Issue 249
Staff Matters A YEAR IN REVIEW WITH HAWTHORN HAWKS Last year Afford partnered with iconic AFL club, Hawthorn FC. We are excited about the 2020 season and to continue this valued partnership for the next three years. Over the last year Afford have partnered with the Hawks on some amazing initiatives, such as the All Abilities Team, the Hawthorn Blind Football League (VBFL) team and the Hawks Wheelchair Football League (VWFL). Afford have also had the opportunity to participate at community engagement sessions, like the Intra-club Launch, Well-being sessions with the All-Abilities teams and exhibition matches, which continue to benefit the community and create an inclusive environment for people living with disability. Last year also saw the opening of the first sensory room at the MCG, a life changing movement for families who may never have been able to attend before. The club also hosted its first Social Inclusion Match which highlighted the significant work across the social inclusion space throughout 2019. 2019 also saw the first time an AFL match had an Auslan Interpreter, which received positive feedback from the community, “Love this in Auslan! Making posts inclusive to the deaf community is brilliant!” one Hawthorn fan wrote. “Great to see the club embracing more inclusive practices. Keep the ball rolling!” said another. The biggest highlight of the year saw the AFL blind team Premiership winners in the inaugural season of the AFL blind competition!! This amazing partnership has provided our clients with opportunities to participate in activities that are in line with our mission and values, including inclusiveness in sports, healthy lifestyles and opportunities for our clients to gain independence in the community. Most of all, this partnership is about providing our clients with new life experiences, providing enjoyment and celebrating the talents and achievements of the Afford community. We’re excited to continue working with the team at Hawthorn and look forward to all the great things to come this year!
Reminder to celebrate our wins – A thank you from a carer Providing exceptional services and supports is what we do every day without a second thought. Which makes it really nice when your hard work is recognised, and recently Jessica Scicluna Events Coordinator - Club Afford and Afford Getaways, received a nice thank you for a carer: “I would like to thank you for putting together such a great holiday for the clients, Raymond totally enjoyed himself....Raymond has had many holidays over the past couple of years with Afford Getaways, and always has such a great time, this last trip he said has been his favourite”. Since becoming involved with Afford Getaways Raymond has experienced so many wonderful places and he has also learnt a lot about the world around him, he now has had the opportunity to visit 3 different countries. Thank you again to all the wonderful team there at Afford.” From a very thankful cousin/carer :)
www.afford.com.au
