Staff Matters 16

Staff Matters

August 7, 2015 - Issue 16 Week 6

From DSW to Lifestyle Assistant

In this Issue Page 1 • Lifestyle Assistant it is!

Lifestyle Assistant it is!

Page 2 • Staff Profile • Success for Samantha

Page 3 There has recently been some debate at AFFORD about the term for our Disability Support Workers (DSWs) and whether that name was the most appropriate title going forward in the new world of NDIS. Many staff felt there were better terms and suggestions were made for titles such as Social Educator, Personal Assistant, Lifestyle Companion and Lifestyle Assistant. Some staff were of the opinion that a few of these titles had some negative connotations and that the name needed to be proactive, modern and also reflect that moving forward the customer is in charge.

After some feedback from staff and a vote by Day Program sites and managers, we are pleased to announce the title of Lifestyle Assistant was chosen as it best represents the services that are provided across AFFORD and the whole life service approach AFFORD takes to support the customer in achieving their goals.

Lifestyle Assistant will be the title moving forward!

T 02 8805 3700 E info@afford.com.au 12 Marieanne Place, Minchinbury 2770 afford.com.au

• Bright Idea for Clients • Kings Park Xmas in July

Page 4 • A Tiara for Coreena • AFFORD Selfies • Have a laugh

AFFORD Fact On the 12th June 1989, Cherrywood Village turned 21 and a special dinner, with a menu chosen by Cherrywood Residents, was held to mark the occasion.

Later that year, on the 19th October, Bowman Tea Rooms were officially opened by AFFORD’s then President Dr Malcolm Borland.

Staff Matters

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August 7, 2015 - Issue 16

Staff Profile

Indra Krothapalli Green Valley

Success for Samantha

Pictured left: L-R Samantha and Lilly

Favourite Song: All About The Bass : Meghan Trainor Favourite Movie: Speed Favourite Hobbies: Driving and browsing Favourite Foods: Hyderabad biryani If you could be an animal what would you be: A Lion What is your dream holiday destination: United States If you won Lotto what would you spend the money on: Invest in real estate If you had the power what would you change about the world: Remove death so nobody would have to die What is the nicest thing someone has ever done for you: Given me moral support If you had to teach something what would you teach: Driving skills Something no one knows about me: Nothing I don’t like keeping secrets.

Recently Senior Employment Consultant at AFFORD Lilly Devi met with Samantha Gough to discuss her goals and how she could overcome some barriers to gain employment. Samantha needed assistance to build her self confidence and she suffered depression in addition to stress and anxiety about her disability.

Lilly worked with Samantha, referring her for counselling with DES Counsellor Luke and discussed with her how important maintaining health and well being is as this was something Samantha struggled with.

Lilly helped Samantha to develop presentation and communication skills in addition to helping with application letters, resume and job interview techniques. Samantha attended “Dress for Success” and was fitted for appropriate interview clothes to maximize her chances of success.

Samantha has now been working in her current role for approximately 4 months which was achieved through post placement support and mentoring from Lilly who is only a phone call away.

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August 7, 2015 - Issue 16

Bright Idea for AFFORD Clients An ingenious device has been created by an electrician to solve an issue identified at one of our Day Program sites.

One of our customers at Condell Park is intrigued with light switches, globes and fittings. Many risks were identified with this hobby including possible electrocution and the risk of falling when attempting to remove light globes from the ceiling.

An electrician known to one of our staff members, made up the device which is designed to allow our customer to explore his curiosity with cause and effect without any associated risk.

The light globe and power cord can be removed without danger and the switches and buttons have been designed with built in circuit breakers it is also powered by a battery. In addition to the switches and globe, the coloured lights also flash.

This amazing piece of innovation could be very relaxing for many of our clients with compulsive behaviours as it is a device which can be manipulated safely in a repetitive manner.

Pictured above: The clever light switch invention

Kings Park Xmas in July Last month, Kings Park Day Program hosted an awesome Christmas in July party.

They invited some of the other Day Program sites over to join them and really made use of the space available, managing to cater to over 60 people, made up of both clients and families from different AFFORD sites. Canley Vale, Penrith, Blacktown and Condell Park Day Programs were some of the sites that attended the party.

Everyone who came had a great time, boogying, mingling and showing off their fabulous dance moves.

The party was a great success and Kings Park look forward to holding parties like this in the future.

Thanks to everyone involved in organising the party.

Pictured above: Some of our clients enjoying the party

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August 7, 2015 - Issue 16

A Tiara for Coreena Garry Adams, one of our DSWs has been relieving in the wood workshop at Guildford while Wayne who normally runs the workshop is on annual leave.

With the help of some of our customers, Garry has completed an emergency tiara box for Coreena Fantella, the Team Leader for Ashfield. Working at Ashfield Day Program, Coreena has the need for an emergency tiara and wand in case things get a little stressful around the office.

Coreena has been waiting for months for this and was surprised with the presentation of the box on Monday morning when she came in to work.

Immediately she discovered an emergency that required her to access the box and as you can see from the photos she was delighted with the final product.

Well done Garry and the team at the wood workshop for organising this for Coreena.

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Pictured above: Kathy Bullock from Green Vally and Kirsty Ruecroft from Lurnea Day Program

Please send in your selfies to Deb Fucci

Have a laugh