Guide Dogs Victoria’s GetAbout – Term 3 2017

Tips for reading this newsletter

If you would like to increase the text size on your screen: Using the keyboard

1. Press ALT+W, and then press Q.2. Press the TAB key repeatedly until

the Percent box is selected, and then type a percentage or press UP ARROW or DOWN ARROW to select a percentage.

Using the mouse1. On the View tab, in the Zoom group, click Zoom.2. Click the zoom setting that you want or type a

percentage in the Percent box.

ContentsTips for reading this newsletter...................................................................................1

Editor’s update............................................................................................................2

Upcoming programs and events for your diary...........................................................4

Forward together Family Open Day & information sessions run by Insight Education:................................................................................................................4

GDV’S Look, Listen and Think - Children’s Mobility Service Group Program, select from 8th, 9th, 10th or 11th May 2017. *RSVP by 28th April 2017*.................................4

GDV’s Supercharge Mobility Secondary student program; Monday 29th – Tuesday 30th May 2017, *RSVP ASAP*................................................................................6

GDV’s ‘Make it, Map it, Do it’; Junior Mobility Camp Program, 10-12 July 2017, *closing date for applications 13th June 2017*.........................................................8

Echolocation..............................................................................................................11

Explore Melbourne....................................................................................................14

1 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

Train Travel...............................................................................................................16

Dialogue in the Dark opens in June – spread the word!............................................18

Zoz’s Pupdate...........................................................................................................19

Research participants required for online survey- Visual abilities in children with Cerebral Palsy...........................................................................................................21

Contact us:................................................................................................................23

Feedback..................................................................................................................23

Return to contents

(Front cover image: students feeling a zebra skin)

2 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

Editor’s updateDear CMSers,

Welcome to our Term 3 edition of GetAbout. We hope you are enjoying receiving our newsletters in the accessible digital format. We are happy to send out multiple copies to your family members - One for mum, one for dad and one for every child if they have an email address set up. Kids, it’s a great way to get in some reading practice using JAWS or by magnifying the text. Just give us a call on 1800 804 805 if you would like to request additional copies to be emailed out to your family members.

We have some great articles for you to read in this edition. Check out the interview with one of our support coordinators Tim on his role and all things NDIS, Leah's OT article on personal organisation, and a review of our most recent junior camp 'Make it, Map it, Move it'. I am super excited for our September Camp 'Around the Bay in 4 days', read on to find out information about this and other group programs we are running this term.

Lastly, the CMS also welcomes new staff member Michael Evans to the team. Michael has a background as a special education teacher and has made a career change to orientation and mobility (the best job in the world!). Michael has a passion for technology and has been developing some exciting projects to use in his O&M lessons.3 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

Rug up and wander often, wonder always.

Alicia, Bulletin Editor 

(Photo: CMS welcomes new Orientation & Mobility Instructor Michael to the team)

By the way, don’t forget to look at our website: www.guidedogsvictoria.com.au

Return to contents

4 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

Upcoming programs and events for your diary

‘On the Move’ Regional Group Programs 

Dandenong 11th September  Ringwood 12th September  Essendon 13th September  St Albans 14th September 

 This is a program for primary age students who would benefit from further development of their road concepts, safe crossing routine, understanding of intersections and traffic flow as well as visual and auditory scanning for traffic. This program is offered in four different regions across Melbourne. Dates, stated above for each program, vary depending on your region.     The concepts and skills we are aiming to develop in this program are: 

Road rules – for cars and pedestrians  Personal safety (regarding travelling as a

pedestrian)  Traffic flow  Types of road crossings  Understanding and assessing the safety of

different types of road crossings 

5 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

Road crossing procedures - “stop, look, listen, think” and systematic checking of approaching traffic 

Judging speed, distance and direction of approaching vehicles 

 Parents - We welcome and encourage you to attend and stay for the duration of the program. While we understand this is not an option for many parents, we hope that those that do stay will have the opportunity for a parent only session where an O&M instructor can answer any questions, observe and participate with your child and to socialise with other parents of children who have low vision or are blind.  Staffing: Orientation & Mobility Specialists from CMS will staff this program.   Cost: This program has been made possible due to the contributions of the Shine On Foundation. All costs of the program will be covered by Guide Dogs Victoria.  If you are interested in this program please contact the instructor for your region:  Dandenong 11th September: Marnie Roth at 

marnie.m@guidedogsvictoria.com.au or 0408 173 331 

6 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

Ringwood 12th September: Darren Moyle at Darren.m@guidedogsvictoria.com.au or 0406 384 357 

Essendon 13th September: Simon McDonald-Kerr at simon.m@guidedogsvictoria.com.au or 0449 903 441 

St Albans 14th September: Paula Foote at paula.f@guidedogsvictoria.com.au or 0407 829 752 

   ** To be considered for this mobility program, completed application packages (all paperwork, including medical forms) must be received.  Return to contents

Supercharge Mobility Primary student program Monday 21st – Tuesday 22nd August 2017

OutlineThis program is designed for primary school students who want to work on a range of core Orientation and Mobility skills and concepts. Over the two-day program students will focus on further developing their understanding of their body in space, road and traffic concepts, self-orientation strategies and use of sensory information to draw meaningful conclusions about their environment. This program is a great opportunity for students who are blind or have very low vision to learn in

7 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

an environment that facilitates exploration of ideas and skills unique to a traveller who is blind.

Program goals Body awareness in space Use of directional language Road and traffic concepts Use of sensory input such as using external sound

and echolocation to assist mobility Self-orientation to an environment Use of technology to facilitate increased

independent mobility Meal preparation

StaffingThe Children’s Mobility Service Orientation and Mobility Instructors will be coordinating this program. Occupational therapists will also be running sessions for the students who have identified a need in this area on their application. Occupational Therapists will also be present during meal times to assist with meal preparation.

CostThis program has been made possible due to the contributions of the Shine On Foundation. All costs of the program will be covered by Guide Dogs Victoria.

8 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

AccommodationThis program will be based at Arnold Cook House at Guide Dogs Victoria. All activities will be held on site or in the local community close to the campus.

To register your interest or to find out more please contactDarren Moyle on 0406 384 357 or darren.m@guidedogsvictoria.com.au

orMarnie Roth on 0408 173 331 or marnie.r@guidedogsvictoria.com.au

***We have up to 8 places available for this program, if we receive more interest than this number, the selection process will take into consideration the number of programs previously attended and the appropriateness of this program to the student’s O&M goals***

Return to contents

‘Around the Bay in 4 days’ Senior Mobility Camp Program

Monday 25- Thursday 28 September 2017

9 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

This program aims to challenge your mobility skills. Each day students will plan their travel completing a circuit of Port Phillip Bay over the four-day program. Students and staff will be staying in a different location each night as we make our way around the bay.

This program will look at the following mobility skills: Using technology to plan travel between

accommodation venues as we make our way around Port Phillip Bay and back to Melbourne

Public transport use to travel to activities and to accommodation venues

Road crossings strategies moving between accommodation and activities

Thinking and problems solving skills when travelling in new and challenging environments

Managing personal safety in new and dynamic environments

This program would be most appropriate for students who have experience in travelling on public transport and have the ability to use technology to access information to assist with planning travel. Students also need to have the skills to manage the challenges of packing up each day and moving to a new location with their belongings (with the support of CMS staff).

Students will be asked to research activities and dining options once we arrive in each location and from the

10 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

information gathered, we will plan our days once the travel to the accommodation is complete.

Staffing:Orientation and Mobility Specialists from CMS will staff this program.

Costs:This program has been made possible due to the contributions of the Shine On Foundation. All costs of the program will be covered by Guide Dogs Victoria. Students may wish to bring spending money for the program, approximately $10 is appropriate. Students will require a travel pass or Myki card with $30 credit for travel during the program.

Feedback:Upon program completion, a brief report will be provided to families regarding the program outcomes and student achievement. Families will also be invited to provide feedback via an anonymous survey.

Further Information:This four-day program will begin Monday 25th September 2017 at 10am and conclude on Thursday 28th September at 4pm from Southern Cross Station. The accommodation for this program will be at three different locations around the greater Melbourne area as we travel around the bay. If we have more applications

11 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

than places available on the closing date, 12 students will be selected. This selection process will take into consideration the number of programs previously attended and the appropriateness of this program to the student’s age and O&M goals.

For an application package, please contact Client Service Administration ASAP(03) 9854 4467 or CSAdmin@guidedogsvictoria.com.au

To discuss any aspect of this program, please contact Alicia San Martin on (03) 9854 4510 oralicias@guidedogsvictoria.com.au

** To be considered for this mobility program, completed application packages (all paperwork, including medical forms) must be received by

Tuesday 5 September 2017***

 Return to contents

12 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

‘Make it, Map it, Do it!’ Junior Camp

By Simon

(Photo – Student reading a map of the zoo)

The July school holidays provided our junior camp attendees with plenty of fun activities to develop their O&M skills. The camp was specifically designed to introduce and develop an understanding of maps, as they are one of the most useful tools for a person who is blind or has low vision to understand or remember layouts of new places.

13 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

Maps come in a variety of forms. Over the camp students had the opportunity to experience building and using bird’s eye view maps, tactile maps and audio maps.

Students had fun making a 3D shoebox map of their bedroom. They also played “hide and find” by making a tactile map of a room, then using it to locate hidden objects. As a team students made an audio map on an iPhone and tested it out by seeing if other teams could follow their directions to the destination.

(students make bedroom shoebox maps)

14 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

(students make bedroom shoebox maps)

(students make bedroom shoebox maps)

15 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

A trip to the Melbourne Zoo provided a chance to put their skills to the test in a large busy environment and students worked in groups to explore the Zoo and build their own large print and tactile maps. The Melbourne Zoo were also kind enough to provide us with a tactile educational experience allowing every student a chance to complete a number of tasks learning about size and texture of many Zoo animals; the group was able to handle a number of live animals as well as exploring a garden full of tactile activities.

16 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

(Photo: student taking a break on an elephant sculpture at Melbourne Zoo)

Finally, the students took on the challenge of a treasure hunt. This required the kids using QR technology to read clues that had them moving around the GDV campus. The teams worked as a group to decipher the clues, located landmarks and seek assistance to arrive at their destinations. Each destination involved an activity for them to complete before moving on, such as trialing “smart cane technology”; using their self-advocacy skills to learn more about the different places they visited; a walk with a guide dogs in harness and finishing up with a puppy play date.

If the smiles on faces were anything to go by then all participants seemed to have the time of their life!

If you are interested in building your experience and knowledge about maps at home and school here are some ideas to try:

Be in charge of the GPS for car trips, entering the start point and destination, and find out how far and long the trip will take.

Be the “map reader” on family outings e.g. Zoo, large shopping centre, regional town, Melbourne CBD, on the train network if catching PT, etc. You may need to access an accessible map before you go

17 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

Use the voice recording App on a smart phone (Voice Memos on the iPhone) and record a secret travel path. Then see if a family member or a friend can follow your instructions to locate the secret destination.

Return to contents

Getting organised!

By Krystle Prenter

Occupational Therapist

With activities to get to and from, school drop offs, preparing family meals, homework, let alone having a minute to sit down and take a break, keeping organised can often be the least of our worries!

However, having a good organisation system is particularly important for many kids with low vision or blindness to be able to locate items and complete activities independently. Along with many other strategies (increased lighting, contrast, skills training, use of technology, adaptive equipment and using additional senses) keeping organised is a great strategy

18 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

to encourage kids to complete an activity from start to go, including being able to independently locate what they are looking for.

Keeping things organised can be useful in so many places including: school bags, the pantry, clothing drawers and cupboards, bathroom cabinets and many many more! Although this can be challenging in an ever-changing environment with siblings and other people coming and going, consider how organisation can be utilised even just in particular areas you or your child needs to access often.

Educating everyone in the family about organization is important to help them understand the impact that it can have on their family member doing things independently.

19 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

I rearranged the cupboards recently, I’ll make sure to let Sam know next time he comes over in case he wants to get a drink while he’s here

It can also be useful to educate other family and friends that pop by, to assist your child not only in their own home, but also in helping them think about when your child comes to visit in their house.

Here are a few examples of ways to keep items organised:

Pantry Organisation:

All the herbs and spices kept together in a small container

Oils and sauces kept together in a separate container

Allocating a particular area of the pantry so your child can grab their afternoon snack themselves.

(Photo – baskets in a pantry with all squeezy bottles in one basket, all baking items in another)

*HANDY HINT: Keeping similar items in organised containers also means that the whole container can be

20 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

taken out of the pantry and over to a window, or under a light, to make things easier to see.

School bag/equipment

Pencil case always in the front zip Communication book always in the left pocket Wallet/phone always in the inner small pocket

Clothes draws and cupboard:

School uniform always kept to the left side of the wardrobe

Skirts kept together Similar colored items kept together Dividers in draws between socks, underwear etc.

*particularly useful for when there are many people putting away the clothes.

In the kitchen:

Utensils always kept in the same location and with draw dividers

Commonly used items are kept in easy reach If it is difficult to keep utensil draws organized,

consider having a container on the counter of items that your child commonly uses when helping out in the kitchen. i.e. spatula, peeler and tongs.

21 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

Keeping things organised assists with being able to locate items easily, reduces frustrations for your child, reduces the time they spend searching for things, and frees up your time as a parent/caregiver as your child continues to increase their independence in doing their everyday things.

Just start small, and figure out what works best for you and your family. Happy organising

Return to contents

Tim the GDV Support Coordinator talks about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

By Tim Carter

My role at GDV is that of a Support Coordinator, and I’ve been here for 12 months as of the first week of July. Support Coordination is a new position that has popped up in the disability sector with the rollout of the NDIS and can cover a variety of different aspects aimed at helping people get the best out of their NDIS plan.

What is pre-planning for the NDIS?

22 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

You may well be eligible for NDIS funding if you are getting CMS services from GDV. We can help you work out if you/your child is eligible. If you are eligible then we can help you with pre-planning. This involves working with you in the weeks and months leading up to the NDIS rolling out in your area. We can help you identify your needs and goals, and link these back into potential funded supports.

We have found that people who pre-plan are getting the best out of their plans. This is because they have really thought about their plan and know what to ask for. Whether it is identifying that O&M would be of benefit, that an Occupational Therapist can come and assist with cooking skills, having funding allocated for Assistive Technology assessments or transport funding, the more you know the better. We can help anyone pre-plan, at no cost.

What is ongoing Support Coordination?If you get Support Coordination funded in your plan as a service, we can continue to help you and your family to understand your NDIS plan, identify and choose service providers, learn to use the NDIS Portal, help with service agreements and help resolve any issues that may occur during the life of your plan. Not everyone with an NDIS plan has Support Coordination included, if you or your family think you may need this, it’s important to ask your NDIS Planner for it. 23 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

What are the biggest worries people have about the NDIS? In our experience, one of the most misunderstood things about the NDIS is that it could remove other areas of funding. The NDIS is not means tested and so can be accessed equally by anyone who qualifies for the scheme. Another aspect that causes some confusion is that the NDIS will pay for anything you need in any area of your life. This is not the case. The NDIS will fund items or services that they deem to be “reasonable and necessary” and relate back directly to an individual’s disability. For example, the NDIS would be extremely unlike to fund things like laptops but would fund software such as JAWS to make a computer more accessible. What tips do you have for anyone getting to grips with the NDIS?

My three biggest tips to anyone attempting to negotiate the NDIS would be:

1. Plan ahead and do some research.2. Engage with services early to get help.3. Don’t panic. It’s important to remember that the

NDIS is not just a rollout, it’s a full-scale reform. Whilst everything is not certainly perfect and may not be for quite some time, we are seeing clients get some fantastic outcomes. From getting a new job right through to just getting some help to do the grocery shopping and clean their homes, the

24 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

positive effects of the NDIS are being seen in so many places.

Who can get pre-planning or Support Coordination from NDIS?

You can receive Pre-Planning & Support Coordination from GDV no matter what level of connection you’ve had with us in the past. Whether you’re somebody who has worked with us for years, just come on one camp, or brand new, we are open to all clients. Call on 1800 804 805 to find out more.

(Photo – Tim the Support coordinator cuddling a blonde pup)

25 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

Return to contents

Zoz’s Pupdate: An interview with Zoz.

Where were you born? I was born at the Edwards Nursery at Guide Dogs Victoria.

How old are you? I am nearly 7 years old.

What is your favourite food? I love any food…… meat, vegetables anything really. Paula is amazed at how many vegetables I actually eat. My favourite vegetable is the carrot. I know the name carrot and when someone says that word, I look at them expecting to get a carrot treat.

Are there any foods that you can’t eat? Yes, some food are poisonous for me. I can’t eat sultanas, chocolate and onion. There are other foods but these in particular make me very sick. Also, I’m not allowed to eat cooked bones as they might splinter and hurt my digestive tract.

What is your favourite thing to do? Well, eating is my favourite thing, but I love going for walks and going for rides in the car. Paula takes me to work quite a bit and I get sad if she goes to work without me.

Do you work? Oh wow, do I work! I have a very important job as a Guide Dog. Well, I’m not actually a 26 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

real Guide Dog, I pretend I’m a Guide Dog so that I can train the children that Paula works with to become Guide Dog handlers.

So what do you do when you are working as a Guide Dog? I stand very still and wait for the students to learn how to put the collar lead and harness on me. I also walk very cautiously while the students hold on to the harness so they remain calm when they are working with me. I know this is a very important job and I take my work very seriously.

What is your greatest achievement? I think my greatest achievement is working with students and then they go and train with their very own Guide Dog. I have trained lots of students and it makes me very proud to think that I have been a part of their Guide Dog journey.

Thanks Zoz, keep up the great work, you really are a special dog. Thanks!

27 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

(image: Zoz the blonde Labrador sleeps happily under a chair at a café with his harness on)

Return to contents

Contact us: Client Service Update Reminder – 1800 804 805 for all enquiries

From now on, this one number – 1800 804 805 – should be used for ALL client enquiries – CMS, O&M, OT or Guide Dog. We will be able to make sure that your query gets through to the right person faster and is always followed up.

You can also contact us in writing: Children’s Mobility ServicePrivate Bag 13, KEW, VIC, 3101csadmin@guidedogsvictoria.com.au

Or visit our website at:www.guidedogsvictoria.com.au

Return to contents

Feedback

If you have anything to contribute to this newsletter, please feel free to contact us with your piece. We welcome all contributions. Please either contact or email our client services administration team with your contributions as below:

28 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7

csadmin@guidedogsvictoria.com.au or Phone: 1800 804 805

GetAbout is now coming to you in a digital format. Going digital means our newsletter will be accessible, timely and environmentally friendly. The content of GetAbout has not changed: we will continue to let you know about our upcoming camps and group programs. GetAbout is also available on our website www.guidedogsvictoria.com.au

Alternative formats are still available in audio CD, large print and braille. Please contact us at CSadmin@guidedogsvictoria.com.au or via phone 1800 804 805 to request these formats.

Return to contents

29 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 3 , 2 0 1 7