Giving the gift of independence this Christmas Cayle, Daniel, Lewin and Stass are four young friends who live together as housemates. They cook together, play sports during the week and love going bike riding - activities that many of us take for granted. But for these four men living with an intellectual disability, the prospect of living independently seemed almost impossible. Their parents feared for the future of their cheerful, curious and fun-loving sons due to the lack of accommodation options for young people living with a disability. Cayle, Daniel, Lewin and Stass have been given the chance to experience what is considered a ‘rite of passage’ for people their age – moving out of their family home and living with friends, enjoying new experiences and becoming more independent. Continues on page 6...  Volume 41 | SUMMMER 2015/16 No. 365 v 41(4) ISSN 1030-7451

welcome

2 • ACTIV NEWS

A BETTER LIFE • 3

Our Purpose Enabling people living with disability to pursue a better life Our Vision Choice and freedom for all Our Values

Contents Welcome

2

Our Stories

4

Learning & Resources 10 Supported Employee Milestones 12 Updates 14 Sector Information



15

President’s Message

CEO’s Message

At the beginning of December it was my pleasure to host the inaugural Activ Service Appreciation Awards Evening at Activ Wembley. With the change in governance structure and the replacement of the membership with the Council, it was decided to move this award presentation to a public forum, to allow the Activ community the chance to recognise and celebrate the great work done by those who support the organisation each and every day.

As 2015 draws to a close I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the past 12 months and celebrate the achievements and progress we have made as an organisation.

The event was a great success, recognising individuals who have dedicated their lives to Activ’s vision of enabling people living with disability to achieve a better life. You can read a bit more about the event and the winners in this edition of Activ News. The Activ Board has commenced the process of recruitment for the position of Activ CEO following Tony’s decision to step down as CEO as announced in October this year. A board sub-committee has been convened to oversee the process, with an external agency also assisting with their expertise. We look forward to sharing the outcome of that recruitment process with you in the first quarter of next year. As we approach the festive season, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the past year. Activ has made a number of key decisions over the past 12 months and I am confident that as we look to the future and the changing world of NDIS we are well placed to overcome any challenges we might face. I thank you for your support during 2015 and I wish you and your families a happy, safe and joyous festive season.

327 Cambridge Street Wembley WA 6014 T 9387 0555 F 9387 0599

Andrew Edwards Board President, Activ

During the year we have seen more than 150 of our customers transition to receiving services under the NDIS or My Way trial areas. We have also worked with the majority of our customers to develop their personal plans to be better prepared for the commencement of the NDIS roll out. In early 2016 we expect to hear the outcome of State and Commonwealth government negotiations regarding that roll out. We are privileged to have played a part in a number of people making their dreams a reality, just like 17-year old Mercedes, who recently competed in the Riding for the Disabled National Championships, and Yi Lai and Brenda Felix, who achieved their dream of getting their driver’s licence. Their stories are shared in this edition of Activ News and epitomise what we do as an organisation. Of course we can only do this through our fantastic staff, who enable people to reach their goals each and every day. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support during my eight year tenure as CEO. It has been an exciting and rewarding journey. I am confident that Activ is in a strong and viable position to continue to tackle future challenges and meet our customers’ needs.

Before I finish as CEO I hope to see as many of you as possible early next year. If however I do not get the opportunity to personally say goodbye, I would like to wish each of you the best – it has been a privilege to work with you all. Please have a happy, safe and festive Christmas season and wonderful 2016.

Tony Vis Chief Executive Officer

4 • ACTIV NEWS

our stories

our stories

Mercedes rides into the future (continued)... “Supporting Mercedes to achieve her dreams is a team effort, and Activ plays a key part in that.”

Mercedes rides into the future Inspirational Mercedes leads an extraordinary life. The seventeen-year-old was born with Spina Bifida, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism and developmental delay - but has never let anything get in her way. Through the help and dedication of her mother Vanessa Portaro, and the guiding hand of Activ, Mercedes has achieved what most hope to in a lifetime. She has started her own honey business, performed at the circus and travelled across the country. But it’s her love of horse riding that is her real passion. Mercedes began horse riding when she was just three years old at the suggestion of her physiotherapist to help with her mental and physical development. “There were a couple of years there where all we could do to keep her on a horse was drape her over the horse’s back and let her scream,” said her mum Vanessa. “Then one day she just sat up on the horse, looked around, decided it was fun and has never looked back.” Since then, horse riding has become a huge part of life. She has competed in a number of competitions including the annual RDA Metro Games in 2013 where she won the Mary Ferguson trophy for the event allrounder pro and the 2014 Special Olympic National games where she won gold. But it’s her most recent efforts that has seen Mercedes achieve her greatest success. She recently returned from Melbourne, where she competed in the Riding for the Disabled National Championships, regarded by many as the stepping stone to the Paralympics. She won a number of dressage awards, including two firsts and a second in dressage and took out the champion in her grade. “I’m so unbelievably proud of Mercedes and everything that she has achieved. Her passion and dedication to succeed shines through in whatever she does, and the recent championships are no exception,” said her Mum, Vanessa. Continues on next page...

Through Activ’s Individualised Services (AIS), Mercedes has been able to set out a plan to achieve her dreams now and in the future. Activ’s AIS staff have helped Mercedes develop her personal plan, which identified her goals and dreams and have then worked with her to identify ways to achieve them. Activ also provides support to mum Vanessa, helping her to manage her funding and providing her with guidance when needed. “During her planning meeting, Mercedes spoke about her love of animals, the circus and her desire to enrich her friendships. We have worked with her to develop plans to achieve each of those goals, so it’s really great to see her fulfil her dreams,” said Activ’s AIS Coordinator Grace Smith. “Each AIS customer we support is different with different goals that they want to achieve. In the changing world of the NDIS, it’s really important that we are able to tailor our supports to every individual customer we support,” said Grace. Activ’s AIS Team currently has 36 support workers, which travel around the state supporting people like Mercedes to achieve their dreams. “It’s really rewarding work, and we love seeing the people we support achieve such extraordinary things,” said Grace. “Working with Vanessa and Mercedes is inspirational and we can’t wait to see what she does next.” For more information on Activ’s Individualised Services, visit the Activ website www.activ.asn.au.

A BETTER LIFE • 5

6 • ACTIV NEWS

our ourstories stories

our stories

A BETTER LIFE • 7

Brenda achieves her Activ Dream As part of the Chevron City to Surf for Activ fundraising campaign, employee Brenda Felix shared her personal dream of learning to drive and how Activ staff were supporting her to achieve her it.

Yarrow House provides independence this Christmas (continued)... Their home is a share-house where Cayle, Daniel, Lewin and Stass live together just like any other friends, established by them and their families, with Activ staff on hand to provide support as needed. It is a fully equipped house, tailored to meet their needs so that they can live together and independently. It also gives the young men an opportunity to embrace and enjoy life with the confidence of ongoing stability and security that is vital for their physical and mental wellbeing.

Yi driving his way to success

Their home has not only changed the lives of the four young men living there, but has also had a remarkable impact on their parents.

“When we first met with Yi’s in February this year learning to drive was on the top of his list of priorities, so naturally it formed an important part of his Person Centred Plan,” said AIS Coordinator Grace Smith.

Daniel’s mother, Dallas Evans, explains how her son now has a future she once thought impossible. “Every young person needs to go through that ‘rite of passage’ of leaving mum and dad’s, and our son was no exception. We’ve seen a real change in Daniel; he’s matured, is more independent and is settled most of the time. We’re so grateful that Activ has given him this opportunity,” said Dallas. Lewin’s mother, Wendy Gibbs agrees, saying the change she has seen in her son has been remarkable. “Lewin is considerably less stressed and anxious, secure in the knowledge that this is his permanent home. He has really grown as a young man. He enjoys his friends’ company and the fun activities they do as a group. At the end of outings Lewin is always happy to return to his home and settle back into the comfortable and supportive routine that he finds so reassuring,” she said. “We all want him to be happy and to receive the very best that life can offer - and the very best is what Activ has provided.” To donate to the Activ Christmas Appeal and make a difference to the lives of people living with disability across our state, visit the Activ website, www.activ.asn.au.

Yi Lai has always dreamed of driving his own car and being independent. Through Activ’s Individualised Services, Yi’s dream is on track to becoming a reality.

“We included learning to drive as one of the important goals in his plan and then worked with Yi and his family to turn that dream into a reality.” Activ organised driving lessons for Yi through ‘Driving for Independence’, a driving school established for people who may find traditional driving schools challenging. Since his first driving lesson in September of this year, Yi has flourished. ‘Yi’s lessons started in quiet streets where he could build his confidence and skills,” explained his mum Lynda. “As his confidence and self-belief improved he progressed to busier streets with more traffic, and during his last lesson his drove from his house to work without any directions.” “He is really enjoying his lessons, and we are really appreciative to Activ for all their support in making them happen,” she said. If you have questions about Activ’s Individualised Services and how it might be able to help you, visit www.activ.asn.au.

Based at Activ Osborne Park, Activ staff helped Brenda throughout her driving journey to study for tests, answer questions and stay motivated during the many lessons and practical tests. Recently Brenda shared some fantastic news with us - she passed her test and has now has her licence! On behalf of everyone here at Activ, we just wanted to say a huge congratulations to Brenda on achieving her dream. You are an inspiration to us all!

8 • ACTIV NEWS

our stories

our stories

Activ Service Appreciation Awards (continued)... “Activ as an organisation cannot exist without the ongoing support of exceptional individuals such as these,” said Activ Board President Andrew Edwards. “The event was a fantastic opportunity to publicly recognise and celebrate the contributions of the people that have made Activ the organisation it is today. We are forever grateful for their ongoing commitment to supporting people living with disability to pursue a better life.”

A BETTER LIFE • 9

The 2015 Award Winners are: Certifcates of Appreciation • Laurence (Larry) Iffla - Future Living Trust Board Member • Martin Alciaturi – Former Board Member • Phillis Breheny – Former Board Member • Thelma (Debi) Stapleton – Warren Support Branch • Peter Knowles – Former Board Member Honorary Life Members

Activ Service Appreciation Awards On Wednesday, 2 December the Activ community celebrated exceptional individuals who have played an important role in supporting people living with disability at the Activ Service Appreciation Awards, held at Central Services Wembley. Attended by more than 60 people, the event was hosted by Activ President Andrew Edwards and supported employee Ben Cox. A combination of Certificates of Appreciation, Honourary Life Membership and Honourary Life Friendship awards were presented to nine outstanding individuals, all who have made a significant contribution to Activ through either their involvement on the board, leadership in the community or advocacy through family support groups. Continues on the next page...

• Jo and Leah Leece - Gelorup Branch Honorary Life Friend • Terry and Elizabeth Stevensons - Rockingham/ Kwinana Support Branch

10 • A C T I V N E W S

library resources

learning and resources library resources

A B E T T E R L I F E • 11

Activ Library - New Resources

Activ Library - New Resources

These are some of the new arrivals available for loan from Activ Library. If you would like to see any of them please call us on 9387 0458, or email us at [email protected].

A DOUBLE SHOT OF HAPPINESS

MY LIFE, YOUR LIFE, OUR LIFE : A GUIDE FOR FLAT-MATES, HOMESHARERS & CO-RESIDENTS

A book about a child who has an adult friend who makes her feel special, sometimes a bit too special. His touching makes her frightened and confused. It is only when she has the courage to tell someone that her heart begins to heal.

Fulton, Kate; Pearman, Leanne; Brindley, Cath. -- West Perth: WA’s Individualised Services, 2014. 57 p. ; 30 cm.

The Shared Living Resource Guide is full of findings and recommendations resulting from an intensive two year project in partnership with people wanting to develop and progress Shared Living support arrangements in a more coherent and consistent basis [website]. Also available to download from http://waindividualisedservices.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/WAIS0002 My-Life-YourLife-Our-Life-3.pdf CC 362.31 FUL

P15698

CHECKLIST FOR AUTISM-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENTS Simpson, Stephen. -- Huddersfield, West Yorkshire: South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust;Kirkless Council, 2015. 19 p. ; 30 cm.

The Checklist for Autism Friendly Environments is an assessment tool designed to support organisations who want to become autism friendly. It helps organisations measure the effectiveness of their environment and asks if they can consider whether there are simple, low cost solutions that can be made to improve the lives of people with autism within their service. Also available to download from http://www.kirklees.gov.uk/community/careSupport/healthWellbeing/pdf/ autismFriendlyEnvironmentsChecklist.pdf?dm i=6N7,3J1LK,PNJTV,CNF1A,1 SC/AUT SIM P15716

Hunter, Naomi. -- Docklands, Vic: Jo Jo Publishing, 2014. 31 p. ; 25 cm.

CC 305.2318 HUN

P15751

OLDER AUDULTS AND AUTISM SPECTRUM CONDITIONS Laguna, Sofie. -- Crows Nest, NSW: Allen & Unwin, 2014. 311p. ; 24 cm.

This book won the 2015 Miles Franklin Literary Award. It is about Jimmy Flick, he’s not like other kids - he’s both too fast and too slow. He sees too much, and too little. The novel concerns a working-class family that is struggling. The father is an alcoholic and the mother is ill with asthma. Paula teaches Jimmy how to count sheep so that he can fall asleep. She holds him tight enough to stop his cells spinning. It is only Paula who can keep Jimmy out of his father’s way. But when Jimmy’s world falls apart, he has to navigate the unfathomable world on his own, and make things right. SC/AUT WEN P15738

UNDERSTANDING AUTISM : AN EMPLOYER’S GUIDE : KEYS TO SUCCESS FOR SUPERVISING AND SUPPORTING EMPLOYEES WITH AUTISM / Organization for Autism Research. -- Arlington, Va: Organization for Autism Research, 2012. 6 p. ; 30 cm.

This short booklet is designed as a guide for employers. It offers some tips for maximizing the potential of your employee with autism and fostering a supportive work environment. Also available from http://www.researchautism.org/resources/reading/documents/ UnderstandingAutismAnEmployersGuide.pdf. SC/AUT ORG P15765

IF YOU LISTEN YOU WILL HEAR US (Website) -- UK: [2013] 1 online video (9 min 32 sec)

https://vimeo.com/49957264 A film about people with profound and multiple learning difficulties. The aim of this film is not only to show examples of good practice but also to support the case for giving people with PMLD a say in their service provision. This film also demonstrates a wide range of approaches and activities to explore how the individuals communicate best, including use of a communication passport and sensory storytelling.

supported employee milestones

12 • A C T I V N E W S

A B E T T E R L I F E • 13

Activ Supported Employee Service Recognition November - December 2015 45 Years Patty McNally

10 Years East Vic Park

40 Years

Daniel James Sullivan

Bentley

Wayne Johnson

Bunbury

Raymond Joseph Oakley

Gail June Yeo

Embleton

Glenn Mitchell

Busselton

30 Years Birte Sorensen

East Vic Park

Margaret Ann Atkinson

East Vic Park

Bradley Walling

Embleton

Sharon Keals

Embleton

25 Years

Gerladton

Jay Clemesha

Rockingham

Kayli New

Rockingham

5 Years Shannon Ashley Pearce

Bentley

Cameron Peter Hilston

Bentley

Joshua Kent

Bunbury

Elisabeth Anne Burnett

East Vic Park

Jack Alexander Gilford

Kewdale

Liliana Cheldi

Osborne Park

Frances Adams

Osborne Park

Porsha Comini

Rockingham

Raepheal Luke Savage

Osborne Park

Janice Emilla Iversen

Osborne Park

William James Curwood

Osborne Park

Terry William Bishop

Property Care

Michael Mackintosh

Palmyra

20 Years Joanne Narelle Price

Kewdale

15 Years Garth Murphy

Kewdale

Congratulations to all our supported employees on reaching a workplace milestone.

Patty and Birite celebrate 75 years at Activ East Victoria Park Employees Birte Sorensen and Patty McNally have been working at Activ for a combined total of 75 years. The dedicated duo was recently recognised for their hard work at the Activ East Victoria Park service awards. A bright and bubbly personality, Patty has been at Activ for 45 years. She is a valued member of the team and is known for her sense of humour and signature laugh, which brightens up a room. She likes to spend time with her family, loves arts and crafts and has many friends within the team. During her spare time, Patty loves to go to ten-pin-bowling with her friends. Birte has been at Activ for 30 years and has worked a number of different locations including Osborne Park, Kewdale, High Wycombe and of course East Victoria Park. Birte works in the canteen and also at Kmart, but one of her favourite jobs is packing the showbags for the Perth Royal Show. She also loves the Christmas Party, especially setting up the decorations. From everyone here at Activ, congratulations to Birte and Patty on their amazing 75 years of combined service – you are a really important part of the Activ Team!

14 • A C T I V N E W S

Updates

What’s On

Policies under consultation

Selective Mutism Workshop Wednesday, 20 January 2015 Activ Library, 327 Cambridge Street, Wembley

Activ is committed to providing people living with disability, their families, friends, carers and advocates with an opportunity to provide feedback and participate in informing decisions in relation to the services provided by Activ that have a direct impact on their lives, in accordance with Standard 4 – Feedback and Complaints and Standard 6 – Service Management of the National Standards for Disability Services and the Carers Recognition Act of 2004.

For more information, contact the Activ Library on 9387 0458 Ability Idol Saturday 27 February 2016 Kadidjiny Park - City of Melville www.ability idol.com Activ Artspace March 2016 Activ Artspace returns for another year. If you are interested in submitting works into the 2016 exhibition, stay tuned for entry details.

Activ values the knowledge, experiences and views of the individuals who access our services and those of their family and/or carer. Capturing that knowledge and experience will enable Activ to gain a greater understanding and wider perspective of the needs and opinions of, and issues experienced by those individuals and this will in turn drive continuous improvement. We want to hear from you! To access Policies and Procedures requiring consultation visit the resources section of the Activ website and select the policies tab. The consultation period for each document will be open for a four (4) week period in accordance with Activ’s External Consultation Policy and Policy Consultation Procedure. Please provide any feedback directly to Activ’s Executive Officer, Latasha Kirton via email, [email protected].

16 • A C T I V N E W S

327 Cambridge Street, Wembley WA 6014 PO Box 446, Wembley WA 6913 Tel: (08) 9387 0555 Facsimile: (08) 9387 0599 Activ Foundation Inc. ARBN: 060 921 271 Members Liability Limited ABN: 11 553 592 765