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Guide Dogs Victoria’s Get About – Term 3 2019
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ContentsTips for reading this newsletter...................................................................................1
Note from the Editor....................................................................................................2
Upcoming CMS Camps and Group Programs............................................................3
Supercharge May Camp.............................................................................................7
Planes, Trains and Automobiles................................................................................11
Tech Time with Michael............................................................................................16
Family Corner: Easy Chores for Independence........................................................18
Interview with Glen Morrow (Assistive Technology Coordinator)..............................21
Lamps, Lights and Why We Need Them...................................................................23
Zoron’s Pupdate........................................................................................................24
Traffic School Installation of Tactile Tiles..................................................................27
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Contact us:................................................................................................................30
Feedback..................................................................................................................31
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Note from the Editor
Dear CMSers,
With Term 3 upon us already, it’s hard to believe we are already halfway through the year!
In this edition of 'Get About' read all about our Term 2 programs, Supercharge Primary and our ever-popular July Junior Camp 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles'.
After 20 years (and possibly more) of hosting CMS camps, these are the last two programs to be held in Arnold Cook House (ACH) as it currently stands. While the time for a new building is definitely now, ACH has been a fantastic venue and is filled with many happy camp memories for our students and CMS staff also.
Without ACH as a venue, it will mean that we need to be creative about how we will run our group programs in 2020, and we will keep families informed about our upcoming programs via this newsletter.
Also in this edition, our OT Alyce shares some tips on chores to get kids involved in and our Orthoptists detail how important task lighting is and how the right lamp can make all the difference.
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We introduce you to our new technology consultant Glen (some of you may know him from SVRC), and O&M Ange from Wangaratta gives us a regional update on a project involving TGSI’s? What are TGSI’s? Keep reading to find out!Happy travelling,
Alicia San Martin Get About Editor
Don’t forget to look at our website: www.guidedogsvictoria.com.au
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Upcoming CMS Camps and Group Programs
Family Camp Program 30 September – 32 October, 2019
The aim of this program is for families to come together and increase their understanding of the skills required to support development of independent travel in the community and completion of daily living activities.
Family Camp is an opportunity to:• Network with other families who have a child with low vision or blindness3 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 1 , 2 0 1 9
• Learn more about how to encourage age appropriate, independent mobility • Explore a range of aids, apps and devices to assist with independent mobility• Hear from/meet professionals who can support/provide training for your family• Participate in fun activities as a family that develop mobility skills
Possible activities• Ice breaker/bonding/get to know you games• Mindfulness/listening/relaxation• Botanical Gardens Children’s Garden Activity• Melbourne Museum – organised activity• Public Transport – explore a stationary train/tram/bus• Technology challenge/Amazing Race • Kids audio described movie night – parent supports discussion• Orthoptist/Assistive Tech/OT/Service Coordinator display-workshop-presentation
StaffingOrientation & Mobility Specialists from CMS will staff this program. Occupational Therapists will be present for some of the program.
CostsThis program has been made possible due to the contributions of the Shine On Foundation.
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• NDIS - For students with an NDIS plan the estimated cost is $2800. NDIS funding covers the service delivery of O&M and OT skills during the program and does not cover meals, accommodation or overnight costs.
• The program will be delivered at no direct cost to our client. Where possible we will access fee for service funding (NDIS) to support the program and Guide Dogs Victoria will cover all additional costs.
Further Information:
Where: CYC City Venue (Melbourne CBD) https://city.cyc.org.au/accommodation/.
When: Monday 30 September 2019 at 10am and conclude on Wednesday 2nd October at 2pm.
Note: If we have more applications than places available on the closing date, we will identify participants considering the appropriateness of this program to participants O&M goals and needs.
For an application package please call Customer Service ASAP on 1800 804 805.
To be considered for this mobility program, completed application packages (all paperwork, including medical forms) must be received by Monday, 26th August 2019.
South Pacific Educators of the Vision Impaired Conference 2020 (SPEVI) - January 12 - 15, 2020
The 2020 SPEVI conference is soon approaching (more here https://synergyevents.eventsair.com/spevi-5 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 1 , 2 0 1 9
2020) and for parents who are interested in attending, your child’s NDIS funding may be able to support your attendance.
If you have a new plan coming up, you can advocate for your attendance at SPEVI to be included in your child’s new plan.
If you do not have this funding already and you wish to, you may enter into a Plan Review process in order to do so. Funding will need to be allocated to Support item 15 - Allied Health, Training for Carers/Parents. Support item # 15_038_0117_1_3.
If you already have this line item in your child’s plan with funding available you are good to go. Please note that SPEVI can’t guarantee that your NDIS application or claim will be successful. SPEVI are simply passing on this information.
Enquiries around this advice, and/or requests for an individual invoice for conference fees, can be directed to Jo Minniss from the SPEVI Conference Local Organising Committee.
Contact details:Jo Minniss - Advisory Teacher South Australian School for Vision ImpairedEmail: [email protected]: (08) 8277 5255
SPEVI hope to be able to welcome many parents to the SPEVI 2020 Conference!
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[Image description: the SPEVI 2020 logo with the text 'Creating a Clear Vision for the Future] and gold swirls]Return to contents
Supercharge May Camp
May 20 – 21
Monday May 20th saw the arrival of nine lucky young eager-beavers (boys and girls of Primary School age) at Arnold Cook House, here onsite at Guide Dogs Vic, Kew.
Their mission? To participate in and learn from a range of activities especially planned for them by the Children’s Mobility Team over a two-day (and sleepover!) period. The main goal? To have fun!
Activities and workshops included working on our cane skills, mapping, sound identification and location as well as echolocation skill development, self-advocacy and money handling skills plus body/spatial awareness.
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[Image description: Cohen sits at a table working on his spatial mapping with coloured shapes on white paper]
We also jammed with a variety of music instruments, were challenged by an obstacle course and really loved playing with the Ball FX and the sounds created due to movement. Phew!
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[Image description: Staff assist students to make cheese toasties]
Our OT, Alyce, worked on the development of cooking skills with everyone participating in cooking pizzas and cupcakes, as well as independence at actual meal times (for eg. buttering own toast and pouring drinks).
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[Image description: three students participate in an evening game of Reach and Match]
On Tuesday afternoon, the kids all attended the presentation with their parents/carers to receive their well-deserved Certificates of Participation. We all had fantastic time and can’t wait for the next camp!
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[Image description: students and a staff member laying on mats in Arnold Cook House during a Yoga session at the Supercharge Camp]
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
The Planes, Trains and Automobiles Camp theme has always been a favorite, and the July 2019 camp didn’t disappoint! The interest we had in the camp was overwhelming!
The first day involved an all important road crossing lesson, with the kids exploring the new intersection to enter the Guide Dogs campus and demonstrating their 11 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 1 , 2 0 1 9
understanding of intersections in a craft activity. The afternoon activity consisted of a bus trip to Legoland Discovery Centre at Chadstone Shopping Centre.
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[Image description: Max hugging the life-sized Lego Guide Dog at Legoland Discovery Centre]
An early start on the second day allowed us to catch the metro train to Southern Cross Station where we jostled with the peak hour crowds and were met by V-line staff and escorted to the Geelong Train. It was great to have the V-line staff join us on our trip to Lara and to hear all about the differences between V-line trains and metro trains.
We then caught a taxi from Lara to Avalon Airport where we had an opportunity to explore a decommissioned 747 jet. The kids got to explore the cockpit, first class, the galley and overhead luggage compartments – in fact nothing was off limits! Back by taxi, train and another train, then a quick playground visit and a cosy pub dinner in Preston.
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[Image description: campers standing in front of a plane at Avalon Airport]
On the last day, boarding passes were handed out to a number of Australian locations, and the kids had to plan and pack belongings for this destination. Discussion about weather, duration of stay, activities at the destinations were all factored to decide what to bring. With suitcases packed, the morning finished off with a ride in a stretch Hummer, complete with music, disco
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lights and dancing!
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[Image description: Dakota exploring the sequined roof of the hummer]
A big thanks to all the kids who came along to this program and to their families for getting them there. We hope you had as much fun as we did!
Danielle
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Tech Time with Michael
By Michael Evans
These articles aim to provide information on technology which can be used to support our clients with their Orientation and Mobility (O&M).
Introducing Microsoft Soundscape:
Microsoft Soundscape is a free app (available for iPhone) that supports people who are blind or have low vision to navigate their world with 3D audio. As you travel through your environment, Microsoft Soundscape announces nearby points of interest such as parks, businesses, streets etc. as well as Markers.
What are Markers? Markers are locations that you create, you can set markers for anything! (Preferably outside for GPS accuracy). Once a marker is set, to
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locate it, the user sets a beacon. Simply put, the user follows a ‘bell-like’ sound to the marker. Microsoft Soundscape describes this beacon as a ‘lighthouse’ for the ears.
I highly encourage you to download this app and give it a go. It’s free, simple to use and voiceover friendly. If you would like to know more please feel free to contact me or ask your O&M. Happy exploring!Happy exploring.
[Image description: navy blue cartoon designs of headphones and soundwaves and also a mobile phone]
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Family Corner: Easy Chores for IndependenceBy Alyce Woodruff, Paediatric Occupational Therapist
• Can your child get themselves ready for a shower?
• Can they put a bath mat out and get a towel ready?
• Can they locate their clothes or pjs in their bedroom to
bring in with them?
• Does your child know where dirty washing goes?
• Can your child locate cutlery in the kitchen and set the
table for dinner?
• Does your child know how to turn the dishwasher on?
• Do they know if a tablet or detergent goes in your
dishwasher?
• Or what sound the dishwasher makes when it is
finished?
• Can your child make their bed in the morning?
• Can your child feed the family pet dinner?
• Do they know where the food is located or how much
to give them?
• Can your child locate clothing items in their room?
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• Do they know which things go in drawers and which
are hung up?
• Do they know how to hang a piece of clothing on a
hanger?
• Could they match some socks together after being
washed?
If your child is having trouble with any of these things, I
am happy to come and help you at home. All of these
tasks give them independence and some pride in their
own abilities while in the long run making it easier for
when they become an adult.
Breaking down these tasks into segments such as
teaching them where the dishwashing tablet goes and
which button to press, means they can start to do bits of
the task even if they still need help with stacking the
dishwasher for example.
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[Image description: a cartoon of a boy feeding a brown
dog]
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Interview with Glen Morrow (Assistive Technology Coordinator)
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With Clare O’Sullivan (CMS O&M)
Clare: Who are you and where did you come from?Glen: Well my space ship landed... Jokes! I have always lived in Victoria. I started teaching what was then called Adaptive Technology since 1998.
Clare: Wow! That’s massive. Did you even have technology back in 1998?Glen: Yes, we started with Windows 3.1 back then. Surely you remember, Clare?
Clare: No, I was busy thinking that computers would be a phase back then! I know you from and some of the kids might know you from Statewide Vision Resource Centre. How long were you there for and what kind of things did you teach the kids there?Glen: I was there for 4 years and I taught the kids how to use technology in their school environment. For example their laptops and ipads.
Clare: Do you just teach kids?Glen: No, I believe my oldest client was 91.
Clare: What is your favourite piece of Assistive Technology?Glen: I love the inbuilt features in Windows and Mac. It’s come along way. The ability to invert colours and magnify the screen.
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Clare: What is your favourite app?Glen: The O&Ms will love this! My most used app would be Google Maps. The public transport feature has really improved!
Clare: What kind of things do you like doing in your spare time?Glen: I like doing podcasting, sometimes you can find me broadcasting on community radio and doing woodwork. I am really interested in technology and I love the challenges of learning new technology. A lot of the technology I teach I use in my own life.
Clare: I imagine over the last 20 years you would have to be super flexible with all the new technology. How do you stay on top of everything that is new?Glen: I enjoy it. I read a lot! I read a lot of forums, I’m always researching and the wonders of YouTube!
Clare: Well, welcome to the team! I’m very excited to work with you!
If you would like to make a referral with Glen please call our Customer Service Team on 1800 804 805
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[IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Clare interviewing Glen. They are sitting on chairs, laughing and Clare has a laptop in her lap]
Lamps, Lights and Why We Need ThemBy Kate Clark and Khoa Nguyen – Orthoptists
Ever wondered why it is harder to see if you don’t have good lighting?
Well, it’s all because the back layer of our eyes called the retina contains tiny cells that can only fire off information to our brains about what we are looking at if what we are looking at is well lit. This is especially important if we are reading or need to look very closely at something to see anything small or detailed.
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Try shining a light on a book or object and see what it looks like and then turn the light off and see the effect and whether you are able to see it as well. Task lighting can help with reading, craft and all sorts of activities. What is a task light? Well, it’s basically a lamp with a good globe that has been well positioned so that what you are looking at is not only well lit but also isn’t glary.
A lamp on a bendy arm is ideal so it can be correctly positioned so that:
It is between your eyes and what you are reading or looking at. If it’s too far away it may not be bright enough.
It is directed straight at what you are looking at.
It is angled so you don’t get the light from the globe shining directly into your eyes.
Are lamps and light globes all the same? No they aren’t. Some people with low vision like a lot of light and some only a small amount. Some people like a very crisp white light whilst others prefer a warm yellowish light.
If you are unsure about task lighting, feel free to ask your GDV Orthoptists about what might be the right light for you.Return to contents
Zoron’s Pupdate
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I have been writing Zoz’s Pupdate for many years now and I have loved contributing to the CMS Newsletter. I have talked about many different topics related to Guide Dogs and have especially loved writing to you about how much fun it has been when I have helped students work towards Guide Dog mobility skills.
[Image description: Zoz and his pet cat 'brother' snuggling on Zoz's bed]
I have attended CMS camps and have been patted for hours. I have worked on numerous Teenage Guide Dog programs and showed students how cool Guide Dog mobility can be and I have worked one on one with students who wanted to develop their 25 | G e t A b o u t – T e r m 1 , 2 0 1 9
knowledge in gaining Guide Dog skills. I’ve got to say, I have had a really great time working in the CMS Team.
So it is with both happiness and also a sense of sadness that I am now writing to you to tell you that I am going to retire from the Children’s Mobility Service Team. It’s time to hang up the harness and just be a dog. I will enjoy my retirement by going for walks, hanging out on our farm with Paula and keeping a respectful distance away from my cat brother…..unless he wants to snuggle up and keep warm by me.
So keep up the mobility skills and one day you might be lucky enough to work with a Guide Dog just like me.
Goodbye and best wishes.Your furry friend,Zozzy
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[Image description: Zoz standing next to three chickens outside on 'The Farm']
Traffic School Installation of Tactile Tiles
In July this year the Traffic School, managed and supported by the Lions Club of Wangaratta, installed tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs). Wangaratta based, Orientation & Mobility Specialist from Guide Dogs Victoria - Angela Reynolds consulted with the Traffic School.
Staff at the Wangaratta Traffic School provide road
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safety programs to 900 children each year in north east regional Victoria. The installation of the TGSIs will give children attending a road safety program the opportunity to learn more about how people who are blind or have low vision use TGSIs in the community.
TGSIs are raised lines and dots that are installed in urban environments to assist people who are blind or vision impaired to know about directional information and warning about hazards. This can result in improved orientation and safety when travelling in the community. The tiles are detected with a cane, underfoot or visually if there is suitable contrast.
They are commonly found at kerb ramps, pedestrian crossings, stairs, ramps, lifts and escalators. They are also frequently seen around public transport stops and stations – along the edges of train platforms, bus and tram stops.
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[Image description: a gate opening onto a footpath displaying TGSIs at the Wangaratta Traffic School]
There are 2 types:
Hazard/Warning Tiles – are raised dots and alert people that there is a hazard in their line of travel. When detected a person can slow down and explore further to find out the nature of the hazard. The front or back edge of the hazard tiles can also be used to line up on to make a straight line crossing to the kerb ramp on the other side of the road.
Directional Tiles – are a series of raised parallel lines that provide orientation in open spaces where no other
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tactual cueing is available. Next time you’re at Flinders Street Station or Southern Cross Station have a closer look at where the directional tiles are located and where they lead to. They are also commonly used to provide direction to a road crossing point, public transport access point or a significant public facility such as a hospital, sports and entertainment venues or a public toilet.
If you want to learn more about TGSIs and how they may assist you travel in your school or local community chat more with your Orientation & Mobility Specialist.
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Contact us: Children’s Mobility Service Private Bag 13, KEW, VIC, 3101 General Enquiries: 1800 804 805 Facsimile: 03 9854 4466
www.guidedogsvictoria.com.au
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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: [email protected] 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 [email protected] or via phone 1800 804 805 to request these formats.
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