ISSUE 09 MARCH 2019
IN THIS ISSUE
Pg 5
Pg 7
Pg 11
Modelling for a Mission
3D Movement Analysis Lab
A lifetime of service
Ability Centre customer Musa, his mum Renee and therapist Louise trying out the new Magic Carpet for the first time
IN THIS ISSUE
Contents 3
From our CEO
4
IBIS continues thanks to Telethon
5
Modelling for a Mission
6
Research – CP Checklist – 3D Movement Analysis Lab
8
Thanks to our community donors
10 A living legacy 11
A lifetime of service
What’s in a name? Brand News is named in recognition of the former Premier of Western Australia (1959-1971), Sir David Brand. Our Coolbinia office, The Sir David Brand Centre, officially opened on 29 February 1980 and is also named in his honour. Sir David was Patron of the Spastic Welfare Association of Western Australia (SWAWA) showing great empathy and care for children with disabilities. Sir David died in April 1979, and his qualities of strength, endurance, fortitude and patience are remembered by all those who came in contact with him. His wife, Lady Doris went on to become the Association’s Patron for many years.
Brand News is produced by the Marketing and Communications Team To contact us, please email communications@abilitycentre.com.au
Brand News ISSUE 09 MARCH 2019
From our
CEO
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Welcome to our Autumn edition of Brand News. It gives me great pleasure to share with you some of our customer stories and projects supported by fundraising. You will also read how you can continue to support the work of Ability Centre. Brand News provides a glimpse into the myriad of programs and activities our staff provide for our customers. In my first six months as Chief Executive Officer, I have been very impressed with our capacity to support such a wide range of age groups and disability types and I know this is important for people who choose Ability Centre as their provider. We are incredibly appreciative of the financial support we receive from individuals, organisations, community groups and government. Not only do you make it possible for us to continue our work, you’re helping some of our community’s most vulnerable families continue to receive the excellent support and service they deserve. Along with our well known therapy and equipment services, you may not know that we also help people find meaningful employment. We provide supported employment for 71 people at Goodwill Engineering and our Goodwill Engineering Service Awards are an annual highlight we feature in this edition. I am also very pleased to let you know about some of the latest research that our talented therapists have been pursuing. The 3D Motion Analysis Lab is a
Jacquie Thomson Chief Executive Officer
first for WA and it is going to make a considerable difference to the many people who need accurate gait analysis. The CP Respiratory Checklist is also an invaluable and simple tool to identify early warning signs of respiratory disease. 2019 is proving to be even busier than last year as we welcome more customers to the Ability Centre family and connect with more people in our community. Thanks again for everything you do for Ability Centre. Warm regards, Jacquie
Support us
IBIS continues thanks to Telethon We’ve got some great reasons to make you run! If you’re running or walking in this year’s HBF Run for a Reason, why not make Ability Centre your ‘reason’ and fundraise to support individuals and families living with disability? HBF Run for a Reason is Perth’s largest community running and walking event and it is back on Sunday, 19 May. There are three distances to choose from – 4km, 12km or Half Marathon – a course to suit every fitness level. To register for the event visit the website www.hbfrun.com.au and select Ability Centre Australasia as your charity.
Thanks to generous support from Telethon, Ability Centre will continue to provide our specialist support program In Home Baby Intervention Service (IBIS). The program is now funded until July 2020 and has expanded into the South Metropolitan region. Launched in 2017, IBIS provides specialist services and support to families of children who have been identified as being at risk of developmental delay or disability. Research shows early intervention can substantially improve a child’s long term development, providing them with the opportunity to reach their full potential. A community based service, the program is designed to engage the child and the family in their own home. Our IBIS therapists monitor the baby’s development and progress as
Every dollar raised will contribute to changing the life of someone living with disability.
IBIS customer Ava with her Dad Scott and therapist Amanda
well as providing support to families who may otherwise be left feeling isolated and alone. Feedback from parents shows how important this service is to their family: “Our experience with IBIS was 100% positive. Amanda was lovely and made me feel at ease about my baby needing regular therapy. Before receiving the referral, I was upset and worried about my baby’s future quality of life, was stressed about how we would afford therapy and how I was going to juggle making appointments. I am so thankful we were able to receive this service in our own home as it has had a positive impact on our family and a great outcome for our baby’s development.” – Mother of an IBIS customer.
Australian Supermodel of the Year finalist Alannah Joy Reberger was inspired by her friend Allira, an Ability Centre customer to create Modelling for a Mission. “Allira is an inspiration to me,” explains Alannah. “She has overcome so many obstacles and is the gutsiest kid I know. When I asked her what she would like to be when she grew up, she said ‘a model, just like you’!” Using her platform as a national teen finalist with Australian Supermodel of the Year, Alannah decided to make Allira’s dreams
come true and created Modelling for a Mission, a charity event giving children living with disability the opportunity to experience being a model for a day, with all funds raised being donated to Ability Centre. Alannah and a team of industry experts spent the day with seven children and their parents, taking them through all aspects of modelling with the aim to build their confidence and instil the belief they can achieve anything.
The day was a huge success and according to one of the mothers – “All of us thoroughly enjoyed the day and the photos we received are lovely. Thank you to everyone who made this possible and we hope there will be an opportunity in the future for all kids to experience this.” Thank you to the team of volunteers to made this event possible – River Road Studios, Jeremy Phillips (photographer), Jennifer Ellis (make up), Jamey Harrop (hairstylist), Hayley Beardman (runway coach), Luke Whyman (modelling coach).
Brand News ISSUE 09 MARCH 2019
Modelling for a Mission
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Brand News ISSUE 09 MARCH 2019
Research
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Simple checklist helps prevent respiratory disease.
“We found that children and young people who had limited ability to move their head and who had difficulty swallowing were more likely to be admitted to hospital with a chest infection.”
A simple tool to identify children and young people with cerebral palsy (CP) at risk of respiratory disease has been developed by researchers at Ability Centre, Telethon Institute for Kids and Perth Children's Hospital.
palsy. Initially 551 young West Australians with CP and their families took part in a survey which asked them to report on respiratory symptoms. We then tracked their rates of hospital admission over a three year period, which enabled us to link symptoms with admission rates.
The tool is a five minute online checklist that aims to identify early warning signs that a child or young person with CP may develop respiratory disease. Respiratory disease is a leading cause of hospitalisation of children and young people with CP.
“We found that children and young people who had limited ability to move their head and who had difficulty swallowing were more likely to be admitted to hospital with a chest infection. There were also quite a few other factors that indicated risk of respiratory hospitalisation, such as gastric reflux, nightly snoring, and seizures. The checklist alerts young people with CP and their parents as to what factors to watch out for.”
Identifying early risk factors for respiratory disease, will improve the quality of life of children and young people with CP, reducing hospital admissions, and potentially preventing irreversible lung damage. Dr Marie Blackmore, Research Coordinator at Ability Centre, explains the research background and key risk factors.
This research was funded by the WA Health Department, NonGovernment Centre Support, and individual donations to Ability Centre.
“The checklist was developed based on research that identified the early predictors of respiratory disease in young people with cerebral
To learn more: telethonkids.org.au/cpchecklist
Support us
3D Movement Analysis Lab Stage two of Ability Centre's first 3D Movement Analysis Lab has commenced, thanks to funds raised at our 2018 Annual Golf Classic. Infrared cameras and digital technology have been installed, which will use video to capture and assess complex movements which cannot be seen by the naked eye. Bio-mechanist Dr Sue Morris joined our team late last year to help set up the biomechanical models we will use to diagnose customers. This technology will mean we can accurately measure joint angles in 3D simultaneously which has not been possible to date and allow for more accurate decisionmaking about treatment plans. 3D motion analysis is the gold
standard for active surveillance of changes in walking for children with cerebral palsy, whose walking changes over time. This is the first time this technology will be available in Western Australia and we are proud to be working with Curtin University on this project. The Ability Centre Movement Analysis Lab has been made possible by our Golf Sponsors – Scarboro Toyota, Credentia Construction, Kevrek, Margaria Cleaning, Willis CKA, Clarity Communications and Gage Roads.
Team (L to R): Heather Murray, Dr Sue Morris, Annie Chappell, Megan Grant, Rowan Johnson
Eat, drink, have fun and help someone living with a disability! Support Ability Centre with the purchase of your 2019-2020 Entertainment Membership and enjoy thousands of valuable offers across Perth, the South West and Bali. With over $20,000 in offers and only $70, the 2019-2020 Entertainment books and digital memberships are great value and a great gift idea, with each sale through us going directly to our fundraising. For more information and to place your order, visit entertainmentbook.com.au/ orderbooks/830p03 Hard copy or digital versions available. Please be advised that books will no longer be sold at Ability Centre Coolbinia. Collection can be made at Entertainment Publications, 20 Carbon Court, Osborne Park.
Brand News ISSUE 09 MARCH 2019
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Thanks to all our community donors! Cottesloe Golf Club Ladies Bridge Club For over a decade, the Cottesloe Golf Club Ladies Bridge Club has been raising money for Ability Centre to provide funding for vital equipment for our customers. With their most recent donation, CP Tech has been able to purchase our first Eye Gaze System for customer trials and assessment. Eye Gaze technology is used when a customer has limited or no functional movements and is unable to use a mouse or keyboard. This technology allows them to access their computer or communication device through the use of their eyes, which provides the freedom to live independently.
Toybox International Thanks to Toybox International, Ability Centre has been able to purchase and modify equipment for customers with this very special funding, giving children the freedom to be active in their community and spend time outdoors with the family and friends, just like 10 year old Mason. Having outgrown his bike with trainer wheel modifications, Mason required a specialised trike which would provide more safety and support as he rides around his local park, and one which would adjust as he grows. Mason’s new modified trike allows him to be active with his family and in his community, as well as strengthening his lower limbs and increasing his fitness. “Toybox International and its supporters love the work we are able to do by partnering with Ability Centre,” says Sophia Barbagallo, General Manager Toybox International. “To be able to directly assist local children in need, with custom equipment that gives them mobility, freedom and fun – what could be more rewarding? We look forward to continuing to support Ability Centre children by funding these modified bike and trike purchases.” Thanks to Toybox International for providing this very special funding.
Previously, customers who would like to trial this technology would have to wait until a loan unit became available. It is wonderful what a difference playing bridge can make. Thank you.
Mason enjoying a day out with his new trike
Old Ram Muster
Daniel(ink)
Driftability
Since 2001, the Old Ram Muster has donated tens of thousands of dollars to Ability Centre through their annual luncheon. What started out as a small gettogether between friends, has become a charity event attended by over 100 stock agents, Merino breeders and farmers.
What started as an illustration screen-printed onto a shirt during an art class one day, has grown into a thriving t-shirt business.
Thanks to Driftability Perth, young adults living with disability got to experience the thrill of drifting in high performance vehicles for the first time.
In 2018, the luncheon raised over $18,000 which has been used to fund a portable Magic Carpet to be shared between our North and South Hubs. An app-based interactive projection system, the Magic Carpet provides sensory therapy for customers who may have very little movement, or need motivation to move more freely by stimulating imagination and fuelling creativity. Therapists can closely monitor movements for development and encourage and support groups to share and work together. This is the second Magic Carpet for Ability Centre, and only one of three in WA, providing a unique and fun therapy experience. Thank you to Old Ram Muster for their generous donation which has made this purchase possible.
Daniel(ink) was started by Ability Centre customer Daniel Pavlovic in 2013. Daniel has been one of our customers for 23 years, having been born with Cerebral Palsy that affects muscles in his legs and hands. Although he uses a wheelchair, Daniel has a walking frame and an adapted vehicle – having recently got his driver’s license. Daniel’s business has stalls in local markets across Perth as well as an online store. Each year, he donates 10% of his profits to Ability Centre. “It was important to me from the start that I could perhaps help those that I have received so much from”. Could that quote be alongside his photo? His most recent donation has been used to purchase new adaptive art supplies for our Community Art Classes, allowing Shared Living customers to share his passion for art. Daniel’s designs are available for sale at danielink.com.au.
Barbagallo Wanneroo Raceway hosted the event, with professional drivers volunteering their time and their cars for this incredible experience, which opened up the work of drifting and motorsport to people who may otherwise not have had this opportunity. The event raised money for Ability Centre and will be held again in 2019. Daniel Pavlovic and his dad Ivan
Brand News ISSUE 09 MARCH 2019
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A living legacy Like many people after WWII, Len and Coral Langford at times struggled to make ends meet with three children. Married for over 60 years, Len, a WWII veteran and Coral, a devoted wife and mother lived life to the full, albeit modestly. Being generous was an important part of their family life and Len and Coral were tireless volunteers. Their four grandchildren remember them affectionately as ‘Marnie and Grandy’. When their second youngest granddaughter Beth was born, she and Len instantly formed a special bond. Beth was born with cerebral palsy and she has been an Ability Centre customer since she was six months old. From a very young age, Beth suffered frequent seizures, the severity of which required radical brain surgery when she was seven.
“Dad had a special relationship with Beth, so it was important to mum and to our family that this was honoured with a gift to Ability Centre.”
“Beth’s face would light up whenever she’d see her Grandy and it was very special that Dad was able to see Beth walk, at age three, before he passed away,” says Joy, Len and Coral’s daughter.
“Dad had a special relationship with Beth, so it was important to Mum and to our family that this was honoured with a gift to Ability Centre,” explains Joy. “After witnessing the debilitating seizures, many subsequent operations and trauma Beth has gone through, and the wonderful support we received from Ability Centre, Mum and Dad wanted to leave a legacy that would in turn ensure this support is available to other families.” Beth is now 18 and has recently graduated from high school. She continues to receive therapy services from Ability Centre. We thank the Langford family for this incredibly kind gift to our organisation.
Following her husband’s death, Coral continued helping charities in many ways, donating to a number of organisations including Ability Centre, until her death last year. Coral had discussed her Will with her children and her decision to leave a portion of her estate to charity.
If you would like to discuss leaving a Gift in Will, please contact Georgina Harvey on 1300 106 106.
Tony Lee celebrates 45 years with Goodwill Engineering. He is known for his trademark greeting, “good morning my friend�.
A lifetime of service Goodwill Engineering specialises in light engineering and metal fabrication and has been operating for over 50 years. What started in 1964 as a small operation producing washers with 25 young adults with cerebral palsy operating adapted metal presses, soon grew to a profitable business producing quality hardware for the WA building industry and employing over 70 supported workers. Goodwill Engineering provides employment to people of all ages with a disability. They are supported to work across the business in a wide range of roles that suits their skills and abilities. At the end of each year, they take the opportunity to recognise those who have reached milestones in their employment. In December 2018, 10 employees were recognised for milestones 10 years and up. Top: Patrick Charles celebrates 35 years Above: Ross Lester celebrates 30 years
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