KEIS Winter Newsletter 2013

WINTER NEWSLETTER 2013Research on best practice Early Childhood Intervention reveals practices that focus on supporting family and child relations have a major influence on shaping a child’s development. Children learn through experiences and opportunities and the major influence in children’s lives are their families. This is our guiding belief and is reflected in the supports we provide to families, their children and the community they participate in. Recently we conducted a survey regarding how families feel as a result of being involved with KEIS. The below questions and responses were received. I know more about how to help and support my child to develop 100% agree I was clear about the expectations that the KEIS team and I were working towards 100% agree I have information about other service to meet my family’s needs 93% agree, 3.5% disagree, 3.5% don’t know My relationship with my children has improved 82% agree, 7% disagree, 11% don’t know Overwhelmingly the response demonstrated that families feel KEIS greatly supported them to assist with their child’s development. We sincerely appreciate your feedback and are respectful of your comments that you already have strong relationships with your child. We strongly believe that the families and children attending KEIS have great relations and we apologise if the question was misinterpreted. We hope through sharing more information about your child’s development this can help you further understand your child’s behaviour and in turn to strengthen your existing relations. continued page 2

School Aged Speech Pathology Service

Early Learning Group (ELG)

Congratulations Jayla

SPECIAL FEATURES:

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KEIS Parent Fundraising needs YOU. If you can give us an hour or two on Sunday 18th August for our Bunnings BBQ phone Lindy 6926 2466.

STOP PRESS!

At the end of Term 2 the Family Support Workers conducted a series of consultation sessions with families who attend Early Learning Groups. We were amazed at your positive responses. A summary of the responses are on PAGE 7. Another major aim of Early Childhood Intervention is to support families and children to be able to participate in the community and assist with inclusion. KEIS would like to support your family and child to do the things you want to do as a family in everyday life. The wider community are often not aware of the needs of families and their children with disabilities. We would like to support your family to do the things you want to do as a family in the community and at the same time support the community to understand your family’s needs. If you want to go shopping, go to the park, eat together as a family, go out to dinner, go swimming, enrol your child in little athletics and or dance etc. we are available to support you to achieve this goal. I encourage you to consider how KEIS can support your family to participate in everyday activities and community life. Your Key Worker will raise community participation and inclusion with you at your Individual Family Service Review (IFSP).

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KEIS is able to provide speech pathology services for children up to 8 years of age with a disability and or developmental delays. The School Aged therapy service operates under a fee for service. Families may use the Helping Children with Autism package, Better Start, Medicare or Private Health to access these services.

Schools also may be interested in contracting our services to assist with their students witH developmental delays and disabilities. We can provide individual therapy, programs to be implemented at home and at school, staff development, ipad training, plus much more. Our services are tailored to the family and school’s needs.

Please call us if you are interested finding out more about School aged speech pathology.

NOW AT KEIS

SCHOOL AGED SPEECH

PATHOLOGY SERVICES

AVAILABLE!

Hannah Woodford School Aged Speech Pathologist E: [email protected] P: 6926 2466

Susan MacgillycuddyService ManagerE: [email protected]: 6926 2466

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What do you feel are the main benefits from attending Early Learning Group? ELG allows time for you and your child to learn strategies that assist in areas like social skills and it is a good place for kids to learn to interact appropriately with other kids. Overwhelmingly the parents said the children looked forward to coming to group and playing with their parents and friends. They also felt that ELG helps them feel more connected with the service and each other as parents. The educators also help the children to learn to sit and focus, accept discipline by not allowing behaviours to escalate and to follow a group routine. Often this is achieved by the educators using visuals and other behavioural tools, strategies and supports. Some parents felt that that the reason why the ELG was so effective was because the educators see the children for the longest period of time in a social setting, and on a regular basis. In this respect they can often help to address issues as they arise and be able reinforce strategies in an ongoing way. Some felt that is would be beneficial for the other therapists to see the child in a group setting and how they interacted with the educators other children. One parent said that her child felt more confident to give things a go and practice skills in a small group setting and then when she felt confident transfer over the skills to a larger group setting. The parents who attended ELG commented they were very dedicated to ongoing attendance of the group as saw it as integral to early intervention. Another parent stated that the ELG had helped her and her husband think of alternative strategies and develop the ability to do a range of different tasks their child struggles with. It had also helped them to develop some realistic goals that both parent and child can work on without developing frustration towards one another. The group has enabled the child to make long-lasting friendships and play at the same level as other children with extra developmental needs. ELG had also helped the pre-school to understand the child’s behaviour and develop consistent strategies across the board (KEIS, pre-school and home). Does the program offered in Early Learning Group support the individual developmental needs of your child? Yes the strategies can be used at home to support development objectives, for example practicing use of two step boards and other visuals tools can help the child develop new skills. For example having a visual schedule on the mobile phone, and using reward charts at home for skills like toilet training or sleeping through the night. We can then feed back to the children and share the program and strategies with the wider family. One parent said she had seen a big change in her child’s overall development through accessing ELG and felt that her child was now ready to go into a main stream setting. Another parent said yes, most definitely. I really appreciate how the groups’ educator speaks to me before the commencement of each session about ‘what’ the focus points are for the day and ‘why’ particular activities have been included, and how the activity will assist development. I also really like how the educator provides ‘realistic’ examples on how we can follow through with the activities we participate in at home.

FAMILY RESPONSES FROM CONSULTATION FORUMS REGARDING EARLY LEARNING GROUP (ELG)

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FUN WITH FRIENDS

The NSW Government provides the Low Income Household Rebate to eligible account holders to help cover their electricity costs. For the 2013/2014 financial year, the Low Income Household Rebate will cover up to $225 of a household’s energy bill. The rebate is paid through credits on a household’s bill at a rate of just over 61 cents per day. To be eligible for the rebate, the account holder must have a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or a Gold Card issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Low Income Household Rebate is not paid automatically. If you are eligible for the Low Income Household rebate you must apply to your electricity retailer. If you have recently moved home, or switched your supplier, you should also contact your retailer to reapply for the rebate. Recently, the NSW Government announced the Low Income Household Rebate would be accessible to residents of retirement villages who purchase electricity from the village operator. Residents will also need to meet the general eligibility criteria discussed above. This change will come into force from 1st July, 2013. More information on the Low Income Household Rebate is available via the Energy Information Line on 1300 136 888 or online at: www.energy.nsw.gov.au/customers/rebates—Low-Income-Household-Rebate

HELP IN PAYING POWER BILLS

Low Income Household Rebate:

During Term 2 Bettina (Speech Pathologist) and Janine (Educator) facilitated a Social Skills Group “Fun with Friends”.

Fun with friends aimed to increase children’s abilities and capacities to interact with others, label and identify emotions and use these skills to enhance and develop friendships.

Each week we addressed a focus skill such as Personal space, Eye contact and greetings. We also focussed on a specific emotion and built skills around identifying facial features related to specific emotion. Children engaged in people games to practice the skills. We also had a shared snack time and created a snack to reflect the emotion of the week - An Angry Bird Snack!

Parents reported and increased interest in reading faces and social exchanges in their children over the course of the group and after.

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A personally controlled eHealth record is a secure online summary of your health information. You control what goes into it, and who is allowed to access it. Your eHealth record allows you and your doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers to view and share your health information to provide you with the best possible care. An eHealth record gives you more control over your health information than ever before, placing you at the centre of Australia’s health system. Why should I get an eHealth record? Having an eHealth record can make getting the right treatment faster, safer and easier. • Faster, because doctors and nurses and other healthcare professionals will not have to spend time searching for past treatment information.

• Safer, because authorised healthcare professionals can view your important health care information, including any allergies and vaccinations and the treatment you have received.

• Easier, because you will not have to remember the results of tests you have had, or all the medications you have been prescribed. Going mobile – My Child’s eHealth Record mobile app - Get the app For More Information go to: http://ehealth.gov.au/internet/ehealth/publishing.nsf/content/home

Sarah (Occupational Therapist) has been running a fine motor group this year for children who are having difficulty with their fine motor skills. In this group children practice holding pencils, manipulating objects, developing drawing ideas and cutting and pasting. Families are provided with ideas of how to develop Fine Motor Skills in the home. Families are also encouraged to share ideas. The group also focuses on the development of social skills of waiting, turn taking and sharing.

If you are interested in your child being apart of this group please contact your Occupational therapist or Key Worker.

Register now for eHealth.gov.au

FINE MOTOR GROUP

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Hi Everyone,The following is a Media release from National Disability Services (NSW) for your information and is excellent recognition and reward that has been achieved by Jayla through the hard work and commitment that she has put into her traineeship through her employment in our Kurrajong Early Childhood Intervention Service.

“A great success story and our congratulations to you Jayla. “ - Steve Jaques, Chief Executive Officer, KURRAJONG WARATAH

Aboriginal Jobs Together (AJT) Trainee, Jayla Nix of Kurrajong Waratah, was the proud recipient of the prestigious Riverina Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award at the recent NSW Training Awards. Supported through the AJT program, Jayla commenced her traineeship with Kurrajong Waratah in February 2012. After completing a Certificate III in Disability and a Certificate II in Leadership, Jayla has been employed as a full time Aboriginal Support Worker in their early intervention service. Jayla was over the moon with her win. “Winning the award was amazing. I think it is great that Aboriginal people have the chance to celebrate their excellence. As a proud Aboriginal person it was a real thrill to be receiving an award for helping other Aboriginal people. I was proud to be representing my family, my community and also Kurrajong Early Childhood Intervention Service.” Ms Macgillycuddy said, “When Kurrajong Waratah employed Jayla we were anticipating it would support Aboriginal families to be engaged in early childhood intervention. However the reality was that through Jayla’s employment our expectations were totally exceeded. Since employing Jayla Kurrajong Early Childhood Intervention Service has increased Aboriginal enrolment by 400%. Through employing Jayla as an Aboriginal support worker it has also helped our overall service to improve how we work sensitively with Aboriginal people.”

CONGRATULATIONS JAYLA

KEIS TUMUT

WINNER OF TRAINING AWARD!!

As part of getting children ready to start school the Tumut Transition to School Group have been going on excursions in their local community. The children and their families visited the town library, listened to some stories and borrowed a book. One of the families commented that felt just like a normal family that they could do the things that other families can do. From this excursion the children learnt to line up, walk in a group, follow instructions. These are all skills that help with school readiness.  

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Our service is part of the Riverina Murray Early Childhood Intervention Group (ECIC) and we have just produced a DVD to support the inclusive use of visuals in Early Childhood Services. ECIC received sponsorship from CareWest and ADHC to produce this DVD. As part of the project it was planned that a free copy of the DVD would be given to all Early Childhood services across the Riverina Murray. The DVD is being disseminated by Soraya Apps (ISA—KU) and Sara Stockman (CareWest SCAN). This is an excellent resource. Visuals support all children’s learning and this DVD shows practical ways to inclusively use visuals throughout the day. Make sure you get your copy. To order more copies please contact This resource maybe used in a variety of ways: At team meetings to increase all educators understanding of the benefits of inclusively using visualsWith new educators as part of their orientation processWith families to increase their understanding of how visuals support children’s learning and participation If you have further questions about the inclusive use of visuals we encourage you to contact your local Inclusion Support Agency, SCAN project officer and or early childhood i ntervention service. Additional copies are available for purchase from KU Inclusion Support Agency. Email: [email protected] to obtain an order form.We hope you find this new resource extremely valuable and appreciate any feedback.

Regards,Riverina Murray ECIC

Another major change occurring across the entire Disability sector in Australia is the pilot projects of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). In NSW the trial for NDIS is happening in the Hunter area for 0—65 year old people and in South Australia they are piloting individual funding for 0—14 year old children. In particular the learning from the South Australia trial will provide essential information to future directions to how individualised funding will be rolled out for all early childhood intervention services in NSW. Importantly developmental delay has been included into the scope of the Disability Care. More information about Disability Care and can be found at the below website. Disability Care Australia is the National Disability Insurance Scheme. http://www.disabilitycareaustralia.gov.au/

MORE EXCITING NEWS

UPDATE OF DISABILITYCARE AUSTRALIA

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Do you have a brother or sister with autism or Asperger’s? Are you aged 10-16 years old? Would you like to spend a few days away on a camp full of fun and adventure? Would you like to meet and make new friends who understand what it is like to have a sibling with special needs?

Then apply now for an Aspect Siblings Camp!

Applications are now open for the Aspect Siblings Camp – a three day retreat for children aged 10 to 16 years old who have a sibling with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Date: 24-26 September 2013 (during the school holidays) 10am drop-off on Tuesday; 1pm pick up on ThursdayVenue: Naamaroo Conference Centre, Lady Game Drive, Chatswood Cost: $100 per participant Interested? Fill out the camp application form and send to Aspect by 14 June 2013. Places are limited.

For more information and to obtain an application form, contact Beth on (02) 8868 8500 or email [email protected] be eligible for selection, you must return the completed application form by 14th June 2013 along with basic information requested on the application form. Payment will only be processed should your application be successful.

MORE EXCITING NEWS

2013 Aspect Siblings Camp – September 24 - 26

Kurrajong Early Childhood Intervention Services (KEIS) has developed a new Parent Funding Committee. The aim of the committee is to create a more collaborative approach to fundraising for resources to be used to help KEIS deliver its services. The committee, which is made up of both parents and staff, meets monthly to discuss fundraising ideas and to work together to get fundraising events off the ground. The committee also ensures the valuable contributions of individuals are recognised and supported.

The committee has many fabulous ideas which it is currently working on, including a sausage sizzle at Bunnings and another at Masters, a family day out at Noah’s Ark and a Christmas Tree Auction. However, the committee can’t do it without the help of volunteers. So, if you would like to be part of this committee and share your ideas or would like to help out at the events the committee would love to hear from you. If you are interested please speak to Lindy when you are next visiting KEIS.

Our next committee meeting is Tuesday 3rd September at 4.00pm in the KEIS staff room. Anyone is welcome to come and join us.

If you would like more information, please call Sarah Sweeney on 0437 630 417.

THANKYOU!! to Justine Brentnall from Bromac Engineering on another fantastic raffle and raising $1,550.

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