Feedback from Master Class

Last Friday I went to the Master Class at Latrobe Uni by Jim Mansell about his recent report “Raising our sights: Services for adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities”.
There was probably about 50 people there, with lots of people from Yooralla and a handful of therapist colleagues.
Jim did an overview of the report, then showed a DVD that goes with it (I’m trying to get hold of this), and then we did small group discussion on themed areas and their relationship to Victoria.
It was great to hear someone being specific and using the term profound intellectual and multiple disability, which I think does much to ensure a shared understand of the group and launch off lobbying. Jim was also very good at explaining the context of the report – it is written for policy makers, in language that hopefully they can understand and act upon – it is not a practice guide.
If you want to have a look at the report you can download it from http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/@ps/documents/digitalasset/dh_114347.pdf. The video is supposed to be linked in the future – it will be an excellent resource showing some good big scale practice (e.g., use of personal funding for shared accommodation) and small scale practice (e.g., some really nice interactions with the people with PIMD)
sheri

upcoming event – Raising Our Sights

Cross posting this event that might be of interest (related to below mentioned report)
Raising our sights: services for adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities
Professor Jim Mansell
Friday 16 April 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Presented by Professor Jim Mansell, Director of the Tizard Centre, University of Kent
Implementation of new government policy for people with intellectual disabilities in England (‘Valuing People’) after 2001 has not made sufficient progress for people with more complex needs. A revision of the policy has identified this (‘making it happen for everyone’) as a goal. One of the groups identified as not receiving better services quickly enough are adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. This master class describes the results of a review of services for adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities and its recommendations for action. Participants in the master class will have the opportunity to assess Victorian policy and practice in the light of the issues identified.
Enquiries to Professor Christine Bigby, C.Bigby@latrobe.edu.au – bookings essential

Upcoming Workshop in Victoria – Armchair travel

The following workshop is being conducted by Communication Resource Centre – I have no connection with it – but it looks great!
This workshop will provide:
Information about
• the concept of armchair travel
• the role of the senses and the impact of sensory processing disorders on the ability to participate in everyday activities
• sensory assessments
• Armchair travel resources

and strategies for
• enhancing sensory performance
• formatting armchair travel experiences
• developing other sensory-focused activities

The practical component of this workshop provides you with the opportunity to develop an armchair travel experience for someone you support.

Prerequisites:
An interest in developing individualised supports to engage people with PIMD in activities in ways that are meaningful to them.

Target audience:
Direct support staff, teachers and others who support people with PIMD.

Date: Monday – March 29th 2010
Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm
Venue: Whitehorse Library – Meeting room 1
Cost: $187.00 (Includes GST)

To register for this workshop you will need to complete an application form. See attachment
OR Telephone 03 9843 2000 OR Email crc@scopevic.org.au
Communication Resource Centre, Scope, 830 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill 3128