InForm - July 2019

July 2019
Feeling at Home
Everyone deserves a home where they are comfortable
Support
Coordination
Success
Working together to achieve moving goals
A Flexible
Approach
Therapy when and where you need it


CEO
Message
Each and every day, we are very fortunate to help incredible people achieve their goals. These individuals often overcome immense challenges to get there. In this edition of InForm, we share the story of two such people – Kym Flowers,
who was at risk of living in a nursing home, and Karen Hughes, who recently walked for the first time in 12 years. These stories demonstrate the great things that can be achieved when we work together as a community in partnership.
To help people achieve their therapy goals, Sylvanvale was excited to recently launch a new Clinical Services Team. The team is continually expanding and has even started a supported playgroup for children who have a disability or are not meeting their developmental milestones. The playgroup has been getting great feedback and its participants are already seeing positive results. The group welcomes new members and I would encourage you to pass on the details to anyone you know who might be interested in joining.
At Sylvanvale we remain committed to providing high quality customer focused service for the people we support, their families and carers. To this end, we have been implementing a number of staff engagement initiatives to enhance our customer service. We are also excited to soon be introducing a new online tool called ‘Storypark’ as an additional way to share information and communicate with families.
The sector has recently seen a number of positive developments towards adequate support systems for people with disability, and we are pleased
to have had an active role to play in this as a founding member of Alliance20. There is still much to be done, and we will continue to work hard advocating for positive change.
Thank you for your continued support.
Leanne Fretten
Chief Executive Officer
Got News?
We want to hear it!
No matter how big or small,
please contact the Marketing Team at [email protected] or on
(02) 8536 0112 with your latest news, events or ideas.
2 Mikarie Place Kirrawee NSW 2232 PO Box 29 Sutherland NSW 1499 Sydney Australia
T 1300 244 577
F +61 (02) 9521 3610
E [email protected] www.sylvanvale.com.au
2 SYLVANVALE INFORM


IN THIS ISSUE
04 09 13 Supported Communicating
Accommodation
A proper place to call home
Supported Playgroup
Reaching positive results for young children
Together
Introducing Storypark
06 10 14 Support Coordination NDIS Update
How Support Coordination Out & About
Ensuring that adequate support systems are in place
helped Karen
A snapshot of recent initiatives
08 12 15 Clinical Services In Memorium
Supporting you to achieve your therapy needs and goals
Our Staff Acknowledging the people
Building a strong customer focused culture
we have recently lost
www.sylvanvale.com.au 3


SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION
Everyone Deserves
a Proper Place to Call Home
4 SYLVANVALE INFORM


SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION
People with disability have to find a home they are comfortable with and where they’ve got peers they can talk to.
Last year, when Kym Flowers was unwell with a breathing infection, staff at the group home where she was living took her to Sutherland Hospital. This was to be the start of a 217 day stay at the hospital, despite Kym being well enough to leave hospital to attend day programs in the community during that time.
Due to health concerns, it was recommended that Kym move into a nursing home.
Thirty-four year old Kym was devastated at the prospect.
“She was so upset,” says Kym’s mother Penny. “There’d be no appropriate activities and she’d be mixing with people in a completely different demographic”.
“People with disability have
to find a home they are comfortable with and where they’ve got peers they can talk to that is an equal. Otherwise it pulls them down both mentally and physically”.
Kym’s Mum and Dad, Penny and Lee, have always been strong advocates for her and people with disability
– even previously appearing before Parliament. They would not let their young daughter enter a nursing home.
So Penny and Lee did everything they could to make Kym’s circumstances public
– contacting local political representatives and going to the media.
That was when Kym’s parents learnt about a potential place at Sylvanvale’s Hinkler site, a modern, high-support medical facility for people with disability.
Over the next few months, Sylvanvale worked with Penny and Lee to secure the right room for Kym.
Kym’s very first day at Hinkler was a day of great joy. “The biggest surprise for Kym, which boosted her and actually boosted us, was when she saw that her friend Emma lives at Hinkler. We’ve known Emma since she was little – the girls had gone to school together”.
“I was also very reassured to be told the protocol if I had any issues, so that nothing is
forgotten about. It’s actually nice to know that we are heard.”
The Flowers family have been building a strong bond with the staff at Hinkler. “The staff are an amazing, amazing lot.
They really are. I wonder where they’ve been all these years,” says Penny.
“The staff at Hinkler are hearing us. They talk to Kym, they’ve been trained in diabetes and what her food preparations are,” she says.
It’s been a long journey to get her at Sylvanvale, but we’ve finally succeeded. We’re very happy there,” agrees Lee.
There’s no doubt what Kym’s favourite part of Hinkler is,
“Emma!” she beams.
Sylvanvale’s Supported Independent Living
Sylvanvale offers a range of Supported Independent Living options (supported accommodation) across the greater Sydney region.
Our beautiful, purpose-built homes are staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have several different offerings including shared houses, self-contained units and two and three bedroom villas.
We offer support to adults with an intellectual disability who have Supported Independent Living in their NDIS Plan and are eligible for Specialist Disability Accommodation Funding.
www.sylvanvale.com.au 5


SUPPORT COORDINATION
How Support Coordination
Helped Karen
For the first time in 12 years, Karen Hughes was recently able to stand up again. This life-changing event
was the culmination of a successful journey resulting from the efforts of Sylvanvale Support
Coordinator Elly Vinskas, therapists, the National Disability Insurance Agency – and
of course Karen herself.
Twelve years prior, Karen had been able to stand. But a bad fall and illness meant it was no longer possible.
For many of those years, before the introduction of the National
Disability Scheme (NDIS), Karen had been bedbound four days a
week. On the other three days, Karen would get out of bed with the support of staff using a hoist, and then get around using her wheelchair.
There was no funding available
for additional supports to provide Karen with a better
quality of life.
But when the NDIS was introduced, things began to change for Karen.
Karen was funded to have support staff to help her get out of bed every day of the week. This empowered Karen
to want to push herself and achieve more for herself.
6 SYLVANVALE INFORM


Karen set herself the goal
of wanting to walk again, which meant she needed a physiotherapist. She engaged Elly from Sylvanvale’s Support Coordination Team to help make this a reality.
Elly sourced a suitable physiotherapist from Karen’s local area, budgeted Karen’s therapy funds, arranged
for a Service Agreement
to be drafted, signed and returned and set up weekly appointments – engaging with Karen every step of the way.
VIDEO
Watch Karen stand for the first time in 12 years at http://bit.ly/2V4WDgv
Karen was elated and exhausted, “I’m happy. I’m happy that I could do it after
12 years of doing nothing. I’m happy. I’ll sleep this
afternoon.”
Karen stood up 7 times that day.
Karen’s next goal is to use her Stand Up Lifter
every day. She still has work to do to make this a reality. But with Karen’s
perseverance, backed by her dedicated support team, it’s
only a matter of time.
What is
Support Coordination
Showing great tenacity,
Karen made strong gains strengthening her legs and arms. Following Karen’s success, Elly gained NDIS approval to purchase a Stand Up Lifter that Karen could own forever.
On 1 February 2019, supported by therapists, and with Elly watching on, Karen was able
to stand using her brand-new Stand Up Lifter.
Support Coordination
is an NDIS funded support designed to assist participants to make the most of their NDIS funds. Once a Plan has been approved, participants work with
Support Coordinators
to determine how their funds will be spent and to connect with providers. Support Coordinators can also assist you with your Plan Review if the NDIS isn’t meeting your needs.
For more information, contact
Sylvanvale’s Support Coordination Team on 1300 244 577
www.sylvanvale.com.au 7


CLINICAL SERVICES
Supporting You to Achieve Your
Therapy Needs and Goals
In 2019, the new Clinical Services Team was launched at Sylvanvale. Formerly Therapy Hub, the Clinical Services Team continues to provide therapy services for people of all ages and abilities. The team offers individualised support to help people achieve their therapy needs and goals.
Collectively, the team has an extensive range of experience within their specialisations and can offer individual or group therapy services.
The Clinical Services Team works in partnership with participants, children and families to assess current abilities, implement therapeutic strategies and provide specialist reports
and intervention. The team is continually growing, and as a result is able to provide more personalised services in a flexible and fun environment.
The team is flexible in where
it delivers its services. It can offer home-based therapy anywhere in the greater Sydney
region, and can provide therapy in the community – such as
in the workplace, at school
or at a playgroup. The team also provides therapy at our consulting rooms at 2 Mikarie Place, Kirrawee.
Senior Manager of Clinical Services Tammy Sargeant is very excited and proud of the new Clinical Services Team
at Sylvanvale, “This team has
a wealth of knowledge and experience and have been working hard to rebuild the service for our participants. We have a new name, fresh look, and enthusiastic team members who are ready to provide therapy services when and where they are needed.”
Prices for Clinical Services
are as per the NDIS Price Guide. Call 1300 244 577 or visit www.sylvanvale.com. au/clinicalservices for more information about the therapy services available at Sylvanvale.
Dr Louise Turner
Clinical Psychologist
Nicole Maskell
Occupational Therapist
OCCUPATIONAL
THERAPY
COUNSELLING
CLINICAL
PSYCHOLOGY
ASSESSMENT
AND TRAINING
SUPPORTED
PLAYGROUP
Ashleigh Mackie
Behaviour Support Practitioner
Lauren Davey
Behaviour Support Practitioner
INDIVIDUAL SKILLS
DEVELOPMENT
SPEECH
PATHOLOGY
BEHAVIOUR
SUPPORT
Tammy Sargeant
Senior Manager, Clinical Services
Ada Tang
Speech Pathologist
Minty Ma
Speech Pathologist
8 SYLVANVALE INFORM
Meet the Clinical Services Team


SUPPORTED PLAYGROUP
Reaching
Positive Outcomes
for Young Children
Sylanvale’s Clinical Services Team recently launched a
supported playgroup for children who have a disability or are not meeting their developmental milestones.
The supportive group, which is for children up to three years of age, has been designed to give families weekly support from an occupational therapist and early childhood educator.
The group is funded by the NSW government’s Start Strong Pathways program and supports the educational engagement of children who are too young to receive a preschool education.
The playgroup has been getting positive feedback, including from Katherine whose daughter Shelby attends.
As Katherine explains, “I was looking for things to do in my community where I could take my daughter, because there are not a lot of places we can go to. She tends to get upset and finds it hard to be around other people.”
Shelby’s first session at the playgroup was a success. According to Katherine, “During our first playgroup session, Shelby instantly trusted therapist Nicole and early childhood educator Jess. She was able to become calm and play alongside them.”
she says.
“This was the first time Shelby had ever felt safe around people she’d never met before. Because of this, I felt supported and for the first time had hope that things were going to get better,”
she says.
I felt supported and for the first time had hope that things were going to get better
Since being part of the playgroup, Katherine has seen positive changes in Shelby.
“Shelby has now started to interact with other children in the group using eye contact and sharing activities. This week she was able to play on a trampoline with six others in her space, all while laughing and giggling.”
“I couldn’t say nicer things about the playgroup and Nicole and Jess. Before this, I had never seen anything work with Shelby. Nicole and Jess are a godsend and I can’t wait to see what they will do next to help Shelby and me,”
says Katherine.
The playgroup is $5 per session and runs from 10am–12pm Wednesday’s during school terms at Mikarie Child Care Centre, 2 Mikarie Place, Kirrawee.
For more information, visit
www.sylvanvale.com.au/ supported-playgroup
or call 1300 244 577.
www.sylvanvale.com.au 9


WORKING TOGETHER
Out & About
MY WORLD
Art Exhibition
Sylvanvale artists displayed their talents at the MY WORLD Art Exhibition, which was held over two weeks in February at The Art Passage Gallery in Miranda. The special exhibition was created by members of the Sylvanvale Art Collective – a group of artists who have been learning and making art together for ten years. The exhibition explored the way our artists with disability see and experience the world and showcased a variety of their paintings, drawings and sculptures, with many works selling to happy customers throughout the exhibition.
Go
Team Sylvanvale
Congratulations to Sylvanvale participants
Haism and Julie, who competed in the 2019 Campbelltown City Challenge Walk in March. The
pair completed the 6km walk in just over one hour
– a personal achievement for Julie who set herself a goal of one hour and twenty minutes. Well done team!
Start Your Engines!
Sylvanvale Pre WWII Car Show
The fifth annual Sylvanvale Pre WWII Car Show in Cronulla on Sunday 14 April 2019 was another great success. There
were thousands of people throughout the day enjoying
an array of over 70 vintage cars on display. With the generous support of the community, we raised over
$23,000 which will go towards children and young adults with disabilities to achieve their goals.
Corporate
Volunteering
A huge thanks to those wonderful groups who volunteer their time and work hard to help improve our sites, including CCSG Legal, BPAY, Salesforce and Natterbox who have already volunteered for us this year. Due to their efforts, a number of
our sites have received amazing makeovers including gardening, painting and maintenance.
10 SYLVANVALE INFORM


Sylvanvale takes over
the Royal Easter Show
Sylvanvale had a strong presence at this year’s Royal Easter
Show. Caringbah Craft Centre exhibited at a stall on Sunday
21 April, where they showcased their awesome new Trojan
Robot, Hector – who was a huge hit with show-goers at the Arts
& Craft Pavilion. In addition, Sylvanvale participants from a number of our services visited the show during the two-week period. By
all accounts they had a fantastic time, with showbags being ever- popular amongst the attendees.
Retail Therapy
Celebrates 50 Years
We were thrilled to recently celebrate Retail
Therapy’s 50th anniversary, including with a
volunteer’s morning tea on its 14 November 2018
birthday, followed by a special celebratory luncheon at
1908 Cronulla Restaurant on 24 May 2019. Our enormous
thanks to everyone who has made Retail Therapy such a success over the past 50 years. This includes its amazing founders, the Ladies Auxiliary, our many volunteers who have worked tirelessly at the store throughout the years, our talented employees – as well as everyone who donates, shops with us and supports us. Thank you all for your incredible support.
Jesse gets
his 3-Wheeler
Jesse, a resident at our Supported Independent Living site, Oratava, had always dreamed of owning a 3-wheeler bike. On 14 March 2019, his dream became a reality – thanks to the amazing combined group effort of the NDIS, Jesse’s NDIA planner, TAD Freedom Wheels, Sylvanvale staff at Oratava and Jesse’s Sylvanvale Support Coordinator Katrina Hawke. Jesse absolutely loves his new bike!
Sylvanvale Stall
at Winter Magic Festival
Sylvanvale had a beautiful stall at the Winter Magic Festival in Katoomba on 22 June 2019, where we sold a selection of gorgeous products including knitted items from Busy Bees, soaps and candles
from Enterprising Women and wooden toys from
Caringbah Craft Centre. Thank you to everyone who helped make this day such a great success.
www.sylvanvale.com.au 11


OUR STAFF
Building a Strong
Customer Focused Culture
Many experts now agree
that increasing employee engagement is the first step
to providing a better customer experience. When an employee is happy at work, they are motivated to go the extra mile and do all that they possibly can to improve what a customer experiences.
Sylvanvale is committed to creating a culture of engaged employees and great customer service for the people we support, their families and carers. In recent months we’ve implemented a number of initiatives that reinforce that commitment.
In late March and early April 2019, we held our second annual staff conference. The theme of the conference was
‘Engage’, highlighting our commitment to creating a
culture of engagement. Well over 500 staff attended the conference over 4 days.
The conference included an amazing agenda of internal and external speakers, many of whom shared inspiring stories of how their support teams helped them to achieve their goals.
As part of our commitment to employee communications, we were also excited to launch Workplace by Facebook at the Conference. Workplace is a great new way for staff to share successes, achievements and ideas, as well as to keep up to date with the latest Sylvanvale news. A large majority of
our staff have signed up for Workplace and now use it on an ongoing basis.
Recognising the importance of staff wellbeing, we also launched our new Employee Health & Wellness Program.
Because praise and recognition are essential to staff engagement, we launched
a brand-new Employee Recognition & Appreciation Program too. This two-pronged program comprises the Star Awards, which celebrate employees who demonstrate exceptional commitment to Sylvanvale’s core values, and the Loyalty Awards, which recognises milestone years of service at Sylvanvale.
When our staff are engaged, they deliver strong customer service – empowering the people we support to achieve their goals and live the life they choose.
12 SYLVANVALE INFORM


COMMUNICATING TOGETHER
Introducing Storypark
We are excited to announce that Storypark,
a fantastic new communication tool, is coming to Sylvanvale families very soon!
Storypark is a digital platform which will be used by a participant’s support team to record and share their activities, goals and achievements with their family in a secure and private online environment. Through Storypark, support workers will also communicate interesting articles, upcoming information sessions and reminders with participants and their families.
Storypark offers a range of great benefits, including:
• Enhanced communications and deepened relationships;
• A greater awareness of the participant’s experiences at the service;
• An enriched understanding of each participant’s interests, abilities and culture;
• It creates a wonderful portfolio which reinforces experiences and strengthens a participant’s learning;
• It ensures smoother transitions if a participant moves from one group/ program to another.
Storypark is a password- protected private space for families, participants and their Sylvanvale support team. Only primary guardians can grant external access to participant’s profile, usually to family members, and no personal
information is shared with any third party.
It is accessible via the Storypark website and app, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Storypark
is also very easy to use and interacts quickly through iPhone, Android and tablets.
There is no obligation to sign up or look at Storypark and
it doesn’t cost participants
or their families a cent. It
is however a great tool for ensuring regular, individualised communications.
Keep an eye out for information on how to sign up for Storypark, which will be sent to primary guardians shortly.
www.sylvanvale.com.au 13


NDIS UPDATE
Support Systems
for People with Disability
There is undoubtedly still much to do to ensure that adequate support systems are in place for people with disability. However, over the last year, and particularly in recent weeks, there has been some promising progress.
Health Supports and the NDIS
A landmark agreement at
the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Disability Reform Council on Friday 28 June 2019 means
that the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will soon be funding a range of new health-related supports where they are a regular part
of the participant’s life and a result of their disability. This includes NDIS funding in relation to health needs such as swallowing, respiratory issues, and continence aids.
New NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner
Robert Fitzgerald AM was appointed as the NSW Ageing and Disability Commissioner from 1 July 2019. In his role,
the new Commissioner will investigate allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation
of vulnerable people.
NDIS Commission
On 1 July 2018, the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (the NDIS Commission) came into operation in New South Wales. The NDIS Commission is an independent agency established to improve the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services.
The Government’s Commitment to Fixing the NDIS
In May 2019, Prime Minister Scott Morrison appointed the first ever dedicated minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the Honourable Stuart Robert MP. During its election campaign, the Government also announced a number of exciting initiatives to support people with disability, including setting new standards for shorter
timeframes for people to get an NDIS Plan.
Announcement of the Royal Commission
The Federal Government announced the establishment of a Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability (the Disability Royal Commission) on 5 April 2019. The Royal Commission is still being set up, although the terms of reference have now been finalised.
Launch of Alliance20
Sylvanvale was delighted to
be a founding member of Alliance20 on Tuesday 23 October 2018. Alliance20, which represents the largest disability service providers in Australia,
is focused on smoothing out issues that arise from the implementation process of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
In spite of recent progress, there’s certainly still a long
way to go. Sylvanvale remains deeply committed
to getting the best possible outcomes for
people with disability.
14 SYLVANVALE INFORM


SYLVANVALE FAMILY
In Memorium
We would like to acknowledge and remember Sylvanvale participants, supporters and staff who we have lost in the last year. Each person was an important part of the Sylvanvale family and is sorely missed.
DAVID GIBNEY
founding member, previous Board member and President
JOHAN LAUBSCHER
staff member at Caringbah Craft Centre
JOANNE GILBIN
staff member at Sylvanvale Catering
ADAM SIMPSON
who was a Support Coordination participant
ALAN LARTER
who most recently lived at Hinker
EDWARD PICKARD
who was a Support Coordination participant
MALCOM WATT
who was a Support Coordination participant
BELA HARASTY
who most recently lived at Rainbow and was a Support Coordination participant
JULIE JOHNSON
who most recently lived at Lett and was a Support Coordination participant
PETER IRVINE
who was a Support Coordination participant
VACANCIES NOW!
Supported Accommodation is available for people with disability in your area.
Sylvanvale offers 24/7 safe and secure care in beautiful purpose-built homes.
We offer:
INDIVIDUAL OR
SHARED SUPPORT
FREQUENT
PERSONAL
CARE
ACCESS TO A
SPECIALIST ON SITE VEHICLE
MEDICATION HOUSEHOLD
MANAGEMENT CHORES
FAMILY COMMUNICATION AND CONSULTATION
LET US
BECOME
A PART OF
YOUR FAMILY sylvanvale.com.au/supported-independent-living
Call 1300 244 577 now to enquire or visit


THE PERFECT PLACE
TO DISCOVER & GROW
Mikarie Child Care Centre
is an award winning long day care centre located in a convenient and quiet setting at Mikarie Place in Kirrawee.
The centre’s many benefits include:
• A modern, purpose- built centre in a leafy and peaceful location
• A high quality early learning curriculum
• ‘Exceeding’ rating through the National Quality Standard
• Healthy, nutritionally balanced gourmet-style meals
• Stimulating outdoor play areas
• Rooms with balcony roofs
• Ample parking with covered entrance
Our outstanding centre operates 7am to 6pm,
Monday to Friday, for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years.
Contact us today to arrange a tour or find out more.
1300 244 577 | mikariechildcarecentre.com.au
VACANCIES AVAILABLE