Welcome to a new and exciting year of workshops and Professional Development opportunities. Make 2017 the year that you attend one of your associations workshops and complete a Takeaway Café handout to attain all your Professional development points in one go.
The most exciting development in DTA workshops is happening this year with the Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Master Classes being rolled out Nationally. We are working with Dr Kathy Peri and Dr Gary Chung (Key Note Speakers at the Sydney Conference 2016) to bring you this innovative therapy for people with mild to moderate dementia. If you have already expressed your interest in CST then I have your name down to be contacted, if you are interested and have not contacted DTA then please email me on stephania@diversionaltherapy.org.au or call the office on T: 0298875035 Toll Free: 1300113395 to express your interest.
The Perth Workshop held on the 3rd December was a great success thanks to the continued support from our faithful DTA supporters and Members. Thank you to Annemarie Kluvers for facilitating on the day, to those presenters who travelled to share their information and to the amazing internet that allowed me to Skype in on the day (without dropping out once) to present and “to be there” for some of it.
Already on the website are the workshops for the next few months.
February sees the sailing of our first DTA Cruise workshop- look out for some amazing reports and photos in next month’s Newsletter. Our annual disabilities specific Access to Leisure workshop is again being held at the world renown Ryde Rehab on the 21st of February. The world class facilities and the dedicated leisure staff make this venue a must see. We have something special planned for attendees- no special skills required. Log onto the website to receive your members discount to attend.
We are in Ulverstone Tasmania on the 4th of March with a fantastic line up of diverse presenters. We have Alzheimer’s Australia (Dementia specific activities and latest developments in addressing client needs as well as information on DTA’s roll out of CST), Working it Out Tasmania (-learn information on working with people from the LGBTI community and their expectations in the aged care sector) and Wellways (Effects of mental wellbeing on social connection, how the different strands of mental illness present and how the symptoms affect participation in leisure). If you have never been to Tassie plan a weekend and attend this fantastic workshop, then enjoy a break on the Apple Isle.
Our Melbourne workshop on the 24th of March is also shaping up to be a great opportunity for Professional Development with every attendee receiving a DVD of activities to Takeaway – a big thank you to long time member and supporter Chris Grady for his generosity. I’m looking forward to meeting you this year and remember I am always happy to hear from you directly with your education requests.
Check out the Proposed 2017 workshop list on line and pencil in a workshop near you or choose another workshop at a destination you would like to visit and plan a holiday while gaining professional development.
Also available on request if you have a group or facility wanting to run one of the following workshops contact enquiries@diversionaltherapy.org.au for further information
CST Workshop
DTA offer a one-day workshop on the successful implementation of Stage 1 Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for people with mild to moderate dementia. Learn the system that has had proven benefits on cognition, social interaction and general wellbeing that is revolutionising the outcomes of dementia diagnosis. On completion you will have the tools to set up and run the initial and ongoing programs, accommodating the specific interests of your group, as well as how to measure and evaluate the outcomes. Ongoing support is available in the setting up and running of your group as needed. Contact enquiries@diversionaltherapy.org.au for more information.
Leisure and Lifestyle in Practice
An individualised workshop specifically formulated for your facility, staff and or client base. When your team needs direction we revisit the basics and build on their knowledge including assessment and communication skills, presentation, engagement and inclusion, evaluation of the program and a multitude of activity ideas that can inspire. Need a specific outcome addressed? A program of continuous improvement can be tailored to your needs. Contact DTA today to discuss designing a training session specifically for you.
Till next time with some wisdom from Oprah Winfrey “ Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity”
So make your own opportunities.
Steph Bejma
DTA National Education Coordinator