Education is important and providing workshops nationally is a care role of Diversional Therapy Australia as we build recognition of our profession amongst other Allied Health Professions. The continuation and direction of DTA workshops depends on your support so pencil in the date of the workshop closest to you from the list below (or one of the other venues further away from home and plan a tax deductable educational holiday to expand your professional horizons and escape the cold weather – Cairns on the 12th of June- would fit this bill perfectly!) Of course the Pre-Conference Workshop on the day before conference (15th October) is also an opportunity to get a head start to the Conference experience adding an extra day of education to your itinerary. Look on line for the upcoming workshop flyers and in this commemorative issue for Conference registration forms.
Dementia Specific Workshop with Prof Sherry Dupuis Sydney- 24th April
The end of April saw our successful and very educational Dementia specific workshop – this will be included on our yearly calendar as we address the specific activity and leisure needs of the growing number of Australians who are living with this disease. Prof. Sherry Dupuis was inspiring and innovative and talked about bringing those who suffer from the disease in its early stages onto boards, gaining insights into how best to manage and improve cognitive loss from those who are experiencing it. DTA member and presenter Lauretta Kaldor had her resources for sale and talked about people with dementia maintaining their skill for reading while members Ernest Buckley and Eira Steane also talked about Pool Activity Level assessments and Prospect and Refuge theory provided through art work placed in the environment to promote a sense of safety and exploration while Andy Tubman had us all singing via his innovative singing system SingFit!
Melbourne Workshop-22nd May – Submitted by Chris Grady
Attendees were given an insight into Robots in Aged Care, used for storytelling, playing games, respite for carers and for communication. La Trobe University Research Centre for Communication and Social Innovation headed by Professor Rajiv Khosla, have been doing field trials in the aged care sector making positive differences in people’s lives.
Presenting poetry to people with dementia can offer a rare insight into the way the world is seen; telling of childhood, regrets, passion, love and the present. Presenters, Carolyn Vimpani and Robyn Youl, shared their experience and showed how they created a lasting publication “Memory Byways”.
Tonia Gucciardo-Masci, Senior Project Officer, Centre for Cultural Diversity in Aging, introduced a culturally inclusive approach to all lifestyle programs/activities, highlighting strategies for engaging clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. DT, Amy Jackson showed the role that sport plays in providing opportunities for individuals of all abilities. Amy drew on her experience in Fiji as an Australian Youth ambassador for Development within the sporting industry. Cricket Fiji developed an Inclusive Cricket Program looking at how participation and modified activities broke down barriers. Chris Grady’s presentation on meeting residents’ needs residents through a Memory support Unit environment that reflects a culture and philosophy emphasising person centred care in a built environment, being orientating, understandable and welcoming .Chris gave an insight how by giving meaningful activities you tap into the past skills ,memories and interest of persons with dementia.The workshop also showcased tried and true formulas, innovative initiatives and idea sharing through the DTA Takeaway Cafe. Thanks to Chris Grady who facilitated the day and all those that supported the workshop.
I’ll lleave you with this great quote from Albert Einstein
“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
So until next time,
Steph Bejma, DTA National Education Coordinator