Nexus Parent Newsletter - Novita Children's Services

Novita Medical ClinicsNovita has provided medical rehabilitationclinics for many years and in the pasttwo years has established a range ofspecialty clinics to meet client needs,such as the Movement Disorders clinicsand Acquired Brain Injury clinics.Several years ago, when South Australiadid not have the level of medicalRehabilitation Specialist staff it nowhas, Novita began paediatric clinicsfrom each of our offices to complementthe rehabilitation clinics.With the current financial pressures on thecommunity services sector, Novita has hadto look carefully at its budget for this yearensuring that all our services are wellutilized, are not duplicated elsewhere andthat staff resources are allocated wherethere is most client need.As a result, Novita will be offering areduced number of paediatric clinicsfrom July 2009.Paediatric clinics will be available from theParkside and Parafield Gardens Officeseach fortnight. There is no change to therehabilitation clinics provided from all offices.Clients who have been accessing a servicefrom the Novita paediatricians will havereceived an individual letter explainingthe available services and where otherservices can be obtained if the Novitaservice no longer meets their needs.Any queries should be directed toTerry Lyons, General Manager StatewideServices 8243 8250 or Wendy Wake-Dyster,Director Client Services 8243 8210.Bloorview VMI: Moving to the Rhythm of LifeAt NovitaTech we believe that people ofall abilities should have the opportunityto create music.We would like to introduce you to theBloorview Virtual Music Instrument (VMI)a virtual music instrument that enablesyou to play music, or create sound effects,through movement without needing to holdor manipulate an instrument. By moving afinger, waving an arm, nodding your heador walking around a room you can createthe strum of a guitar, tweet of a bird, orbanging of a drum.This ingenious system uses specialisedsoftware, in combination with a webcamand computer, to make music. With theability to play music from instrumentsand common sounds the Bloorview VMIoffers a stimulating activity that can bemotivating, challenging and accessibleto children and adults with varied needs.The program can be customised to theindividual, is easy to use and can beincorporated into therapy, recreationaland educational activities.This innovative program that was firstdeveloped in 2003 by Dr Tom Chau fromBloorview Kids Rehab, Canada, and hasbeen gradually refined over several years.NovitaTech, has been involved with thisproject since its inception, completingseveral research projects focusing onthe benefits of using such a system.This research has demonstrated thatthe Bloorview VMI can have a rangeof positive effects, such as:• Stimulating cognition• Encouraging movementand physical activity• Improving receptive language• Improving listening skills• Developing spatial awarenessand motor planning• Encouraging self-expressionand awareness• Encouraging group work• Developing turn-taking concepts• Developing dexterity andrange of motion• Improving social interaction• Encouraging inclusion• Enhancing creativity and imaginationOne of the greatest benefits of theprogram is that across all abilitiesand age groups, the Bloorview VMIprovides an unparalleled sense ofachievement.For more information contactNovitaTech’s Assistive TechnologyConsultants on 1300 85 55 85 oremail bloorviewvmi@novita.org.au“Music is a worldwithin itself, witha language weall understand”- Stevie WonderCelebrating 70 years caring for children with a disability3

Transitioningto AdultServicesNovita Soccer Clinicwith Football Federationof SA coachesNovita’s Child andAdolescent Service will holdtwo information sessionsregarding making a smoothtransition to adult disabilityservices for clients aged15 1 / 2 – 17 years of age.The sessions are aimed athelping families understandtheir choices for disabilityservices after Novita.Each session will featureguest speakers from adultdisability services, brochuresabout services plus plenty ofdiscussion and question time.SESSION TIMES ARE:Session 1Tuesday 15 September7.00pm - 9.00pmNovita Billabong,Parafield Gardens Office422 Salisbury Highway,Parafield GardensSession 2Tuesday 22 September7.00pm - 9.00pmParkview Room,Fullarton Park Centre411 Fullarton Rd, FullartonRSVP Friday 11 Septemberon 8182 1000.Sessions will be cancelled ifthere are not enough peopleinterested in attending.For information pleasecontact Novita ParafieldGardens on 8182 1000.On Tuesday 7 July ConnectABILITYhosted an exclusive soccer clinic forNovita clients aged between 8 - 12years. Amy and Michael from theFootball Federation of SA ran the clinicwith various soccer drills and a matchat the end.The 12 Novita stars who attended theclinic had a great time participating withother kids of all different abilities eventhough some reported being very sorethe next day! Each participant receiveda certificate as well as a goodie bagkindly donated by the Adelaide UnitedFootball club.Consumer ReferenceGroup FeedbackThe Consumer Reference Groupwas established earlier this year withits major task during 2009 to makerecommendations on the ways clientsand families are involved at Novitainto the future.The group consists of eight parentrepresentatives covering all serviceareas together with a client representativeand is chaired by Wendy Wake-Dyster,Director Client Services. The group has:• Provided feedback on the Group’sTerms of Reference• Highlighted areas for action fromthe consumer survey• Recommended and reviewed aConsumer Participation policy• Reviewed examples of consumerparticipation from other organisationsSincere thanks to the Football Federationof SA for providing such great coaches,and Novita staff Teya, Karen, Jo, Matthewand Roy, for setting up the hall andhelping all the kids maximise their levelof participation.If you are interested in learning moreabout the ConnectABILITY program,please contact Child and AdolescentServices child&adolescent@novita.org.auor phone 8182 1000.• Contributed to an audit of consumerparticipation at Novita, using thePrimary Care Self AssessmentTool for Community and ConsumerParticipation, developed by theNational Resource Centre forConsumer Participation in Health.Over the next three months the groupwill develop a draft model of consumerparticipation, to consider how consumerparticipation should occur at Novita. Forexample, focus and discussion groups,input to client services planning, surveysand feedback, and information for andby consumers. This work will identify howa broader range of consumers can beinvolved in one-off and ongoing planning,decision making and feedback.Please direct any queries or suggestionsto Wendy Wake-Dyster, Director ClientServices on 8243 8210 or Maria CannataExecutive Assistant on 8243 8244.4

MD Mafia ResearchMD Mafia is a social group foradolescent boys who have musculardystrophy and is provided throughNovita’s Child and Adolescent Service.A research project evaluating theMD Mafia program has now beencompleted. The research was conductedby Helen Parkyn, a Novita OccupationalTherapist, through Flinders University.Seven boys from the MD Mafia group andfour parents participated in focus groupswhich explored their experience of beingpart of MD Mafia and their views on whatMD Mafia means to them.The results have been summarised inthe following categories:MD Mafia identity: The boys shareda common view of their shared groupidentity which was “tough, blokey andscary” and related to their disability andthe activities they have undertaken.Social opportunities: MD Mafia providesan important and valued opportunity forthe boys to get out of the house, to beseparate from their parents, to meet upwith friends and enjoy new social andrecreational experiences.Independence and skill development:MD Mafia provides the opportunity forthe boys to have some independencefrom their families. This means theyhave more opportunity to develop socialskills and use skills that are required forindependence in the community. Parentssuggested that MD Mafia could have agreater focus on social and independenceskill development.Making connections, buildingrelationships: Through MD Mafia the boyshave developed good relationships witheach other and Novita staff. The boyssaid it is important that MD Mafia remainsa ‘boys only’ group.The results: The research showsthat MD Mafia plays an importantrole in supporting:• individual self developmentof participants,• a strong sense of group belongingand identity• participants development of socialskills and confidence in the widercommunity.Recommendations: For the continueddevelopment of the group the followingrecommendations have been made:• retaining the group as a ‘boys only’group for adolescents• continuing to have a focus on doingfun activities and socialisation withinthe group• participating in social activities thatare based in the community to providemore challenging opportunities todevelop social skills for and skillsfor independence.Thank you to the MD Mafia boys andparents who participated in the project.Please contact Helen Parkyn on8349 2006 for more informationabout the program evaluation.Celebrating 70 years caring for children with a disability5

Get Brainy DayDuring the Term 2 school holidays, theAcquired Brain Injury (ABI) psychologyteam hosted an information day aimedat parents of children with an ABI.The day began with Clinical Neuropsychologist,Matthew Nairn, presenting‘Rehabilitation after Acquired BrainInjury’. This informative presentationlooked at the principles of recovery afteran injury, as well as the factors criticalfor successful and long-termrehabilitation outcomes.Psychologists Dr Tim Connell and LarissaTaylor followed with a presentation on‘Parenting and Behaviour’ which generateddiscussion about the triggers andmotivations for certain behaviours as wellas some key parenting principles adaptedspecifically for children with ABI.Parents then had the opportunity to sharetheir experiences in group discussiontime and apply the parenting tips toreal-life situations.The day ended with a shared lunch in thefoyer of the Regency Park Centre withother members of the ABI team as well asthe children, who had enjoyed a morningplaying football with Port Power playersand participating in the fun-filled activitiesof the Teen Zone program.Feedback from parents was very positiveand we hope that there will be similar daysto come in the future.Many thanks to Allied Health AssistantsJennifer Gormly and Sandy Hanley fortheir support in organising the eventand to Monique Azzopardi (Teen ZoneCo-ordinator) for her assistance inentertaining the children.Learning and Living after Acquiring a Brain InjuryA day targeted toprovide practicalinformation andstrategies to informand support familiesand educators andallied healthprofessionals.Novita’s Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)Program will be hosting an eventfor clients, carers, education andprofessional staff during Brain InjuryAwareness Week (14-20 September).The day will be a great opportunityfor Novita families, educators andprofessionals working with Novita clientsfrom the ABI Program to hear a rangeof presentations from Novita staff andspecial guests including Dr Ray Russoand Brain Injury Network of SouthAustralia representative, Kaye Murn.Topics include:• Impacts of ABI• Technology use following ABI• e-Mentor program• Improving quality of life after an ABI• Sensory Integration and ABI – at schooland in the home• ABI and BehaviourDate:Monday 14 SeptemberVenue: Regency Park Centre171 Days Road Regency ParkTime: 9.00am - 2:45pmAttendance is free. Morning tea and lunchprovided. For more information or toregister your interest in attending, pleasecontact Lisa Sampson on 8243 8311.6

Loreto College Sony FoundationChildren’s Holiday CampLoreto College will host its annual ‘Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp’ for children withdisabilities from midday Saturday 12 December - Tuesday 15 December at Karrawood, the LoretoBoarding House 324 Portrush Road, Marryatville.Who is the camp for?Children with a disability aged between 7 - 12 years, whose parents and teachers believe thatthey would both enjoy and benefit from such an experience. Due to the generous sponsorshipof the Sony Foundation, the camp is offered free of charge.What will we be doing?The camp will offer a variety of activities, including arts, aquatics, dance and music, a mini Loreto fair,an excursion and our very own Christmas party. There will be plenty of time to relax and rest, to listento stories and make new friends.Who are the carers?Twenty specially selected Year 11 and 12 students from Loreto and Rostrevor Colleges will act asfull time companions for the children attending the camp. They undergo training in a number of areasin preparation for their responsibilities on the camp. The camp coordinating team will be therealong side, assisting the students in their role.Any families interested in the opportunity for a child with a disability to join our camp, or for moreinformation contact camp registrar Bess Smith on 8334 4200 or email bess.smith@loreto.sa.edu.auRestless Dance Theatre - The Siblings ProjectDo you have a brother or sister with a disability? Are you aged between 15 and 27 years and have an interest in the performing arts?Want to get involved in a creative project?The Siblings Project is an opportunity to use dance, theatre, music, photography or film to engage with Australia’s leading youthdance company that works with disabled and non-disabled people to create unexpectedly real dance theatre.When: 29 July - 23 September, 6.00pm – 8.00pm Where: Restless Studio, 234a Sturt Street, AdelaideCost: Free, but places are limited, book today on 8212 8495 or email: info@restlessdance.orgCelebrating 70 years caring for children with a disability7

Nexus Notes2009 Credit Union Christmas Pageant Free PassesSaturday 14 November is the 2009 Credit Union Christmas Pageant - a magical paradethat brings the streets of Adelaide alive with the spirit and joy of Christmas.We have 10 group-of-four passes to give away. These passes are a reserve spot at either ofthe two community sites (Wakefield Street or Hindmarsh Square). To go into the draw to wina pass, please complete the form below and return it to us by Wednesday 23 September.Winners will be notified by phone after Wednesday 7 October.2009 Credit Union Christmas Pageant CompetitionName:Phone:x Adults x Children (max 4 tickets in total) x wheelchair spaces requiredPost to: Novita Children’s Services – Client Ticket Offer, PO Box 2438, Regency Park, SA 5942Fax to: 8243 8238Christmas Party for Special Children – Sunday 22 NovemberThis year our Christmas party will be held on Sunday 22 November at the Adelaide Zoo.Hosted by the Salvation Army and supported by Coast FM, Channel 10, The Advertiser,2Love South Australia and the Adelaide Zoo, there will also be a special visit from FatherChristmas, who will give special gifts to all children who attend.Tickets are for Novita children aged between three and 16 years. Due to overwhelmingpopularity, unfortunately siblings are unable to attend, only one parent or carer is able toattend per child and preference will be given to children who have not attended previously.To express your interest in attending, please complete the form below and return it to us byWednesday 23 September.Novita Children’s Services171 Days Road Regency Park SA 5010PO Box 2438 Regency Park SA 5942T 8243 8243 F 8243 8238enquiries@novita.org.auwww.novita.org.auCentral Intake Team171 Days Road Regency Park SA 5010T 1800 337 443 F 8243 8377central.intake@novita.org.auwww.novita.org.au/registrationRehabilitation Service171 Days Road Regency Park SA 5010T 8243 8270 F 8243 8377rehabilitation@novita.org.auwww.novita.org.au/rehabilitationChild and Adolescent ServiceNorthern Office 422 Salisbury HwyParafield Gardens SA 5107T 8182 1000 F 8182 1010Southern Office151 Greenhill Road Parkside SA 5063T 8172 9200 F 8172 9201child&adolescent@novita.org.auwww.novita.org.au/childandadolescentEarly Childhood ServiceNorthern Office171 Days Road Regency Park SA 5010T 8243 8311Southern Office 111 Beach RoadChristies Beach SA 5165T 8329 5600 F 8329 5607Central OfficeChristmas Party for Special Children5 Darley Road Paradise SA 5075T 8207 8940 F 8207 8941Parent/Carer’s Name:Novita Client’s Name:earlychildhood@novita.org.auwww.novita.org.au/earlychildhoodRegional ServicesGender: M F Age: 3-4 5-7 8-10 11-16 Wheelchair access: Y N151 Greenhill Road Parkside SA 5063Address:T 8172 9200 F 8172 9201Email:Phone:regionalservices@novita.org.auwww.novita.org.au/regionalservicesPlease return form to: Novita Children’s Services – Client Ticket OfferPO Box 2438, Regency Park, SA 5942 or fax 8243 8238 Editor: Matthew Magarey T: 08 8243 8391E: matthew.magarey@novita.org.auFor Sale2004 Toyota Hiace, 49,000km, manual 5 speed, air con, external lifter, seats 6 plus wheelchair.5 month rego, exc condition, one owner. $28,000 ono call Natalie on 0433 737 522 or 8182 4985.To Give AwayExternal hydraulic hoist suitable for use on a Mitsubishi Delica Van. Supplied by GRH, 300KG,externally operated, folds into two parts and sits outside of the vehicle. This has been removedfrom the vehicle and all the parts are accounted for. Contact Rohanna on 0423 709 535.The opinions expressed in Nexus are those of theindividual authors and do not necessarily reflectthe views of Novita Children’s Services. Whileevery care has been taken in the preparationof Nexus, the information contained within is ofa general nature only and does not constituteadvice. No liability is accepted for any errors itmay contain or any damages or loss that mayarise from the use of the information provided.Articles from Nexus may be reproduced in otherforums, provided the information is reproduced infull, with written acknowledgement of its source.Privacy Statement: Novita Children’s Servicesuses your personal information for the purposeof distributing Nexus to you bi-monthly. Yourinformation is strictly confidential and will not bedisclosed to any external party. If you no longerwish to receive Nexus, please contact NovitaMarketing on (08) 8243 8249.ARBN: 132 952 106 /// CD1931