SASI Newsletter - August 2016

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WHAT'S NEW AT SASI

MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO - KATH FERRY

As we head towards the end of August, we have a touch of spring in the air with the warmer weather. For the Beachlynn crew who ‘man’ the SASI stall at the Frankston craft market this is good news. Spring can’t come fast enough. Wells Street has been a cold, wet and windy place some Thursdays this winter.

August has been a busy month with SASI sites going through an external audit. This is detailed further in this edition.

In other news, the Olympics have been on at Gippsland. While day services staff have held a professional development day. This was to ensure their professional skills are up to date to better support our SASI clients

We continue with our preparations for the NDIS. There will be further information sessions in September, so look out for these dates. The roll out of the NDIS is having some issues. I’m sure everyone has read about this in the media. Our first SASI site goes NDIS ‘live’ in October 2017 so we have time to ensure that we (and they) get it right!

The European Autism Congress in Edinburgh have accepted two papers from SASI. This event takes place every three years and I will be attending next month. While I'm away Teena Ferguson, our Deputy CEO and Chief Operations Officer, will be minding the shop. Teena will also pen the next edition of the Pebble

Happy reading!

Kath

REGISTER TODAY

Don't forget to register your interest for SASI's popular art competition.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO DOWNLOAD AN ENTRY FROM

FEATURED EVENT

We welcome all people with a disability to exhibit at this year's art competition. See details at the end of this newsletter.

FEATURED THIS MONTH

A word from CEO Kath Ferry

LATEST NEWS

External Accreditation Audit
Eastlynn Day Service - Goodbye Glenda
Gippsland Rotunda, Kurt and Fathers Day
Beachlynn Swimming Program
Cheltenham House - Warburton Picnic
SASI Training and Briefings 2016

RECREATION GALLERY

Relaxing at Mordiallic House
Time at the Park
Scienceworks
Out Shopping
Food Fun
Olympics & Family Time
Enjoying the Sunshine

SAVE THE DATE

SASI Art Competition

AUTISM NEWS

LATEST NEWS FROM SASI

EXTERNAL ACCREDITATION AUDIT

External Accreditation Audit

SASI has completed the external accreditation audit. These measure against the Victorian DHHS Standards and the National Standards for Disability Services.

I’m very pleased to announce we’ve had a fantastic result!

SASI remains accredited and meets these high standards. Lots of areas have been noted as 'best practice' such as our person-centered approaches. Our planning and risk frameworks were also noted.

The way our staff interact with clients was also noted to be of particular high standard. Their respect and person-centered focus came through loud and clear.

Our staff do an amazing job. Thank you to each and every one of you!

EASTLYNN

Goodbye and Happy Retirement Glenda!

Eastlynn Day Service is saying goodbye to a long serving and extremely respected staff member, Glenda Rentmeester. Glenda started at SASI on the 18th of October 2004. Glenda has given 12 years of dedicated person-centred support and empowerment to Eastlynn clients and families.

We wish Glenda the best of luck in her future endeavours. She will be greatly missed by all staff, clients and families.

GIPPSLAND

The Rotunda Returns

Recently the rotunda came to a complete stop due to the rain we have had and sat motionless for a month. We are now happy to report that Paul has started work on it again due to all the beautiful sunshine we've had. We are looking forward to the final outcome of our Gippy rotunda

Handy Kurt

Here is a photo of Kurt helping out with setting up at Gippy. This is a very big deal for Kurt from Yarram. He has never used a drill before. Well done to all who have supported Kurt to gain many new life skills.

Fathers Day

Gippy clients have been busy getting ready for Father's Day. They are making their own brand of shaving cream and key tags!

BEACHLYNN

Swimming Program

Beachlynn recently started a swimming program at PARC in Frankston. Troy was extremely excited about starting the program, as he hasn’t been able to go swimming in years.

As you can see, everyone loves the new program!

CHELTENHAM HOUSE

Picnic In Warburton

Cheltenham House went for a picnic in Warburton. All who attended enjoyed some great Sunday weather while overlooking the Yarra River and feeding the ducks.

SASI TRAINING

Organisations Taking Up SASI Training

Various organisations and members of the community recently took up SASI's Autism training.

Here are just some of the organisations that have received the training:

Frankston Council
Scouts Victoria
The Victorian Bar
Good Start Learning
Australian Counselling Association
Australian Association of Social Workers
Australian Association of Community Workers

Training took place across Victoria and at SASI's Bayside site. Close to 140 people have received autism training in the last three months. The training included both private and public bookings including CPD (Continuous Professional Development).

A casual trainer from SASI's staff body usually assists. These employees help deliver the face-to-face training sessions. They also bring a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to the courses and participants.

Pictured: SASI's staff members Violet helping to deliver a recent training session.

Monthly Autism Briefing

SASI are running a series of monthly autism briefings in 2016. These occur on the last Thursday of each month from 4-5pm in our Frankston office. For just $20 participants will gain a basic understanding of autism. Also discover what other autism courses are available. If you wish to gain a higher level of autism knowledge these sessions are an excellent start.

To book, register your interest by the Monday before the course. Call our main office number or visit training@sasi.org.au for more information.

RECREATION GALLERY

RELAXING AT MORDIALLIC HOUSE

Delta Therapy Dog Program

LEFT: James with Elmo RIGHT: Megan with Elmo

TIME AT THE PARK

Cheltenham: TOP LEFT: Claire at Lilydale Riverside Park TOP RIGHT: Stasi on the slide - Narrewarren Park BOTTOM LEFT: Ben taking a walk on a winter's day Springvale: BOTTOM RIGHT: Malcolm at Cranbourne Botanical Gardens