Adult Therapy
A comprehensive therapy program for adults with disabilities incorporating a specialist program for adults who are deafblind.
Few organisations in the West Australian disability sector provide an adult comprehensive therapy program like the one offered by Senses Foundation. None provides a specialist program for people who are deafblind, other than Senses Foundation.
Senses Foundation’s therapy program incorporates the specialist skills of the occupational therapist; the physiotherapist; the speech pathologist; the social worker and the clinical psychologist.
Senses Foundation compliments its therapy program with its Deafblind Specialist Communication program, which is a state-wide service that uses a consultative model to develop communication with people who are deafblind, their families and carers.
In working with people who are deafblind, it is necessary to prevent or solve problems in the areas of communication, access to information and orientation and mobility. It is through communicating with the surrounding, exploring and moving freely that an individual gains an understanding of it. A person’s relationship or interaction with the world will be dysfunctional and will not be able to increase in understanding if communication, information, orientation and freedom of movement are deprived.
In addition, research has demonstrated that there are increased health issues as a result of having a dual sensory loss as a result of the aging process. International programs have demonstrated that specialised intervention can reduce isolation, increase independence and reduce the likelihood of premature admission to institutional care.
Senses Foundation’s adult therapy programs are person centered services that are staffed by therapists who have specialist knowledge in deafblindness.
Therapy is provided in the home, at work or in the community depending on the issue being addressed and the needs of the individual. The team is also able to support the family with counselling, information, resources and equipment
Senses Foundation applies a preventative approach encouraging general health and well being as part of the therapy service.
Senses Foundation’s adult therapy programs aim to:
• Maximise residual vision and hearing through the provision of assistive technology, computer interfaces and modified equipment.
• Enhance independence at home, in the community and at work through advice, training, and the provision of specialised equipment.
• Provide advice regarding access to the welfare system and entitlements
• Support the individual and their family through peer groups and support networks, counselling and intervention from a clinical psychologist
MORE INFORMATION
For more information contact Karen Wickham, Adult Therapy Co-ordinator
(08) 9473 5462 or lsfs@senses.asn.au
REFERRAL
To download an Adult Therapy referral form click here.
