Now and Then: Jo-ann Fitzsimons

As we mark Scope’s 75th birthday, we sat down with Jo-ann Fitzsimons, Coordinator, Calkendren and Ballarat Lifestyle Options, to hear about her 25-year career (so far) with Scope.

Hi Jo-ann, thanks for speaking with us today. When did you start working at Scope? Was it called Scope then?

I started at what was called the Spastic Society back in 1988. I worked in the kitchen at a congregate care facility called Keilor Accommodation Units (KAU) in St. Albans, Victoria. I also used to ride a bike to work!

What was different when you started work at Scope?

I started out as a cook; I was on afternoon shifts in an industrial kitchen. The kitchen wasn’t a homely space at all. We’d prepare the meals in the KAU kitchen and place all the hot food in hot boxes, then take the hot boxes to the three houses that were attached.

There was no choice of meals for our clients back then, the menu was the menu, and it rotated every 4 weeks from memory – so that’s quite different. Today we are in the kitchen encouraging our clients to be independent, assisting them and cooking with them.

What are some of the changes you've seen during your career in the disability sector?

The congregate kitchens were phased out eventually, and the cooks were employed to work in each house’s kitchen. I worked in house number one at KAU, doing the kitchen menu planning, ordering and cooking. I was able to work with the clients who assisted me with menu planning for the house. I also encouraged clients to assist in the kitchen.

In time, the cooks in each house at KAU were offered a redundancy or a chance to re deploy as a disability Support Worker. I chose to re-deploy as a Disability Support Worker, starting out in house number three at KAU. I did this for a few years, then eventually became the coordinator across all three houses.

I later moved into a Coordinator role at Scott Avenue and Millers Court, before moving to Ballarat about 8 years ago. I became the Coordinator of Calkendren Short-Term Accommodation and am currently the Co-ordinator of both Calkendren and Ballarat Lifestyle Options.

What's one memory or story you can share about a time working at Scope?

It’s hard to pick one. I just think about all the clients and customers I’ve met during that time and supported along the way. I’ve seen lots of changes in staff too.

I’ve enjoyed making opportunities happen for our clients. Things like supporting them to get out in the community or enjoy some fun at home. Christmas parties and lunches are always fun, and things like watching the Olympics or other big events where we’ve cheered Australia on have been great.

What do you see changing in the future, either at Scope or in the disability sector?

I think we will continue empowering our clients to have more independence - more choice and control. Allowing them to decide what they want to do and when, and who will support them.

What do you love about working at Scope?

The clients. Seeing them achieve small steps, encouraging them to reach their goals. I also enjoy coaching staff to become disability support workers.

Which Scope value resonates with you most and why?

Celebrate people – their milestones, their goals, their achievements… even the tiniest things are worth celebrating.

If you had any advice for new support workers/people joining disability sector for work, what would it be?

Have a go! If you show the initiative, managers will see that and encourage it. Be open to trying something different, be flexible.

75 years from now, what do you hope life for people with a disability will look like?

I’d like to see an end for families and carers fighting with the NDIS for funds. The funds should be available without question. People with a disability having the right supports they need to enjoy life and achieve their goals.

Thanks Jo-ann!