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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
The clients. Seeing them achieve small steps, encouraging them to reach their goals. I also enjoy coaching staff to become disability support workers.
Celebrate people – their milestones, their goals, their achievements… even the tiniest things are worth celebrating.
Have a go! If you show the initiative, managers will see that and encourage it. Be open to trying something different, be flexible.
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!
Each of our histories has given us is a strong foundation for our future. As Scope marks its 75th anniversary, we are highlighting the many people who have helped make Scope the organisation we are today. Today we meet Mark Stainsby, House Supervisor.
As Scope marks its 75th anniversary, we highlight the stories of the people who make Scope the organisation it is today. We sat down with Paul Elliott to hear about his extensive career and contribution to the organisation.
While it might seem far-fetched at first glance, the progress Scope is making in ensuring people with disability have a seat at the table means that it won’t be long before those with lived experience become our executive leaders.
