Our nation’s capital is always buzzing with activity, and the Vision Australia centre located in the heart of Canberra, is no exception. Just ask Centre Manager Eileen Muscat, that’s if you can catch her!
“The centre is extremely busy but it makes for a fantastic atmosphere to work in”, says Eileen. “Clients love our central location, and although it can be very noisy at times with all the activity, clients are forgiving because we are so accessible!”
Each year, the centre makes around 300 referrals to clients across the Territory. Services provided by the centre’s highly skilled team of 12 are wide-ranging, covering: employment, independent living, counselling, adaptive technology and training, adaptive living skills, early childhood education and children’s services.
“Many of our clients are elderly,” says Eileen, “But due to our range of children’s’ services, we also get a lot of youngsters through the centre.”
The centre also runs some terrific services in the region, including a Low Vision Clinic and visual assessments in south coast clinics located in Merimbula, Bega, Batemans Bay and Moruya.
The Canberra team has developed strong partnerships within the community, particularly with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT for orientation and mobility training, and with local schools and TAFEs where regular talks are given.
Every day there are small success stories emerging from the centre. Whether it’s a child learning how to orientate themselves independently with a cane, or an older person being placed in gainful employment – behind every client there is a story of personal triumph, and the team are there to provide support and encouragement at every turn.
“We’re a close bunch,” says Eileen, “And we are all motivated by a shared goal: wanting to make a difference in the community by providing excellent services to clients.”
And make a difference, they do!
If you are a Canberra resident, or just passing through, why don’t you pop in and pay them a visit.
For more information call Vision Australia on 1300 84 74 66 or visit www.visionaustralia.org
Vision Australia in Canberra is located at 2nd Fl, 22 East Row, Canberra.
