Alzheimer's Australia NSW
difficulty ensuring their voices are heard. When
this is coupled with a diagnosis of dementia
finding support that meets the individual's
specific needs, and services that will listen can
be a challenge. This presentation will show
how partnering with Disability Services in the
provision of dementia education is improving
inclusion for all in aged care and breaking down
barriers faced by those with disability.
of specific workshops for those working with
people who have a physical or an intellectual
disability, and dementia. Each workshop
focusses on the specific issues for the
particular group, which may be as diverse as
recognition of ability or diagnosis difficulties.
A collaborative approach informs the delivery
from both the disability and the dementia
perspective, and delivering in partnership
enhances the learning experience. Key factors
influencing successful collaboration include
relationship development, shared leadership,
and acknowledgement of respective expertise.
Alzheimer's Australia NSW partnership with
the Physical Disability Council of NSW is an
example of these principles in practice.
working in collaboration is essential as the
incidence of dementia increases, and we are
constantly grappling with how to support those
people who have additional and specific needs.
Alzheimer's Australia WA's innovative Art
and Creativity program is going from strength
to strength. Passionate about bringing art
and creativity to people living with dementia,
AAWA Art Therapist Jacqueline Lewis
will showcase the programs that are being
delivered, and look at the bigger picture of
capacity building.
Gallery of WA, a studio based program and
dementia specific guided tours for couples-
`Artistic Adventures' is fully booked, and Art
Gallery guides are offered ongoing specialised
training annually . Art educators work
alongside the Art therapist, volunteers and
students, bringing richness to the experience.
This enables the Art Gallery to offer their own
program `Art and Memories' for groups or
couples which can include touch tours of
sculpture and fine wood. Meeting in the
gallery cafe afterwards creates opportunities
for friendship and laughter, social inclusion
being a vital aspect of the program.
Participants are presented with beautiful
photographic booklets twice yearly to provide a
lasting memory of their achievements. AAWA
would like to see these programs reaching
out to smaller local and regional galleries , to
create stimulating opportunities for many more
people living with dementia.
specific training in Art and Creativity, AAWA
runs experiential workshops for aged care
staff and family carers, who would like to