Occupational Therapist
Auckland Regional Manager
I have had a long standing interest in the area of technology and disability sector. Coming to work at TalkLink has really been the perfect fit in bringing these areas and related skills together.
I have worked as an Occupational Therapist in both acute and community based health settings since 1998. Exposure to multiple workplace and multidisciplinary team environments has provided valuable experience across a range practice areas including, wheelchairs and seating, hand therapy, worksite ergonomics, and adaptive building design. I have assisted with individual, family and community based projects, and also provided training packages to support workers and other education facilities. Joining TalkLink in 2006 provided the opportunity to combine the various compatible skills and familiarity with funding processes to explore assistive technology options for people with disabilities.
I was appointed as Manager at TalkLink’s Auckland office in September 2007. This role has two components. The first of which remains client focused with assessment, application and training of communication and assistive technology. The second part of this role is with managing Talklink’s Auckland based service. Primary responsibilities involve developing and supporting staff to meet and excel with service standards in the area of communication assistive technology. I manage incoming referrals and allocation, manage budget allocations, and help develop service initiatives with projects and general processes in general day to day operations. Regular contact with the TalkLink General Manager provides continued support and alignment with the vision set by the Talklink Trust Board.
Technology will always continue to change and develop, making both old and new ideas to become reality. This will continue to broaden the access and freedom for those with disabilities; making it a continually rewarding area to be involved in.
Occupational Therapist
I have been a member of the TalkLink team since 2001. I am involved in the assessment of clients with both spoken and written communication needs, who also have fine motor or accessing difficulties. Client independence in communication is my focus.
I have worked in a wide range of fields including psychiatry, geriatrics and paediatrics. While at Carlson School for Cerebral Palsy, I developed an interest in assistive technology, which at that time was developing rapidly with new computer access and voice output device innovations. I saw first-hand the difference having access to assistive technology made to my client’s quality of life. The ability to express themselves and the independence resulting from this encouraged me to continue in this field. Moving to TalkLink was a natural progression for a therapist with a passion for low and high technology that empowers the user. I hold a Diploma of Occupational Therapy from C.I.T in Petone and a post graduate Certificate in Neurodevelopmental Therapy (Bobath).
Occupational Therapist
As an occupational therapist within the team, I am involved in the assessment of functional abilities of clients in regard to their independent physical access to both written and spoken communication technology. Some of my main activities are advising on the positioning of the person, placement and mounting of assistive technology onto wheelchairs and other locations. I also advise in the area of alternative computer access software and hardware. This includes rate enhancement software and voice recognition software, telephone access, switch access for communication devices and computers, wheelchair tray design for integrated switch and/or communication incorporation, and alternative call bell alarms.
I have specialised in this area within TalkLink since graduating from Auckland University of Technology with a BSc in Occupational Therapy in 2000. I have attended and presented at Assistive Technology forums both in New Zealand and Australia. I bring to the position a strong background in practical problem solving, construction and design.
Occupational Therapist
Kathy
Speech-Language Therapist
I joined the TalkLink team in 2003 and as a speech-language therapist my role is assessment and development of clients’ communication skills. As part of the TalkLink process I make recommendations regarding communication devices and strategies, arrange equipment trials and provide ongoing assistance and training for clients and carers. In addition to this I’m also involved running additional training courses and in organising our “Communicators Days”, which provide opportunity for children from all over the Auckland area to join together and have fun using their communication equipment and strategies.
I am Swedish by origin but trained at University College London and worked in the UK prior to coming to New Zealand in 2000. I have worked privately as well as in public healthcare and school environments. I have experience of working in paediatrics with children with speech and language delay and communication disorders including autism and have also worked with adult clients, primarily in rehabilitation of neurological conditions and traumatic brain injury.
Speech-Language Therapist
I joined TalkLink in May 2007. TalkLink’s focus on assistive technology for people with complex communication needs is my primary area of interest within speech-Llnguage therapy. I love having the opportunity to work with people focusing on making their life better by providing them with the means for communicating with others.
I have a BA degree in Psychology and Linguistics from Auckland University, and a Master Degree in Speech Pathology from La Trobe University in Melbourne. I have always had fantastic opportunities to pursue my interest in complex communication needs and Assistive Technology, while working within Special Schools, community-based services, and private practices both here and in Melbourne.
My personal goal as a speech-language therapist is to continue to improve my own practise in order to provide the best service for my clients, their support team, and families.
Speech-Language Therapist
I joined TalkLink in February 2010 and have always had a keen interest in working with low and high tech, AAC. Technology has the ability to dramatically change, and positively impact, the way in which people communicate their thoughts, feelings and needs. It also gives people opportunities to participate more independently with others and in their environments.
I trained as a Speech and Language Therapist at Strathclyde University in Glasgow and my first job was in the north east of Scotland, working with mainstream children and adults with learning disabilities. I then moved to New Zealand and worked for Special Education Gisborne with the 0-21 Team. I’m looking forward to being involved in a specialist area that is exciting and constantly evolving.
Speech-Language Therapist
I joined the Talklink team in November 2010 having worked as a Speech and Language Therapist since 2003. I trained at Reading University in the UK and worked in both Acute and Community Hospitals providing assessment and treatment to adults with acquired communication and swallowing difficulties. In early 2007 I moved out to Auckland where I have enjoyed working with people from different cultures, predominantly working with older adults in their own homes.
I am very focussed on providing the right solutions to people’s communication needs, be that giving advice on strategies or recommending low or high tech devices. Communication is a fundamental human right and my aim is to provide clients with a specialist service so that they have both the support and the means to express themselves.
Speech-Language Therapist
I am a Speech and Language Therapist who joined the Talklink Auckland team in November 2011 after working with the Wellington team since February 2010.
I completed my studies at Massey University in Auckland in 2009. I have had experience working both with Paediatric and Adult clients in the education and health settings throughout my clinical placements.
I have an interest in the area of Assistive Technology and enabling and empowering individuals to communicate using various means.
I am originally from Auckland, and have an interest in sports and travel.
Speech-Language Therapist
I joined TalkLink in November 2011. I have worked as a Speech and Language Therapist since 2008 working mostly with the school aged population. I studied at City University London and my first job was working with mainstream school children in North London. I moved to Auckland in February 2011 and spent my first 8 months working as a contractor for GSE Auckland City. In all my roles I have worked with AAC (low and high tech) and also provided training to internal and external groups.
My passion is working with profound and multiple learning disabilities and providing communication solutions for clients and their families. I am also passionate about raising awareness of speech, language and communication needs across both the child and adult populations. I am looking forward to facing new challenges and working in an area that is constantly changing.
Speech-Language Therapist
I trained as a speech and language therapist in Christchurch and have had an interest in assistive technology since starting work in special school settings early on in my career. I spent several years working in Auckland before moving to England where I had the opportunity to work in settings where assistive technology is making life changing difference for individuals with complex communication needs.
Following my return to NZ, I joined the TalkLink team in July 2009. At TalkLink I work with clients to develop their communication skills. This happens through a process of assessment followed by recommendations regarding communication devices and strategies, arranging equipment trials and providing ongoing assistance and training for clients and carers. I am also involved in running additional training courses and support group meetings for TalkLink clients.
Assistive technology is a developing area and thus an exciting field to be involved in. I look forward to meeting and working with you.
Speech-Language Therapist, Bay of Plenty
I am a speech-language therapist who will work alongside clients and their supporters to assist with the decisions required to achieve the best available option to empower my clients to reach their goals. Communication is a fundamental right for all.
I have had a varied work experience both in Britain and for nearly a decade here in N.Z. I have worked with clients and their families dealing with many different presentations. These have included Special Educational Needs, Acquired or Progressive disorders and Traumatic Brain Injury. This has involved using direct interventions and training for families/carers and all support staff. My experience in NZ includes working for DHB’s, Special Schools, Community Trusts and for some years as an Independent Practitioner.
My interest in assistive technology was broadened when many learning experiences became available to me due to joint work with TalkLink, prior to working there myself, and I am now especially keen to work alongside others, encouraging all forms of assistive technology.
Assistive Technology Training and Support
I have been with TalkLink since mid 2008 and what an exciting move it has been. Having been associated with TalkLink for over 7 years through my daughter who uses an AAC device I have always been passionate about encouraging and supporting other people to use their devices to their maximum potential. I am lucky that in my previous life as a Training Manager with a strong training and applications background I can achieve this. This knowledge is going to put to good use in establishing, supporting and training clients, parents, support staff on how to use all the great features on their devices. I look forward to meeting you one day.
Technical Support
I’ve always had a great passion for computers. From an early age I learnt to program, repair and modify computers for both entertainment and work related tasks. In fact, I can often still be found tinkering around with old classic arcade machines. With such interests, I went on to formalise and enhance my skills and completed a diploma in systems technology.
Despite these avid interests in all things computer related and techy, my working life for the last 10 years has also centred around the health sector and community; from care giving, mental health support roles and even art therapy. Work tasks have always revolved around communication in some form or another, so coming to work at TalkLink was a great way to combine my skills and interest areas.
My primary role at TalkLink is to support staff and clients on anything with computer hardware or software; from computer repairs and diagnostics to dedicated communication devices and training of specialised software. I am also the administrator for all backend TalkLink servers. Keeping everything running smoothly is no small task as technology changes and improves and TalkLink continues to grow.
Technical Support
Leith
Kaitakawaenga / Kaiwhakahaere
Liaison/Administrator.
My iwi affiliation is to Te Arawa/Ngati Whatua iwi, and I have been a member of the TalkLink team since 2000. I work part-time in a liaison/administrator role, which involves multi-tasking in such areas as cultural services, referrals processing, reception, administration, course information and strategic planning aspect. My previous experience has been in secretarial and administration, ranging over 15-18 years, with a short break to have her two children.
As Tangata Whenua, I have been involved with developing our services to Maori. My role at TalkLink has grown since my original employment, and I have been working with Miriama Scott one of the TalkLink Trustees in these developments. I have also been a member of the New Windsor Primary School Board of Trustees for 6yrs (end 2008), an active member of the Whanau Committee for the Bilingual Unit Te Whanau Puawaitang (end 2007). In my free time I have volunteered in Running Readers Programme, Parent Help at both New Windsor Primary & Kowhai Intermediate (1999-2008). I am also supportive of my children’s pursuits in Indoor Basketball taking on the role of Manager during my daughters’s Nationals 2008 programme and supportive of my sons Nationals’s( 2007) & (2008) as part of Basketball Waitakere City organisation. I have been developing my Te Reo Maori skills and have been involved in translating some of our symbol resources. My vision is to empower myself and staff to create a culturally effective service.
Clinical Assistant.
I have been a user of Assistive Technology for a number of years. Since graduating from Mt Roskill Grammar in 2002, I have been working at TalkLink in a clinical assistant role to support staff. I am responsibility for developing communication resources including creating symbol resources on BoardMaker, and programming communication devices.