South Australian Representative

Jo Walters

Name:
Jo Walters
Qualifications:
Bachelor Applied Science (Disability Studies)
Introduction to Community Services
Advanced Certificate in Community Development
Train the Trainer 1 & 2 (Equivalent to Workplace Trainer Cert 4)
Disability Field Experience - last five years:

My role in the Disability Sector over the last five years has included the following:

  • Supporting people with disabilities to become involved in community activities in line with their interests.
  • Involvement in a number of networks and committees that promote the inclusion of people with a disability in community life (including involvement on the Nican Board).
  • Teaching people with disabilities independent living skills.
  • Provision of staff training and support in a range of topics.
  • Presentation at a number of conferences and workshops (state and national) on a model to support people with disabilities to become more involved in their communities.
  • Development of an alternative model of accommodation service (Co-tenancy) within my organisation of employment where a person with a disability shares their home with someone in a typical "flatmate" situation.
  • Recruitment, training and support of volunteers working with people with disabilities.
  • Development of partnerships to involve corporate and other community groups in the lives of people with disabilities through volunteer programs.
Passion in Life:

Number One Passion - To have fun!

To do this I try to remember:

  • to appreciate every day - we never know how long we're going to be around for,
  • to not take life too seriously (of course I do when I have to though!), or at least try and keep it all in perspective,
  • to take time out to go out and do what I love, to experience new things and to get out and play with my friends and family.

And my MOST FUN things are:

  • Latin Dancing
  • Fishing
  • Anything to do with mother nature - the ocean, animals, forests etc
  • Going out for a drink (I love wine!) or something good to eat, especially with people I most love and enjoy.

My other big passion of course (and one that takes up lots of my life) is to work with the community. To do whatever I can to support others to learn new things and enjoy their lives to the fullest. Ok, so it might all sound a bit corny - but it's true!!