WiseAbilities in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Personal coach

WiseAbilities

Locality: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Phone: +61 439 762 004

Address: Ferntree Gully 3156 Melbourne, VIC, Australia

Website: http://www.wiseabilities.com.au

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• Education
• Personal coach

25.01.2022 Another brilliant NDIS info graph just released from The Growing Space, for those investigating management possibilities- https://www.facebook.com/TheGrowingSpaceAustralia/posts/1998426653702546

25.01.2022 *Classroom Maths Fundamentals* This is a great little article for anyone that- A- has primary aged kids and is interested in having a good understanding of some of the current maths strategies Aussie kids are using, or B- if you’re interested in how much things may have changed since you were at school! ~Anna~ https://www.understood.org//9-new-math-problems-and-method

24.01.2022 Sometimes the best way to learn is through play, and the best people to learn from are your mates ~Anna~ https://www.facebook.com/Channel4/videos/10154795557902330/

24.01.2022 The importance of assuming competence- This is Erin’s story of her journey exploring the use of assistive speech technology with her daughter. The concept of ‘assuming competence’ is a complicated one, but in a case like this where all other evidence is ALSO coming from assumptions, assuming competence is definitely likely to do the least damage and scaffold the most learning. http://www.assistiveware.com/presuming-maggies-competence

24.01.2022 Big fan of this one! Asking open questions (ones that require more than a yes or no answer) are important tools to encourage verbal conversational skills. Asking the same closed questions all the time, How was your day? or Did you have a good time? encourages people to learn rote ‘acceptable’ responses, and discourages real thought and discussion. This is a great starting list of ideas

23.01.2022 Following a passion or interest often means opportunities to develop some great ‘added bonus’ skills along the way! ~Anna~

23.01.2022 I’m heading to Knox Fest this weekend with a trusty WiseAb sidekick and my teen social group! Normally you wouldn’t get me anywhere near the rides, but this one has even me tempted!! ~Anna~

22.01.2022 Though this article is focussed on boys, they’re great ways to set up a learning-friendly home for every child ~Anna~

22.01.2022 Sophie’s Sox is a brilliant example of a micro business; combining an individual’s interest with abit of teamwork, to create something new and exciting! Sophie and Catherine dye all the socks themselves...and this is a great little video that shows some of their process... I’m hoping to get some of Sophie’s Sox for Xmas! (Hint hint ) ~Anna~ ... https://www.facebook.com/sophiessox/videos/1907287972629714/

22.01.2022 Most awesome skills are mastered through lots of practise and learning. But sometimes, you just discover you’re amazing at something.... ~Anna~

21.01.2022 I’d say this is a pretty good strategy for any tricky problem solving! ~Anna~

20.01.2022 A great visual about reframing thinking and behaviour. Reframing thinking in general is definitely a Wise Ability! It falls into the category of Curiosity Skills....

20.01.2022 Spectrum Journeys Inc and Knox City Council are running this fantastic sounding program. Advocacy isn’t something that NDIS funding is likely to cover anytime soon- and it’s such an important role! So if the times suit, give them a call... ~Anna~

20.01.2022 I’ve heard great things about this cafe enterprise! ~Anna~

20.01.2022 Lunch together out in the sun. Hope you’re all having as nice a sunny day as we are! ~Anna (and Kate)~

20.01.2022 I’ve only recently come across ‘Little Dreamers’ (always late to the party...) I’m loving what I see though! This project is exciting, and so needed. Introducing The Dreamers Hub! ~Anna~

19.01.2022 I’ve just booked into this- it sounds great! https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/technology-and-you-what-can

19.01.2022 It’s never too early (or too late!) to help someone discover where an interest can lead them! ~Anna~ https://www.facebook.com/startingwithjulius/posts/815541261964663

18.01.2022 Free Maths Apps, Folks!! ~Anna~

18.01.2022 Authentically living what you want for your children, is so important. Good teaching strategies can achieve alot, but we will always learn the most from what we see of those around us. Lilah is a lucky kid! ~Anna~

17.01.2022 I met Jenine from CoAbility last year, and feel proud to call her my friend. For NDIS clients, CoAbility is a brilliant support co-ordination option for ALL! ~ Anna~ https://www.facebook.com/coability/posts/1944690658906954

17.01.2022 I’m working with a few young clients at the moment that are reflecting on ‘what they have’, and what it means in relation to who they are. This is a difficult task when you’re an adult, let alone when you’re 11. Ryan has a gift to share in this area, and I’ll be looking into getting his book! ~Anna~

16.01.2022 Though I can’t say a WiseAb client has ever come to me with this sort of problem, I’d like to think I’m now ready for the first one that does! #creativeproblemsolving4thewin ~Anna~

16.01.2022 Another great example for kids- of course they can write a book someday! ~Anna~

16.01.2022 This term, Kate and I are taking the maths and literacy skills we worked on last year out into the world! Today we used our 'Journey Planner' apps to find our way from Box Hill into the city to visit an awesome cafe called Kinfolk. Kinfolk aims to address social inclusion and job readiness by providing volunteers the opportunity to work in the cafe and be part of the community. Kate and I can also say that they make great drinks and toasties Kate did a brilliant job helping to plan this first adventure, and I'm looking forward to the day when she plans it and just invites me along for the ride!

16.01.2022 Hard to fault this one! ~Anna~

15.01.2022 Yes. #dontsilenceus ~Anna~

15.01.2022 JACKmail was one of the first micro-businesses that I heard about. And such a great example of combining someone’s unique interests and skills, with a niche need in the local community! ~Anna~

15.01.2022 If you haven’t jumped onto iView yet and watched Employable Me, you’ve still got time. I’d love this program to be compulsory viewing for everyone!

15.01.2022 Great list of things to look for, or aim to be, within a mentor relationship! I’d like to think I display at least a few of these characteristics ~Anna~ https://www.facebook.com/CentreForDisabilityStudies/posts/1483738548374192

14.01.2022 NDIS Plan Management- One of my client’s parents has posted a recommendation for anyone in Melbourne’s East that will be looking for a plan manager. I trust Sue’s high standards! (She approves of me after all ) ~Anna~ https://www.facebook.com//9807/permalink/1663618183702670/

14.01.2022 Now here’s a great opportunity for some inclusive life skills learning! I’ll be keeping my eye open though for the series of workshops they run for those of us abit older than 25... ~Anna~

13.01.2022 This is important, folks...please sign the petition if you support the need for more NDIA staff and a sustainable, dynamic NDIS! ~Anna~

13.01.2022 Ever wondered how to help someone with spelling words that just don’t seem to follow spelling rules? The key is usually to investigate the words meaning and origins, and create links within what someone already knows. This is a great example using the word ‘two’. Remembering that ‘w’ can be so frustrating! ~Anna~ https://www.understood.org//teacher-tip-improve-spelling-b

13.01.2022 One of my clients runs a Facebook page to display her photography and share what she learns along the way. This week I was very surprised by a photo she had ready to show me. It was of a subject that she would normally avoid at all costs! I’ve been looking for the right time to introduce the idea of ‘memes and inspirational quotes’ as another way we use photography on social media. This week Cailan had an inspirational message to share, and we were able to create another real life learning opportunity ~Anna~ https://www.facebook.com/1021442714545245/posts/1940607559295418/

12.01.2022 One of the authors that contributed so much to my own love of words, and reading

12.01.2022 You can learn most things with dedication! The right coach helps too ~Anna~

12.01.2022 Another great free opportunity for learning...I love how many great things come out of our council programs! ~Anna~

11.01.2022 Another must-do idea from the Autism Discussion Page. Such an important resource to create with anyone that needs a few adaptions to enable them to thrive ~Anna~

11.01.2022 Cat’s out of the bag, folks....Introducing my new partnership with Upwey Health & Well-being! I’ll begin seeing clients there on Mondays and Tuesdays from February. Stay tuned for photos of my new space- ‘WiseAb HQ’, in the New Year! ~Anna~

10.01.2022 Building interest in learning doesn’t have to stop during the holidays! It’s just a chance to learn about the things that are really interesting to you ~Anna~

09.01.2022 I love a good maths joke from my favourite silly linguist! If you don’t get it, feel free to book a couple of sessions with me over the holidays to bring you up to speed.... ~Anna~

09.01.2022 Great article from Natasha at Consentability, encouraging reflection on the double standards society has about treating adults with intellectual difference as children... ~Anna~ https://www.facebook.com/939437852771433/posts/1778193242229219/

08.01.2022 WiseAb client Kate and I are working together at the moment based at Realm in Ringwood. If you don’t know it, it’s the arts and library complex brilliantly located just opposite Ringwood Station. At the moment they’re running an interactive arts project called ‘RingWord’. We had a great time in there this morning! There’s great activities to encourage thoughtful discussion about how we communicate and why. And how often does an Arts Space let you chalk all over their walls! See in the comments for a link to the project... ~ Anna~

07.01.2022 Anxiety related to social communication can be a big issue for people with Autism. And of course many people without Autism! This is a brilliant example of how it can manifest both inside and out. ~Anna~

07.01.2022 NAPLAN TESTING- I wish these statistics surprised me, but they don’t. Some schools are definitely hiding students with learning disabilities during Naplan Tests, but there are a few reasons why. I’m sure some are concerned about their overall school results being bought down, but others are thinking to protect vulnerable students from the pressure of the test conditions. Just as some parents are. And it makes a lot of sense, until you realise that if these students aren’t ...represented in the overall results for their school, their needs won’t be catered for at funding time. So it’s a tricky one.... When making Naplan decisions for your own child, there’s a lot to consider! Make sure that it’s a decision that’s made in conjunction with your child’s broader learning support team. Accommodations are always better than exclusion ~Anna~ http://www.theage.com.au//i-was-shocked-the-students-pushe

07.01.2022 The poem below has made me feel alittle creative myself This one’s for all the dedicated direct support workers in our community... For me, this is not just a trip to the library- - It’s an opportunity for some exercise... - It’s a chance to apply my social and communication skills - It’s a real life experience with service staff and systems - It’s a time for me to practise making choices and decision making - It’s a place where people can get to know me and I can belong - It’s a way I can share my interests, and investigate them further - It’s a real experience of inclusion. Lots of different types of people are at the library! And one day I will feel comfortable enough to enjoy going there on my own. Then my support worker and I can choose the next exciting adventure to start together! ~Anna~ See more

06.01.2022 I’ve been working with a business in South Melbourne to support a position for one of my clients. Great workplace, and they’ve found themselves a great employee in this young adult! But I digress....this post isn’t about that.... It’s taken me trying every cafe in the street to find one that has baristas that actually smile and are friendly, but Humbaba is my new SM home away from home! ~Anna~

06.01.2022 A great infographic from the DSC ~Anna~

06.01.2022 I’ve read SO many books and articles about factoring risk into learning, the role encouragement and support plays, and building the skills of persistence and resilience in young people. In short, how to let a student fail, get hurt, fail again and again and again, and when we should help and when we should get out of the way! It’s a hard concept to discuss with kids. What are the risks of trying? Are they worth it? ... What counts as failure and what counts as improving? Who gets to decide what I can and can’t do? And the one that’s sometimes the hardest, when is it ok to give up? You could do a lot worse then watching this little clip with your young learner ~Anna~ https://www.facebook.com/stanley.reid.37/posts/10100459983516907

05.01.2022 I love this! Such a powerful reframe of a concept that has become part of the way our broader community thinks about autism. ‘The Spectrum’ of diversity being seen as being on a straight line would be fine if we were all 2 dimensional beings with just one character trait. But we’re not! This ‘Spectrum’ allows for someone’s strengths to also be seen as essential to who they are, and promotes a Growth Mindset approach to developing skills and understandings. ~Anna~ For more detail and credits, check out this link- http://theoraah.tumblr.com//142/understanding-the-spectrum

05.01.2022 I saw this picture, and was inspired to write this post! I have a big workday today, and new clients starting next week. Which means new goals, new projects, and new opportunities to innovate! #luckytobeme! ~Anna~

04.01.2022 This is an interesting article about the changing face of education due to tech advances. The idea of renaming teachers is a small part of the article, but an interesting one. Names and titles can be powerful. Having a teacher that teaches you something is great, but does the title recognise the even more important role of understanding learning, facilitating learning opportunities, and creating life long learners? Food for Thought! ~Anna~

04.01.2022 A great piece from Outer East mum Leticia, published on her Facebook page, ‘Embracing Wade’. What would your response be to a young person that was passionate about ‘unrealistic’ goals? If someone wants to do something and you think that they’ll fail, should you support them anyway? ~Anna~

03.01.2022 Hi Folks! Just a quick message to say that I’m off on holidays as of today, and will be back on deck from Monday 15th January. It will be a big day too- I’ll be starting up at #upweyhealthandwellness! Have a great New Year break, and I’ll see you on the other side! (Aged the big 4-0, and sporting a Vietnamese tan ) ~Anna~

03.01.2022 Being curious about ‘the whys’ is a key to good teaching, and improving learning outcomes. And thinking outside the box can sometimes lead to brilliant creative solutions! ~Anna~

03.01.2022 This is a great one that is so much more than a way to ‘show that you’re there for someone.’ An important ‘wise ability’ that is commonly needing support across the range of people I work with, is thinking through ‘what can I do if....’ scenarios. Reflecting on reoccurring problems, and preplanning strategies to try next time they arise, are powerful life skills and worth developing! The icy pole stick idea is great for a number of reasons- ... - it can remain somewhere constantly visual (and therefore remembered), while still keeping the information itself private (as opposed to a poster) - it’s hands on, and visually interesting - each idea needs to be concise (icypole stick sized) - a range of different scenarios can be supported within the single neat, simple resource - the jar protect could be started for someone, or with someone; but it encourages the user to start thinking of ideas and continue to add their own (it’s a living, growing resource that encourages problem solving self sufficiency) You could even help someone else by making one each together.... Straight away I can imagine having one for myself! I need a colour for ‘I’m having friends over- what should I cook?!’, and ‘I hit all my exercise goals this week- lucky dip a reward!’ If you have any category ideas of your own that you’re happy to share in the comments, please do! ~Anna~

03.01.2022 Another great one from Steve the Linguist! Finding fun in your work, no matter what, is a true life skill ~Anna~

03.01.2022 George tells us how it is, and invites us to just ask him about it! I’m a huge proponent for supporting young people to not only understand themselves, but to also be able to explain themselves to others. Such an important skill, and one that underpins self esteem, self advocacy, and self respect. ~Anna~

03.01.2022 You never know what pearls of wisdom someone will be able to share with the world if you give them the skills to communicate! ~Anna~

02.01.2022 One of the many things that make me proud to belong to this community ~Anna~

02.01.2022 Families usually spend more time with my students than I do! Opportunities for maths exploration and learning out in the real world are many and often parents are best placed to take advantage of them. Never underestimate your abilities to support your child’s learning...you know them better than anyone....don’t be afraid to be creative and play! ~Anna~ https://www.facebook.com/MathsAustralia/posts/2340424959316256:0

02.01.2022 What a brilliant announcement...Interchange Outer East has scooped up Jenny-the-housing-wiz! And I know Araluen’s work too and can give it a thumbs up If you have an NDIS plan with future housing built in, this partnership is likely to be great.... ~Anna~

02.01.2022 People often ask me about the differences between the ‘Dys’ learning labels. These are a great series of info graphics ~Anna~

01.01.2022 Sometimes you don’t need a ‘specialist program’...you just need the right support to facilitate access and learning. Someone to bridge the gap between a person with a desire to learn, and a great opportunity to learn with others that share their interest. Not only can it be a dynamic learning environment, but friendships and new opportunities can also develop. Some of the people I work with prefer a 1:1 learning environment, and it definitely has its place. But for others an opportunity like this one at Kallista Community House, is perfect! ~Anna~ https://www.facebook.com/KallistaCommunityHouse/posts/1684197308259239

01.01.2022 A brilliant ambassador for autism, rehydration, and raving!! ~Anna~ https://www.facebook.com/JungleVT/videos/2298204920321337/

01.01.2022 This sounds like a potentially great learning opportunity- and it’s free! Wouldn’t it be brilliant to see local community houses and libraries building study groups built around courses like this.... ~Anna~

01.01.2022 This is a great resource to support a discussion about the NDIS with a young person! YDAS produces great material, and is definitely a Facebook page worth following if the area is relevant to you ~Anna~ https://www.facebook.com/ydasvic/videos/1879700502058656/

01.01.2022 USING MEMES TO TEACH- I’m working with a young person at the moment on developing their literacy skills, particularly in relation to using social media. I’ve noticed in the last few weeks, ‘its too hard’ and ‘I can’t’ have been creeping in. What better way to build some growth mindset attitude work into social media literacy than the use of memes! Memes as teaching resources are great- they often combine funny with a good concept, and encourage students to ‘read between th...e lines’ and look for double and implied meanings in text. Students can also easily google their own on topics they are interested in, and there are plenty of free apps that allow you to make them yourself. These are some of my favourites to promote growth mindset discussion. If you have any feel free to share them! ~Anna< See more