Issue 76 - Spectrum Care

Chinese delegations visitSpectrum Care!Last Wednesday, we hosted first one and then, quite unexpectedly,another delegation from the People’s Republic of China, interestedin the New Zealand approach to supporting people with disabilities.Given that both delegations had interpreters as part of the group, itwould have been easy to put a selection of managers up to talk andhave their views re-presented.As it was, we saw an opportunity to showcase some of our talent –talent that is engaged with disability, understands our organisation andwhat it’s trying to do, and is fluent in Mandarin.Staff members Erin and Jing took the initiative and, ably assisted byIan and Doris, accommodated the arrival of the second delegation,which effectively doubled the number of visitors and the demand onour presentation and interpretation capacities!Brett and I were both very impressed with the professional way Erinand Jing represented Spectrum Care and, of course, themselves.We were proud of the way they both fluently articulated themselves,and the animated conversations suggested that they were in commandof their subject, and that their material and opinions were valued bythe group.As a result, I believe that Spectrum Care’s reputation as a highperformingprovider was affirmed with this group.We had an opportunity to observe Jing and Erin’s wider range of skillsin a practical setting and we were very impressed.We have not had an opportunity to see them in this sort of environmentbefore, but they were clearly confident and took a leadership role.Their direct contribution made this visit a great success and SpectrumCare will be looking for ways to use their undoubted abilities inthe future.Pictured below is the beautiful silk book presented to Spectrum Careby one of the delegations.Chris Harris – Chief ExecutiveAlison celebrates her70th birthdayAlison Pascoe, who is supported to live in her own flat, was given asurprise party for her 70th birthday.Held at the Massey Leisure Centre, it was kept a secret right up till thelast minute!Staff, advocates and friends were there to greet her as she arrived withher brother Ian and sister-in-law Philippa.The room had been decorated with flowers and on the table was asumptuous afternoon tea. “Fit for Royalty!” said Alison.She received as gifts seven cyclamen plants of different colours, twoflowering chrysanthemums, a beautiful bouquet of flowers, toiletries,chocolates and lots of cards!General Manager of Service Delivery Warren Herring spoke on behalfof Spectrum Care and staff members Catherine Wild, Cecelia Wharerau,Vicki Quist and Sarah Allen were also there to wish her well.Alison made a short speech to thank all involved and she said that herhope was that conditions for all disabled people would continue toimprove immensely.At the Hub the previous day, Alison spoke by phone to Winston PetersMP and advocated for the disabled in the community.He wished her a “Happy Birthday!”, congratulated her for her advocacywork and gave her his best regards for the future.Carolyn Sutherland – CSW