Expert speaker at education day in Tamworth

19 October 2009

An internationally-recognised expert in the disability health sector will be the guest speaker at an education day being held in Tamworth on Friday 23 October.

Hunter New England Health is providing the education day for occupational therapists, disability advocates, builders and architects.

Murray Mountain is the Principle of Access Design Solutions and has worked in the disability health sector for the past 40 years.

He has been a member of the AS1428 Suite of Standards Committees for 30 years and chairman for the past 18 years.

Hunter New England Health Occupational Therapist Hana Janssen said the aim of the day was to increase knowledge about disabled access, especially in regard to upcoming changes in the Australian Standards.

“Murray’s daily work, nationally and internationally, involves resolving issues in private homes through to large multimillion dollar developments and World Heritage listed areas,” Ms Janssen said.

“One of his current projects is working on the latest world’s tallest building in Dubai – which is well over one kilometre in height.”

Hunter New England Health’s occupational therapists often prescribe home modifications for clients, so it is important their knowledge of the Australian Standards is up to date.

“It’s important for occupational therapists to have a current knowledge of the standards, so that we can provide clinical best practice to our clients,” she said.

“It is also important for us to ensure the builders we work with have the current knowledge as well, so that’s why we’re providing the education day.”

Clients can include elderly people who are wishing to remain independent and living in their own home, as well as people who are living with a disability.

People wishing to attend the education day can contact Hana Janssen on 6767 8329.

Media are welcome to attend on the day at 12.30pm at the UDRH Building on the Tamworth Hospital campus.

(HNE-2029)

Contact: Carisa Green

Phone: (02) 6767 7135