Karen Warwick
Adamstown Heights
Summary
Passionate and professional Orientation & Mobility Specialist 23years experience in developing and implementing well-researched rehabilitation plans through effective and receptive communication with those with low vision or blindness. Adept in selecting and training in the use of mobility tools, electronic aids / GPS applications and teaching orientation skills to both adults and children. Experienced in working with those from diverse backgrounds and the ability to listen effectively, remain non-judgmental, and provide person-centered service delivery.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Orientation & Mobility Specialist / Early Career Supervisor
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
04.2016 - Current
- Supervision of new instructors entering the field of Orientation & Mobility
- Teaching adults and children who may be blind or have a vision impairment how to stay oriented and mobilise throughout their environment independently, working under the Consumer Directed Care (CDC) model of service delivery (taking a Person Centred Approach)
- Plan and conduct individualised comprehensive assessments and training programs, synthesize the findings in professionally written reports and communicate results with clients, families and members of case teams, as appropriate
- Working collaboratively alongside Adaptive Technology Specialists, Orthoptists and Occupational Therapists
- Working collaboratively with external stakeholders to build working relationships to better meet the needs and goals of those accessing our service ie schools, community service providers, allied health providers.
Orientation and Mobility Instructor / Low Vision Advisor
The Royal Society for Blind (RSB) Australia
11.2014 - 04.2016
- Orientation and Mobility instructor and Low Vision Advisor – teaching those who are blind or experience low vision in the use of equipment to assist with activities of daily living including magnification equipment
- Working alongside Orthoptists, Adaptive Technology Specialists, Recreational Team and Occupational Therapists
- Plan and conduct individualised comprehensive assessments and training programs, synthesize the findings in professionally written reports and communicate results with clients, families and members of case teams, as appropriate.
Physiotherapy Assistant
Hunter Valley Private Hospital
01.2013 - 11.2014
- Assisting physiotherapists on the ward and within the Day Only Rehabilitation program
- Providing physical therapy instruction as part of a patients overall rehabilitation post-surgery under the guidance of the physiotherapy team
- Supervise and instruct patients with individually tailored exercises as prescribed by the treating physiotherapist, conduct group hydrotherapy and tai chi classes
- Working collaboratively with Physiotherapists, Registered Nurses, Speech Therapists and Diversional Therapists.
Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
01.2008 - 12.2012
- Orientation and Mobility Instructor within a team of 5 covering the Central West Region NSW
- Teaching adults and children who may be blind or have a vision impairment how to stay oriented and mobilise throughout their environment independently, working under the Consumer Directed Care (CDC) model of service delivery (taking a Person Centred Approach)
- Provide individualised assessments and training programs.
Orientation and Mobility Specialist / Low Vision Advisor
Vision Australia
01.2004 - 01.2008
- Orientation and Mobility instruction to those who are blind or experiencing low vision, providing advice and training in the use of equipment to assist in all areas of activities for daily living
- Working alongside Orthoptists in the running of low vision clinics throughout the Central West Region
- Working collaboratively with Orthoptists, Counsellors and Occupational Therapists
- Providing individualised assessments and training programs.
Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Sole Orientation and Mobility Specialist in the Central West Region teaching children and adults who are blind or experience low vision
- Working collaboratively with external stakeholders to build working relationships to better meet the needs and goals of those accessing our service ie schools, community service providers, allied health providers in the Greater Western Area Health Service
- Provide individualised assessments and training programs.
Education
Master of Human Services (Vision Impairment) - Human Services
Griffith University
Brisbane, QLD12.1999
Bachelor of Arts (Languages) - Foreign Languages And Literatures
University of Canberra
Canberra, ACT12.1992
Skills
- High level communicator
- High level problem solver
- High level organiser
- Flexible thinker
- Person centred
- Compassionate and sensitive
- Perceptive & analytical
- Client Needs Assessment
- Rehabilitation Planning
- Student Evaluation
Accomplishments
- 2020 Certification as Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) from the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Educational Professionals
- 2017 to present day- Supervisor for students entering the field of Orientation and Mobility
- 2012 Selected to present a paper at the International Mobility Conference in Palmerstone North New Zealand.
- 2011 Selected to be on the organising committee for the Australasion Mobility Conference
References
- Mr Jeremy Hill
- Mrs Belinda Carroll
Timeline
Orientation & Mobility Specialist / Early Career Supervisor
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
04.2016 - Current
Orientation and Mobility Instructor / Low Vision Advisor
The Royal Society for Blind (RSB) Australia
11.2014 - 04.2016
Physiotherapy Assistant
Hunter Valley Private Hospital
01.2013 - 11.2014
Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
01.2008 - 12.2012
Orientation and Mobility Specialist / Low Vision Advisor
Vision Australia
01.2004 - 01.2008
Orientation and Mobility Specialist
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT
01.2000 - 01.2004
Master of Human Services (Vision Impairment) - Human Services
Griffith University
Bachelor of Arts (Languages) - Foreign Languages And Literatures
University of Canberra
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