Andrea Garner, PhD is a practitioner and researcher specializing in the education of people on the autism spectrum and disadvantaged youth. Andrea completed her PhD thesis on the impact of entertainment media representations of autism on the attitudes and knowledge held by pre-service teachers. She currently works directly with children, their families, and with teachers developing programs and strategies to improve long-term outcomes for young people. Andrea is currently conducting research in the assessment and delivery of social skills programs, the development of self-determination; autism friendly communities, and the effectiveness of online information sharing.
Andrea's current research areas are in creating enabling environments, Autism Friendly Communities; self-determination and disadvantaged youth; and developing foundation literacy skills in adolescents.
The Palgrave Handbook of Adult Mental Health: Discourse and Conversation Studies
Publisher
United Kingdom
Impact
Impact Story
Autism Friendly Communities - Corrimal
This project aims to make Corrimal Australia’s first autism friendly community. Autism is a life-long condition that impacts a person’s social, communication and sensory abilities. It should be noted that autism is a condition that not only significantly affects the individual, but also their immediate and extended families.<br /><br />Initially, an extensive review of the literature was undertaken to identify environmental factors that may need to be modified for somebody living on the spectrum. Secondly, people living on the spectrum visited local businesses and observations of their thoughts and responses to the environment were recorded. The advice and opinions of a Community Steering Committee, established to oversee this project, were also sought. The Community Steering Committee was comprised primarily of people on the spectrum, their family friends and carers, local business owners and educators. The findings from these three channels were synthesised to develop the SERVICE principles <a href="https://www.autismfriendlycommunities.com/principles.html" title="SERVICE principles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.autismfriendlycommunities.com/principles.html</a>.<br /><br />Local businesses that have actively made changes to their environments, based on the SERVICE principles, are able to apply for a badge to acknowledge their commitment to creating an autism friendly environment.<br /><br />The project has had immediate local significance, by promoting principles that support all members of the community to access shops, health care and other essential services in the local area. This will help decrease isolation of families of people on the autism spectrum by providing local spaces that are accessible, enabling connection with people through inclusive environments.<br /><br />This project also has the potential to have significant impact at state, national and international level since the materials developed enable business owners to make no-cost or low-cost adjustments to their environments irrespective of their location. While friendly communities have been created for other conditions, such as dementia, at the time of this project’s initiation we were unaware of this ever having been done for autism.
<p>At its core, this project has developed the SERVICE principles (<a href="https://www.autismfriendlycommunities.com/principles.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.autismfriendlycommunities.com/principles.html</a>):</p><ul><li><strong>S</strong>ensory: The right kind and level of sensory stimulation is important. Volume should be audible but no overwhelming. Aim for low odour products and perfume free environments.</li><li><strong>E</strong>quipment: Use furnishings and fittings that absorb sound, are accessible or clearly and purposely limit access, and assist in arranging clear spaces.</li><li><strong>R</strong>espectful: Greet with a smile, offer support and wait, patience for processing is key.</li><li><strong>V</strong>isual: Clutter free, clearly signed using pictures or place markers wherever possible and natural or solid colours with matte finishes are best.</li><li><strong>I</strong>ntentional: Ensure that whatever you have in the space and the things you say are necessary and serve a purpose. Is the language used clear and concise? Is it necessary to put many items around the counter or have posters near important signage?</li><li><strong>C</strong>reate Zones: Create spaces that are easy to navigate, provide cues to the function, and use furniture or colour to indicate movement through the space. Have lower stimulation options using dividers, seat placement, mirrorless/non-reflective views, or low volume/no echo spaces.</li><li><strong>E</strong>nvironment: The overall environment should be neutral. Natural ventilation, low decibel fans, natural or incandescent light wherever possible.</li></ul><br /><p>The SERVICE principles are applicable across settings and can be implemented in any service or business thus championing improved social inclusion. The project has created a lasting impact at a local level by enabling business owners to make simple, low-cost or no-cost adjustments to their environments, thereby creating an autism friendly community. This is a giant leap in creating inclusive, autism friendly communities both for Australia and other countries. </p><p>The project is sustainable as the SERVICE principles are available 24-7 through the Autism Friendly Communities – Corrimal website. This encourages both accessibility and self-initiated action from service providers, business owners (small or large), and community organisations. Additionally, this availability further raises knowledge and awareness about the autism spectrum. The SERVICE principles also have the potential to make positive social change at a local, state, national and international level.</p><p>To date 38 agencies, including Corrimal Library, have been awarded project badges that recognise the changes their services or business have made to the environment in order to become more autism friendly. The impact of the SERVICE principles has been far reaching. We are aware that they have been used by some agencies in the Corrimal area to educate outside service providers.</p><p>In November 2019, this project was recognised by the Corrimal Chamber of Commerce, receiving the Paul Boltwood Award for Community Service.</p><p>The role of Corrimal Chamber of Commerce in auspicing this project has led to it in becoming the first Chamber to win the title of best Business Chamber in NSW two years in a row (2018 and 2019) at the NSW Business Chamber Awards. Corrimal Chamber of Commerce has also been voted by its peers as the best Business Chamber in the Illawarra (2018 and 2019).</p><p>The project team share a commitment to bettering the future of people on the spectrum and fostering community cohesion through inclusive practice. This has been apparent through the use of a co-design process involving both the community partners (Corrimal Chamber of Commerce) and local businesses in collaboration with people on the autism spectrum. Such an approach was used to ensure that the needs of both business owners and people on the autism spectrum were met. Further, it fostered community cohesion and improves outcomes for people with disabilities. </p><p>Local people with autism were employed to undertake the initial needs assessment in line with the “nothing about us without us” philosophy. These young people were paid and supported to be active research assistants. This experience provided opportunities for them to develop skills needed to be successful in mainstream environments. Publications and presentations arising from this work are being undertaken in collaboration with these research assistants. The use of research assistants on the autism spectrum adds the voice of the local autistic population to the work.</p><p>The project team ensured that the initiative has had high visibility through strategic use of both the media and social media. As a result of this strategy a number of television segments (Nine news ad WIN News) and radio interviews have been broadcast (ABC NSW and ABC Illawarra). Publicity from this project has also led to further potential partnerships at both a local and national level. Members of the research team are currently consulting with both Dapto Community and Hobart Chamber of Commerce.</p><p>Corrimal Chamber of Commerce will continue to work with the team to broaden the reach of the project to stretch from Fairy Meadow through to Thirroul. A lived experience video is also being developed. This will highlight the impact of SERVICE principles from the perspectives of people living with autism, their carers, educators and local business owners.</p>
Beneficiary
Quantification
Description
Evidence
Description
SENSE Spaces: learnings from the CareWays Community Multi-Sensory Room
<p>Drawing on international research this project has designed and developed a community-based multi-sensory environment (MSE) at the Horsley Community Centre in the Illawarra. An MSE provides a safe, non-threatening environment for children and adults with cognitive, behavioural and physical impairments to engage in a range of sensory experiences. The experiences provided by an MSE can either calm or stimulate the primary senses using sensory-based materials such as fibre optics sprays, bubble tubes, music, colour, lighting and aroma. We know that multisensory environments provide the ability to control sensory experiences and stimulation of the primary senses to encourage relaxation and enjoyment which can be helpful for multiple groups such as senior citizens/aged care, people with physical disabilities and those with conditions such as dementia, autism spectrum disorders and also people with anxiety and challenging behaviours.<br /><br />The project forged a unique partnership between CareWays Illawarra and the University of Wollongong (UOW). Methodologically, this project used participatory action research to foster the involvement of people with disabilities, their carers, families and disability services to assist in the design and development of the space to best meet the needs of the whole community. <br /><br />Initially known as the SMILE team, the project is now called Sense (Sensory Environments for Supporting Experiences) Spaces. It has expanded to explore the impact of MSEs for cross-sector user groups. The project has grown from establishing an MSE to examining the immediate and lasting impact of using an MSE, and whether personalisation of the MSE can increase use or provide a more meaningful experience. Utilising different design-thinking approaches with coordinated communication plans will be significant as we engage, define, ideate, prototype and test across sectors to provide effective ways of delivering MSEs. </p>
<p><strong>Giving voice to the unheard<br /></strong>By using a community based participatory research approach, the SMILE team created space for the voice of parents, carers and people with disabilities to shape the development of this community-based resource. Often these end-users are marginalised, however by using this approach throughout the three phases of the research study, the research team was able to include new perspectives on knowledge and understanding of multi-sensory environments. <br /><br /><strong>Public Access and Leisure Use</strong><br />The room is available from 7 am – 11 pm, seven days a week. It can be reserved through an online booking system, with the cost per session set at a minimal rate to cover running costs. Multiple people can use the room at once. The room is also registered with the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which can fund the use of the MSE for people living with recognised disabilities. <br />The room is designed to be used independently of therapy. This impacts on the self-determination of individuals and groups such as playgroups, aged-care and disability support groups to create meaningful personal engagement with the MSE as it allows the individual to choose the equipment that they interact within the room.<br /><br /><strong>Co-Design and Expanding Influence</strong></p><p>The initial SMILE team has completed it's funding. An extended team was successful in securing 2019/20 Global Challenges funding to explore the impact of MSEs for cross-sector user groups. Now known as Sense Spaces, the project is strengthening its co-design theoretical background to be able to build replicable models for leisure-based MSEs in different domains. Alongside this, the inclusion of Public Relations expertise allows the scope of research to examine theories to inform strategic communication plans in community organisations. <br />Over the past two years, the MSE project has supported three Information Technology/Human-Computer Interaction Masters projects, and two Information Technology/Computer Science undergraduate projects. The MSE has provided a platform for these students to understand that their technical expertise can have significant benefits to the wider community in a non-traditional career area.</p>
Andrea's current research areas are in creating enabling environments, Autism Friendly Communities; self-determination and disadvantaged youth; and developing foundation literacy skills in adolescents.
The Palgrave Handbook of Adult Mental Health: Discourse and Conversation Studies
Publisher
United Kingdom
Impact
Impact Story
Autism Friendly Communities - Corrimal
This project aims to make Corrimal Australia’s first autism friendly community. Autism is a life-long condition that impacts a person’s social, communication and sensory abilities. It should be noted that autism is a condition that not only significantly affects the individual, but also their immediate and extended families.<br /><br />Initially, an extensive review of the literature was undertaken to identify environmental factors that may need to be modified for somebody living on the spectrum. Secondly, people living on the spectrum visited local businesses and observations of their thoughts and responses to the environment were recorded. The advice and opinions of a Community Steering Committee, established to oversee this project, were also sought. The Community Steering Committee was comprised primarily of people on the spectrum, their family friends and carers, local business owners and educators. The findings from these three channels were synthesised to develop the SERVICE principles <a href="https://www.autismfriendlycommunities.com/principles.html" title="SERVICE principles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.autismfriendlycommunities.com/principles.html</a>.<br /><br />Local businesses that have actively made changes to their environments, based on the SERVICE principles, are able to apply for a badge to acknowledge their commitment to creating an autism friendly environment.<br /><br />The project has had immediate local significance, by promoting principles that support all members of the community to access shops, health care and other essential services in the local area. This will help decrease isolation of families of people on the autism spectrum by providing local spaces that are accessible, enabling connection with people through inclusive environments.<br /><br />This project also has the potential to have significant impact at state, national and international level since the materials developed enable business owners to make no-cost or low-cost adjustments to their environments irrespective of their location. While friendly communities have been created for other conditions, such as dementia, at the time of this project’s initiation we were unaware of this ever having been done for autism.
<p>At its core, this project has developed the SERVICE principles (<a href="https://www.autismfriendlycommunities.com/principles.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.autismfriendlycommunities.com/principles.html</a>):</p><ul><li><strong>S</strong>ensory: The right kind and level of sensory stimulation is important. Volume should be audible but no overwhelming. Aim for low odour products and perfume free environments.</li><li><strong>E</strong>quipment: Use furnishings and fittings that absorb sound, are accessible or clearly and purposely limit access, and assist in arranging clear spaces.</li><li><strong>R</strong>espectful: Greet with a smile, offer support and wait, patience for processing is key.</li><li><strong>V</strong>isual: Clutter free, clearly signed using pictures or place markers wherever possible and natural or solid colours with matte finishes are best.</li><li><strong>I</strong>ntentional: Ensure that whatever you have in the space and the things you say are necessary and serve a purpose. Is the language used clear and concise? Is it necessary to put many items around the counter or have posters near important signage?</li><li><strong>C</strong>reate Zones: Create spaces that are easy to navigate, provide cues to the function, and use furniture or colour to indicate movement through the space. Have lower stimulation options using dividers, seat placement, mirrorless/non-reflective views, or low volume/no echo spaces.</li><li><strong>E</strong>nvironment: The overall environment should be neutral. Natural ventilation, low decibel fans, natural or incandescent light wherever possible.</li></ul><br /><p>The SERVICE principles are applicable across settings and can be implemented in any service or business thus championing improved social inclusion. The project has created a lasting impact at a local level by enabling business owners to make simple, low-cost or no-cost adjustments to their environments, thereby creating an autism friendly community. This is a giant leap in creating inclusive, autism friendly communities both for Australia and other countries. </p><p>The project is sustainable as the SERVICE principles are available 24-7 through the Autism Friendly Communities – Corrimal website. This encourages both accessibility and self-initiated action from service providers, business owners (small or large), and community organisations. Additionally, this availability further raises knowledge and awareness about the autism spectrum. The SERVICE principles also have the potential to make positive social change at a local, state, national and international level.</p><p>To date 38 agencies, including Corrimal Library, have been awarded project badges that recognise the changes their services or business have made to the environment in order to become more autism friendly. The impact of the SERVICE principles has been far reaching. We are aware that they have been used by some agencies in the Corrimal area to educate outside service providers.</p><p>In November 2019, this project was recognised by the Corrimal Chamber of Commerce, receiving the Paul Boltwood Award for Community Service.</p><p>The role of Corrimal Chamber of Commerce in auspicing this project has led to it in becoming the first Chamber to win the title of best Business Chamber in NSW two years in a row (2018 and 2019) at the NSW Business Chamber Awards. Corrimal Chamber of Commerce has also been voted by its peers as the best Business Chamber in the Illawarra (2018 and 2019).</p><p>The project team share a commitment to bettering the future of people on the spectrum and fostering community cohesion through inclusive practice. This has been apparent through the use of a co-design process involving both the community partners (Corrimal Chamber of Commerce) and local businesses in collaboration with people on the autism spectrum. Such an approach was used to ensure that the needs of both business owners and people on the autism spectrum were met. Further, it fostered community cohesion and improves outcomes for people with disabilities. </p><p>Local people with autism were employed to undertake the initial needs assessment in line with the “nothing about us without us” philosophy. These young people were paid and supported to be active research assistants. This experience provided opportunities for them to develop skills needed to be successful in mainstream environments. Publications and presentations arising from this work are being undertaken in collaboration with these research assistants. The use of research assistants on the autism spectrum adds the voice of the local autistic population to the work.</p><p>The project team ensured that the initiative has had high visibility through strategic use of both the media and social media. As a result of this strategy a number of television segments (Nine news ad WIN News) and radio interviews have been broadcast (ABC NSW and ABC Illawarra). Publicity from this project has also led to further potential partnerships at both a local and national level. Members of the research team are currently consulting with both Dapto Community and Hobart Chamber of Commerce.</p><p>Corrimal Chamber of Commerce will continue to work with the team to broaden the reach of the project to stretch from Fairy Meadow through to Thirroul. A lived experience video is also being developed. This will highlight the impact of SERVICE principles from the perspectives of people living with autism, their carers, educators and local business owners.</p>
Beneficiary
Quantification
Description
Evidence
Description
SENSE Spaces: learnings from the CareWays Community Multi-Sensory Room
<p>Drawing on international research this project has designed and developed a community-based multi-sensory environment (MSE) at the Horsley Community Centre in the Illawarra. An MSE provides a safe, non-threatening environment for children and adults with cognitive, behavioural and physical impairments to engage in a range of sensory experiences. The experiences provided by an MSE can either calm or stimulate the primary senses using sensory-based materials such as fibre optics sprays, bubble tubes, music, colour, lighting and aroma. We know that multisensory environments provide the ability to control sensory experiences and stimulation of the primary senses to encourage relaxation and enjoyment which can be helpful for multiple groups such as senior citizens/aged care, people with physical disabilities and those with conditions such as dementia, autism spectrum disorders and also people with anxiety and challenging behaviours.<br /><br />The project forged a unique partnership between CareWays Illawarra and the University of Wollongong (UOW). Methodologically, this project used participatory action research to foster the involvement of people with disabilities, their carers, families and disability services to assist in the design and development of the space to best meet the needs of the whole community. <br /><br />Initially known as the SMILE team, the project is now called Sense (Sensory Environments for Supporting Experiences) Spaces. It has expanded to explore the impact of MSEs for cross-sector user groups. The project has grown from establishing an MSE to examining the immediate and lasting impact of using an MSE, and whether personalisation of the MSE can increase use or provide a more meaningful experience. Utilising different design-thinking approaches with coordinated communication plans will be significant as we engage, define, ideate, prototype and test across sectors to provide effective ways of delivering MSEs. </p>
<p><strong>Giving voice to the unheard<br /></strong>By using a community based participatory research approach, the SMILE team created space for the voice of parents, carers and people with disabilities to shape the development of this community-based resource. Often these end-users are marginalised, however by using this approach throughout the three phases of the research study, the research team was able to include new perspectives on knowledge and understanding of multi-sensory environments. <br /><br /><strong>Public Access and Leisure Use</strong><br />The room is available from 7 am – 11 pm, seven days a week. It can be reserved through an online booking system, with the cost per session set at a minimal rate to cover running costs. Multiple people can use the room at once. The room is also registered with the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which can fund the use of the MSE for people living with recognised disabilities. <br />The room is designed to be used independently of therapy. This impacts on the self-determination of individuals and groups such as playgroups, aged-care and disability support groups to create meaningful personal engagement with the MSE as it allows the individual to choose the equipment that they interact within the room.<br /><br /><strong>Co-Design and Expanding Influence</strong></p><p>The initial SMILE team has completed it's funding. An extended team was successful in securing 2019/20 Global Challenges funding to explore the impact of MSEs for cross-sector user groups. Now known as Sense Spaces, the project is strengthening its co-design theoretical background to be able to build replicable models for leisure-based MSEs in different domains. Alongside this, the inclusion of Public Relations expertise allows the scope of research to examine theories to inform strategic communication plans in community organisations. <br />Over the past two years, the MSE project has supported three Information Technology/Human-Computer Interaction Masters projects, and two Information Technology/Computer Science undergraduate projects. The MSE has provided a platform for these students to understand that their technical expertise can have significant benefits to the wider community in a non-traditional career area.</p>
