Emily Shepard and Hollie Feller – UsherKids Australia

Parent Perspective on Pathways to Primary School, Finding the Right Supports & Early Intervention for Children with Usher Syndrome

30 MINUTES

Dr Bronwen Scott – Orientation & Mobility Specialist

Early Orientation & Mobility Skill Development

30 MINUTES

Q&A Early Support for Usher Kids with Hollie, Emily and Bronwen

30 MINUTES

Hollie Feller 

Hollie Feller is a co-founder and Director of UsherKids Australia. She is a fierce advocate for early diagnosis of Usher syndrome through genetic testing, the education of clinical professionals as well as support for families around the country to share research and information about the current generation of USH kids. Hollie established the not-for-profit organisation in 2016 after her son was diagnosed with Usher syndrome. 

Emily Shepard

Emily Shepard is a co-founder and Director of UsherKids Australia. Emily is passionate and committed to improving the lives of children with Usher syndrome and their families by providing evidenced-based information and education to the range of healthcare practitioners supporting children with the condition. She has brought her perspective as the mother of a child with Usher syndrome, as well as her management skills to successfully lead the not-for-profit organisation. 

Parent Perspective on the Pathway to Primary School, Finding the Right Supports & Early Intervention for Children with Usher Syndrome 

Ms Shepard and Ms Feller will look at the pathway to primary school from a parent perspective of a child with Usher syndrome, including consideration of communication options, managing the various appointments and therapy, finding the right early supports through early intervention, and options available in primary school education. 

Dr. Bronwen Scott 

Dr. Bronwen Scott has worked as an Orientation & Mobility (O&M) specialist for 30 years. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Psychology, Graduate Diploma of Orientation and Mobility, Master of Education (Special Education), and a Doctor of Education. Dr Scott is a lecturer at Macquarie University in the Master of Disability (Sensory Disability) course, teaching the Orientation and Mobility Fundamentals and Inclusion and Professional Collaboration in Sensory Disability units. She also works as an independent O&M specialist in Melbourne and is passionate about creating opportunities for people with vision impairment to meet their goals for independence. 

Early Orientation & Mobility Skill Development 

Dr. Scott will discuss the principles of orientation and mobility and how the early introduction of skills can assist the safety and independence of children with retinitis pigmentosa. She will describe the role of the O&M specialist throughout the course of childhood, how education staff can ensure the inclusion of children with Usher syndrome throughout their education, and how to maintain involvement in all aspects of community life safely and independently.