International Disability Expert

PHOTO:Pat Fratangelo (right) with Walkabout Industries Divisional Manager, Craig Geeves.

A leading international expert on disability recently conducted a one-day workshop in Hobart.
Ms Pat Fratangelo, Executive Director of Onondaga Community Living based in New York State, USA, spent an informative day speaking with representatives from Government and Tasmania’s disability sector. Ms Fratangelo spoke on organisational change and the benefits of providing one-on-one support to people with disability.

Ms Fratangelo also spoke on the State Government’s Review of Tasmanian Disability Services, saying she believed the review is ‘on the right track’. Ms Fratangelo encouraged attendees to be the conscience of Government and to work hard at ‘keeping them to their word.’  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Following the one-day workshop, Ms Fratangelo met staff and management at Walkabout Industries in Glenorchy. Ms Fratangelo spoke at length about supported employment with Divisional Manager Craig Geeves, who took Ms Fratangelo on a tour of the facilities. Ms Fratangelo said she was impressed with ‘the heart of the organisation and its’ Management’.

Oak Tasmania Chief Executive Officer, Mr John Paton invited Ms Fratangelo to Tasmania to assist Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s) working in the disability sector prepare for their increased role in the delivery of services.
“As part of the State Government’s review recommendations, all direct service delivery will be devolved to the NGO sector over a three year period. NGO’s will be required to take on a greater role in the provision of services for people with disability and their families.”

Mr Paton welcomed the findings and recommendations of the State Government’s Review of Tasmanian Disability Services and on the recent appointment of Lin Thorpe MLC as Minister for Human Services.

“As one of the largest providers of services for people with disability in Tasmania, Oak Tasmania looks forward to working more closely with the State Government to secure increased resources and funding of programs and services for the benefit of Tasmanians with disability and their families.”
Oak Tasmania acknowledges the support of Disability Services Tasmania in bringing Ms Fratangelo to Tasmania. Walkabout Industries is a business division of Oak Tasmania.