OC Connections

We have been extremely happy with OC, they helped so much with transition from school to the adult world . They were happy to listen and also to try to make things easier. They are always understanding and very accomodating. If there is anything negative they are more than happy to help rectify the problem . Programs are excellent and heaps to chose from . Staff are friendly and easy to approach. Communication could be improved but overall it’s great , our daughter is happy and that is the main concern

We like the fact that OC Connections has a Centre base even though some activities are located elsewhere and drop-off and pick-up may occur at these locations. Despite the growth in number of participants over the past decade it is refreshing to see that OC Connections retains an overall culture of friendliness and that its participants are greeted in a convivial manner. It is pleasing to note that there has been an increase in the number of women on the board. We are hoping for improved avenues of communication between participants/parents/carers and the board, including greater knowledge of the organisation's priorities and activities. We would like there to be more teaching elements within activities. For example, one of the instructors chose a Makaton word to practice with all participants during a daily activity once a week. By the end of that activity this communication sign would have been used repeatedly. It would be good to know what skills training is being attempted for particular activities. At present this information is only shared if requested.

No institution can be like my daughter's home, where love is spread on just the family; but having said that, sometimes the 24/7 care cannot be provided at home and so a secondary caring situation is needed. The group home where my daughter resides is for her a "Home away from Home", where she is seen and treated as an individual and where she is secure and happy, where her specific needs are met and where her health and wellbeing are paramount. Her own room is individual and furnished to her taste. Her rose bush is outside her window. As a parent I seek for my daughter, security, happiness, attention to her needs by a caring staff and a environment that treats her as an individual of worth. These things I know my daughter receives from OC Connections. The Day Programs that she receives at OC Connections are rich and varied. No home can replicate such facilities and the professionalism that one experiences is such that confidence is assured, and this has been the case for the many years that my daughter has been associated with the Oakleigh Centre and now the new name OC Connections.

OC Connections is a wonderful organisation providing wonderful services for the intellectually disabled. Their care and level of service is second to none.

I Like more complex packing jobs. I like the current variety we have but would love new work. I like to mentor other employees with a disability- it's something I enjoy doing.