Award for Gowrie’s Docklands centre

Gowrie Victoria was awarded a Vision Australia 2010 “Making a Difference Award” for its Victoria Harbour childcare centre in May.

Gowrie Victoria was honoured with the award, which recognises outstanding support for blind or low vision people, for The Harbour Family and Children’s Centre’s work with Vision Australia client, Micah.

In presenting the award, Vision Australia said the Harbour Family and Children’s Centre had gone the extra mile to ensure that Micah had felt welcomed at their centre.

“They have adapted toys and equipment and ensured that all staff have received specialist training about how to communicate effectively with someone who is blind or has low vision. They are doing everything possible to ensure that Micah has everything he needs to be able to fully participate in the centre,” Vision Australia said.

Gowrie Victoria’s assistant manager - children’s program, Nicole Brunhierl, accepted the award and said she was thrilled that the team had been recognised for work undertaken to ensure they were inclusive.

Ms Brunhierl said the centre’s educators had changed the way they taught, to accommodate partially blind, two-year-old Micah.

The centre worked closely with Vision Australia to learn how to accommodate and encourage Micah to learn. Staff use high contrast materials in the playground and have adapted the way they use their voices and bodies to communicate.

Reflecting on the award Ms Brunhierl said: “When we take extra time to train educators and support inclusion, we don’t do it for accolades. We do it because we believe that every child has the right to high quality care and education.”