Profiles
Page 17
AT course opens doors
When member Greg Johnson enrolled in a 10-week Adaptive Technology course at Auckland's Awhina House last year, his career depended on it. Since going blind last July, Greg's employer, the Mayo Group Ltd, has been extremely supportive, but Greg needed to hone his computer skills to keep working there.
"My employer worked with me through the whole process, but my ability to stay in the workforce was dependent on what I could get out of the Adaptive Technology course," says Greg.
The course was even better than he expected. His new skills meant he could take on a computer-based customer service role within the company. He now answers phones, emails quotes and researches new audio visual accessories products. Greg also made new friends.
At first, Greg didn't know what to expect. Not only did he not know what technology was available but also, as he points out, "it was the first time I'd ever met other blind people!"
Instructors Kuini Peehikuru and Mike Lloyd taught him to touch type, and to use programmes like Microsoft Word and Outlook. Greg notes, "It was great that the course could be adapted to meet our needs. In the last few weeks we had free rein, and practised surfing the Internet."
But the course wasn't just about learning computer skills - it was also an opportunity to meet others who had met similar challenges. Greg says this encouraged him to go out more, and get involved in sports clubs again. "The learning doesn't stop when you finish the course, but the tools are there. At the start I was unsure but got a push in the right direction. It's opened doors and will continue to do so my whole life."
He adds, "The course is a great stepping stone for anyone looking to find employment. It's not just about learning to use computers – it's about your ability to communicate, and a window to the world."
Page 18
Going green one square foot at a time!
Graham Mosen has spent a lifetime teaching others about the natural world: first, as a secondary school maths and science teacher and later at the Taranaki Environment Education Trust and Centre.
Graham remembers it was the 1990s when people really started to understand the importance of renewable resources. That same decade Graham's eyesight deteriorated with retinitis pigmentosa and he became a full Foundation member.
In 1992, Graham and his wife Val established the Taranaki Environmental Education Trust and Taranaki Environment Centre. "The aim is to find sustainable ways of continuing to exist in the environment, despite the pressures of overpopulation and high energy systems," explains Graham.
Part of Graham's work involves designing gardening solutions, and one of these is 'square foot gardening', where people can make gardens in spaces as small as four feet by four feet.
"These gardens are great for everyone – kids, Foundation members, or someone who hasn't got a lot of space. You can build them upwards and sideways – all you have to worry about is the little square foot in front of you," says Graham.
Graham sells square foot gardening kit sets, complete with frames, hoops and plastic. They're easy to manage, and members can use templates to drop seeds down holes and use a memory or identification system so they know what they've planted.
The Centre is also a place where individuals, school groups and others can get together, take courses, and learn about how they can act more sustainably in relation to the environment, through recreation and conservation.
Graham says, "It's about maximising the efficiency of landscape design, and human interaction with that landscape. We need to consider how we look after ourselves."
Page 19
Like father, like son
To celebrate Father's Day on 7 September, we're profiling doting dad and RNZFB member, Errol Maffey.
They say the apple never falls far from the tree, and that's certainly the case in the Maffey household.
Errol Maffey (40) is a self-confessed petrol-head. He part-owns a space-framed Commodore that gets raced regularly at the local speedway. He even named his son after Holden Racing Team Driver, Garth Tander!
Though Errol can't drive the race car himself, he loves nothing more than to tinker with it. His father taught him everything he knows about cars, and now Errol's passing that on to four-year-old Garth.
"The best thing about being a dad is being able to share stuff with Garth that I enjoy," says Errol.
"Even being able to share my guide dog Carlin with him. Garth could've resented the dog because he spends so much time with me, but he doesn't," he adds.
As well as Errol teaching Garth everything he knows, Errol says he's also learned a lot from Garth.
"Having Garth has taught me what's important in life," says Errol.
"I've always known family was important, but having Garth brought that home. Material possessions aren't important. Family and friends and having fun is more important."
Though Errol works full-time, there's always time for fun. As soon as Errol gets home from work, he gives Garth a high five if he's been good at pre-school.
Garth says, "I like to go to the dog park with Dad. We throw the ball and let the dogs run around and chase them. After the dog park we feed the ducks. And I like going and getting fish from the pet shop. Dad took me there and I chose the orange one. We have four fish."
So what will Garth be doing for Father's Day? "I think I will be not so naughty at pre-school," says Garth.
Looks like there'll be high fives all round!