Geoff Stratton
Work History
I Have worked: in a Light Engineering factory; on Capstan Lathes. Then moved to a second factory; working on Electronic assembly.
After that, as a Physiotherapist: working for a medical agency in several hospitals in London; for the Public health service in Johannesburg, South Africa; the Public Health service in Port Kembla and Wollongong.
Finally, after retirement, a casual position as a Disability Expert, with an auditing firm that assesses Disability Employment Services against the 12 Disability Standards, which they have to meet to continue receiving government funding.
The above jobs were in: Semi-Skilled factory work. The Health industry, which included working on hospital wards, Outpatient's Physio Department and rehabilitation. And Interviewing and clerical work.
Challenges
The main problems I have found working as a Physiotherapist and in my present auditing work, have been: Accessing handwritten/printed material; working with machines that had Sensor touch controls and digital VDU displays; Video examination; Obtaining adaptive technology which was extremely hard to receive any assistance from either from my employer or government -- In fact, for many years I supplied my own computer etc; and some Skepticism that Vision/blind people could not do the work -- having said that, most of the people I have worked with have been very helpful.
Where printed/handwritten materials were the problem, I had to find someone to read it to me. Adaptive technology help with some of it. Where Assistance wasn't forthcoming to obtain a computer etc, I had to buy my own. With the passing of time, those who had doubts about my disability, eventually,accepted it and it was no longer a problem. For those who never really came to terms with it, then it was necessary to ignore the prejudice as best as possible. There is still ongoing problems with accessing files etc which there does not seem an answer to. Only time will tell whether this is going to present further problems or a solution can be found.
Education
My educational qualifications are: Five O-Levels in: English, English Literature, History, Mathematics and economics; and diploma of Physiotherapy.
Contact Details
EMAIL: g.m.stratton@justinternet.com.au
ADDRESS:
18/32 Keira Street,
Wollongong 2500.
PHONE:
HOME: 0242 286238.
MOBILE: 0415 176 609.