Email: katea@tadaust.org.au
Phone: 02 6023 5425.
I am a self employed Remedial Massage Therapist also specializing in pregnancy and postnatal massage.
The versatility and flexibility of my profession is fantastic and there is a high level of job satisfaction in helping to ease others pain and improve the function of their bodies. I also enjoy the challenge of learning new skills and techniques to enhance the effectiveness of my work.
Sometimes training and further education in massage is not that easy. There is not any massage or associated training that is specifically designed or modified with Blind or VIP students in mind in Australia, that I know of. However when asked, most people and institutions are happy to modify their material or presentations in some way, to help.
My employment history prior to my becoming involved in massage was quite varied and sporadic, even though I hold a degree in Social Welfare and one in Education. Partially I think this has been due to my vision and from living in a country area, albeit a large town.
I have albinism and am legally blind, although I do have some good useable sight, about 10% or so.
Like so many others this has made and still makes education and transport hard work some times; not to mention finding a suitable understanding employer in conjunction with a suitable paid job. The end result to date for me was to retrain as a Remedial Massage Therapist and employ myself.
Another one of the fantastic results of this decision has been new associated job opportunities i.e. assisting a totally blind massage student in a local TAFE massage course.
I would recommend Massage or associated career for any Blind or VIP person interested in health and wellbeing, their own and others. There will be some hurdles to jump in the training, and in creatively setting up or working in a clinic due to all the forms, record keeping and other tasks involved on top of treating patients. Never-the-less, it is a rewarding occupation, whether your practice is very small and just supplementing your pension or large and more commercial. It'll demand a lot from you, but will give a lot back too.