Ashlea O'Shaughnessy and Amelia Hinge, two Occupational Therapy students from the University of South Australia, are bringing their expertise and passion to the Barossa Valley, aiming to enhance social engagement for neurodivergent adolescents. Their nine-week placement at Valley Kids Therapy Services in Nuriootpa is a critical part of their academic journey.
"We have been very lucky to have been able to engage with many wonderful community members," Amelia noted. "From allied health professionals and school staff to neurodivergent adolescents and their families. Each of these different perspectives will support us to work towards opportunities for neurodivergent adolescents” she says.
Their project has already made significant strides, thanks to the supportive environment provided by the Barossa Regional University Campus. Utilising the campus's facilities, including meeting rooms for planning sessions and spaces for hosting presentations, has been crucial. “The Barossa is such a lovely place to spend nine weeks, so there really could be worse places in the world to be!" says Ashlea.
Their journey is a powerful reminder of the positive changes that can occur when education and community collaboration intersect.
