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Meet Lauren, the heart behind Leisure and Lifestyle
Meet Lauren, the Lifestyle and Leisure Lead at Guide Dogs Queensland, who has been enhancing the lives of Clients since joining the team in January 2023. With a passion for creating inclusive and engaging programs, Lauren is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for individuals with low vision or blindness.
Diverse programs for every interest
Lauren oversees a range of Lifestyle and Leisure classes designed to empower Clients and promote well-being. Here’s a glimpse into what’s offered:
– Self Defence: This program focuses on building confidence, fitness, and flexibility through mild cardio and stretching exercises, all within a supportive group setting.
– Clay Sculpture: Clients can unleash their creativity in a relaxed atmosphere, using tactile clay work to explore visual memory and self-expression reflected in beautiful art pieces.
– Yoga: Aimed at promoting mindfulness, this class encourages Clients to stretch beyond their comfort zones while carving out valuable personal time.
– Strength and Balance: Delivered by an accredited exercise physiologist, this class enhances balance, strength, and mobility in day-to-day life activities. Classes are tailored to meet the unique needs of each Client through two clinical assessments.
Tailoring programs to individual needs
At Guide Dogs, Lauren highlights equity and inclusion through adaptable programs. The participants in her classes are Clients with varying degrees of vision loss. “We meet our Clients where they are, not expecting everyone to have the same life or lived experience” she explains. Lauren believes that the best way to tailor classes is by engaging directly with Clients, understanding their needs, and making necessary modifications throughout the journey.
Collaborative curriculum development
The curriculum for Lauren’s classes is driven by Client interests. She collaborates with other professionals and organisations to create engaging programs that allow Clients to learn new skills regardless of their vision levels. “We focus on showing and teaching rather than just doing,” she notes, highlighting the importance of descriptive language and hands-on exploration in craft classes.
Fun facts about Lauren
Outside of her role at Guide Dogs, Lauren is a dedicated dog mom to a six-year-old labradoodle named Dolly, affectionately known as Dolly Pawton. A self-proclaimed pop culture enthusiast and devoted Swiftie, she even attended Taylor Swift’s Melbourne concert.
Through her innovative programs and compassionate approach, Lauren is making a meaningful impact in the lives of those she serves. We’re excited to see how she continues to inspire and empower the community at Guide Dogs!
If you would like to know more about our Lifestyle and Leisure classes, please email clients@guidedogsqld.com.au.
