Jo Maher is the founder of Developmental Directions, she was inspired to start her own business after finding no-one else in Far North Queensland offering the services of a Developmental Educator. 

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She is dedicated to providing a range of supports across the life span for people with disabilities. She is an Allied Health Professional with specialized training in Developmental Disabilities. She is also a qualified Early Childhood and Special Education teacher and has an additional qualification in Infant Mental Health.

 

Jo has extensive experience in working with individuals with disabilities and their families, and is committed to providing the highest quality of services to meet the unique needs of each individual.

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Jo is trained to provide a range of services including assessment, intervention, and consultation for individuals with disabilities. She works closely with families, caregivers, and other professionals to develop an individualized plan of care that meets the needs of each individual.

 

Jo has experience in working in a wide variety of community based settings and working with a variety of disabilities including but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, and Intellectual Disabilities.  She has worked as a Support Coordinator, so understands the importance of services working collaboratively as well as utilising a participant's NDIS plan.  Jo has also worked as an SDA Engagement Officer and in Supported Independent Living (SIL)_settings so is well placed to support participants and families to understand these contexts.

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Jo has her NDIS Worker Screening Clearance (Yellow Card) as well as her Working with Children Card (Blue Card). 

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She can support participants from children right through to seniors, in a variety of areas, including:

•  Feeding & Mealtime Challenges

•  Sleep Routines & Sleep Hygiene Practices

•  Dressing & Bathing

•  Language and Communication

•  Fine and Gross Motor Skills, Balance, Coordination

•  Socialising with Peers

•  Family Relationships

•  Behavioral Management Strategies

•  Emotional Regulation Strategies

•  Post-School Goal Setting

• Transitions

• Skill building in work and community settings

• Meal preparation and cooking

• Exiting hospital or Aged-care settings

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