Rebecca Scacco

Community Capacity Building Project Officer - Scope Victoria

Graduated in:

2007

Course completed:

Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Promotion) majoring in families, society and health.

Currently working for:

Scope Victoria

How long have you been working for this organisation?

1 year

Position title and short job description:

Community Capacity Building Project Officer. As a member of the Community Inclusion and Development Team, this position plays a vital role in supporting community organisations to involve people with a disability in everyday activities. I support existing disability services to plan and work with individuals to identify opportunities for inclusion, and work with community organisations to provide services and support to build an inclusive environment for all.

Working highlight so far:

The Fun in the Sun Festival was held on February 2010 aimed to be an accessible event for people of all abilities. The accessible features included

• a welcoming and quiet area at Scope’s Thames Promenade Day Service,
• a Liberty swing,
• adapted sporting and entertainment activities running throughout the day,
• firm accessible paths,
• accessible toilets,
• Auslan interpreters during performances,
• clear signage,
• extended accessible parking and information stalls from a diverse range of disability and community organisations.

The day was a huge success and around 15,000 people attended the event with a diverse range of people coming together and participating in an inclusive environment. The festival catered for people of all ages and abilities with acts such as Dorothy the Dinosaur and friends, Code One Police Band, Bi-polar Bears, a Reptile Show, The Choir of Hard Knox and much more.

What are the things you enjoy most about your job?

Helping people with disabilities to reach their potential.

An area in which you have needed assistance:

Learning about the different disabilities and support needs.

What do you intend to do in the future?

Stay in the disability field and move up to a management position.

#1 tip for current students studying your course:

Complete plenty of work experience even if it is during your holidays.