TAC client on a mission to help severely injured people

Published date: 25 May 2018

Katherine Johnston became a TAC and Guide Dogs Victoria client after she suffered a severe brain injury eight years ago following a car crash that left her in a coma for six weeks and having to learn basic tasks again.

During her rehabilitation, Katherine and her team of providers developed a system using a TAC-supplied iPad to communicate and store crucial information Katherine needed access to.

Kathrine believed this system could help others and developed the iReach app to assist in their rehabilitation.

The TAC will provide $48,846 to Guide Dogs Victoria through the Small Grants Program to help Katherine develop the iReach app so that others can benefit from her learnings.

The iReach app will:

Provide personalised messages between users and their chosen health care providers, therapists and carers
Enable medical professionals, therapists and carers to effectively share and communicate client updates, appointments and care instructions with each other and the user.
Provide a simple GPS function to assist users with independence and navigation.
Send automated reminders of medical and therapy appointments
Provide audio/visual assistance for users, including step-by-step video guidance for therapy tasks.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Finance Robin Scott

“These grants provide important financial support to projects that improve people’s lives. “

“Investments like the TAC Small Grants Program help to build a stronger Victorian community for everyone to live and work in.”

Quotes attributable to app creator Katherine Johnston

“I have trouble remembering important details and my iPad became my third arm to help me when I was out by myself.”

“My carers and my therapists use it to leave notes for each other or to easily share information.”

Quote attributable to TAC Head of Independence Liz Cairns

“Regaining quality of life and independence is a crucial part of recovery following a serious injury and supporting these projects helps our clients get their lives back on track.”