Making a Global Impact: Achieve Australia Visits Catalight’s Walnut Creek Headquarters

Jo-Anne Hewitt, CEO of Achieve Australia – a Sydney-based non-profit that provides a wide-range of tailored disability services – visited the Walnut Creek home of Catalight and Easterseals Northern California on Aug. 1 for a lively exchange of ideas, philosophies and strategies on autism treatment and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

The meeting, which included clinical leaders and program leads from Catalight, Easterseals Hawaii and Easterseals Northern California, was part of an informal exchange program Catalight maintains with international organizations to share expertise and gain new perspectives.

“It was wonderful to hear about how our programs had similarities and what we could learn from each other,” Catalight Chief Health Officer Tracy Gayeski said. “We spoke about government support in Australia, which led to a productive brainstorming session on how we could think about systemic change in the United States. A lot of great ideas about how we could further make an impact came out of the meeting.”

Catalight recognizes Australia for its progressive approach to supporting people with disabilities. Founded in 1952, Achieve Australia works closely with government bodies to advocate for and deliver quality services. They are involved in shaping I/DD policy and improving access to support services.

The organization prides itself in offering personalized care and services designed to enhance quality of life and independence, its forward-thinking and inclusive approach to support, and its diverse and comprehensive services.

The discussion revealed a strong alignment in treatment philosophies between the Catalight companies and Achieve Australia, as both share an unwavering commitment to personalized care – recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach to disability support and services cannot be universally effective. Both organizations place the highest focus on wellbeing for all individuals as the ultimate outcome.

“What an inspiring visit with Achieve Australia’s CEO, Jo-Anne Hewitt!” said Monica Patrie, Vice President of Easterseals Programs. “Learning about her company’s approach to delivering services to the I/DD population in Australia and expanding our networking was truly impactful.”

The exchange marked another important step to expand Catalight’s global point of view and learn from those with progressive policies, programs and practices.

In May, Catalight clinicians presented research on autism treatment outcomes and wellbeing, deepening their understanding of global best practices and innovative approaches at the International Society of Autism Research conference in Melbourne.

Catalight also discussed housing and employment opportunities for its population and workforce development at the meeting, said Tracy, while gaining insight into some of the creative ways Achieve Australia supports their clients in such areas. By integrating innovative ideas and approaches from international partners, Catalight will continue to enhance its services to better meet the needs of individuals and advance the field of autism and I/DD support.