Robbie Maples has long been a local identity in and around Bega with his DJing skills and cheerful demeanor.
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For many years, the local DJ drew crowds and inspired people to dance along to great tunes well into the night. Later in life Robbie suffered a stroke which has affected his mobility and ability to communicate, but it didn't dampen his enthusiasm for music.
Now, with the help of Far South Coast therapy and training support organisation Appy Connections and the latest digital technology, Robbie is back doing what he loves.
Kristi Sproates from Appy Connections has introduced Robbie to the world of FaceBook Live and supports him to share and showcase his talent and love for music.
She calls their collaboration the 'DJ Robbie Revival in the Digital Age'.
"Old and new friends are tuning in to Robbie's live segments and are applauding his ability to entertain by using his iPad," Kristi said.
"Last week, via requests, Robbie played The Seekers, Bee Gees, John Farnham and Neil Diamond. There was a taste of nostalgia and a lot of toe tapping."
By accessing Appy Connections' therapy and training supports, Robbie has a goal to download music on to his iPad and operate the equipment independently.
With Kristi's creativity and Robbie's great personality and the latest technology, Robbie can engage with his community and share his love of music.
"Robbie's enjoying all the wonderful feedback and interaction so far," Kristi said.
"The right technology can open new doors, and - in some cases - new worlds for people living with a disability. You just need the right instruction and delivery method."
Join Robbie during his weekly rocking segments on FB Live. Look up Events here: www.facebook.com/AppyConnections/
Another Bega Valley Innovation
Kristi Sproates is founder/owner of Appy Connections, which delivers innovative National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports around the Bega Valley. Her services bridge therapy into daily life while utilising mobile devices and other digital technologies.
Appy Connections was chosen to participate in the Bega Valley Innovation Hub's first cohort where seven local small businesses are receiving education and mentoring.
Kristi is exploring how new digital systems can be developed to collaboratively support her clients to receive continuous delivery of therapy supports under the NDIS.
Kristi offers individually tailored learning plans that match users' skills and needs: a focus on individual strengths; customising devices; and using or recommending existing apps. Each learner is supported to succeed as Kristi offers face to face individual training in learning environments where skills can be implemented in real time.
Following over a decade of disability services support and leadership roles, Kristi pursued further study and in 2015 completed the Bachelor of Disability and Developmental Education (Hons) at Flinders University. Kristi is a member of the Developmental Educators Australia Inc. Developmental Educators are disability specialists who work from a holistic, strengths based, inclusive and person-centered approach.
Appy Connections is registered to deliver Capacity Building/Therapy supports under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and works with people to build new skills that enable them to engage and connect with others online and offline.