SPRINGVALE Park Special Developmental School teacher Jill Thomson was awarded for her services to students with autism at the 2015 Aspect National Recognition Awards.
Ms Thomson had run a teen club within the school which offered students aged 14 to 18 years old the opportunity to develop new friendships and go on weekend outings.
Recognised at the award ceremony in Sydney on Thursday 16 April, Ms Thomson said the club fosters the students’ independence, allows them to experience activities in the local and wider community and, most importantly, to have fun.
“It also gives families some respite so parents can visit friends, go out for a meal or to the movies and spend quality time with their other children,” she said.
Ms Thomson volunteered as the club co-ordinator for eight years and dedicated her time on Friday evenings and weekends without anyone knowing the position was voluntary.
Ms Thomson said the award was an unexpected honour.
