Independent Living Specialists has four full time in house Occupational Therapists available for any clinical advice. Damien Borg, Fiona Bayliss, Kate Neil and Laura Hedditch are available for a variety of services including

• Advice and assistance
• Private Consultation
• Product demonstrations and trials
• Education and training on operation of equipment
• Manual handling education and training
• Specialist OT assessments for
• Access to and inside the home
• Daily living needs
• Measurement and fitting of grab rails
• Home modifications

Damien Borg - Account Manager for the South and West of Sydney

I am an Occupational Therapist working with Independent Living Specialists (ILS) as the Account Manager for the South and West of Sydney.

I graduated from the University of Sydney in 2002 and began my career working in occupational rehabilitation. In this industry, I worked with a large and varied client base, and with a diverse range of injuries; from orthopaedics to chronic pain. My job role varied, but I tended to specialise in ergonomics. The experiences I faced helped me to think outside the square and identify non-conventional solutions. I was also fortunate enough to go back to Sydney University in a teaching capacity on a casual basis – tutoring first and third year students.

I joined ILS in 2007. This role has helped me to explore my passion for Occupational Therapy. It allows me to work with many clinicians across multiple settings, where I am able to learn something from every therapist I encounter. I have also crossed paths with many of the students I tutored so it is also great for me to see their progression from student to professional in Occupational Therapy. I look forward to future challenges and assisting to identify solutions.

To contact Damien by email: damien@ilsau.com.au

or call 0424 152 136

Fiona Bayliss - Account Manager for the East and North of Sydney

I am an Occupational Therapist working for Independent Living Specialists as the Account Manager for the East and North of Sydney.

I completed my Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) degree at the University of Sydney in 2005 and since then have worked in occupational rehabilitation, aged care rehabilitation and paediatrics. When working in occupational rehabilitation, I experienced an array of different work environments, thus conducting a variety of assessments to facilitate an individual’s safe and timely return to work.

Aged care rehabilitation enabled me to assist in improving a person’s independence through regular therapy sessions and conducting home visits to ensure they have a safe home environment upon discharge. This involved equipment prescription and home modifications to improve accessibility within the home and reduce the risk of falls.

In 2008 I participated in a voluntary position in St Lucia, West Indies, whereby I provided occupational therapy with children with developmental delays, disabilities and sensory processing disorders. This experience allowed me to overcome cultural barriers and to implement training and education within the community and the special school system.

From working in a variety of fields, training and education have always been a passion of mine. Completing the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, has empowered me with skills that can assist with facilitating and conducting quality training opportunities for care workers and fellow occupational therapist

To contact Fiona by email: fiona@ilsau.com.au

or call 0402 422 430

Kate Neill - Account Manager for Sydney South West

I am an Occupational Therapist working with Independent Living Specialists as an Account Manager for the South and West of Sydney.

Whilst studying at Sydney University I worked as an Assistant In Nursing in an Aged Care Facility. Working with the elderly highlighted how empowering and significant independence can be for an individual. I was able to conduct assessments to ensure that each resident was provided with the appropriate care based on their cognition, skin integrity and functional ability.  

I graduated from Sydney University in 2009 and moved on to work in Occupational Rehabilitation.  This role gave me the opportunity to work collaboratively with Allied Health Professionals, General Practitioners and Specialists to assist an individual returning to work. I was exposed to a variety of injuries and enjoyed identifying and achieving appropriate rehabilitation goals with my clients. 

In 2010 I joined the ILS family. I have gained experience in multiple areas of rehabilitation and had the opportunity to train and educate health professionals within hospital and community settings.  I can only anticipate that what I have learnt so far is a reflection of future challenges and professional growth. 

To contact Kate by email: kate@ilsau.com.au

or call 0434 266 245

Natice Corby - Product Specialist Rehab and Pressure Care for the West of Sydney

I am a Product Specialist and have been working for Independent Living Specialists since 2009. This role allows me to focus my skills in prescribing both rehabilitation and Pressure Care equipment, predominantly within the Western areas of Sydney. Working with ILS has enabled me to put both my degree in Applied Science and passion for assisting people all into one.

My experience in the industry has enabled me to think outside the box which has lead to greater outcomes for our clients. I personally focus on the education component of my role providing families and individuals with the information they need to make the correct decisions in selecting the most appropriate aids to maintain a person’s independence.

I have a personal interest in pressure care and with the expansion of the ILS Pressure Care division I have been able to assist people further in this area. Working in both hospital and community has given me a greater appreciation for the transition from hospital to home and the difficulties an individual can face. I work with both the individual and the health care professional to ensure there is a safe home environment to go home to. I have worked with my local community as a volunteer in many fundraising capacities my entire life, and now with the assistance of ILS I can give back in more ways than one!

To contact Natice by email: natice@ilsau.com.au

or call 0404 522 701

Laura Hedditch - Account Manager for the North and East of Sydney

I am an Occupational Therapist working for Independent Living Specialists as the Account Manager for the North and East of Sydney.

I graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) from the University of Newcastle in 2006, and since have worked in a variety of roles and locations.

My previous experience is predominantly clinical and has included Acute Care in General Medicine, Surgery, Trauma and Orthopaedics in the United Kingdom; Aged Care Rehabilitation in rural Australia; and prior to working for the Independent Living Specialists, I worked as an Occupational Therapist for a Brain Injury Rehabilitation Service in Sydney.

I have experience in home modification, equipment prescription, training carers and colleagues in the use of equipment, and providing training in safe manual handling practices. I enjoy the creativity and challenge of problem solving situations to provide the best solution for individuals to maximise their independence.

My passion lies in Occupational Therapy and I love the opportunities that are involved with working for the Independent Living Specialists. I believe in keeping up to date with my own professional development in order to offer best practice, and enjoy the constant interaction with our customers, other therapists, and health care providers.

To contact Laura by email: laura@ilsau.com.au

or call 0431 063 926