a future without barriers our 148th annual review 20092010 index chairman’s report vale ceo report mental health children & youth parents & family community 3 6 7 9 11 17 18 services outside victoria employment fundraising & marketing financial information organisation chart community support 19 21 22 24 25 27 chairman’s report Almost 150 years ago, Deaf Children Australia began a journey of positive change. This year, that path has guided many of our efforts toward greater connection within our own, and the wider community. A key achievement was the 4th World Mental Health and Deafness (MHD) Congress, from which several initiatives have emerged. We owe the success of MHD 2009 to the efforts of our organising team and the Deaf Services Queensland (DSQ) partnership. Regrettably, that partnership ended in February 2010 when DSQ decided on an independent strategic course. This break leaves the Deaf Children Australia commitment to Queensland children and their families unchanged. To create a constructive environment and refresh the organisation, Deaf Children Australia assessed its board and its skills. Needs, roles and responsibilities were redefined, including Governance principles, board member induction and ongoing skills development. Additional skilled deaf representation has been sought across our organisation. I welcome Cathy Clark (Deaf person and adult educator), Sara Kenfield (teacher of the deaf), Paul Richardson (administrator and parent of a deaf child) on to the Board. Andrew Stewart (deaf and parent of deaf child), Leesa Cluff (parent of deaf children) and Paul Jacobs (deaf person and reserarcher / academic) also offer valued input to our Stakeholder Committee. Sadly, our friend and supporter Dr Maria Remine lost a long battle with illness and was unable to fulfil her role on our Board. As our 150th anniversary approaches, a new Property Committee has begun regular meetings. So far, discussions have centred on funds needed to restore the Bluestone building and meaningful use for our property over the next 150 years. Consultation is underway about the site future, including its historical and cultural value, praticality and creating a deaf community hub. The positive contribution of our work results directly from funding by trust and foundations, bequests and government. Thank you to our valued supporters for your continued assistance. Participation is what keeps Deaf Children Australia vibrant and moving ahead. Thank you to all who take part in offering input and feedback. The role of our stakeholder committee, Parent Council for Deaf Education (PCDE) and Parents of Deaf (POD) groups is especially vital to open communication and I sincerely appreciate the commitment of everyone involved. Specifically, I would like to recognise the contributions of Sue Izard and Katie Holmes, departing board members moving on to new challenges. Thank you also to the many individuals, particularly our volunteers and staff, who work tirelessly towards the inclusive and united culture at Deaf Children Australia. Noel Henderson 3 a year of breakthroughs 5 vale The passing of Dr Maria Remine is a loss to the whole Australian deaf community. Renowned for her positive thinking and enthusiasm, Maria was an accomplished academic, well regarded practitioner and a popular speaker in the field of Mental Health and Deafness. Her contributions to Deaf Children Australia include 6 National Reference Group membership and a presentation to the 4th World Congress on Mental Health and Deafness. Maria accepted a position on the Deaf Children Australia Board from 2010, but sadly illness prevented her taking up the post. She will be fondly remembered. ceo report Deaf Children Australia is an energised organisation with a bright and promising future. For almost 150 years we have been a central deafness hub and, this year, foundations with real potential have been laid. Building productive partnerships, creating innovative programs and using available skills well has enriched our stakeholder relationships and shaped healthy, open discussion toward diffusing social barriers. Drawing community and health professionals together, the 4th World Congress on Mental Health and Deafness broke new ground on a global scale. Hosted jointly with Deaf Services Queensland, many people will benefit from this milestone event. Initiatives like The Healthy Deaf Minds National Tour and personal safety program SAFE have already emerged that promise to nurture the wellbeing of young deaf Australians. Our decision to re-establish the DCA brand has affirmed young people as the focus of all we do. Key to our success have been fundraising and marketing to secure additional donors, improve return on investment and the power of our partnerships. We continue to experience a firm bond with the Western Australia Deaf Society. Additionally, our recently completed three year partnership in landmark cochlear implant research (funded through Australian Research Council) has led to the possibility of a second major study. Cochlear implants and their role in language development were also discussed when Roz Keenan attended the WHO Newborn Hearing Screening Conference in April at Lake Como, Italy. In our third year of participation, continued advocacy for parent-friendly newborn screening methods gave rise to a new global parent network with Deaf Children Australia as a founding member. Although our strategic partnership with Deaf Services Queensland (DSQ) concluded in February, young Queenslanders and their families have our continued commitment. Our independent investment over six years has secured Qld Health funding for the first time, to facilitate parent and youth mentoring programs over the next three years. The closure of our DSQ relationship created an opportunity to study our effectiveness and restructure the organisation. My thanks to all members of staff and the management team for your efforts over a challenging time. In welcoming new people and farewelling past members, our updated team has grown a common forward focus with skills and resources positioned where most needed. Letting go of some internal partitions has given us a united approach to core activities like Fundraising & Marketing, Community Relations, Advocacy and Campaigning. The vision for our St Kilda Road property growing into a Deaf community education and culture hub prompted the beginning of a process to address restoration issues and lay foundations for the next 150 years. We are currently involved in stakeholder engagement and fact gathering that will result in an updated site Master plan, designed to balance the building heritage with more effective site usage that injects life and vitality for the benefit of our whole community. Damian Lacey 7 mental health 4TH WORLD CONGRESS After four years of planning, an ambitious program exploring the close link between mental health and deafness was delivered at our main event of 2009, the 4th World Congress on Mental Health and Deafness. Held over three days between 28-30 October, over 300 delegates attended the presentations, learning opportunities and professional development sessions. Themed A Life to be Lived, many opinions and approaches to deafness and lifelong mental health were considered in a positive and constructive way. The role of parents and carers in developing confidence and resilience was also explored. Inspiring keynote speakers were secured and foundations laid for advancing the needs of deaf and hard of hearing people for the future. A vast body of knowledge about deaf mental health was available to explore national issues and areas for improvement such as: »» increased research »» professional training »» cultural awareness »» service access Presented in partnership with Deaf Services Queensland, the Congress engaged international health and deafness professionals and opened active dialogue about their services and ease of access for the deaf community. From speakers to facilitators, staff and volunteers, Congress development was led by deaf and hard of hearing people who attended in record numbers. This created networking opportunities, not just between health professionals and service providers but for bridging the gap between the deaf and wider communities. The delegation bonded so successfully, an atmosphere of cooperation was evident from the start. Knowledge and experiences were openly shared and discussed, and the cohesive nature of the group has been praised by attendees. Deaf Children Australia is proud to have hosted an event with so much potential to transform the lives of deaf Australians. Two important breakthroughs have already flowed from the Congress: »» Safe Deaf Children Australia secured the rights to an Australian edition of this innovative program to build children’s personal safety skills in school, home and clinical settings In many ways, Congress has set a direction for future programs, focusing on the social and emotional health of deaf children. It has been a landmark event from which benefits will continue to flow for many years to come. »» Healthy Deaf Minds Tour a national tour promoting emotional and social wellbeing with a series of professional development workshops and community forums nationally and in New Zealand 9 children & youth STAR STARs in the making Deaf and hard of hearing children benefit greatly from regular contact with deaf adults. The STAR program engages 5-12 year-olds and their families with the deaf community through a deaf adult role model. In the relaxed environment of home, mentors help families better understand deafness, cope with grief and ease communication obstacles to build the child’s confidence and self esteem. This year, 5 STAR role models supported 12 families across Melbourne and regional Victoria. The families gain valuable insight into the child’s experience of life to help secure better prospects for their future. STAR in Victoria is generously funded by the Marian & EH Flack Trust, Grosvenor Foundation and The CMV Foundation. Seeing the advantages deaf children gain from STAR inspired the development of a new Positive Role Models program. Supported by the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) this program is planned to launch in a school based format during 2010/11, providing more children with better access to mentors with similar life experiences and alleviating transportation issues by mentors visiting their school. A flagship event was the Career Showcase which inspired many positive student outcomes. It prepared 38 students for a resilient workforce entry with the chance to discuss meeting challenges and the reality of working life as experienced by 15 Deaf or hard of hearing adults from a variety of career backgrounds. Establishing an independent future with meaningful prospects through vocational training or higher education were other notable themes. CAREER MENTORING The value of Career Mentoring has been recognised with ongoing funding through the Ian Potter Foundation and Marian & EH Flack Trust. From 2010-11 it will become a vital resource for deaf students participating in the Positive Role Models program. Forging their way Career Mentoring supports deaf and hard of hearing school leavers as they ready themselves to decide on a career path. This new initiative experienced strong demand from schools and proved successful in exploring the career choices open to deaf students. 11 children & youth RECREATION Striving for personal best Our Recreation program surged beyond its original goal of 100 participants to exceed all expectations. In total, 275 eager young people have been involved, many of which are new participants. Social and sporting interaction is a healthy and positive way for students to develop self-assurance and embrace life. This initiative is DHS funded in Victoria and has active members at both primary and secondary student levels. Its success has secured breakthrough funding for a pilot Respite program planned for 2010-11. Deaf Children Australia provided fun and engaging school holiday programs, even though our part time coordinator left during the year. Students have also enjoyed an upbeat 12 array of other social and sporting events, including our Deaf Formal and Mad About Sports days. ILS Confident, connected individuals The Independent Living Skills program brings purpose and meaning to the lives of deaf youth by nurturing essential life skills. The goal of this program is to support young people to emerge as active members of their community who experience less isolation and more fulfilled lives. Independent Living Skills provides deaf youth with the tools needed to become secure and confident in their ability to care for their own safety and wellbeing. Although greater than expected staff turnover caused short term continuity issues, planned support levels were exceeded and a successful launch of the Deaf Girls Circle achieved. A key feature of the Deaf Children Australia future service offering, Independent Living Skills continues next year with a combination of DHS, nib Foundation and internal funding. CASE MANAGEMENT Stepping forward together Our Case Management team empowers families and their deaf or hard of hearing children to break down barriers and overcome challenges. By fostering skills, knowledge and acceptance, children achieve a connectedness at home that can be carried into the wider world. With the help they need to access support, services and learning opportunities the experience of life for deaf and hard of hearing young people can be greatly improved. Milestones are often private moments that may be slight or life changing. Case Management provides the opportunity to learn, grow and celebrate those achievements. This year, Case Management experienced a high level of staff turnover which put the service under some pressure. Given the complexity of our case load the recruitment of skilled staff remains a challenge. Internet connections Youth Online is Deaf Children Australia’s next generation peer support initiative. Online social environments are becoming increasingly important and our interactive technology is keeping youth connected in a safe and secure moderated environment. This two year pilot program is jointly funded this year by Myer Foundation, ANZ Trustees and the auDA Foundation to link discussion groups using an innovative web based platform. Our initial venture with this technology has been a learning experience. Encouragingly, pilot registrations reached 55 deaf youth participants. The challenging new technology, platform changes and program coordination caused some delays, but sessions are now live and reliably attracting 4-5 users. With the new platform up and running, future online gatherings will be able to attract and engage many more online members. Like many other web based applications, Youth Online is a work in progress. In response to our takeup rate, usage levels and feedback it is evolving into a presence that will attract, interest and engage its youth target. 13 a future connected 15 parents & family BEACON Our guiding light Beacon is the first program of its kind in Australia, offering families parentto-parent support when a baby is found to be deaf. Aside from sharing their experiences, our trained mentors provide access to a support network with learning opportunities to grow an understanding of hearing loss. This has been the last in a four year pilot program and our second year actively connecting parent mentors with families. While the number of referrals remained constant, this represented a higher proportion of newly diagnosed families and resulted in double our expected contact rate. Through Beacon, Deaf Children Australia had planned to place mentors with 10% of newly diagnosed families. In fact, we achieved a referral level of 22%, many of whom live in rural or regional areas. Parent-to-parent contact is especially beneficial for these families, who already experience a degree of isolation, and our referrals in these areas have been especially strong. PODs Parenting possibilities Parent Support Groups (PODs) link families locally to share with and learn from one another. Around Australia, POD groups provide parents with support and networking opportunities as children gain confidence in their community. Experiences are shared and enjoyed in an environment of understanding and acceptance. During late 2010, Victoria’s peak parent advocacy group, Parents of Hearing Impaired Victoria Federation Inc (PHICV) plans to relaunch as POD Vic with support from Deaf Children Australia. ACCOMMODATION Deaf Children Australia offers students and families accommodation with nearby access to specialty learning centres. Capacity is always well utilised and, this year our two programs housed: »» Jasper Road six students attending the Victorian College for the Deaf. »» Family Accommodation Services two regional Victorian families/ four children attending Aurora early intervention The substantial funding gap is made up by Deaf Children Australia and the generous support of the McKnight Foundation, who make our Family Accommodation Services possible. While the concept is not new, our accommodation services offer assurance to both families and isolated children. In the coming 6 months we will conduct a collaborative review with DEECD and VCD of the services offered from Jasper Road. No fees are charged to residents, with accommodation costs partly met by DEECD. 17 community AUSLAN Bridging language barriers Deaf Children Australia offers a range of accessible family Auslan programs. Finding time for practice or costly classroom training is hard to balance with busy family life. It is vital for us to think innovatively so families gain Auslan language skills to limit isolation and enrich communication. Technology means we are no longer confined to traditional teaching methods. Deaf Children Australia has been instrumental in removing barriers to learning through shared Auslan language development ideas like: »» Auslan Only Weekend family time at Healesville Sanctuary with deaf Auslan tutors supervising games and activities attracted 44 participants this year »» Auslan at Home Tuition one on one tuition in the comfort of the family home currently supports 12 families 18 »» Auslan Anywhere an exciting pilot program for busy parents to learn Auslan with a Nintendo Game Console trialed by 11 participants »» Teach Yourself Auslan Auslan self-learning using an interactive CD ROM is now scheduled for release Dec 2010 The complex design and programming of Teach Yourself Auslan has extended its launch date. However, this product will be a valuable ongoing resource, especially for families moving beyond the Auslan at Home program. Funding is sourced for Deaf Children Australia’s Auslan language programs through Equity Trustee Charitable Trust, Telematics Course Development Fund, David Taylor Galt Estate and the Collier Foundation. HELPLINE WEBSITE Communication revolution In this electronic age, communication is key to sharing our knowledge and experience. The Deaf Children Australia Helpline and Website keep individuals, families and our community connected. Website Available 24 hours, every day of the year, our website offers a unique opportunity to break through sound, culture and language barriers. The site features a built-in translator and many pages also include Auslan video and audio captioning, so the up-to-date information is fully accessible. Open discussion is actively encouraged through comments, email feedback and social networks. Now averaging around 5,500 visitors per month, our website is often the first point of contact with the organisation. Helpline This year, the Deaf Children Australia Helpline assisted almost 250 callers with a range of enquiries. Communication, education, family support and service requests were stand out caller interests. YOUTH GRANTS TYE ESTATE Youthful endorsements Our youth are living proof that deafness is no barrier. This year Deaf Children Australia has supported an impressive level of community engagement, involvement and individual pursuit. Just over $20,000 was made available in grants of up to $2,000 for event attendance, education and community activities. Not everyone lives in close proximity to learning and vocational opportunities. This year, one grant provided accommodation for a Year 11 boy to pursue restaurant work experience away from home. These grants are made possible in Victoria by the Alan and Cecilia Tye Estate and the Nelson and JD Brooke Trusts. Deaf Children Australia provide grants to children outside of Victoria. Tye Estate funds also assist access to recreation events and youth camps. services outside victoria Beyond our traditional borders, Deaf Children Australia has continued to grow and develop our work with other Australian deaf organisations. This year, mutual contribution and observations have proved highly successful and distinctly enhanced the skills, experience and value we bring to our partnerships. QUEENSLAND In Queensland, Deaf Children Australia offer information services, advocacy and increasingly active programs like Cool Kids Cool Parents. Support of POD (Parents of Deaf) groups is also an important part of our work. Funded by Deaf Children Australia in partnership with Jessica & Wallace Hore Foundation, some excellent feedback was received for the 6 Cool Kids Cool Parents workshops provided to 20 parents during the year. While expiration of STAR funding concluded that service for 8 participating parents, a breakthrough was the successful Queensland Health liaison that secured financial support over three years for a new Parent to Parent program. NEW SOUTH WALES Our support of Parent Council for Deaf Education efforts to shape a national parent voice and better networks achieved new heights. Active parent membership has grown to 80 and participation rates improved. Newly diagnosed families also made contact in record numbers. Highlights this year were the launch of two new POD groups and a partnership that created much positive awareness through the 3 day Hearing Awareness event at NSW Parliament. Among other activities, interpreting school tours and question time proved popular with over 500 attendees. Our ‘Breaking the Sound Barriers’ book launch and Family Fun Day saw 50 families attend, as signing and deaf children joined the festivities together. Service delivery in NSW is jointly funded by Deaf Children Australia, NSW Government and, this year, Campbelltown Community Development helped POD Macarthur get securely established. Our relationships with alliance organisations are not only mutually beneficial, they help Deaf Children Australia reach beyond established boundaries to offer practical, positive support that benefits families, parents and children across Australia. WESTERN AUSTRALIA Deaf Children Australia continues to contribute to better outcomes for Western Australian families and deaf or hard of hearing children. Our executive management agreement supports the Western Australia Deaf Society with provision of a CEO until March 2012. Through the year, this has provided many opportunities for Deaf Children Australia to share expertise and contribute value to the agreement. 19 employment EMPLOYMENT SERVICES Career prospecting Sign On Employment Melbourne assists deaf, hard of hearing and disabled people find full or part time work. Three federal and state funded initiatives help Deaf Children Australia ease any limitations to candidate employment prospects. During the year, Sign On expanded by our services to actively assist 750 Melbourne job seekers break into their chosen career. The service currently has around 550 active clients. One highlight of the year has been gaining the non-compulsory ISO 9001 accreditation. Our employment service is now one of a select group to hold this level of industry endorsement. Sign On successfully transitioned to a new Disability Employment Services (DES) contract, and can now offer direct job seeker registration across 3 city councils in inner Melbourne. Sign On DES in-school support means there is less need for school leavers to feel fenced in by a lack of employment opportunity. The Employment Assistance Fund can bridge any divide between deaf and other employees by helping with Auslan translation costs for interviews, training and other work related tasks. Sign On is often praised for our dedication and excellent service. Our positive influence in providing support for workplace modification, partnerships and lobbying is building lasting client employment prospects. This year, better help was also made available through two updated government employment programs. 21 fundraising & marketing FUNDRAISING & MARKETING A new wave of support Fundraising and marketing are the backbone of any not for profit organisation. Deaf Children Australia relies on grant success and public support to deliver our services. We are also indebted to a dedicated team of volunteers who generously donate their time and, this year provided over 1,005 hours of support for services and activities across the organisation. Although this year saw many trusts and foundations grow close program links through direct funding, our level of public awareness declined. Following a full appraisal of fundraising and marketing activities, our creative agency suggested a three year 22 program of investment in market penetration. This included filling the long vacant Manager of Marketing & Fundraising position and redefining our communication. Appeals received a fresh new look, and cut through advertising has helped raise our profile. Our key communication message is about breaking down barriers. Deafness is no barrier to a productive, happy and fulfilling life. Our goal is to challenge corporate and community supporters to fund services and advocacy that pave the way for deaf Australians to experience a positive and unconfined future. financial information Client Services Expenses Application of Operating Funds Sources of Funds $175,352 $184,786 $49,446 $225,318 16% 25% $533,438 $1,030,782 11% $2,833,786 $1,073,847 $409,621 26% 22% $943,267 Government Grants Client Services Employment Services Fee for Services Corporate Services and Property Family Services Bequests/Donations/Fundraising Marketing and Fundraising Projects Investment Income Social Enterprise Services outside Victoria Other Education Support Services Accommodation Services 24 This financial information is from the audited company accounts for the year ended 30 June 2010. This information should be read in conjunction with the company accounts which are available by request or on our website www.deafchildrenaustralia.org.au organisation chart Board of Deaf Children Australia Chief Executive Officer Manager Employment Job Services Australia Disability Employment Services Graduate Program for People with Disabilities Manager Information and Community Relations Manager Youth & Family Services Information Community Development Social Enterprise Interpreting Auslan Development Community Liaison History/Heritage ILS Recreation Jasper Road NSW Information and Advocacy Manager Marketing & Fundraising Manager Advocacy & Campaigns Innovation HR Database Management ICT Telemarketing Research & Development Finance Grants & Foundations Mental Health Manager Business Support Manager WA Parent Services Case Management Executive Assistant WA Deaf Society QA Administration Buildings & Grounds Fundraising Admin support Communications Advocacy Newborn Screening Government Relations OH&S Staff Wellbeing Qld Information and Advocacy 25 community support Australian Government Local Government J.D Brooke Trust Fund Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs City of Melbourne Lennox Trust State Government Lord Mayor’s Fund Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (NSW) McKnight Foundation Department of Health and Ageing Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (VIC) nib Foundation Bequests Estate of Dudley Fox Estate of Henry Herbert Yoffa Estate of Lily Payne Estate of Mary Byrne Hartley Estate Estate of Amy Bastings Estate of Arthur Barker Estate of Charles Wright Joe White Bequest Department of Human Services (VIC) Myer Foundation Urquhart Charitble Fund Department of Infrastructure Innovation Research and Development (VIC) Department of Planning and Community Development (VIC) Queensland Health Trusts and Foundations CMV Foundation Collier Fund Ephraim Yoffa Trust MacBean Bequest Frank and Sybil Richardson Charitable Trust Marian & EH Flack Grosvenor Foundation The Allen & Cecilia Tye Fund Hore Foundation Warman Bequest Ian Potter Foundation 27 597 St Kilda Road Melbourne, Victoria 3004 PO Box 6466 St Kilda Road Central Melbourne, Victoria 8008 Tel: +61 3 9539 5300 Fax: +61 3 9525 2595 TTY: +61 3 9510 7143 [email protected] www.deafchildrenaustralia.org.au ACN 108 025 207 ABN 57 108 025 207 ESTABLISHED 148 YEARS AGO
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