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It’s Really Working

Annual Report 2013Adam & Margaret

Ability Options would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Aboriginal people and pay our respects to the Aboriginal elders both past, present and future. Ability Options respects the significant contributions made by Aboriginal community organisations and groups, Aboriginal community members and Aboriginal staff.

Our new indigenous logo was designed by Terrieanne Hughes to be used on all relevant material by Ability Options.

The interpretation of the logo is as follows: The Aboriginal design is the ‘meeting place’ symbol used by most Tribes for thousands of years. The designer’s interpretation of the circle and the dots represent community gathering, cultural diversity, growth and expansion. The green symbols around the ‘community’ are the Aboriginal people that are connected with the community.

AcknowledgementsAbility Options would like to thank the following people, organisations and Government Departments for their contributions to Ability Options over the past year :

• Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

• Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA).

• NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC).

• National Disability Services (NDS).

• Housing NSW and Compass Housing.

• Our supporters, including, Lend Lease, Hard Rock Cafe, Independent Studios, Chupa Chups, MasterFoods, Waterview Convention Centre, Garnier, Cosmopolitan, Lorna Jane, Len Hollis Smash Repairs, NRMA, Castle HillToyotaandTheBarnOfficeFurniture.

• All people supported by Ability Options, their families, carers and all Ability Options’ staff.

Thank youThank you for taking the time to read Ability Options 2012–2013 Annual Report. Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive overview of what Ability Options has achieved over the past 12 months and our visions for the 12 months ahead. Your feedback is valued and any comments you may have about this report can be made by contacting:

Allison Dando Marketing Manager Ability Options Head Office Suite 1.14 Versatile Building 29–31 Lexington Drive Bella Vista NSW 2153Ph: (02) 8811 1777Fax: (02) 8811 1788Email: [email protected]

Where to get a copy?

In an effort to reduce the impact on the environment, limited copies of this document have been printed and are available by contacting your local Ability Options representative; alternatively, a copy of this report can also be found on our website and is available for download.

ABN 92 003 175 335

Copyright © 2013 Ability Options. All Rights Reserved. Annual Report designed by Dimples Design & Photography. Photography by Peter Secheny Photography.

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Table of ContentsOur Profile 2MissionVision

Our People 4Chief Executive Officer and Board reportGreg McIntyre OAM tributeBoard of Directors Senior Leadership TeamOur Patron, Trevor Parmenter AMCorporate Governance

Our Highlights 12A year to reflectCommunity Awards and Research Projects

Our Services 16Allied HealthIndividualised FundingEmploymentTransition to WorkWholesale NurserySupported Living (Accommodation)Drop-in Support (Mittagong, Hunter, Western Sydney)Out of School Hours Care for Teenagers with DisabilityLifestyle Enhancement ProgramCase Management

Our Support Networks 36Our Presence

2 Ability Options Annual Report 2013

Our Profile

Ability Options Limited (Ability Options) is registered in Australia as a not-for-profit Company limited by guarantee. Ability Options provides a range of services to people with disability and their families in New South Wales (NSW). Over the course of the year, Ability Options has provided services and support to up to 3,500 people and their families.

ResearchOverview of Driving Change resultsThis was the fourth year of the Driving Change consultation process. These consultations provide many of the people we support with an opportunity to participate in, and contribute to, the strategic planning and direction of the Company. The voices of 19% of people supported by Ability Options are represented in the combined results from the consultations and the annual service user evaluation (2012).

Consistent with previous years, the results indicate a high level of satisfaction with both the services provided by Ability Options and with Ability Options’ staff. The following five key themes were identified: service quality, access to services, social inclusion, responding to changing needs and community barriers. Discussion of each of these themes and associated recommendations were collated into an ‘Ideas Report’ submitted to the Board in December 2012.

Annual VOICE survey client and family/carersIn 2012, a decision was made to contract the annual client survey to the Voice Project (at Macquarie University) and to include an additional survey to family/carers. The overall results of both were very positive. Eighty per cent of clients expressed satisfaction with Ability Options which is consistent with results for previous years. Results from both surveys highlighted areas of strength and areas for development. As with Driving Change, the survey results will provide insight into future planning across the Company and within specific program areas. Both surveys will be conducted annually. Client and family/carer surveys now form the basis of our internal research and evaluation processes.

MissionAbility Options will support people who need assistance to achieve their aspirations and inclusion in the community.

VisionService ExcellenceAbility Options is committed to high quality staff providing excellent services benchmarked against international standards and best practice.

GrowthAbility Options will expand its range of services to address unmet need within Australia, using a variety of short and long term delivery models.

Choice and ControlAbility Options is committed to:

• Increasing opportunities for independence and choice for all clients.

• Endeavouring to strengthen clients’ relationships and their inclusion in the community by: – eliminating social isolation and loneliness – fostering self-esteem.

• Producing measureable outcomes in a person’s quality of life.

ParticipationAbility Options is committed to:

• Ensuring its clients will be among those who drive change within the Company.

• Social justice for all clients.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)Ability Options is committed to:

• The principles and full implementation of the NDIS.

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Our Profile

Our Core ValuesAbility Options’ support programs and services are focused around each individual person’s needs. Our programs are aimed to support people with disability, providing them with the opportunities to work towards their dreams and aspirations to become a valued and contributing member of their community.

This is achieved through the values we set ourselves that drive our Company:

Respect: Self-determination and choice.Commitment: to quality, inclusion and community based relationships.Outcomes: best service, value and outcomes for each person.Influence: innovation, consultation and collaboration.

Our ServicesAbility Options deliver life-changing solutions that really work for each individual. Our personalised solutions are tailored to meet both the short and long term goals of our clients and are designed to enhance their lives to allow them to be more independent and engaged within their community.

Ability Options provides a holistic approach to its services, which include:

• Supported Living (Accommodation).

• Out of School Hours Care for Teenagers with Disability (Goulburn).

• Case management.

• Disability Employment.

• Lifestyle Enhancement Programs.

• Post School Programs.

• Respite Services.

• Individualised Funding.

• Supported Employment.

• Clinical Services.

• Transition to Work.

Ability Options is committed to making people with disability and their individual needs central to our approach. Our services focus on establishing personalised goals and then supporting people to achieve them. We provide assistance to over 3,500 clients and their families during the course of a year. Most of this is achieved through the Government grants we receive.

Allocation of Government funds and grantsAbility Options is contracted to deliver a range of services on behalf of the Federal and NSW Governments. Figure 1 (below) represents the proportion of funding from these sources. Funds are allocated to specific programs and service targets1. Expenditure of funds is monitored in accordance with contractual obligations and outcomes as stated on the program contract, or service details outlined by the funding body2.

1. Self-Managed funds are credited to individual accounts once received. 2. Self-Managed funds are monitored by individuals through a monthly statement. 3. NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC), Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), Commonwealth Department of Education and Workplace Relations (DEEWR), Family and Community Service (FACS).

Ability Options uses an accrual basis for accounting and uses an automated accounting system to record and report financial transactions. RSM Bird Cameron Partners were engaged this year to conduct an audit of our accounts and processes.

Ability Options engages NCS International to review and audit our compliance with State and Federal contracts. We were assessed as compliant against the National Disability Service Standards and achieved re-certification.

ADHC Funding $17.375 million

Ability Options Wholesale Nursery $1.389 million

DEEWR Funding $15.548 million

Asset disposals $.255 million

FACS Funding $.545 million

FaHCSIA Funding $.360 million

Interest $.836 million

Rental and Accommodation $1.195 million

NSW Department of Education & Training $.088 million

Other $.169 million

Figure 1:

Ability Options’ Funding Sources— total = $37.761 million3


Our People

Chief Executive Officer and Board ReportThe past 12 months has been an exciting time for people with disability and Ability Options.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was fast tracked and launch centres were set up in different States. For NSW, the Hunter region was selected. New premises were identified to ensure a convenient location for our clients who will form part of the NDIS in this region.These new, larger premises will be functional by early September 2013. The earlier than planned introduction of the NDIS is a great step forward for people with disability and both the Government and Opposition should be applauded for this bi-partisan decision.

In 2012, Ability Options received a nomination for, and was awarded, the Western Sydney Business Awards for Business Excellence, winning the Excellence in Community Services category. This saw us competing against 13 other finalists in the category (see page 14). The Western Sydney Awards in Business Excellence have showcased the best in small, medium and large businesses from across Western Sydney for more than 20 years.

The employment arm of Ability Options continues to perform exceptionally well with some sites achieving 5 and 4 star ratings. We plan for all sites to be at a minimum of 4 stars in the coming year and staff should be congratulated for the employment outcomes they are achieving for clients. Our Transition to Work program has also received substantial growth of participants. It is pleasing to see that the graduating participants from the last 12 months are engaged in activities post-graduation, including further studies or employment.

We have had some senior staff leave the Company this year, including our CEO for the past five years Matt Donnelly. While the Board sought a replacement CEO, I was asked to step down as Board Chairperson and a Director and act as the interim CEO. This has been a great pleasure and has allowed me to reconnect with staff and clients that I knew when I was CEO five years ago.

The build of our special purpose homes at The Ponds and Marayong received a setback, when in November the builders went into liquidation and it has taken us a considerable amount of time to get this important project back on track. It is now expected that the two houses being built at The Ponds will be completed by October 2013 and the other two houses at Marayong in March 2014.

Ability Options was awarded the largest Australian Government contract through the Supported Accommodation Innovation Fund (SAIF) in partnership with housing provider, Compass Housing. This partnership will deliver community-based accommodation options to support 20 people with disability in the Hunter Region.

We also underwent an external quality assurance recertification audit of our Employment services and were successfully recertified. In addition, we were reassessed by the Office of the Children’s Guardian against the Children’s Standards and judged as being compliant. We also maintained our accreditation as a Community Housing Provider.

Marketing continues at a fast pace with the introduction of a new website, Facebook, Twitter and utilising YouTube to get our brand out in the community. As we transit to individualised funding under the NDIS, we will be in competition with many other organisations attempting to attract people to use their services. By offering these new innovative platforms, Ability Options are able to connect with their audiences in a fast and efficient manner providing latest news, events and service offerings.

The past year has been eventful for the Company with a contraction in business within our Supported Living and Employment arms. However, the positive introduction of the NDIS on 1 July 2013 is an exciting time for people with disability and Ability Options.

Stephen Goode Commander, RAN Retired

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Ability Options acknowledges the wonderful life and achievements of its Director and founder, Greg McIntyre OAM.

We pay our respects to Greg McIntyre OAM17 December 1946 —12 October 2012

For close to 40 years, Greg John McIntyre OAM, worked tirelessly to create better opportunities for people with a disability. He founded a number of disability service and advocacy organisations, including Ability Options (formerly known as the Association for Assistance to Intellectually and Socially Handicapped People (AAISH)).

As the Program Director at Rydalmere Hospital, an institution for more than 250 people with intellectual disability and/or mental illness, Greg was instrumental in paving a path for the parents of people with intellectual disability to challenge the accepted notion that their children could not learn. He encouraged them to take on the role of ‘advocate’ for their children, speaking up and challenging the accepted authority of the day which was that they, as parents, should be grateful—and silent. Greg then worked with these parents and with the Rotary Club of Guildford to source and guarantee rented houses in the community for people to occupy once they moved out of Rydalmere Hospital. This initiative was eventually developed into a more structured Company, AAISH. Greg looked for a house with land where residents could develop skills in farming and horticulture and presided over a series of tremendous changes at Rydalmere Hospital which saw large numbers of residents moved to boarding houses and newly developed group homes, all ahead of major government and policy reform.

In 1979, while still working at Rydalmere Hospital, Greg became a Director of the peak advocacy organisation for people with intellectual disability, then known as the NSW Council for the Mentally Handicapped. Within a year he was Vice Chair of the Council and was developing the framework of a new concept known as citizen advocacy. Citizen advocacy was provided with government funding to start a trial program in Western Sydney in 1981. Greg then led a group who campaigned to reduce fees charged to the families and/or patients of residents of Rydalmere hospital. As a result, fees for children were eliminated and adult fees were fixed at two-thirds of the pension.

In 1984, as the Richmond Program got underway, Greg assisted with the writing of the first NSW policies that would underpin the broad range of planned services for people with intellectual disability, including the huge area of accommodation which was to undergo such drastic changes because of the

Richmond Program. This was still a time when many in authority still thought that people with intellectual disability living in the broader community, was a dangerous idea which would cost money the Government did not have and which the public would not support. The resulting policies saw people with intellectual disability emerge as ‘people’ and not as a burden on the community which had to be dealt with.

In 1988, Greg took up the challenge of the new position of Head of Disability Services for the NSW Department of TAFE. He was responsible for planning, policy development and the management of TAFE services for students with a disability. Greg continued to work in leadership roles in the TAFE system until 2003.

In 2006, he was awarded the Director General’s Award for Excellent Service to Public Education and Training by the NSW Department of Education and Training and in 2008, Greg was presented with the Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of his service to people with a disability and to public education.

As a Director, Greg’s support of Ability Options continued right up until his passing. He played a vital role in establishing many of Ability Options’ services, including its Employment Services in the early 90s which has grown to become one of the largest Disability Employment Service contracts in NSW. Greg also served Ability Options in the positions of Chairperson (1989–1991) and Deputy Chairperson (2000–2006).

Greg will be remembered for his belief that the impossible is always possible. He was always out front, leading the way, challenging people with new ideas of what can be achieved, challenging parents, challenging his colleagues in what they can do, challenging politicians in what they should do and challenging the wider community on the value of citizens who just happen to have a disability.

Greg’s legacy is a Company that is now assisting more than 3,500 people with disability across NSW. So many individuals with disability are eternally grateful for the opportunities that he created. They are now out from behind the walls of an institution and get to live a life where they can open their front door, get to work and live a life like other Australians.

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Our People

Board of Directors

Stephen Goode Commander, RAN Retired Chairperson and Director

Retiring from the Royal Australian Navy in 1995 after 22 years service, Stephen worked in the disability sector and retired as the CEO of Ability Options in October 2007 and joined the Board of Directors of Ability Options in December 2007. While Stephen is now retired, he remains involved with the community, especially with initiatives that support people with disability.

Julie White Dip Teach, B. Special Education Deputy Chairperson and Director

Julie has extensive experience working in business, education and with people with a disability. With a degree in Special Education, Julie has worked in school and TAFE systems as a Teacher and Disability Consultant. Employed with Ability Options in the 1980s, Julie was instrumental in setting up some of the original accommodation for the people we then supported. Julie now owns and runs several pre-schools and childcare centres that cater for children with disability and she is heavily involved in her family’s property development company.

Richard MossieB.Com. FCPA Honorary Treasurer and Director

Richard joined the Ability Options Board in December 2000. He has extensive experience working in senior management and finance for a number of high profile organisations, including as Chief Internal Auditor with Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd before he retired in 1999. Richard has also served as Treasurer for the Oatlands Golf Club, a role he retired from in 2008 after many years of service. As a Director and Treasurer of Ability Options, Richard is committed to using his knowledge and expertise to enhance services for people with disability.

Anne McElduff BA Dip Ed Director

A Director since 1997, Anne has extensive teaching and special education experience. She has worked as a high school teacher, special needs educator, Year Co-ordinator, Head of Social Sciences Department and Acting Vice Principal. In 1993, Anne began with the Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, working with adults with an intellectual disability and with inmates in Corrective Services. In 1995, Anne was the first psychiatric Disability Teacher Consultant to be appointed in the NSW TAFE system. Anne currently works in the Western Sydney Institute of TAFE providing educational support to students with disabilities.

Michael Shephard LLB (Syd) Director

Michael joined the Board in 1986 and has held the positions of Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary. He has been a practising solicitor in Parramatta since 1973 and is a Law Society of New South Wales accredited specialist. He is also involved in voluntary legal work for several charities. Michael takes a keen interest in Aboriginal welfare and is a member of the Indigenous Issues Committee of the Law Society.

Nola Buck Director

Nola has been a Board Director since September 2002. Nola’s commitment to the independence, worth and dignity of the service users of Ability Options was ignited when she supported them at their monthly client meetings. Nola has been an advocate for people with disability for over twenty years and is a life member of both the Polio NSW Inc. and People with Disability Australia Incorporated. Having contracted poliomyelitis as an infant, Nola has a life-long experience of disability. Nola is married with four adult children and lives in Western Sydney.

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Our People

David R Bamford OAM Director

David joined the Board in 1996 and has a wealth of community and corporate experience. Before retiring, David was a senior manager with NRMA, working with the company for 31 years. A Rotary member for 38 years, David is a former president of the Rotary Club of Blacktown City and was Secretary/Administration Officer for Rotary District 9690 until 30 June 2013 and has been recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow.

David is Honorary Chairman and part of the Advisory Board for the Traffic Offenders Program and a member of numerous local community and safety committees. In 2009, David received a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to Rotary International and the community of Blacktown.

Pearl Forrester CPA, MBA, BECons, Grad. Dip Comp. Sci, GAICD Director

Pearl Forrester is a finance executive with experience in the NFP human services sector, having held C-suite roles in the last 10 years in Aged Care and Disabilities sectors.

Pearl has worked primarily in commercial ASX-listed service oriented companies for 20 years prior to moving into NFP, mission-focused organisations to combine life and career goals.

Stephen Goode: 12 Michael Shephard: 11 Julie White: 9 Nola Buck: 12Anne McElduff: 11 David Bamford: 12 Richard Mossie: 10 Pearl Forrester: 4

Greg McIntyre OAM attended three Board meetings in 2012 (July, August, September).

Peter Lockyer attended two Board meetings and resigned from the Board in August 2012 and Kristina Kurkowski attended six Board meetings and resigned from the Board in March 2013.

The number of meetings each Director attended 2012–2013

In memory of Greg McIntyre OAMAs the current Chairperson of Ability Options and on behalf of the Board, I would like to say a final farewell to Greg McIntyre OAM. His passion and enthusiasm about all matters pertaining to disability affairs will be long remembered by the Directors.

Greg’s passing leaves a gap on our Board that will be extremely difficult to fill and we will all miss the challenges put out by him for us as a Company. He was always passionate about people with a disability having individual funding. Greg would have been delighted that the National Disability Insurance Scheme has bi-partisan political support and has started to be implemented throughout Australia.

Thanks Greg for your work for people with disability.

Stephen Goode


Nicola Hayhoe Executive Leader, Community Lifestyles

Nicola has been with Ability Options since October 2008, initially heading up the Company’s research initiatives. She is currently providing oversight across Community Lifestyles and has been acting in this role since mid-April 2013.

Prior to her appointment with Ability Options Nicola had been working within disability services in a variety of roles over a 15-year period, from support worker, to service coordinator, manager of operations and general manager. Nicola's specific focus is individual service delivery and supported living.

Nicola has completed a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Policy.

Brenda OdewahnDivisional Manager, Employment

Brenda has worked in employment services since 1997, commencing in Disability Open Employment and moving into other areas, including Job Services Australia, Indigenous Employment Programs and specialist employment programs involving work specifically with people who have experienced a mental illness, and ex-offenders. She has held various positions in management and has been involved in a variety of tendering activities for Government contracts. Prior to working in employment services Brenda worked in the NSW Government in Human Resources and Industrial Relations in the maritime sector, Department of Industrial Relations and the Public Employment Office. Brenda joined Ability Options in 2011.

Our People

Senior Leadership TeamThe Senior Leadership Team within Ability Options has a solid background in leadership within their respective areas, assisting to guide and drive the vision and performance of their teams. Given the range of services delivered, the skills and experience of the team demonstrates great diversity.

Fred Van SteelChief Executive Officer

Fred joined Ability Options as CEO in August 2013 after holding positions as shareholder, Managing Director, CEO and executive management positions in Finance and Administration, Operations, Production, Sales and Marketing, IT and Technology and Research and Development in disability, manufacturing, logistics and fast moving customer service organisations. Fred holds formal tertiary and postgraduate qualifications in Finance, Economics, Marketing and Business Administration and Management as well as a number of instructor qualifications in the leisure and commercial maritime industries in Australia and UK. Fred also has experience with private equity firms on assignments with boards and CEOs working on strategy, restructures, recovery and market expansion in the Australasia region.

Debbie Eisenhauer-RodneyExecutive Leader, Shared Services

Debbie has completed a Bachelor of Business with a major in Accounting and was qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1991 whilst working with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. She gained experience in audit, taxation and business services during her six years working in professional accounting practise before making the move to commerce. Debbie has over 12 years of experience working in senior finance roles for commercial organisations involved in medical device distribution, mining and retail. During this time she was involved in a number of system implementations and upgrades. She has also worked closely with senior management teams to provide commercial support and strategic input in to the direction of the Companies with whom she has worked.

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Ariana KennyManager, Clinical Services

Ariana is the Manager of Clinical Services for Ability Options, a position she has held and has been since 2012. Previously, Ariana worked as a Regional Manager for a rehabilitation organisation and in the not-for-profit sector before that. With a forensic background and specialised training in borderline personality disorder, as well as in the area of alcohol and drug issues, Ariana has set up numerous types of psychological services in private and not-for-profit areas of work as well as delivered training for more than a decade on behavioural management, risk management and mental health.

Alan ArgallFinancial Controller

Alan joined Ability Options nearly three years ago, having worked in the cosmetics industry for the past 30 years in a variety of senior financial roles in both Australia and the USA. These roles were all part of the management teams providing financial support in developing and implementing the Company’s strategic plans, along with managing day-to-day financial operations of the business.

Alan is a Fellow of the Institute of Public Accountants and recently completed an MBA. When not working Alan enjoys spending time with his wife and grown-up family, and cycles for fitness.

Our People

Lyn RobertsonHuman Resources Consultant

Lyn has been with Ability Options for the past five years and has held the role of Acting HR Manager for the last 12 months, managing functions such as recruitment, payroll, generalist HR and learning and development as well as offering advice and support to management and staff in relation to Employee and Industrial Relations issues, performance management and Award interpretation. Prior to joining Ability Options, Lyn was employed by Panthers as the Learning and Development Co-ordinator which involved running in-house training courses, inductions and included generalist HR functions.

Karen DhuManager, Quality and Risk

Karen celebrated twenty years of employment with Ability Options on 11 March 2013. During these years, Karen has held a variety of positions including Manager of Training and Support to our Wholesale Nursery, Human Resource Manager and Accommodation Services Manager, in both operations and the administrative functions. During this time Karen has worked at a variety of locations, including Supported Living Services, the Nursery and within Head Office. Currently employed as the Manager, Quality and Risk for Ability Options, Karen holds formal qualifications in Internal Auditing , Project Management and an MBA.

Pictured left to right: Lyn Robertson, Alan Argall, Fred Van Steel, Nicola Hayhoe, Ariana Kenny, Brenda Odewahn and Karen Dhu. Absent: Debbie Eisenhauer-Rodney


Our People

Ability Options is overseen by a voluntary Board of Directors that sets the strategic direction of the Company, monitors outcomes and ensures adherence to governance standards.

In October 2012, sadly one of the founders of Ability Options and a Director on the Board, Greg McIntyre OAM passed away. We would like to thank him and his family for all his time and dedication to Ability Options. There is a further tribute to him on page 5.

During the year, the Board has continued to work on developing the knowledge and capacity of the members on areas of Governance, including Workplace Health and Safety, Quality and Risk and Fair Work Australia. Plans are that these informative sessions will continue annually and be targeted around areas of significant change.

The Board meets monthly, day-to-day operational and management functions are located within the business services — Client Services, Shared Services, Research and Policy, Communication and Marketing, and Human Resources. The CEO along with each of the Company’s Executive Leaders are responsible for implementing the Company strategic objectives and business plan, including economic, social, and environmental objectives.

Our PatronHonorary Professor Trevor R. Parmenter AM Professor Emeritus at The University of Sydney, School of Medicine

As a long-standing supporter of Ability Options, Trevor was invited to become a Patron in 2011.

Trevor holds, concurrently, appointments as Professor Emeritus in the School of Medicine at the University of Sydney, Honorary Professor in the Faculty of Education and Social Work, Honorary Professor in the Faculty of Health Science at the University of Sydney and Adjunct Professor in the School of Rural Medicine at the University of New England.

His curriculum vitae includes teaching and administrative positions with the NSW Department of Education (1953–1973) and his areas of research expertise include: behavioural and emotional problems of people with disability, quality-of-life assessment, program evaluation, community living and employment for people with disability, assessing cognitive processes, brain injury, family studies, transition from school to further study, work and adult living, attitude studies and disability policy development.

Trevor is a Member of the Order of Australia; Fellow and Life Member of the Australian College of Educators; Fellow of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; Fellow of the International Association for the Scientific Study of Intellectual Disabilities; and Fellow of the Australasian Society for the Study of Intellectual Disability.

He is noted for his ability to translate research outcomes into practice by the setting up of model programs. Throughout his career he has maintained close contacts with people with disability, serving on several Boards of Service Companies helping establish self-advocacy organisations and serving on the Disability Council of New South Wales.

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Our People

Corporate GovernanceQuality AssuranceIn 2012, Ability Options underwent an external quality assurance recertification audit of its Employment Services for both Ability Options Employment and the Wholesale Nursery. We were successful in becoming recertified for another three-year period against the Disability Employment Services Quality Assurance Standard.

In addition, we were reassessed by the Office of the Children’s Guardian against the Children’s Standards and judged as being compliant for both Statutory and Residential care, enabling us to continue to provide services to children and young people under the age of 18 years.

As a Registered Community Housing provider we were required to undertake our annual self-assessment which is then presented to the Registrar of Community Housing to ensure we are continuing to comply with the NSW Community Housing Regulations. This process saw us maintain our accreditation as a Community Housing Provider — Class 2.

With the release of the new NSW Disability Services Standards and the ADHC Quality Framework, the Quality team has been working on reviewing the changes Ability Options will be required to make to be verified as compliant against these standards prior to the 2015 deadline as outlined by ADHC.

The Quality team continued with its task of conducting internal audits across the Company to identify areas of compliance and continuous improvement. This included the completion of internal audits that were conducted in line with identified procedures, disability standards or standards of compliance.

Learning and DevelopmentWe encourage a culture of learning and recognise that our most important asset is our people. Learning and Development is an internal service that works collaboratively with staff to assess, design and deliver targeted learning and practice building programs that maintain and enhance staff development throughout their career with Ability Options.

Learning and Development supports and provides opportunities to acquire skills and experience that assist staff to achieve career objectives and better enable them to partner with colleagues, enhance the holistic support they provide to people in the community and increase the sharing of specialist knowledge throughout the sector in which we work.

Achievements 2012–2013

• Ability Options has received approximately $80,000 in incentives for accredited training.

• 40 staff undertook qualifications, including MBA, Diploma and Certificate courses.

• 45 staff graduated with qualifications in Certificate IV Disability; Frontline Management; Training and Assessment (TAE); Human Resources; Business Sales, Diploma of Business Administration and a Diploma of Management.

• A number of the graduates from the above courses utilised their recent qualifications to secure job promotions.

• Partially funded by the Government, 10 staff members undertook a mental health skill set course which was considered valuable in providing better quality services to those clients with mental health issues.

• A number of new modules and training packages were developed by the Learning and Development unit for services, including Community Lifestyles, Employment and the Wholesale Nursery.

Ian with Case Manager Carina


Our Highlights A year to reflect

National Disability Insurance SchemeAbility Options was actively involved in the lobbying for a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and is excited to be involved in its launch, commencing from July 2013 in the Hunter Region of NSW.

The potential for everyone who needs assistance to be able to access support and then to be able to exercise choice and control around how this will be delivered, is an exciting and welcome change to the way disability services have been traditionally funded and delivered.

We are relocating our Hunter office to Charlestown so we can be close to the NDIS office and to enable better accessibility and support for our clients. We have a great team working in the Hunter area, who are looking at innovative individualised services that will be outcome focused, and tailored to suit our clients wants and needs.

We are also working with our client management system to enable efficient rostering of staff and capturing of service delivery information to enable us to develop a cost-effective, reliable and efficient model for service delivery.

Website redesign for abilityoptions.org.auDuring 2012 it was identified our existing website had become cumbersome, tired and lacked certain features that one would expect from a user-friendly platform. The existing platform of the website was not intuitive and this was another function that needed to be reviewed when selecting a service provider for the redesign.

In December 2012, a tender went to the market inviting Companies to submit creative concepts demonstrating their understanding of the project, Ability Options and the disability sector.

Blue Arc, a St Leonards-based Company, was awarded the project in March 2013. Blue Arc exhibited a terrific understanding of the project and suggested a platform that fulfilled both the needs and wants identified within our scope.

The website project has been six months in the making but it has been scheduled to launch in line with the new NDIS scheme on 1 July. This initial launch will see significant changes to the existing site but the changes will not stop there; you will see ongoing development to ensure the Ability Options website remains at the forefront of our competitors as market leader with online communication tools.

If you have not already done so, why not check out the new website now: abilityoptions.org.au

Ability Awareness DayAbility Options once again hosted its annual initiative Ability Awareness Day. This year’s venue was at the prestigious Hard Rock Café in Darling Harbour.

This year was our biggest celebration, with over 300 people, including clients, families, staff, associated professionals and community members, including Master of Ceremonies, Network Ten personality Matt Doran in attendance.

Our theme on the day was ‘Ability Idol’ which included five performances by Ability Options’ clients and staff who sang, danced and even drummed. They were truly the superstars on the day.

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Our Highlights A year to reflect

NAIDOC WeekAs a Company that values and respects the traditional custodians of our land, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, NAIDOC always forms an important part of the Ability Options’ event calendar in any year.

Held in July, NAIDOC is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of indigenous Australians.

Ability Options’ Employment office in Mount Druitt opened its doors to around 60 people for some light entertainment and a good old bush tucker luncheon.

Entertainment was provided by a dance troupe from Doonside Public School that created some laughs when then-CEO Matt Donnelly joined them on stage.

Ability Options farewells CEO Matt DonnellyCEO Matt Donnelly departed Ability Options in June 2013 to pursue interests in other areas. Ability Options wishes him every success in his future endeavours. Ability Options Board of Directors have been working on finding a suitable candidate for this role and at the time of printing our new CEO, Mr Fred Van Steel, has commenced employment with Ability Options and features on our Senior Leadership Team page (page 8).

Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard VisitWhen Former Prime Minister Julia Gillard visited Western Sydney back in March, Ability Options’ Seven Hills was one of the first locations on tour. We welcomed the Prime Minister through our doors on Monday, 4 March 2013 along with Federal Member for Greenway Michelle Rowland. Ms Rowland was one of the first Sydney Federal representatives to publicly show her support for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

During her visit, the Prime Minister was given a glimpse of Australia’s future with a NDIS when she met with clients and their families who are assisted by the Ability Options’ Individualised Funding Services.

With the choice and control that these clients receive through their individualised funding, they have been able to achieve some amazing results and reach some remarkable milestones and the Prime Minister was able to see that first-hand.

Later that evening, during an interview with Network Ten’s The Project, Julia Gillard spoke highly of her time at Ability Options, stating, ‘I’ve met with people who are providing disability services and doing some amazing things by their fellow Australians.'


Our Highlights

Community Awards

NRMA Helping Hand

Ability Options’ Individualised Funding Services client, Brenton Ashford-Potter, was awarded Young Volunteer of the Year Award at NRMA’s Helping People Awards. Brenton, who was nominated by Ability Options, was one of five finalists who were selected from more than 500 entrants.

Through Ability Options’ Individualised Funding Services, Brenton has the flexibility and support to plan and achieve his goals and to pursue interests, such as volunteering, that allow him to share his talents with others. Brenton volunteers with several local sporting programs, including providing coaching and mentoring as assistant coach of the under-12s team of the Woonona-Bulli Bushrangers junior rugby league club.

NSW Schools

The 7th Annual NSW Schools’ Nanga Mai (an Eora (Sydney) word meaning dream) Awards was held at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney on 10 April 2013. These annual awards celebrate and recognise innovation, excellence and achievement in Aboriginal education

in NSW public schools, school communities and education department offices.

Uncle Greg Simms from our Mount Druitt Employment office was awarded the Director’s Meritorious Award for the Western Sydney region, known as the ‘love of learning award’. Uncle Greg is often sought after to provide his knowledge, expertise and resources to teachers, students and schools. He encourages descendants from the Aboriginal culture to research into their families, past and unlock the treasures of their ancestors. He himself talks about dreamtime, creates artefacts and artworks. Congratulations Uncle Greg and thank you for being such a fabulous Ambassador for Ability Options.

Western Sydney Community Forum’s (WSCF) Hall of Fame 2013 — Greg McIntyre OAM

In February 2013, Ability Options’ Founder and Director, Greg McIntyre OAM, who sadly passed away in October 2012, was inducted into the WSCF Hall of Fame. With the presentation of a ZEST award in recognition of his lifelong efforts in disability services.

The ZEST Awards recognise projects, individuals and non-government organisations demonstrating Zest, Enthusiasm, Strength and Tenacity throughout their activities within Western Sydney. Greg’s wife, Anita, who accepted the Award on Greg’s behalf, received a standing ovation from the 450 sell-out audience.

Greg was a true pioneer in helping people with disability to move from institutions to live in the wider community. Greg established the first policies and advocacy services for people with disability; it is through the work that is conducted at Ability Options that Greg’s vision and spirit are kept alive.

Parramatta and Western Sydney’s Premier Business Awards 2012

For more than 20 years these Awards have showcased dynamic small, medium and large business from Sydney’s Greater West and beyond, giving recognition to businesses that strive for excellence and have achieved sustained growth as a result.

Ability Options was recently recognised for its outstanding work supporting people with disability, winning the Excellence in Community Services category at the 2012 Western Sydney Awards for Business Excellence. These Awards were presented in October during a special Awards dinner held at the Waterview Convention Centre in Homebush. Ability Options stood proud of its achievements in 2012, claiming this accolade over the other 13 finalists.

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Our Highlights

Research Projects

Identifying future research approach i.e. supporting research partnerships

As demonstrated through our ongoing relationship with the Centre for Disability Studies (CDS) and the success of our research partnerships in the area of ageing research, working collaboratively and in partnership are key to supporting research development within the Company, developing our own research profile and remaining at the forefront of new ideas in service provision.

Research grant application (IRT & ARC) outcomesIn late 2012, Ability Options was part of a successful research funding application ($50,000) to the Illawarra Retirement Trust. The research project, led by Professor Trevor Parmenter, is a pilot for a larger study exploring how the aged care, social and health needs of people with intellectual and developmental disability may be met in both rural and urban settings, by looking for mechanisms that will lead to a better integration of the aged care and disability sectors. Our research partners include the University of New England, the University of Sydney and a number of disability and ageing organisations from across New South Wales and Queensland.

Following this success the same group of researchers and industry partners applied for an Australian Research Council Linkage Project Grant. Once again, the team was successful in being granted $340,000 for a three-year study that will build on and develop the work of the pilot project. This is a wonderful acknowledgement of our work, as these national grants are extremely competitive. We are very pleased to support and be part of these exciting and innovative projects. Research in the area of ageing for people with disability is critical as we continue to develop and provide appropriate services for those we support, as well as their families.

Work with Centre for Disability Studies (CDS)

Throughout 2012–2013 we have continued our research relationship with CDS at the University of Sydney. Our two primary areas of engagement are:

• Inclusive Education project—this project supports students with intellectual disability to audit mainstream classes at the University of Sydney and to experience University life. We are actively involved on the Steering Group for this innovative project and have supported one of our volunteers (Sarah Butler) to attend University for the past 12 months.

• Inclusive Research Network—this group comprises co-researchers (with and without intellectual disability) from across Sydney. The central belief of the group is that people with intellectual disability should be involved in doing research, not just having research done to, or on them. In 2012 the group undertook a study exploring the impact of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on the lives of people with an intellectual disability. In addition to the Ability Options co-researchers (Sarah Butler and Annie Mills) six people from Ability Options participated in interviews for this study. In the past 12 months this group has spoken at conferences, seminars and as guest lecturers for Masters of Education students.

• ASID 2012—we co-presented two papers at the 2012 Australasian Conference in Wellington, New Zealand. The first on the Inclusive Education project and a second with results from the study undertaken by the Inclusive Research Network. Both papers were well-received. In addition to these presentations, a paper reporting some of the findings from the Inclusive Research Network study has recently been published in Intellectual Disability Australasia.

Sarah at the University of Sydney


Our Services

“Time together promotes healing and understanding.”Ariana Kenny, Manager, Clinical Services

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Allied HealthOur Allied Health Services has qualified psychologists, counsellors and trainers who are all trained in different areas of speciality, including autism, assessments, eating disorders and chronic mental health issues.

Over the past 12 months we have seen substantial growth in this Division, providing specialist support to over 220 clients, which has meant that we have had to review the current systems we had in place and undergo a major overhaul of all internal processes to ensure that we can continue to cater to all the needs of our clients.

Highlights:

• Creation of a qualified and professional team from a variety of speciality backgrounds.

• Development of an electronic resource and data management process, including the addition of an administration clerk.

• Centralised referrals system.

• Diversity of services now being offered across the organisation.

• Ability to offer these services to the wider public, not just the clients at Ability Options.Challenges

• Providing adequate support to clients from a range of backgrounds and needs.

• Ensuring the division becomes viable.

• Overhauling our internal processes.

Plans for the next 12 months

• Consolidating our gains over the last 12 months.

• Expanding on what our clients have said that they want to see from us.

• Adding additional Allied Health Services to our repertoire.

John is a gentleman who used to work in a full-time job until six years ago when he had a car accident and sustained an acquired brain injury. This injury prevented him from thinking clearly and caused him to have mood swings.

John was medically discharged from his job about a year after the accident, as he could not keep up with the tasks and not long after that his wife left him and took their two children. John started drinking as he couldn’t cope and he stopped sleeping well at night and as a result stopped taking care of himself.

He had to sign up for work, but felt no one would want him so he just went through the motions. His employment consultant noticed he was not

Case Study

motivated and lacked self-esteem. When they referred John for counselling, the psychologist worked with him across the huge changes he experienced as a result of his injury and helped him acknowledge the adjustments he had to make.

They then worked together on the grief, loss and anger he was experiencing and his efforts to self-medicate using alcohol, taking him through a reduction program until John found himself sleeping better, taking care of himself and setting goals. Now John is reconnecting with his children and doing a course to help him get into work at a pace with which he feels confident.

Our Services


Our Services

Individualised FundingOur Individualised Funding Services supports close to 275 clients in managing their individual packages. Our team focuses on the interests and needs of individuals being met and their goals being achieved.

Whether it be home care, personal care, domestic assistance, social life or community inclusion, once the plans are developed and key supports identified, Ability Options’ facilitators are available to step in, if needed, to work with clients to make it happen.

Types of packages that are funded through Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) include community participation, life choices and active ageing.

In 2012–2013 there were some policy changes at ADHC which allow some clients to have combined packages; these include:

• Community participation and Supported Living Fund.

• Community participation and individualised accommodation support.

• Life choices and Supported Living Fund.

Highlights

• Clients and their carers are the driving force behind the services and supports required.

• Allocation of services to other relevant Divisions within Ability Options to ensure we continue to provide a high level of support to our clients.

• TCM, client management system, was implemented to provide a reduction in our paperwork and streamline our processes. The new system also provides real-time access to files when staff are out of the office.

• Small group activities were organised with clients; this included an excursion to the 2013 Royal Easter Show.

Challenges

• Increase of labour hire costs.

• Operational efficiency within a fee service model.

• Financial viability.


• To start preparing our clients for the changes that will be introduced when they transition under the NDIS.

• Capacity building courses to be introduced.

• To expand the scope of our plan management services.

• Actively participate in the Hunter NDIS launch site to inform the evaluation of the model and to develop service offerings to meet the needs of people with disability.

Practical Design FundAbility Options was successful in obtaining a FaHCSIA Practical Design Fund grant to develop a working model for the establishment of an independent financial intermediary and facilitation service within a Disability Service Organisation.

Ability Options has been providing support for clients in receipt of Self-Managed Community Participation Funding in NSW for nearly six years. We currently have in excess of 275 active clients in receipt of individual packages and we provide them with planning, service co-ordination and financial intermediary services.

For this project, we drew on our experience in delivering this service and building the systems to support the transactional processes and consulted closely with NDIS around the role of the Plan Management function. The results of this project have been published on our website and are publicly available. For further information please go to: abilityoptions.org.au/community-life/publications

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Our Services

Case Study

Dale dreams about representing Australia at the Paralympicslocal equestrian centre and let him sign up. After years of training, Dale is now looking towards wearing green and gold and representing Australia at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

In February 2013, the Aus Para Power team was formed. This team is a dedicated group of riders that have over 24 years of riding experience competing on both national and international stages. These riders all have the skills, determination and courage required to make it at elite levels. The team consists of three riders, all of whom have significant disability, and who are accompanied by their coach and carers.

Dale has competed at National Championship titles in Equestrian Dressage and has been the NSW and VIC RDA State Champion in Dressage. Recently, Dale successfully competed at the Paraequestrian National Championships and represented Australia in International Paraequestrian Championships in Italy and the UK. During the International Championships, Dale performed extremely well, scoring 4th, 5th and 6th placements.

Dale’s advice to any aspiring athlete? ‘ENJOY it and do the best you can.’ He continues, ‘my training philosophy is to never give up on your DREAM — look, listen, learn and keep trying!’

“His determination and passion has driven me to support his dreams.” Karen

Like most 24 year-olds, Dale enjoys interacting with his peers, watching movies, going to lunch and — much to his mother’s horror — even go-karting. He is one of the most determined young men you will ever come across but his dreams can only come true with the support networks that he has around him.

At six months of age, Dale contracted meningitis which left him with an acquired brain injury resulting in multiple permanent complications, including right-side hemiplegia, hearing loss, epilepsy, shunted hydrocephalus and a development impairment. Even with his disabilities, Dale has never stopped striving to achieve his goals.

Currently, Dale volunteers at a local produce store where he mixes and weighs bags of rabbit food. This volunteer position provides Dale with social interaction amongst the store’s customers, including those he competes against. As part of his community participation program which forms part of his individualised funding program, Dale and his mum Karen lease and maintain a five-acre property. The property consists of eight small yards that are used to keep horses, including Dale’s very own horse BouncerBob.

From a young age Dale had one wish… to ride horses. After years of Dale talking about getting on a horse, Karen reluctantly took him to his


Our Services

EmploymentIt has been a big year for our Employment Division with close to 2,500 clients coming through our doors. This can be largely attributed to the dedication of our staff and the commitment to find quality employment for our clients. With offices across Sydney, our employment team put the clients first to help them find their career paths and help them maintain long-term employment. We also work with our employers to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship between them and their new candidates. We aim to help them wade through the uncertainties of employing a person with disability, and our efforts have resulted in many successful outcomes for the employer and employee alike.

We have had great success this year in offering apprenticeships and traineeships for people with disability which give them the opportunity to gain on-the-job work experience whilst obtaining a qualification at the same time.

Highlights

• This year has seen fantastic conversion results within our specialist Aboriginal employment contracts. Our performance has increased significantly to the point where we now have a five-star Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program at our Mount Druitt office. Our IEP* is operating above 80% conversion to reach 52-week outcomes.

• The focus of Ability Options Employment is first and foremost about gaining quality employment for our clients and supporting our employers through the employment process. This year has seen us place more clients into a position—based on the career path that they would like to take—than ever before. This has resulted in some outstanding outcomes for which both our staff and our clients are very proud to have achieved.

Challenges

• Without a doubt one of our biggest challenges this year has been the Disability Employment Service tendering process. Earlier in the financial year our tender submission was written and submitted and whilst the result did not bring everything we had hoped for, we did manage to remain a solid provider, offering employment services.

• We identified a need to improve the performance of our employment programs and manage staff training to ensure their skills and knowledge remain up-to-date to allow us to continue to provide quality services to our clients. The main area of focus has been on compliance against contract and this has resulted in increased contractual compliance against Disability Service Standards. This has been achieved through continual internal monitoring, training and coaching occurring at all sites.


• Our big push for the year ahead will be to achieve a minimum four-star rating at all Employment sites. We know this will not come easily but it is a challenge we want to take on and believe it is achievable. This will ensure that Ability Options Employment is around for a long time delivering an excellent service to all those who come through our doors.

• Whilst the past year has seen some successes in bidding for programs such as the Indigenous Employment Program, going forward we would like to continue to tender small bids for similar programs and grow the employment service and its diversity.

* IEP = Indigenous Employment Program, a DEEWR-funded specialist employment program.

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Our Services

Case Study

Janet’s storyJanet had wanted to find a rewarding and lasting career long before she arrived at Ability Options' doorstep. Thinking she wanted to look for a job as an accountant, Janet became frustrated with another provider when she was advised that she would be put on a waiting list. After six weeks of waiting Janet called back, but found her consultant had moved on, and learned she would have to start the wait all over again. At this point, Janet was recommended to try Ability Options.

After meeting with her Employment Consultant, Alicia Smith, at our Parramatta office, a position came up with Ability Options as Social Media Co-ordinator. Janet had been volunteering with Marrickville Council, posting stories online. Knowing this, Alicia encouraged Janet to attend the interview and see if she would be interested in that type of role.

Janet was successful in her interview and offered the job, a position which she has held for over a year now. It has seen her experience great variety in her role, including keeping a photo journal of a personal trip to London and sharing it with our social media friends, assisting with events, and

connecting and engaging with people through our social media channels.

Janet is passionate about connecting people with disability with the services they need. This role has seen Janet blossom and really come out of her shell. “We have seen Janet try things she would never have thought she could achieve before —she really grabs life by both hands and won’t give up!” says Vanessa Kelso, Janet’s Manager. “Janet used to be so shy when she first started but now will confidently interview fellow staff members in ‘meet the team’ style sessions; her personality is shining through!” Vanessa continues.

In April 2013, Janet reached an employment milestone. Job Support Consultant Ben Glover who had assisted in transitioning Janet into her role, spoke with Janet about whether she really needed his assistance anymore. Janet celebrated her independence and has continued to grow since. She has doubled her working hours and become a permanent part-time staff member of Ability Options and an integral part of the Marketing and Communications team.


Our Services

Transition to WorkOur Transition to Work (TTW) program aims to assist young adults with disability to build the skills, knowledge and real life experiences to move into open employment and become productive members of society with the same recognised rights and responsibilities as anyone else.

2012–2013 has seen our TTW program grow to have more participants than ever before. We have exprienced new challenges in how we present training material to participants; however, the TTW team has pulled together and shared their knowledge and experience to provide the best possible training and learning experience for our new and existing participants.

Highlights

• In the past 12 months we have found the need to alter our training methods and materials to ensure we cater to all types of disabilities and different learning styles. This has involved a lot of teamwork and has resulted in formulating a strong program that can be taught differently depending on the participant or group.

• The TTW team have achieved coherency and strength as a team through the implementation of regular ‘what’s working’ meetings where consultants are given the opportunity to share their ideas and strategies they have worked on to appeal to individual learning styles and support needs of the participants.

• We have taken a new approach this year which has involved alterations to our person-centred plans. These give our participants a stronger voice, more options and control in relation to their plan and in the TTW program. This now means that ‘off the cuff ’ comments made by participants are now recorded and discussed at a later date. For example, when a consultant hears their participant say, ‘I love cutting up food’, this is a cue for a consultant to add this to the plan and discuss it with them in a formal planning meeting for potential careers at a later date.

Challenges

• Adapting sessions and skills development to assist each individual in a way that suits their learning style. Each disability presents its own challenges as each disability manifests itself in different ways. This year we had many participants with autism and vision impairments. We have now tailored the program and materials used to cater to everyone. This includes showing more colour contrasts, enlarging text on documents and partnering with information services such as Autism Spectrum Australia for further staff training and development.

• 2013 has brought an increase in targets for commencing new referrals into the service for 2014. All staff at our Seven Hills office have been involved in a marketing and planning day which has resulted in a calendar of open days and information sessions. We contacted over 170 schools to build relationships and introduce them to a newly developed ‘SkillAbility’ course we offer that allows current students to test the waters of the TTW program and let them see the employment opportunities that may be available to them when they graduate.

• Having had more participants graduating than ever before, we had the opportunity to ask for feedback from participants and their families. A common response was that the transition from TTW to Disability Employment Service (DES) is, at best, rocky. To address this issue, we have introduced a parents' information evening that discusses the desired milestone’s and expectations of parents, TTW staff and DES staff. It also allows a forum for parents to chat with our consultants about any concerns they have about the transition process.

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Our Services


• In 2013–2014 we would like to meet the target given for direct referrals by expanding our TTW program to include more participants from other areas. Hopefully, this will mean opening a new office and training program in the Hornsby area and filling the positions left by 2013 graduates in the Seven Hills and Penrith programs.

• We would like to move forward with the development of person-centred planning and have a more defined link to progress notes. This has proven to be very successful this year and assisted with guiding participants into a career path that they enjoy and one they may not have previously considered.

• In line with program growth, we would like to build staff numbers, maintain good morale amongst the TTW team and ensure they feel confident in their role and continue working together.

Case Study

Rebecca joined the TTW Program in 2012. Since starting this program Rebecca has achieved so much with the help and support of the TTW staff.

Rebecca’s friendly nature and eagerness to learn recently established her as the ideal TTW candidate at Sydney Olympic Park Authority.

The Sports Venues division at Sydney Olympic Park Authority worked with the TTW team to develop a position description to suit Rebecca’s needs.

Working closely with the team at Sports Venues, Rebecca got to experience first hand Venue Operations and Facility Management.

Rebecca gained many new skills across an array of different work areas, including Reception, Customer Service, Marketing, Sales, Health Club Member Services, Gymnastics Programs, Archery Programs and Learn to Swim Programs, to name a few.

The work experience has been a great “foot in the door” for Rebecca and a rewarding experience for the Sports Venues. “Awesome, I love it. I worked on a variety of tasks that were interesting and made me feel important.” Rebecca said of her time at Sports Venues.

Rebecca remains positive for future placements. She has acquired some new skills which will no doubt benefit her in the years to come. Of her future career Rebecca said, “It has given me a better understanding of the type of job I want to do in years to come.”

Anthony with Employer Rodney from Aqua Clear


Our Services

Wholesale NurseryOur Wholesale Nursery, based in St Clair, has the capacity to produce more than one million plants per annum. Operating on over four hectares, we employ 19 people with a disability in supported employment through an Australian Disability Enterprise.

We supply many major nursery retailers across NSW, QLD and VIC and have also been contracted to provide our beautiful stock to local Councils for use in their gardens and displays.

The last year has seen us expand our range of stock to include Australian natives and hedging lines, as well as continuing with our potted colour, herbs, perennials and vegetables.

Highlights

• This year has seen us secure a major contract with retailer Aldi of which we are very proud. This means that come Christmas time, plants from our nursery will be available for purchase in Aldi and advertised across the east coast of Australia.

• We have really focused on increasing the skills and expanding the knowledge and work experience of our supported staff. Nursery Manager, Talbot, has taken the time to share with the team the degree of growth achieved by the nursery in the past five years and the importance of seeing this continue. This has been done through training, including sessions on commercial realities which allowed them to see where the business has come from and where it needs to be. This has really united the team and together they have enjoyed the result of reaching targets and goals and enjoyed local team celebrations.

Challenges

• Our biggest challenge has been making our Wholesale Nursery financially viable. It has been a long and challenging task; however, through increased staff training and sharing the importance of growth and the goals and objectives of where we would like the nursery to be, has resulted in some big changes to the nursery. With new distributors coming on board and the team working hard to improve sales, the nursery is now making a profit for the first time.

• Being a plant supplier to some major retailers is a very competitive market. It is a mix of quality of stock, delivery turnaround, customer service and, of course, the cost. At our Wholesale Nursery we pride ourselves on our customer service and quality of produce. With any business it is difficult to remain at a competitive price point; however, we have been building relationships with many new suppliers, including supplying beautiful plants to local Councils for their gardens. We believe by achieving all of the above and remaining competitive we can offer the complete package.

• We want to ensure longevity for our Wholesale Nursery as it provides a fantastic work opportunity for our supported employment clients and because we believe in the product we produce and are passionate about seeing our plants in your local retailer. To ensure this remains possible, we have been working on strategies on how we can grow the business and consolidate our reputation as a preferred supplier. We have put in several new strategies to assist with this, including firming up agreements with a number of key buyers and setting up ‘preferred supplier agreements’ that include timings and stock numbers, which means our nursery can better plan the planting and growing schedules to cater to these suppliers.

Our Services

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Case Study

Our Services


• We would like to see continued business growth over the next 12 months and beyond. We will be continuing to review our strategies and building our business relationships to ensure steady growth. We will also continue our staff development and ensure the whole team is across the plans to ensure they feel involved and have a commitment to the nursery and its future.

• We would also like to continue to grow our community support to assist us in leveraging our nursery to the next level. We currently have open days once a month, nine months a year and these are always well received. In fact, this ‘buying group’ as a whole add up to be one of our biggest customers.

• Lastly, we are excited to have our procedures for the nursery almost complete for every task carried out by our nursery staff. This will mean increased efficiency for our team and assistance with instructions for tasks that may be new or not often performed.

When Adam undertook work experience at Rooty Hill farm in 1992, he never thought he would have had the opportunities and training he has now obtained 20 years on! In his time at the nursery, Adam has seen many changes including its rename to Ability Options’ Wholesale Nursery and the move to its current location on four hectares at Mamre Road, St Clair.

Adam has had many different roles over the years — he started by making boxes to put the plants in, but wanted to grow his knowledge and expand his skill set. Adam undertook a gardening maintenance course at TAFE and from there was able to try every opportunity the nursery has to offer. The range of jobs he has undertaken at the nursery to date include: maintenance, fixing benches and trolleys, mowing the lawns and the paddocks and packing. Currently, Adam’s role involves a variety of packing, transplanting and spraying weeds but he is generally excited to do whatever is asked of him.

“It is rare to find anyone in the same job for 20 years these days, let alone someone who wakes up with same excitement and joy of going to work now as he did on day one,” says Sales Co-ordinator Margaret.

Adam has made many friends over the years with nursery colleagues, but he still finds time for doing the things he loves, including karate and pursuing his love of travelling, with his most recent trip being a nine-day cruise to the South Pacific.

Adam and Cain potting plants at the Wholesale Nursery

Our Services


Our Services

Our Supported Living Services offer assistance with everyday tasks — whether you live in your own home, or in shared accommodation — with independent living skills such as shopping, cooking, money management, social and relationship skills, linking into Government services such as Centrelink and engaging with your local community.

Supported Living Services are offered in Mittagong, the Hunter region and also in west to south-west Sydney through a number of programs.

Supported Living (Accommodation)Ability Options provides accommodation services for over 100 people with disability from a wide range of age groups living in NSW.

With the continued focus on Person-Centred Planning, our clients have continued to achieve and tick goals off their lists, which include many simple things that we take for granted. Examples include making a cup of tea, learning how to cook, having a three-week trip overseas, being published for poetry writing and even a photo exhibition.

Highlights

• Clients achieving some of their goals whether it was being published for the first time or going on an overseas vacation.

• Significant housing projects have continued to develop in this financial year and we will have some new housing solutions for people as they age, which will come online in the next few months.

• Working with aged care and disability care providers on how to respond to the changing needs within our accommodation houses.

• Extending our experience in Out of Home Care services for children.

• Supporting internal Train the Trainer training through the Learning and Development Co-ordinator, so that a range of training programs can be frequently in-house at a lower cost than external providers.

Challenges

• Supporting our clients with limited resources, especially as they age and require different levels of support.

• A number of movements with staffing over the last 12 months has created some challenges with operations. Whilst we have some solid teams, over the next 12 months we will continue to work on developing our staff and systems to maintain the quality of service delivery.

• A fire at one of our houses meant the closing of that property and relocation to other premises. Policies and procedures were followed and everyone was safely evacuated.

• Ability Options was successful in obtaining funding to provide homes for up to five children with high support needs as part of the Emergency Response Service tender.

JulieHouse Resident Peter in his backyard

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Our Services


• Continue building strong cohesive teams.

• Continue training staff on how to handle situations so they are not at risk.

• Implementing leadership and practice training to develop our staff and increase the level of overall training, supervision and mentoring.

• A review of our policies and procedures in line with the revised Disability Standards, including the review of all position descriptions, the induction and onsite training process.

• Regionalising our staffing pool.

• Piloting our client management system across all Supported Living Services to improve the capture of records, compliance and quality.

• To better cater to the needs of people as they age through two new houses at ‘The Ponds’.

Case Study

When Julie first came to Ability Options’ Supported Living Service she required staff for wakeovers and 24/7 assistance, but in 2010 this all changed.

Wanting to increase her independence, Julie asked staff if she could start to minimise time that staff needed to be present. Several different rosters were trialled with feedback sought from both Julie and Ability Options’ staff. This was to established what would work for Julie so she could increase her independence but still have staff support her in areas that she still required. This has meant that Julie now only requires staff to be present from 10am–6pm, Monday to Saturday with Sundays being a complete day to herself.

Julie’s wicked sense of humour means she is a hit with the neighbours; in fact, earlier this year the neighbours left some food on their stove which caused their house to catch on fire after they had gone to work. Savvy Julie smelt the smoke and alerted the authorities. Her quick thinking saved the neighbours, house from burning down and she received a mention in the local paper, thanking her for her efforts.

This independence and knowledge that she can ‘do it on her own’ has led Julie to continue her studies. Her pride and determination means that she won’t ask for help from staff — she thinks it is cheating and wants to do it on her own! This is all part of the goal of obtaining her Higher School Certificate and with the success she has had passing her Preparation for Work and Study Certificate I, we would say she is well on her way!

Apart from her dedication to study, Julie also has a wonderful artistic streak. 'When I start painting and I get on a roll I end up with plates of paint everywhere and just keep producing artwork,' says Julie. In fact, Julie’s work adorns the walls of the Ability Options' Head Office in Bella Vista — a collection of masterpieces that brighten up our walls.

Julie


Our Services

Drop-in Support (Mittagong, Hunter, Western Sydney)Drop-in Support is provided at three different locations within New South Wales. Each program is run differently, depending on the location but all with the same premise to assist you in your home and/or in the local community.

The service offered in Western Sydney delivers support for up to 12 individuals that live independently in the community. Staff provide drop-in assistance for up to five days per week.

The service offered in the Hunter region provides each of our clients with up to 35 hours of one-on-one support per week to assist and support them to live independently in their home and in their community.

The service offered in Mittagong works in partnership between Housing NSW and NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC). In this region we support up to six clients through drop-in support up to seven days per week, either in the home or in the community.

Highlights

• Building rapport and trust with a disengaged client.

• Clients achieving their goals, e.g. going on a holiday.

• Clients having the skills to make better choices in their lives when a crisis occurs.

• A partnership with Community Housing provider Compass in the Hunter to develop 20 new homes by 2014.

• The allocation of ten packages for Drop-in Support in line with the proposed Key Ring Model.

• An increase in independence for some clients means that we are able to reallocate hours for others requiring this type of service.

Challenges

• Negotiating mental health services for clients.

• Maintaining clients' safety whilst supporting their independence.

• Providing clients with the opportunities to be proactive in meeting their goals.

• Responding to increased support needs due to degenerative disease. Whilst these programs have scope to increase support to a certain level, in one circumstance we are exploring alternative supports, as in the longer term we will not be able to meet needs within the current service.


• Providing tools to clients to ensure they learn new skills and further develop their independence.

• Providing opportunities for clients to become proactive members of their communities.

• To commence providing individually tailored supports for up to 20 people in a Key Ring Model in the Hunter region.

• To work towards regionalising services and the scope of offerings by geographical area.

Our Services

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Our Services

“In line with Ability Options’ mission, our staff walk beside each person to support their aspirations and inclusion in the community.”Nicola Hayhoe, Executive Leader, Community Lifestyles

Mitch, a TTW participant skipping at a recent fun day at Bella Vista Farm

Our Services


Out of School Hours Care for Teenagers with Disability

Our Services

The Out of School Hours Program is an Australian Government initiative that provides fun, age-appropriate activities for teenagers with disability after school and during school holidays.

This Program provides parents and carers with more opportunities to work or participate in the community and also helps young people develop their skills and connect with their peers.

Highlights

• Developing communication lines with families to establish trust.

• We have increased our staff numbers to ensure that we have adequate support for the clients.

• Providing stable and consistent staff.

• Creating structured programs to maintain the attention of the clients.

Challenges

• Ensuring we have clients to fill all the available spaces.


• To increase the numbers of clients accessing the service.

• To maintain our clients well-being.

• To increase our service offerings.

Tori and Eliza attending the movies during vacation care

Trent playing backyard cricket during vacation care

Preston flying a kite

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Case Study

Our Services

Thomas is a 17 year-old client from Ability Options' After School and Vocational Care Program in Goulburn. In the last quarter of 2012, Thomas was having behavioural issues, where he was assaulting staff. This was affecting his time at both school and after school/vocational care.

At this time, Thomas was very close to being expelled from school which would have meant that he would not be able to continue to participate in the program that Ability Options offer, as clients are required to have a school placement to be eligible.

Ability Options, in conjunction with his school and another supplier, attended an emergency meeting with the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) to receive a better understanding of the triggers of autism and how they can be managed to improve the behaviours of the person with disability.

After attending this meeting, Ability Options introduced a number of changes to the centre to assist in managing the triggers. These included re-assessments of occurrences such as loud noises, hot and cold environments and changes to routine. A herb garden was planted to provide Thomas with a sensory stimuli through smell as he walks around the yard throwing a ball. He also has access to rice and sand that he sits on the ground with and throws into the air and laughs as it falls back into the bucket.

Staff have been taught that when Thomas becomes agitated they are to approach him from behind, as his behaviour will escalate if he is approached directly. There are also other mechanisms, such as walking on his right-hand side or ensuring that there are no objects or persons in the hallway when he arrives from school.

All these small changes have seen a radical turnaround in Thomas’ behaviour. He now successfully interacts with staff and children without incident and recently is enjoying eating his meals with his peers. The future is positive for Thomas.

Tori and Eliza attending the movies during vacation care

Trent playing backyard cricket during vacation care

Preston flying a kite


Our Services

“My community, your community, together in our community.”Stephanie Soans, Planning and Personalisation Co-ordinator

Barry and Ron, Lifestyle Enhancement Program participants, cooking up a BBQ storm

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Our Services

Short-Term SupportThe service delivery area for Short-Term Support is Penrith LGA, Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains. Staff work with clients for a period up to 12 months developing skills whilst supporting their independence.

Highlights

• Development of a mental health check when staff are visiting clients in homes to reduce the risks presented to the staff.

Challenges

• Negotiating mental health services for clients.

• Maintaining their safety whilst supporting their independence.

Lifestyle Enhancement ProgramAbility Options' Lifestyle Enhancement Program (LEP) continues to offer a diverse range of community based activities and skill development opportunities. It provides quality training and recreational opportunities for the people we support.

The training programs are available to people supported by other organisations or people living in other community settings. The aim of the program is to increase the interaction of people with disability and the opportunities to learn and follow interests. LEP can provide services for more than 60 people across Ability Options' Supported Living Services and are currently reviewing the program to cater to the changing needs of people as they age and their interests change.

Highlights

• Offering opportunities to participants to engage within their communities and add value to their lives.

• Providing programs that appeal to the interests of our participants.

Challenges

• Over the past 12 months we have had a drop in the numbers of people accessing programs.

• Developing programs that deliver to our participants’ changing needs within our allocated resources.


• To strengthen the range of capacity building programs that can be offered, both within and outside of Ability Options.

• Continue developing a planning process in order to offer new programs and services to our participants with a view to offering a new range of activities within the first quarter of 2014. Vanessa and Jodie preparing for the BBQ at our recent

fun day with clients


Our Services

Case ManagementAbility Options' Case Management Service provides support for people with disability to live independently, stay connected to their local community and access the services and support they may need.

Our team works across several different programs to deliver their Case Management support. These programs include: Early Start: My Plan, My Choice and Leaving Care/Alternative Family Placement. Across all the programs we currently provide services to more than 78 clients.

Highlights

• Secured additional funding and respite services.

• We had 20 clients graduate from the Early Start Program.

• A client who had been registered for accommodation placement was offered a supported accommodation dwelling. After six months in this new living environment she is now making better informed choices for herself.

• Managing client goals — a client was able to go on his first holiday after 30 years.

Challenges

• Clients who either have undiagnosed or poorly managed mental health issues.

• Maintaining an open door policy.


• Continue to grow the Case Management Team and ensure that we gain a reputation for exceptional service delivery.

• Ensure our clients are treated with dignity and respect and truly be given the ability to make choices in their lives.

• Continue to assist our clients to achieve their goals and dreams.

Case Management clients Rophiel, Ian and Fred

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Our Services

Early Start: My Plan, My Choice

This program has been running in South Western Sydney for the past five years. There are only a limited number of packages available each year and these run for a period of 12 months.

The Early Start program is individualised funding that assists families who have children with disability to purchase therapy aids, equipment and staffing to assist in developing their motor skills, language or communication with the child. During the 2012–2013 year, we had 27 children under the age of six accessing the program.

Case Managers develop Person-Centred Plans according to the individual’s budget. During the course of the program we assist to build capacity and links into the community, offer information and provide referrals, if and when needed.

Ability Options will continue to grow this program with close support mechanisms for the clients of this program and providing exceptional service delivery that continues to grow our reputation in the area.

Young People Leaving Care: Leaving Care/Alternate Family Placement

We are currently providing assistance to 17 young people and families as part of this program. Participants of this program have individualised funding to meet their needs and this can vary from participant to participant. Participants entered in this program either live independently in the community with supports or live with their foster family.

Support provided is based on person-centred thinking, working at a pace that is suitable and manageable by the individuals. This support can include Person-Centred Planning, budget, information and referrals. We work with not only the participant, but also the families and carers, to ensure the goals of our clients are being met from every aspect.

A major achievement over the past year is witnessing successful transitions of our participants from school life to adult life and managing all the obstacles that can come with this evolution.

Funding is recurrent if circumstances do not change for the individual.

Case Management team: Melissa, Carina, Ali and Rebecca with clients Ian, Fred and Rophiel


NSW / ACT

SYDNEY

Tweed Heads Terranora

Lismore

Coffs Harbour

Coramba

BowravilleArmidaleGilgandra

Port Macquarie

NewcastleBlue Mountains

MittagongGoulburn

Albury

Wollongong

Queanbeyan

Cooma

Bega

Walla Walla

BallinaYamba

Maclean

Our Presence

Our Support Networks

Ability Options' EmploymentEleven Employment offices across metropolitan Sydney supporting close to 1,100 clients at any one time. (Baulkham Hills, Hornsby, Campbelltown, Camden, Katoomba, Merrylands, Mount Druitt, Parramatta, Penrith, Seven Hills and Windsor).

Services that are specifically targeted to assist people with a disability from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background being delivered at Camden, Campbelltown, Mount Druitt and Seven Hills offices.

Ability Options' Individualised Funding Services Three full-time and three part-time Individualised Funding Consultants supporting 269 Individualised Funding clients across NSW.

Each Individualised Funding Consultant is dedicated to a specific region, including one in each of the following areas:

Northern/North Western region (NSW), South/South West region (NSW), Northern Sydney, Hunter, Blue Mountains, Northern Metropolitan Sydney, Southern Metropolitan Sydney.

Ability Options' Supported Living Services

Twenty-three homes across Northern and Southern Metropolitan Sydney support 69 people with disability (two homes in Quakers Hill, Baulkham Hills, Glendenning, Winston Hills, Penrith, and one home in Oakhurst, Prospect, Seven Hills, Hassall Grove, Marrickville, Ellis Lane, Greenfield Park, Catherine Field, Minto Heights, Bondi, Rossmore, Ashfield and Leppington).

In May 2013 we lost our Marrickville premises to a house fire and in June two other houses were closed (Minto/Bondi).

Organisation Chart of Services

Ability Options’ Client Services

Clinical Services

Children’s Services

Out of Home Care

Outreach

Emergency Response

Case Management

Self-Managed Services

Shared Homes

Lifestyle Enhancement

Program

Transition to Work

After School and Vacation

Care

Sydney Region

NSW-wide services

Ability Options’ Employment

Employment Services

Supported Employment

Indigenous Employment

Program

Wholesale Nursery

Ability Options’ Case Management, Outreach, Lifestyle Enhancement Program, Wholesale Nursery and Transition to Work

• OfficesinNewcastle and Mittagong provide Drop-in Support to a total of 13 people through Drop-in Supported Living Services. • 60 Lifestyle Enhancement Program activities

provided for 38 people with disability throughout Sydney. • 28 people in the Penrith Local Government Area

supported through Case Management Services. • 11 young people and their families in the Goulburn

region supported through Ability Options’ Out of School Hours Care for teenagers with disability.

• 32 young people with disability throughout Sydney assisted by our Transition to Work Program.

• 19 people with disability employed at Ability Options’ Wholesale Nursery in St Clair which sells plants to nursery retailers, horticulture professionals and public gardens in New South Wales and Queensland.

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Contact usAbility Options Suite 1.14, 29–31 Lexington Drive Bella Vista, NSW 2153 Ph: (02) 88 111 777 Fax: (02) 88 111 788 Email: [email protected]

abilityoptions.org.au

ABN: 92 003 175 335

it’s really working - ability options · lorna jane, len hollis smash repairs, nrma, castle hill...

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