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