News
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Reviewing services to better meet member needs
The Foundation is embarking on reviews of Children's Services and Deafblind Services. "There have been many changes since the services were first established, so we need to make sure that we are delivering a service that meets member needs in the best possible way. The reviews are an important first step in this," says Chris Inglis, Divisional Manager, Technology, Employment and Awareness.
Children's Services Review
Children's Services has grown since it became a specialised service unit with dedicated management in 2000. Now, eight years on, with 35 staff nationally and contracts with the Ministries of Health and Education, we want to know if we have got it right. A review will begin shortly and will consider funding issues, service performance, models, structure and organisational fit. We've called the review "Have We Got It Right?"
Deafblind Services Review
The Deafblind Services model, agreed in 2001, was only partially funded by the Ministry of Health. With no further funding received, and no Communicator Guide service now in place, a review of "where to from here?" is about to begin. The Ministry of Health supports this review and has contributed to the cost. Consultation will involve randomly selected deafblind people, their family and support people, other agencies and RNZFB staff.
Blind Week 2007 – thanks a million-plus!
Results were in a little late for our Summer issue but now the buckets have all been collected and every cent has been counted. We're pleased to announce October's Blind Week 2007 raised over $1million nationally through the street appeal, text, 0900 line and direct marketing.
We received heaps of feedback from members about how much they liked the new direction taken with the "See the Difference You Make" theme, and the positive way in which blind, deafblind and vision-impaired people were portrayed.
Thanks to everyone who participated in their local area, either through street collections or behind the scenes. You certainly made a difference.
If you want to join the excitement of Red Puppy Appeal on 4-6 April, see details below.
Puppy Power! Red Puppy Appeal 2008
It's nearly time to give 'power to the puppies'! This year's Red Puppy Appeal, from 4-6 April, is about giving our red puppies
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the power to support blind, deafblind and vision-impaired New Zealanders.
Last year was the first Red Puppy Appeal, which replaced the Guide Dog Appeal. It really struck a chord with the public, raising over $1million nationally.
Star of the campaign, guide dog puppy Stella, and all her friends will be doing the 'puppy beat' again this year, and we hope to raise even more. But we need your help!
It's very expensive to breed, raise, train and match guide dogs and the Foundation's Guide Dog Services receives NO Government funding. You can do your bit to give 'power to the puppies' by volunteering to collect for a few hours in your area. Call 0800 REDPUPPY (0800 733 787) to speak to your local Fundraising Manager about becoming a volunteer, or you can register online at www.rnzfb.org.nz. Please also encourage others to put their paw in their pocket and give generously!
Kiwi Games 2008 – registrations open now
The biennial games for vision-impaired students have been revamped. The Kiwi Games will take place this year at St Peter's School in Cambridge from 28 April to 2 May.
Elsa Pullenger, RNZFB Games Co-ordinator, says, "The Kiwi Games are a great opportunity to try out new sports and activities like soccer, gymnastics, power-lifting and rowing, as well as swimming and track and field. Those who take part meet heaps of new friends from across NZ and leave with the confidence to try other challenges away from the sports field."
The Games are open for students aged between 10-18 years. For further information and registration criteria, please contact your local Recreation Advisor, or Games Co-ordinator, Elsa Pullenger on 07 5782375 or epullenger.
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More changes at HumanWare
HumanWare announced in January that it would be reorganising its business so that Christchurch effectively becomes a branch office. More than 60 staff in Christchurch were laid off, according to media reports. HumanWare announced in November that it was moving its corporate headquarters to Canada.
HumanWare is a leading provider of information access products for blind, vision-impaired and learning-disabled customers. The manufacture and servicing of products such as the BrailleNote, SmartView, myReader and PocketViewer will continue in Christchurch by a contract manufacturer, according to HumanWare.
The Foundation's Adaptive Technology Manager, Neil Jarvis, says the changes at HumanWare are a concern. "Clearly, New Zealand is not the focal point it once was, but we will do our best to ensure that members continue to get the support they require."
Just over a year ago, HumanWare teamed with the Foundation on the successful Digital Talking Book pilot. It is one of several companies being considered as a supplier of the new machines.
Adds Mary Schnackenberg, Divisional Manager of Adaptive Support, "We worked closely with HumanWare Chief Executive Gilles Pepin during the pilot, and will remain in contact with him and other potential manufacturers. I don't see these changes having any real effect on our plans."
Foundation members who may be concerned about these changes should contact HumanWare in the first instance, but they can also ring Neil Jarvis on 0800 24 33 33.
Growing up kāpo Māori: Whānau, cultural well-being and health
A research project about how kāpo (blindness and visual impairment) affects Māori is beginning. It will explore how health and education services impact on the identity, cultural well-being and health of kāpo Māori and their whānau. The aim of this study is to help services better address the cultural well-being and health of kāpo Māori and their whānau.
The study is being conducted by Dr Nancy Higgins (Pakehā) (Donald Beasley Institute), Kelly Tikao (Waitaha, Kāti Mamoe and Kai Tahu) (Donald Beasley Institute), Christine Cowan (Ngāti Kahungunu) (Ngāti Kāpo o Aotearoa) and Dr Hazel Phillips (Ngāti Mūtunga) (Victoria University).
If you are interested in knowing more about the study, please phone Dr Higgins on 0800 878 839.
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Satisfaction survey
In 2007, 100 RNZFB members were surveyed about how satisfied they were with Foundation services. The members were selected randomly, ranging in age from 23 to 87 years.
The survey found the most commonly used service was Library Services, which had been used in the past year by just under half of the surveyed members.
Nearly 95% of those who rated a service were either satisfied or very satisfied with the service. Members surveyed were also generally satisfied with the length of time they waited for service delivery (90%), and the same amount were satisfied with the manner of staff.
Also, 76% felt they had a say in which services they received from the Foundation, and 87% felt they had sufficient information about the services available.
The survey results are available on the RNZFB website under Latest News. (www.rnzfb.co.nz/newsandevents/latestnews)
This year, members will have more regular opportunities to have their say and feed into decision-making on a range of issues. This is a key part of the Foundation's member-centred and evidence-based approach to improving our services for members.
'Seeing the Possibilities' is rolling out!
'Seeing the Possibilities', the new centre-based service delivery programme from the Foundation, is now being rolled out nationwide. Service Co-ordinators, Needs Assessors, Counsellors, Adaptive Daily Living Instructors, Orientation and Mobility Instructors, Adaptive Communications Instructors and Recreation Advisors, as well as Pacific Service Co-ordinators and Aronga, are involved in the roll-out of this comprehensive programme.
'Seeing the Possibilities' involves eight sessions covering daily tasks, getting around, dealing with money and an introduction to useful technology. While 'Seeing the Possibilities' is primarily geared towards new members, existing members are most welcome to attend.
Paul Barclay, National Manager Rehabilitation Services, says, "As well as the everyday skills that help with independence and confidence, members will also get to meet other vision-impaired people and learn from shared experiences."
For more information on programmes in your area, please contact your local Service Co-ordinator:
Auckland - Penny Hieatt, phone: 09 355 6915 or Liz Quarrie, phone: 09 264 0109
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Waikato/Bay of Plenty - Kay Rolls, phone: 07 578 2387
Lower North Island - Cheryl Scott, phone: 06 867 5516
South Island - Pete Madden, phone: 03 375 4320or use: 0800 24 33 33
Top tramping!
In December a group of eight adult members, two staff and four volunteers took on the Hurunui High Country Track in the South Island. It was a challenging three-day tramp that covered a range of different terrain through bush and over hills with often rocky, narrow and steep tracks.
The team stayed in different huts along the way and a great – if tiring – time was had, with everyone feeling an immense sense of achievement at the end of the final day.
Meanwhile, in the North Island on 4 December a team of members and volunteers scaled Rangitoto Island in the Hauraki Gulf. The group was a real mix of ages and experience and included three students from the BLENNZ Kickstart programme. The initial idea for this trip came from members and was made a reality by volunteer Lakhana Mam and two of her friends.
Developmental Orientation and Mobility Instructor Michael Ocean accompanied the group. "There was a real team spirit about the day, which was great. Everest is our next goal!"