Executive View
Page 2
Key programmes for 2002
Jane Holden - Chief Executive
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and to outline some of the key programmes we are planning for 2002.
Our Adaptive Technology project is well underway and will continue to develop over the coming year.Recommendations from the Literacy Through Braille's project manager will be considered for possible implementation in the next few months.
The "increased participation of blind people in the Workforce" project is also to be expanded and we are currently securing funding for this. Funding services is one of our key issues and we are in negotiations with the appropriate agencies to ensure that this is in place for the new financial year.
Governance is also a key issue and we will be spending considerable time and energy to ensure that the structure that Foundation members voted on last year is put correctly into place as soon as possible.
It is likely that by the end of the year the Foundation will have a new board voted in by its members. In the meantime the Foundation's current services and operational expectations will remain in place.
I am now on three months leave until the end of April. In my absence Paula Daye, Divisional Manager Adaptive Living, is acting CEO.
I am sure you will support her in this role and I have every confidence in her ability.
I look forward to working with you to meet the challenges this year brings.
I've been thinking
Gordon Sanderson
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Just the other week I was talking to an international expert on equipment for people who are sight-impaired. She pointed me to a web site which two years ago had contained only three models of CCTVs.
Today that same web site has over 30 models and this is only one variety of equipment from one manufacturer. Imagine how much more equipment there will be in five years. She said that even she had lost track of the amount of
Page 3
equipment available today.
That made me think: has the Board fully anticipated the burgeoning development of high tech equipment and its associated increased demand?
There are already many options available and this type of equipment is not cheap. I believe there will be a need to employ more trained specialists to provide the most cost effective solution for each individual or even 'super specialists' who just concentrate on one area of high tech.
The sector as a whole must move away from the charity model which is certainly not an effective way of meeting these sorts of needs and likely to be even less so in five years time.
Similarly the concept of putting all available equipment out onto a table and asking the client to choose is just as inefficient as a doctor spreading a selection of pills out on the desk in front of their patients.
People with sight impairments have a right to the same professionalism from whichever organisation they deal with, and this includes the right to fully Government funded solutions to the barriers they face.
Introducing Mana Kapo
The Foundation's Maori Services has changed its name to Mana Kapo to coincide with an expansion of its existing services and a change of focus this year and in the future.
Mana Kapo Manager, Tai Kingi says the name change was decided on by its staff after a hui late last year, with Mana meaning "spiritual power within" and Kapo relating to all sight-impaired and blind people.
"The name reflects the inclusive nature of the service and the standing of blind people in the community," says Mr Kingi.
"Mana Kapo clearly defines the spiritual, emotional, physical and cultural uniqueness of blind and sight-impaired people."
The previous name of Whanau Worker for field officers has been changed to Aronga loosely translated as "deliverer," a clearer rendition of a worker who delivers the Mana Kapo services.
Mana Kapo will be working closely with other Foundation divisions and Diabetes NZ raising awareness of blindness and its causes.
"We will be seeking to be more involved in this area of awareness and prevention on a national basis to provide a more integrated service to our members," Mr Kingi says.