Our Services
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New ADL role for Needs Assessors
The Foundation has been piloting a programme in Christchurch to incorporate basic Adaptive Daily Living tasks into the services offered by Needs Assessors.
Needs Assessors are the first staff that members meet after they register with the Foundation. Adrienne Henderson, Divisional Manager, Quality Assurance, who managed the pilot programme, says that it seemed logical to extend their role to provide some practical advice and basic skills to members on those first visits.
"Some members have common difficulties that can be resolved relatively quickly and easily – such as marking appliances," she says.
"When we tested this approach with Christchurch members, we discovered that providing this service gave them a sense of confidence that there were things they could do in their own homes straight away to get things back to 'normal' again."
Some of the tasks that Needs Assessors will teach are:
- recognising and responding to safety issues
- training on identification and use of markers
- marking appliances including stoves, microwaves, washing machines, remotes and toasters
- ensuring people understand the markings and use them correctly.
However, Adrienne cautions that not all needs will be met immediately.
"We realise that some people have more complex needs and will always recommend they have further support from our specialist Adaptive Daily Living instructors."
Adrienne says that to provide this additional service, Needs Assessors must complete training provided by a qualified Adaptive Daily Living Instructor who will verify their competence.
"It's going to be a gradual process as we upskill our staff and extend the service across the country."
For more information about this service, please contact Veta Endemann, Manager Needs Assessors, ph: 09 264 0112.
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Puppies Galore!
The Foundation hopes to inspire a whole new generation of puppy sponsors with its new 'This Puppy Needs You' guide dog puppy sponsorship campaign.
Even with the Foundation's existing 4,500 regular puppy sponsors, the demand for guide dogs continues to outpace their availablility.
The campaign features guide dog puppy Sasha and blind member Natalie. And asks that people sponsor a puppy like Sasha for just $15 a month, so when Natalie is ready for a guide dog a guide dog is ready for her.
"We started by reaching out to 1,200 new puppy sponsors," says Patrick Holmes, Divisional Manager Fundraising, "and had such an exceptional response, we still have people enrolling"
In fact the campaign generated an unprecedented 3,700 new puppy sponsors, but of course we still need more sponsors.
And people didn't just respond with donations. Here's an excerpt from a letter recently received;
"...Just thought I must drop you a line and thank you for sending me the delightful photograph of Sasha, she is beautiful. I have placed the photograph on the fridge door in my kitchen and give her a pat every time I open the fridge door."
It costs just 50 cents a day to sponsor a puppy. If you, or someone you know is interested in becoming a Puppy Sponsor then please call tollfree on 0800 787 743.