Message from the Chair & Chief Executive Officer

Annual Review 2017

VisAbility

Contents

Contents

Our Purpose

Our Values

Message from the Chair & Chief Executive Officer

Strategic Directions

Board Members

Board Audit and Risk Committee

Consumer Advisory Committee

Who We Are

Our Services

Government & Non-Government Funding & Grants

Our Impact in Numbers

Six Ways We Have Made a Difference

Our Year in Review

Stories of Independence

Guide Dogs WA & TAS

Treasurer’s Report

Abridged Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2017

Contact Details

Our Purpose

We have a vision for independence.

Our Values

Empathy

We walk this journey with you. We are brave, and vulnerable. We want to step inside your shoes. To see things from your perspective. To see things differently.

Belonging

We welcome everyone. We see a worldwhere everyone is equal, everyone is included.

Greatness

We are giants in our domain; the best at what we do. We lead, we achieve, we break new ground. We have a depth of knowledge that is unparalleled.

Opportunity

We believe in abundance and diversity. In a world where everyone can achieve their dreams and goals. In a world that continues to evolve, forever discovering new ways for people to grow.

Visible

We communicate transparently. We trust, and can be trusted. We connect and participate. We are open, and true. We have a voice.

“Be determined to handle any challenge in a way that will make you grow.” - Les Brown

Message from the Chair & Chief Executive Officer

VisAbility is a way of life. Everything we do, empowers people living with disability.

We are helping to shape a world where people with disability have the same right to participate, same range of options, same level of freedom and same control over their day-to-day life and decisions as any other person.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has been described as the most profound social reform since Medicare. We recognise that there have been significant changes for people with a disability in Western Australia and Tasmania.

At VisAbility, our focus is and will always be on our clients and supporting them to achieve their goals in vision, mobility and wellness. We have created a client experience that is unparalleled because it is led by our system of beliefs. Steeped in empathy, cherishing connection, driven by opportunity and committed to greatness.

Like many organisations, this year has been characterised by a consolidation of business and cutting back on expenditure.We do this because our vision for independence isn’t just a vision for tomorrow. It is a vision beyond our lifetimes. And to do it justice, we need to be financially viable and sustainable for the long term.

After 10 years serving our clients, employees, and volunteers, the VisAbility Board of Directors made the difficult decision to close thePerron Centre Double Shot Café in Western Australia. Its closure has paved the way for the establishment of a client hub and meeting area that brings people together and deepens our engagement with staff and clients.

VisAbility remains focused on its seven priority themes that will define strategic direction over the next three years, through the Strategic Directions 2018-2021. To bring our strategy alive and ensure quality is met, all our actions are shaped around the Australian Business Excellence Framework (ABEF).

We want our staff to pursue their areas of passion and expertise. We want them to be challenged and motivated by the work they do, andto give them the opportunity to see how they are contributing to our higher purpose, every day. We are focused on building a culture of high trust and performance, underpinned by our values, so that we can build strong leaders and managers for the future.

We are focusing on the external community: on in-home support, and dynamic, mobile and remote working models.Through investment in new technology and systems around the NDIS, our productivity has dramatically increased. We have more clients and are delivering more service hours than ever before. We are also embracing contemporary, flexible and nimble technology and digital communication solutions.

And our commitment to innovation is paying off. Our Remote Orientation and Mobility (ROAM) program has been trialled in Tasmania, and showcased on the international stage.

VisAbility’s merger with Guide Dogs Tasmania has been immensely successful. This year we have expanded Tasmanian services with the purchase of the Children’s Therapy Centre, which provides services to children with a disabilityon Hobart’s Eastern Shore.

At VisAbility, we also greatly believe in the power of storytelling. We recognise that stories have the power to change lives. To make us laugh. And to move us to tears.

The publishing of our 10,000th audio book title by VisAbility Library is an immense achievement by one of the largest digital libraries in the world catering solely for those with a print disability. Our vision for independence has seen us grow, evolve and empower thousands of readers both young and old.

Through our alliance with Guide Dogs Australia, we play a vital role in providing quality, nation-wide Guide Dog services. This continued strong collaboration with other Guide Dog schools across Australia has seen Guide Dogs voted as the Most Trusted Charity for the fifth consecutive year.

The support of the community has been invaluable. The donations, volunteering and gifts in wills combined with the generous contributions from our supporters and funders have helped us deliver services, transform lives, and pursue our vision for independence.

Thank you to our hardworking Board and our dedicated staff. You deeply understand why it is that we exist, our uniqueness, and our impact.

Our vision for independence is in everything we do. Join us.

Debbie Schaffer OAM

Chair

Dr Clare Allen

Chief Executive Officer

Strategic Directions

VisAbility’s strategic plan, Strategic Directions 2014 – 2017, guides our operations as we provide professional, quality, allied health therapy and support services.

Endorsed by the Board of Directors, Strategic Directions 2014 – 2017 focuses on seven strategic priority themes that will impact on our programs and services. With a strong vision for the future, VisAbility is ready for the next 100 years of transforming the lives of people living with disabilities.

Partnerships

Strengthen and build strategic partnerships that promote better outcomes for our consumers.

Innovation

Work in the spirit of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurialism.

Consumer Centred Practices

Provide consumers with choice and control through consumer centred practice.

Technology

Invest in appropriate technologies that will support the organisation’s transformation.

Unique Defining Brand

Develop a unique and defining brand that embraces our past, present and plans for a sustainable future.

Regulatory Standards

Provide assurance and confidence to our stakeholders of our service excellence.

Economic Viability

Support and maintain economic viability through securing our current revenue base and creating new revenue streams for sustainable outcomes.

Board Members

• Debbie Schaffer OAM Chair
• David Bevan
• Jenny Dawson
• Lorraine Driscoll
• Kym Georgiou
• David Ligovich
• Scott Marston
• Prof. Iain Murray AM
• Sue Shoobridge
• Helen Smith OAM
• Lana Thompson – Resigned 14/12/2016

Board Audit and Risk Committee

VisAbility takes a proactive approach to identify and mitigate risk to ensure the consistency of service quality to consumers.

VisAbility’s Management and Governance teams work collaboratively to develop Treatment Plans for the top 10 risks on the risk register. Treatment Plans are periodically reviewed and revised as needed.

Together with the Treatment Plans, each top 10 risk is audited every year and the outcome reported to the Board Audit and Risk Committee. Risk controls are modified if necessary in order to strengthen risk mitigation/prevention.

The Board Audit and Risk Committee members are elected by the Board of Directors to monitor and advise on compliance with standards, including the Australian Business Excellence Framework.

Board, Audit and Risk Committee members:

• David Ligovich (Chair)
• Debbie Schaffer OAM
• Hayden White
• David Bevan

Consumer Advisory Committee

The Consumer Advisory Committee is an important part of VisAbility’s commitment to providing people-centred services. The Consumer Advisory Committee is a group of non-paid consumers who provide feedback, comment and advice on service issues referred by VisAbility Management, bring to the attention of the management any issues which affect the quality of life of people living with disability, recommend to the management any changes to consumer complaint procedures that may improve their effectiveness and act as a resource in advising on the introduction of new services. The Committee consists of a Chair and up to 12 other members, who are current and valid members and non-paid employees of VisAbility. Meetings are held at least four times a year via teleconference. Nominations for membership are called for in November each year via VisAbilityprint and electronic newsletters.

This year, the Consumer Advisory Committee provided consultation and perspective on many organisational matters, most notably VisAbility’s consumer complaints procedures, VisAbility’s ongoing transition into providing services under the NDIS, as well as client feedback on service improvements and fees, policies and procedures.

Consumer Advisory Committee members:

• Jenny Dawson (Chair)
• Fiona Payne
• Marie Bedford
• David Forsyth
• Barbara Brucciani
• Evette Wilson
• Liam Haven
• Gemma Travers
• Kary Macliver (VisAbility Representative)

LifeMembers

• Ron Anderson OAM
• Cam Ansell
• Michael Barton
• Connie Craig OAM
• Professor Geoff Gallop AC
• Clifford Gooch (1999 – 2017)
• Dixie Gunning OAM
• Tony Hagan
• Peter Hickson
• Lester James
• Dorothy Judd
• Kim Laurence
• Tina Mackay
• Ross McLean OAM
• Steve Moore
• Elizabeth Needham
• Jean Perron
• Dr L.S. (Stan) Perron AM
• Peter Potter MBE
• Ruth Reid AM Cit. WA
• John Rodgers
• Roma Shilling
• John Thompson

Who We Are

We are a team of passionate and driven professionals dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to live the life they choose.

Our people are encouraged to pursue their areas of passion and are given a voice in their areas of expertise, both within our organisation and the broader community.

We encourage learning, collaboration and knowledge sharing – and support a culture where meaningful connections are made between different roles and responsibilities. Connection, empathy and opportunity being key drivers of innovation and excellence.

Our organisational structure is divided across four broad areas: Governance, Corporate Services, Operations and Engagement and Development.

The Operations division is the largest and engages 70% of our staff who provide services in the areas of Gateway Services, Therapy and Support, Information and Education, Children and Youth and Guide Dogs.

Governance

• Board of Directors
• Chief Executive Officer
• Executive Management
• Board Audit and Risk Committee

Corporate Services

• Financial Services
• Quality, Audit and Compliance
• Business Excellence
• Property Management
• Human Resources
• Information Technology

Operations

• Dr Geoff Gallop Resource Centre
• Grants
• Government Relations
• Gateway Services
• Therapy & Professional Services

• Guide Dog Services
• Conference Centre

Engagement & Development

• Marketing
• Fundraising
• Philanthropy
• Guide Dog Products

Our Services

Therapy and Support Services

• Low Vision Assessment
• Orthoptists
• Acquired Brain Injury
• Occupational Therapy
• Social Work
• Orientation and Mobility
• Specialised Aids and Equipment
• Employment Support
• Leisure, Sports and Recreation

• Early and School-Age Intervention
• Speech Pathology
• Physiotherapy
• Psychology
• Holiday Programs

Information and Education Services

• Library Services
• Audio Production
• Braille Production
• Training and Education

Guide Dog Services

• Guide Dogs
• Autism Assistance Dogs
• Companion Dogs
• Therapy Dogs

Government & Non-Government Funding & Grants

VisAbility wishes to sincerely acknowledge and thank all of our funders and supporters, without them we could not deliver life-changing services to Australians living with vision impairment and other disabilities. This year we received funding from the following government sources:

• Australian Government – Literacy, Numeracy and Special Learning Needs Non-Government Centre Support (NGCS)
• WA Department of Education – School for Special Education Needs: Sensory
• Department of Social Services
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• Lotterywest
• National Disability Insurance Agency
• State Library of WA
• WA Department of Health – Home and Community Care Services
• WA Department of Communities
• WA NDIS
• Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services

Our non-government funders and supporters work in close partnership with VisAbility helping to support the gaps in funding, enabling growth and innovation in service delivery. VisAbility wishes to thank the following non-government agencies for their support:

• Angus Stewart Trust Account
• Channel 7 Telethon Trust
• Fred and Lorna Craggs Trust Account
• Fundi Software
• Guide Dog Foundation
• Ida Lloyd Fellowship Trust Account
• Scottish Masonic Charitable Foundation
• The Stan Perron Charitable Trust

Our Impact in Numbers

Western Australia

• 30,233hours of adulttherapy services
• 1,162 hours oflow vision assessments
• 19,105hours of early and school-aged therapy services
• 42children attended holiday programs
• 1,888activities delivered in the Community Activity Centre
• 16 new puppies entered the Guide Dog program
• 11working Guide Dogs matched
• 7Companion and Therapy Dogs matched
• 20people secured employment

Tasmania

• 115children received therapy and support services
• 170 hours of Occupational Therapy (new service) delivered
• 6timesincrease inhours of Assistive Technology services delivered
• 1,575 hours of support in activities for daily living
• 6 puppies entered the Guide Dog program
• 4Guide Dogs graduated

In Australia and Across the Globe

• 80,662 books borrowed by library users
• 10,000+ digital books available for immediate download

Our First

• Autism Assistance Dog matched in WA
• Therapy Dog placed in Tasmania

SixWays We Have Made a Difference

We focus on what is important.

VisAbility has helped me achieve my goals by focusing on my needs, and not what they think might be good for me to learn. – Emma, client, Orientation and Mobility Services, TAS

We enable people to realise their dreams.

There is a lot of love put into VisAbility, it is clear from the way they interact with those they help and their families. The needs of the people they help come first, providing them with amazing opportunities some people in the world can only dream of. – Emelia, university student

We create space for compassion, and empathy.

Meeting all the new people was a highlight of the (SALSA) camp. I learnt about different conditions and problems that other people have with their eye conditions, it made me feel like I was included, I understood their problems and it was great to be with other people just like me. – Hannah, client, Children and Youth Services

We value all generous contributions; big or small.

VisAbility is so friendly and welcoming. Every time I have arrived there over the last 30 years, I have always been greeted and thanked when it was time to leave. I really appreciate the lovely community here at VisAbility. – Coralie, volunteer, VisLibrary, WA

We change perspectives.

VisAbility gave me a light. I could finally see a light after disability. I could get up in the morning again. – Edwina, client, WA NDIS

We help foster friendships.

It has been very helpful talking to people and seeing that it wasn’t just me going through this. At VisAbility I can share experiences with similar people and have a privileged peek into how others are dealing with their disability. – Ann, client, Living Well Group, WA

Our Year in Review

People and Culture

At VisAbility, we want our staff to pursue their areas of passion and expertise and be challenged and motivated by the work they do, giving them the opportunity to see how they are contributing to our higher purpose, every day. We know this is important.We believe that connection, empathy and opportunity are key drivers of innovation and excellence.We are focused on:

• Building a culture of high trust and performance underpinned by our values
• Building strong leaders and managers for the future
• Providing an environment where individuals can develop capabilities for success
• Placing health and wellbeing at the centre of our employee experience
• Engaging everyone at VisAbility to live and breathe diverse and inclusive practice

Reform Readiness

We continue to learn, engage and adapt as we implement the NDIS and Aged Care Reforms across the organisation. We are working on building a culture of engagement and collaboration by working in partnership with our external and internal stakeholders, and most importantly clients and staff. We continue to invest in our Gateway team with the establishment of a dedicated NDIS team working to support clients and liaising directly with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and WA NDIS staff to improve planning outcomes for our clients. Completion and re-evaluation of our NDIS readiness has demonstrated that we are implementing advanced practices in managing our business. Investment in a new Client Management System, IT infrastructure and our financial systems has built strong foundations for our continued growth as we navigate ongoing reform challenges.

Round Table Conference

In May, VisAbility hosted the Round Table Conference 2017 at the Mercure Hotel, Perth, Western Australia. This year the conference focused on information access and new modes, technologies and opportunities available for those living with a print disability. From Saturday 6 May to Tuesday 9 May, national delegates flew into Perth to enjoy technical, research and panel sessions, and engaging practical workshops. Four of our VisAbility team members gave presentations on innovative fields, discussing new technology and apps, publishing tools, and virtual reality.