2011/12 annual report annual report Our Vision Vision is a partnership between people who are blind, sighted or have low vision. We are united by our passion that people who are blind or have low vision will have access to and fully participate in every part of life they choose.

Our Mission Vision Australia will achieve this through creating a community partnership of knowledge, skills and expertise to enrich the participation in life of people who are blind or have low vision and their families. We will ensure that the community recognises their capabilities and contributions. Contents 2011/12 annual report 4 About Vision Australia

6 Chair and CEO message

8 Client outcomes

20 Responding to change

ercury 24 Advocacy for equality M 30 Partnerships ision llawarra Australia

, I 38 Financial summary volunteer

ease Dianne 40 Governance T ArnoldV (seated right)

ave is one of 50 volunteers who work at the 46 The board : D Wollongong office.

hoto Pictured with Hayden P and his sister Lily, Dianne loves assisting children who are blind or have low vision on excursions.

Making this report accessible This spiral-bound format can be spread flat, assisting people using magnifiers. This report is also available in large print, braille and audio formats. It can be downloaded at www.visionaustralia.org to read using speech output software. Future focus While documenting the challenges and achievements of the past year, this report also P

highlights our strategic directionhoto in preparation for the increasing challenges ahead.

Cover image: James and: N Riley, both 12, have been best friends since kindergarten. James is learning to read braille but Riley, who has low sensitivity in ew p ix his fingers which makes learning braille impossible, loves audiobooks from Vision Australia’s library service.

Heidi Clarke, who lost her sight suddenly for a coffee and go shopping by myself.” at 22 years of age, says orientation and Orientation and mobility specialists assess mobility training changed her life. “I used to each client to provide the best mobility have panic attacks if I left the house but now training for their individual needs. I can catch a bus into town, meet my friends . u nn D ichelle : M hoto P about vision australia We are the largest and only national provider of blindness and low vision services in Australia

ision Australia works clinics and provide a range of in partnership with outreach services throughout VAustralians who are blind Australia. Services range from or have low vision to help them Seeing Eye Dogs to library and achieve whatever they choose accessible information, low vision in life. clinics and children’s services.

Our services follow every stage Most of our services of life, from families with infants are delivered free of charge and small children to preparing and that requires us to raise for the transition to school and nearly $100 million each year higher education to employment to offer these services. and training. Recreation and peer support services assist both children and adults and Advocacy for equality of there are specialist services for opportunity is another important vision loss in senior Australians, area for Vision Australia. We are which is mostly acquired currently strongly advocating through the aging process. for all who are blind or have low vision to be considered within the We are a not-for-profit framework of the new National organisation with a proud Disability Insurance Scheme. history stretching back almost one and a half centuries For further information, through the eight heritage go to our website at organisations* which now form www.visionaustralia.org Vision Australia. We are also a major innovator and partner *Royal Blind Society, Royal in the international blindness Victorian Institute for the Blind, community as information Vision Australia Foundation, access is no longer bound by National Information Library geographic borders. Services, Royal Blind Foundation Queensland, Hear a Book, We offer a broad range of Seeing Eye Dogs Australia services from 27 sites in , and 5RPH. , the ACT, Queensland and the Northern Territory; operate 29 outreach

vision australia annual report 2011/12 5 Chair and CEO message Government funding reforms bring challenges and exciting new opportunities

hatever role each technology. More about this member of staff plays exciting project is on page 11. Win our organisation, This project highlights the great we work with one goal in mind benefits to families in regional – that our clients can achieve areas and we believe it is the independence and not be first of many where technology constrained by barriers in the will be a key to future environment. Our clients inspire improvements in services. us every day as they meet the This year has been a very goals they choose and we work important one for organisations to support them in their choices. in the disability sector with many Whether our client is a new government reforms to funding infant with a family wondering underway. The most prominent is how their child will meet each the National Disability Insurance developmental milestone or an Scheme (NDIS) which will bring elderly person wanting to be much-needed certainty to the able to remain in their home, we lives of all those Australians aim to support their choices with under 65 who have severe or practical solutions. profound disabilities. One of the new opportunities We embrace the positive which highlights the way changes which these reforms technology can transform bring to the lives of Australians service delivery and potentially with disability. The ‘self-directed’ bring services to a much wider funding model gives choice and group is the VidKids Alliance independence to the individual in funded by the NBN Co through choosing the services they want the Australian Government. and is absolutely in line with our This project will use the belief that everyone is entitled to National Broadband Network choose how they live their life. to deliver services remotely to As there is less certainty around children who are either vision or eligibility and age cut-off, we hearing impaired, using video are also advocating strongly to ensure that no one misses out on services because of these funding reforms. We have spent considerable Finally, it is important to time during the past year recognise the contribution planning, researching and our recently departed CEO, working to understand the Gerard Menses, made to Vision potential impact of these reforms Australia. Gerard steered us and creating new strategic through the consolidation of directions. Sustainability is the the merging process from four bedrock of any organisation and organisations in 2004 to eight we are ensuring that we’re ready organisations in 2012, servicing to make the most of the exciting approximately 50,000 clients. opportunities these reforms offer We thank him very much for our clients. his contribution.

Vision Australia is happy to report that our client satisfaction rate averaged 91% this year, Kevin Murfitt above our target, as was the rate Chair for ‘impact of service on client’s life’, which is very encouraging. Our clients are also a very important source of advice David Speyer and feedback on our services, Acting Chief Executive Officer with our Client Representative Council heading up the formal consultative framework.

Our financial position, while still having an operating deficit of $1,126,000, is ahead of target to reach breakeven by 2015. This has been achieved through a significant increase in fundraising revenue and active management of costs through productivity improvements.

To all Vision Australia Above: David Speyer and Kevin Murfitt. stakeholders – our vigilant members, our generous donors, our wonderful volunteers and amazing staff – please accept our thanks for the valuable job you do for our community.

vision australia annual report 2011/12 7 Aviva Mushin has a health condition at first sight,” says Aviva. “Warwick was which caused the loss of her eyesight quite brought to my house around midday and suddenly. However the arrival of Warwick, by 8pm that night he wouldn’t leave my her Seeing Eye Dog, has restored her side. I’m told it’s rare that bonding confidence and independence. “It was love happens so quickly, so I felt very special.” client outcomes Vision Australia’s many clients have a diverse range of support needs

ndependence is the ultimate Client representation aim of all our services; we Consultation and feedback Iwant our clients to be able to from our clients is essential live their lives as independently to ensure we are providing as their sighted peers. But services which meet our clients’ independence covers a huge individual needs and assist them range of options. For a young in reaching personal goals, child with blindness or low whatever their age. vision, developing independence through achieving confidence in mobility and personal skills Vision Australia has 60 and meeting age-appropriate local client groups, with benchmarks will allow that child 18 new groups established to attend school and make this year. choices about his or her future as an adult. 36 forums/workshops were For an adult in education or held for clients this year. 113 employment faced with vision client representatives were loss – and this can occur at any involved in committees, working age whether through accident groups and consultative or illness – independence is activities and 76 client something to be regained representatives were involved in through orientation and mobility our consultative framework. training and assistive technology for continued learning or Our services working possibilities. A combination of new For an elderly person facing technology, improvements in declining vision through age- staff productivity and client related issues, independence consultation in service might be about feeling confident redesign has been the about continuing to live in their key to improving outcomes own home, being able to safely for our clients this year. make a cup of tea or walk to the local shops.

vision australia annual report 2011/12 9 Tyson enjoys swimming in the pool and water awareness skills as well during a Safety in the Water program as having some fun with games. The run earlier this year in as part of program aims to increase confidence Vision Australia’s school holiday program. and awareness in the water for children Instructor Emily White worked with nine who are blind or have low vision. children in the program to give them safety . d vertiser A e nd igo , B arthy C c M re nd a n : B hoto P New service for children It also means that service providers can offer video Vision Australia is the lead conferenced therapy and agency in a consortium of support sessions at times expert organisations called the that suit the children’s needs. VidKids Alliance. Together we This service can be equally have secured $4.1 million over important to families who may two years from the Australian live within travelling distance Government to provide video- to a centre but find it less conferenced services to children disruptive to stay at home to with a vision and/or hearing access a service. impairment in regional and remote areas. The other members This type of service will become of the Alliance are Deaf Children increasingly important as Australia and the members of technological access improves. the First Voice national service It has the potential to provide network – The Shepherd Centre, professional services to very Hear and Say, Cora Barclay isolated locations across Centre, Taralye and Telethon Australia and to people who Speech and Hearing. may have difficulties in leaving their homes to access services. Using iPads and laptops, services will be delivered Services for adults by therapists from locations that have a connection During the year, we consulted to broadband. with clients and staff about a number of proposed changes to the way that we provide The Alliance will use their own services to adults. We then centres and connect to children tested and refined these in their homes as well as using proposed changes until we videoconferencing facilities in were satisfied that the changes schools, Telehealth centres, would produce good service and other community centres. outcomes for clients. We are The options will increase as the now implementing the following Australian Government’s National changes across all of our sites. Broadband Network is rolled out across Australia. 1. We will offer a streamlined Early intervention is critical for intake and assessment children who have vision or process for the 60% of adult hearing loss to reach their full clients who attend a Low potential in life. The flexibility Vision Clinic appointment. of service location means that children can receive services when and where required.

vision australia annual report 2011/12 11 We will introduce a more Clients will also receive comprehensive needs services from an occupational assessment process for those therapist on the day of the who don’t attend a Low Vision Low Vision Clinic appointment, Clinic appointment. ensuring consistent standards.

2. At the Low Vision Clinic 3. We will provide a telephone appointment, we will offer follow-up service that contacts a consistent range of services clients by phone approximately from either an orthoptist or one month after services have an optometrist. This will ceased. This will help to ensure that clients receive identify clients who have a similar clinic experience unresolved or additional regardless of the eye service needs so further health practitioner they assistance can be provided. see. For optometrists, this The service will be monitored will involve demonstrating and and a second call at six recommending a broader months may be introduced. range of low vision equipment and, for orthoptists, refracting and prescribing spectacles.

Riley enjoys being able to access reading material from Library Services.

clients employed more than 26 weeks FY 11 FY 11 FY 11 FY 11 Quarter 1 7 4 +3 +75% Quarter 2 8 16 -8 -50% Quarter 3 20 9 +11 +122.2% Quarter 4 14 11 +3 +27% Year to date 49 39 +9 +23% Mobility services responsive and accessible service for our Western Australian Mobility is essential for clients, who previously relied on independence and Vision our visiting services. Australia’s Seeing Eye Dogs Orientation and Mobility A trainee has successfully (SEDOM) division works to completed the International achieve this both by training Guide Dog Federation Trainer clients to achieve their mobility Diploma course and is now goals and also graduating staff a qualified Seeing Eye Dog in specialist skills. We supported trainer, while another trainee will 4,962 active clients this year. complete the Trainer Diploma course in August.

Seeing Eye Dogs We anticipate two trainee instructors will achieve This year there were a International Guide Dog total of 238 Seeing Eye Federation instructor Dog clients and 191 qualifications in September this working Seeing Eye year. There are also two trainee Dog partnerships Puppy Field Officers undertaking around Australia. a puppy development course.

We are very pleased to have Orientation and mobility appointed a veterinary surgeon which enables us to manage all This year our 2,191 clients of our routine cases in house at attended 13,119 appointments a reduced cost. This also means and we provided 1,235 canes that our clients will be able to and 798 tips. contact our own vet to discuss Six orientation and mobility any health related issues they specialists in Vision Australia may be concerned about with who completed studies at their Seeing Eye Dogs. the Certificate IV level have We now have a permanent site upgraded their qualifications to in Western Australia for our the Graduate Certificate level Seeing Eye Dog operations, via the Recognition of Prior with an instructor and Puppy Learning process. Development staff joining Seven students successfully last October. The first pups completed the 2011 Graduate for housing in voluntary carer Certificate in Vision Impairment. homes arrived last November. This will provide a much more

vision australia annual report 2011/12 13 . razia G courtesy hoto P

Karen and daughter Ebony Karen uses assistive technology at enjoy a tandem bike ride. Karen, who has work, including a CCTV camera on been legally blind since she was 19, lost her desk which magnifies text and a her sight slowly to Stargardt’s Disease, a computer program which ‘reads’ emails. hereditary and degenerative condition. At night, Karen studies using braille. Employment We conduct specialist training and assessment prior to job Employment opportunities are placement to ensure each a critical factor in independence candidate is suitably skilled but people who are blind and matched to a role. We also or have low vision are still supply workplace adaptive four times more likely to be equipment, technology and unemployed compared to the training at no cost. general population. One third of those who are employed Our highest performing sites – would like to work more hours Caringbah, Enfield and Gosford (Vision Australia’s June 2012 – were rated as four or five Employment Survey). This is star sites in March 2012 by the unacceptable to us and we are Department of Employment, working to obtain jobs for people Education and Workplace who are vision impaired. Relations. This means they have been offered automatic contract Our nine Employment extensions from March 2013 Services sites achieved until March 2018. great employment The strong performances from outcomes for clients our Employment Services were this year, with a 55.4% assisted by: improvement in job placements from last ●● Job Blitz workshops for the year and a 21.4% most work-ready clients increase in clients. ●● Port Waratah Coal Services, Newcastle, a long term We are very pleased to see supporter, which launched these increases which help more an innovative work employers to realise the benefits experience program to of employing competent and help people with blindness motivated staff who also happen or low vision gain skills and improve employment to be blind or have low vision. prospects. Two Vision We assist many clients to Australia clients were obtain new employment or to hosted for six weeks and were offered six month retain their job if vision loss has employment contracts occurred. We also advise on workplace modifications and types of assistive technology to support our clients in working safely and efficiently.

vision australia annual report 2011/12 15 ●● Our corporate partner, work experience, with a Academy Training, direct impact on client job generously delivered free placements training in a Statement of Attainment - Certificate III ●● Other key partnerships in Customer Contact to include the ANZ Bank, eight of our employment BoysTown and Salmat services clients. The course involves two weeks of

employment improvements

2012 2011 2010 New employment services clients 295 243 257 Job placements 129 83 67 Workplace modifications 340 274 216

. Malek Chamoun is ourier visually impaired C yet competes est against sighted W weightlifters in nn er international , I events. ilso n W raig : C hoto P Library services Members borrowed 693,513 titles over the year. Of these, Vision Australia’s Information 42,208 were downloaded Library Service is a key service and library staff received for our clients who range in age 73,673 enquiries from from babies, whose families members and prospective introduce their children to books members. through the Feelix service for young children, right through every age and stage of life. Online engagement Access to information is critical in ensuring that people who Library continues to grow in are blind or have low vision popularity in terms of an online can enjoy a book or magazine, social network, with a rating of access education or continue in 40 on the Klout scale of online employment. Only around five social influence (a social media per cent of information available analytics measure). This is a to sighted people is available great beginning as we learn to to those who are blind or explore new ways of keeping have low vision. We are our members up to date advocating and working to with library events. Members change this. continue to provide very positive feedback about the topical Our library is particularly email information provided to important to our senior clients subscribers. who rely on our services to continue access to the reading, entertainment and information Online catalogue they have enjoyed all their lives. Everything listed in the new online catalogue can be Online technology, continues searched and downloaded, to facilitate access to a growing including more than 25,000 collection of titles. It ensures DAISY audio books, 2,000 ease of borrowing 24 hours a electronic braille titles, 4,000 day and every year more elderly electronic braille music files, people are becoming familiar over 300 newspapers and and comfortable with online magazines and a selection technology, which in of podcasts. 1,713 members turn provides them with access this service. much more choice.

There was also a small increase in library membership from 19,979 last year to 20,198.

vision australia annual report 2011/12 17 Feedback has been extremely our traditional members are positive from the hundreds who predominantly over 70 years participated in the development of age. of the catalogue. Members receiving email Users of our online services information from the library have reflect a different age group grown from 3,600 to 4,300. profile to our traditional library member. Online users are more likely to be in the mid 30s to mid 60s age range while Natalie enjoys receiving tactile story book kits from the Feelix Library.

Photo: Newspix Playback options Showcasing technologies In February we introduced the Texpo was held in , DAISY Player Supply Option, Brisbane and Sydney during a rental system with a small September last year. For its rental charge for members second year as a national wishing to use DAISY players event, Vision Australia’s Texpo borrowed from the library to again proved to be a popular listen to audio books. Only 48% place for clients, their families of members are now using and community service DAISY players as technological providers to experience the developments have meant that latest developments in assistive our clients now have a range technology and our services. of options including their home This year the 2,200 visitors to entertainment systems, DVD Texpo included clients from as players or computers. far as , Cootamundra and Cairns who received the Radio news Vision Australia Texpo Travel and Accommodation Grants, The biggest news for Vision designed to bring people from Australia Radio this past year remote areas to enjoy the event. was the inclusion of Adelaide’s Further key highlights were: 5RPH into the network last December. ●● The standing-room-only presentations about The Adelaide station merged the ground breaking with our existing network of accessibility of the ever- eight stations throughout popular Apple products Victoria and has added a further 30,000 listeners. ●● The latest products from 20 local and international technology suppliers Our network total is now around 230,000 people ●● An array of interactive each week who are tuning exhibits showcasing all the in for their daily newspaper Vision Australia services

readings and programs. ●● The audio-described cinema lounge allowing people to enjoy the screening of Mao’s Last Dancer

●● A feature story by the children’s television program, Totally Wild

vision australia annual report 2011/12 19 . ail M ourier , C ichter R o d ie : J hoto P

Chuelsu hopes that the National Disablity vision and muscle tone and regularly Insurance Scheme will help them with some attends different therapy sessions. While of the additional expenses they incur while she receives free therapy from Vision trying to give daughter Chaeyon the extra Australia, the family pay for hydrotherapy support she needs. Chaeyon has very low and speech therapy. Responding to change Funding reforms which give clients choice in service providers create both opportunities and challenges

ision Australia welcomes service choice as well as the introduction of continued advocacy with key Vthe National Disability decision makers. This will be Insurance Scheme (NDIS). completed by December 2012 in We see this shift toward readiness for the introduction of self-directed funding as an the NDIS at test sites in 2013. important step forward in creating choice and During the past six months independence for our clients. a team of 10 senior staff along with seven specialist We are already running sub-committees from some services based on across the organisation similar funding models, such have been investigating the as Employment Services, opportunities and challenges Equipment Solutions and Better arising from these Start. These programs have government reforms. given the organisation important experience in this new and exciting era. Challenges Currently we are concerned that our clients, particularly those Senior Australians are the age over 65 or with low vision, could group most likely to be affected miss out on important services. by vision loss due to the ageing process, and it is not clear if this group will be covered by the Opportunities NDIS. With proper support this Changes to funding will mean group can remain independent changes in how we offer in the community, so we are our services. working to ensure that senior Australians will not miss out on Our planning involves extensive essential support. engagement and consultation with our clients and staff and looking at further partnerships within the sector to support

vision australia annual report 2011/12 21 There are also a range of These services are critical to services we currently provide our clients in ensuring they such as specialist library can access information for services, adaptive technology, entertainment or education, use telephone help desk services, specialist technology, obtain or crisis help lines etc that cannot retain employment and receive be provided under individualised peer support or phone assistance funding models. when required and they must be maintained.

We want people to be Alan independent, whether that is Roberts says being able to get to work, go to university or just continue to his Seeing live at home rather than have to Eye Dog Nikki move to a nursing home because has given him much more confidence.

Photo: Matthew Furneaux, Macedon Ranges Weekly of failing eyesight due to age- may face through funding related issues. Whatever their changes. This has been sent choices are, we are ready for the out to key decision makers and changes and here to help them distributed widely through the with our services. community through social media and on our website (www.visionaustralia.org). Engaging our community

While these funding changes Ultimately, we want to be are completely in line with sure that all our clients can our belief in independence of continue to make choices client choice, our concern is to about how they want to live ensure that funding for certain their lives, whatever the conditions and services is not funding system. lost through these reforms and that our organisation remains sustainable. The future We have engaged with clients, The past year has focussed expert staff and colleagues in strongly on both facets of the disability sector over many change – opportunity and months about the NDIS and challenge – and we will ensure other similar reforms in disability that we continue to be proactive and aged care. We have talked in both areas so that our clients with policy makers, expert can continue to receive the wide advisers and other relevant range of life-changing services people and have a clear view they need from us. of what our clients need to remain independent.

In order to ensure that the NDIS truly provides better and fairer access to disability services and support, Vision Australia strongly advocates that no person who is blind or has low vision, or who acquires vision loss, should be left without access to government funded service support.

We have produced a short animation to illustrate the issues that a person with low vision

vision australia annual report 2011/12 23 advocacy for equality Advocating for policy change helps create equality of opportunity

hile providing services bring about greater equality of to people who are blind opportunity. We have various Wor have low vision is sections within Vision Australia essential for independence that work towards bringing about and choice on a personal essential changes to make life level, advocating for changes safer, easier and more equitable at an individual, community for the blindness community. or government level can also

Audible menus help with dinner choices at the Illawarra Leagues Club.

Photo: Illawarra Mercury. Advocacy Individual advocacy support and advice covered issues including During the past year our employment, education, access advocacy team worked to transport, inaccessible directly with over 300 clients internet banking services and and their families to address pedestrian obstacles. We discrimination and inequality have also dealt with refusal to issues. accommodate Seeing Eye Dogs Highlights achieved through in taxis and restaurants, failure advocacy included: by utility providers to provide statements in an accessible ●● Ensuring that talking set-top format and many other aspects boxes were included in the of daily life. While most issues Australian Government’s were resolved, several clients scheme to assist were assisted to pursue issues households around Australia through Federal and State anti- to switch to digital television discrimination processes.

●● A trial of audio-described television in conjunction with Vision Australia has continued the ABC to influence through systemic advocacy, with several local ●● Advocating for legislative governments adopting footpath change in the migration act dining and trading policies so so that applicants who are that people who are blind will legally blind or have a family not have to negotiate obstacles member who is legally blind on the footpath. Electoral bodies can more readily apply for around Australia are adopting permanent residency more accessible voting and

●● Advocating for legislation electoral processes, more banks protecting the right to are rolling out audio-enabled access accommodation for ATMs, there is an increasing people with dog guides number of accessible websites and traffic authorities are ●● Working with transport installing more audio/tactile bodies in Queensland Rail, traffic and pedestrian signal Translink and Transport crossings. and Main Roads to improve accessibility on buses, trains and water transport for people who are blind or have low vision in Queensland

vision australia annual report 2011/12 25 Oscar, now two, was just a few months old “Vision Australia is providing great when his mother, Melissa, realised there was support,” says Melissa. something different about his left eye. “A paediatric occupational therapist is “I was devastated to discover he had providing early intervention programs glaucoma,” explains Melissa. But with a to prepare him for school.” number of operations and regular treatments, Oscar’s eyesight is stabilising. Policy issues Queensland election Our activities focus directly on With input from clients we influencing government and this developed a ‘Politician’s Pledge’ year put in 28 submissions and and asked candidates in the developed Vision Australia’s Queensland state election to policy position on the NDIS. commit themselves to action We also developed and revised on important issues such other policies. as accessible voting and independent travel. During the campaign we secured pledges External committees from 106 candidates, also worked with of whom 17 are now Members Victorian public transport of Parliament. on better accessibility and safety and on legislation, regulations, Travelling exhibition industry standards and The Living in a Sensory World better safety with users exhibition showcasing Vision of motorised scooters. Australia’s heritage and raising awareness of blindness and Work with the Victorian Taxi low vision in the community Industry Review resulted in a is touring regionally and was recommendation for talking visited by over 100,000 people taxi meters as a standard while in Newcastle. It has since for taxi meters and is the opened in Melbourne. most significant movement in accessible fare meters in Large print and braille captioned Australia to date. displays offered insights into technological advancements, We continue to strongly lobby political and social changes. the Government for recognition of blindness in the Ageing portfolio, securing meetings with ministers and providing briefings on issues important to senior Australians living with blindness or losing their sight.

We have provided briefings to key ministers and influencers, urging them to ensure Australians who are blind or have low vision continue to have access to services and support.

vision australia annual report 2011/12 27 Social media We conducted a review of our external website and Social media is an increasingly began a website redevelopment important area of communication, project (due for completion in engagement and feedback for October) to: all organisations, including not- for-profits. ●● Establish Vision Australia as an authoritative resource Vision Australia continued to and source of reference in develop an online presence relation to blindness and using Facebook, Twitter and low vision issues LinkedIn and was ranked ●● Demonstrate our capability eleventh against other not-for- to create an innovative, profits in Australia in our use of accessible and sustainable social media (The State of Social website – an industry Media Use in Australian Non benchmark and exemplar Profit Organisations by Wirth of accessible design Consulting).

Crossings without audio-tactile devices are dangerous. Pictured is Gaynor Marsh.

Photo: Eugene Hyland, Waverley Leader. Reconciliation plan These key appointments allow Vision Australia to We are very pleased to have considerable input announce that our first into key global campaigns Reconciliation Action Plan, with a direct impact on launched in May this year, Australians who are blind will address the under- or have low vision. representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people among our clients, which is at Our influence is particularly odds with the higher incidence important in areas involving of blindness and low vision in access to information and books these communities. We aim to in alternate formats. With the assist all Australians who need ever-increasing importance of our services and this plan will the internet creating globally help us reach more people available information, it is critical who have previously not been that all Australians should be properly assisted. able to have the same access to information, whether for study, work or relaxation. International advocacy We are fortunate that our One major campaign involved General Manager International the establishment of Right to and Stakeholder Relations, Read coalitions in a number Maryanne Diamond, is also of countries and good progress president of the World Blind at the World Intellectual Property Union (WBU). Organisation towards a treaty allowing cross-border sharing Another significant appointment of books produced in alternate is that of our Deputy Chair, formats. Professor Ron McCallum AO, who is the Chair of the We continue our participation United Nations Committee in Digital Accessible Information on the Rights of Persons with System Standards (DAISY), Disabilities and the 2011-2012 International Federation of Chair of meetings of chairs of Library Associations and other the United Nations human rights international committees. treaty bodies.

vision australia annual report 2011/12 29 partnerships Our partnerships with volunteers, staff, organisations and businesses all benefit our clients

ision Australia is based your experience and skills, you on partnership and we are an important part of the Vdepend on everyone who organisation. Vision Australia works with us in the many ways needs this broad support to which create the services and help facilitate independence opportunities our clients need. for people who are blind or Whether you’re a member of have low vision and we thank our organisation bringing your everyone for their efforts. vigilance to our governance, a volunteer donating their time to help others, a hard-working Andrew staff member, a donor ensuring we can continue programs or a Rochford business or organisation sharing from Channel 10’s The Project discusses vision loss with Kathy Fela.

clients employed more than 26 weeks Volunteers at all levels of the organisation and across the breadth of Vision We couldn’t continue all of our Australia activities. services without the generous help of our volunteers and we Our performance in safety recognise their work through issues has been strong with an our Volunteer Charter and innovative approach to safety Mornings of Celebration training through short, online, events each year. and accessible programs that are produced in-house. The highest number of registered volunteers this year A safe work environment for was 4,283, with an average of our staff and volunteers is very 2,294 working each month (and important to us and we are up to 2,800 in the busy month working to decrease injuries at of December). work. Measures of Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate has The total volunteer hours remained stable and Lost Time worked this year is an Injury Severity has improved. incredible 803,633 which Staff have made a number shows just how important of important presentations our volunteers’ time is to to conferences during our services and clients. the year, including to 200 ophthalmologists at their A survey of volunteers, national annual meeting. Orthoptists audit of volunteer management from our Sydney office also and a volunteer services developed and presented a review was conducted by semester-long course in Visual volunteers from the Melbourne Rehabilitation to 39 Masters Business School. Actions have students completing a degree commenced to focus volunteer in Vision Sciences at Sydney leadership in the National University. Staff also presented Volunteer Program Office and 13 papers at the International develop Vision Australia’s first Mobility Conference. Volunteer Strategy.

Staff We are pleased that participation in Vision Australia’s workforce by people who are blind or have low vision has remained high (at 19%) throughout the year,

vision australia annual report 2011/12 31 Photo: Peter Clark, Central Coast Express Advocate. last year. RolfhasStargardt’sDisease,a Japanese GardensforWhiteCaneDay tour oftheGosfordRegionalGalleryand and RolfGeerlingsonanaudio-described Barry Johnston from Vision Australia JohnstonfromVisionAustralia see thegardensorpaintings,”hesays. the waterandfeelrockypathsbutIcan’t important toRolf’senjoyment.“Icanhear peripheral vision.Audiodescriptionisvery macular dystrophywhichaffectscentraland Library partnerships Our Carols partners

●● Vision Australia participated A number of important in an Australian Library and partnerships ensure that our Information Association premier fund-raising event, initiative whereby the Vision Australia’s Carols by Federal Government Candlelight®, continues to purchased digital playback be both an iconic celebration devices for interested public across Australia and an libraries across the country. important source of funding for our programs. Equipment Solutions supplied 85% of devices For the fifth year, Myer was and our library staff the principal presenting partner. trained all 73 participating Telecast partner was the Nine library services so that Network and other media many more Australians partners were the Fairfax Radio with blindness or low Network and Woman’s Day. vision will have access to For the third time Health Super reading again. was the official sponsor of the Live Site Federation Square. Event media partner 3AW was The project was a great the leading supplier of radio opportunity to build relationships coverage accounting for with the community across 51 reports. Australia while engaging the local library network. ●● Overall exposure was valued at $2,656,201, an increase ●● Our partnership with of 11% National Year of Reading (NYOR) has provided ●● Two million people watched significant promotion the program on television for Vision Australia, with ●● The campaign generated coverage on the NYOR 33% increase in website website and in social visits media communications. The presentation at the ●● $1.2 million (gross) was Federal Government launch raised to support our supported awareness services of literacy issues in the community. It was also an opportunity to raise awareness of braille as a key foundation of literacy development, particularly for children.

vision australia annual report 2011/12 33 Other partnerships Many have been supporting us for a long time including ●● Our partnerships with our the Double Bay Black and dedicated fundraising White Committee, which committees continue to fundraises for our Children’s bring wonderful benefits Services and celebrated to the organisation. 75 years of fundraising last October. The Barwon Heads Auxiliary celebrated its 70th Volunteer Anniversary in May this year. This Vision Australia Auxiliary puppy carer fundraises to cover the Steph McCorkell ongoing maintenance costs with her trainee of our Barwon Heads Holiday Home, Lorna Lodge. Seeing Eye Dog ●● A senior Adaptive Technology Buddy. consultant was beta tester for Apple’s latest operating system, Lion. Through this four month process, David Woodbridge provided bug and enhancement feedback, continuing Vision Australia’s

. commitment to universal

ews access/design. N ●● The Sydney service delivery teams hosted a space- oga n themed evening for families

& L with the highlight being a communication with NASA

l b ert astronaut, Michael E Fossum, from the International , A Space Station.

a mp ey The Amateur Radio on

C International Space Station i m program is an educational : J tool designed to stimulate the minds of young people hoto

P in the fields of Science and Technology and to promote the hobby of amateur radio. ●● In February 2012, Vision This will improve client Australia commenced a new outcomes in a cost effective joint project with the Centre manner. This project will place for Eye Research Australia, Australia at the forefront of low Beyond Blue, Deakin vision care and will provide an University, Thomas Jefferson innovative service University, Dartmouth delivery model. College and the University of Singapore. The research ●● Our new partnership with project, funded by the the Australian College of Australian Research Council Optometry has resulted in and the research partners, the development of a new builds on previous research low vision centre at the to integrate depression college in Carlton, providing management into Vision a streamlined client referral Australia’s services. The pathway and access to project involves an eight research, incorporating the week program of Problem latest in low vision services. Solving Therapy for clients who are assessed as being ●● In conjunction with The at risk of depression. Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, the Australian College of Optometry and Vision 2020, we have

established the Victorian . Vision Collaborative.

Together we will work ea d er

towards leveraging our core L strengths to improve the client experience and outcomes

and to more effectively deliver averley our services. , W

Myles ra b tree

Tankle is a C volunteer book narrator who teve n has completed : S

six novels and hoto P 10 children’s books.

vision australia annual report 2011/12 35 Donors • Collier Charitable Fund – The support of members of the granted $29,000 this year for public, valued regular donors, our Seeing Eye Dog Breeding charitable foundations and and Training Program; corporations is crucial to our making $395,000 granted to ability to deliver services for our our services since 1982. clients. Income from fundraising • Bell Charitable Fund – activity accounted for 44% of our granted $20,000 this year for total income this year. To all our our day program in donors we say a heartfelt and the Feelix Children’s thank you. Library Service; making We would particularly like to $390,400 donated since 1981. thank the following trusts, funds Pictured below: Bill Mudford with and foundations listed for their a photo of his late wife, Pamela. generosity over many years:

Pam wanted“ to ensure that children in the country would have the same opportunities.” • Eric Crawford Memorial Fund The Mudford Fund for Young and The Sally Sinisoff Trust People who are Vision Impaired Fund of the GreaterGood honours Pamela Mudford, one of Foundation – this year Vision Australia’s longest serving granted $24,000 and $11,504 volunteers. Pamela, a retired respectively for our Quality school teacher, brought her Living Groups in the ACT, many skills to the braille team bringing total support since which produces a wide range of 2005 and 2009 (when these transcriptions. trusts were established) to $195,596.81 and $35,004 For 15 years she ensured that respectively. the material produced in braille matched the print from which it Non-discretionary trust grants was produced. received this year included: “Pam had made a number of ●● Russell Vontom Charitable donations to Vision Australia Trust (managed by over the years as well as other Perpetual) – $171,028.73 charities,” explains her husband, this year and $352,650.80 Bill Mudford. “We’ve both always since 2009. been involved with education and helping young kids get a ●● The Hardie Family Bequest (managed by Equity start so when she became ill she Trustees) – $543,505.64 talked about making a bequest this year and $5,117,811.16 to Vision Australia. since 1993. “Although both well paid, we

●● Amy Irene Christina Ostberg didn’t splurge and we wanted to Estate, managed by ANZ do some good with our funds. I Trustees – $157,290.50 this was happy for her to do it. Pam year and $1,579,008.49 had lived all over Australia, from since 1987. Perth to South Australia to Manly and Taree and she knew what the country could be like. She A special bequest wanted to ensure that children Last year Vision Australia in the country would have the received an inspiring bequest same opportunities. It fitted in from a former volunteer who with what she’d been doing for wished it to be used to provide most of her life.” services for young people who are blind or have low vision and The young clients of Vision who, for geographic or financial Australia are very grateful to reasons, cannot readily access Pam and Bill for their our services. generosity.

vision australia annual report 2011/12 37 financial summary 63.7% of the total revenue of $84.062 million was generated from non-government sources.

2011-12 2010-11 2009-10

$ % $ % $ %

Legacies, bequests and donations 37,091 44.1% 29,819 29.3% 30,544 31.8%

Government grants 30,475 36.3% 30,584 30.1% 37,817 39.4%

Investment and other income 7,967 9.5% 16,577 16.3% 8,289 8.6%

Revenue from the sales of goods and services 8,529 10.1% 9,067 8.9% 8,015 8.4%

Gain on disposal of investments and property - 0.0% 15,563 15.3% 11,254 11.7%

84,062 100.0% 101,610 100.0% 95,919 100.0%

Total expenditure and losses for the period totalled $90.904m (2010-11 $89.706m). Expenditure was incurred as follows: Client Services and Information Library Service 66,371 73.0% 65,603 73.1% 60,098 73.0%

Marketing and Fundraising 13,164 14.5% 13,469 15.0% 11,185 13.6%

Corporate Services 5,652 6.2% 6,952 7.7% 9,486 11.5%

Other expenses 5,386 5.9% 3,682 4.1% 1,526 1.9%

Loss on disposal of investments and property 331 0.4% - 0.0% - 0.0%

90,904 100.0% 89,706 100.0% 82,295 100.0%

Net surplus/(deficit) (6,842) 11,904 13,624

NB: All numbers are in $1,000’s. three-year financial position

2011-12 2010-11 2009-10

Assets

Cash, debtors and inventories 26,540 16,110 14,227

Investments 69,118 81,895 67,720

Property, plant and equipment 101,254 105,624 118,829

196,912 203,629 200,776

Liabilities

Payables and provisions 16,596 15,783 22,339

Other (including income in advance and deposits on property sales) 1,969 842 3,269

18,565 16,625 25,608

Net Assets 178,347 187,004 175,168

NB: All numbers are in $1,000’s.

vision australia annual report 2011/12 39 our governance Seven divisions oversee service delivery, fundraising and all organisational business requirements

he organisational chart Board of Vision Australia at right describes the The board of directors (see page 50) is responsible structure and service T for corporate governance of Vision Australia. divisions of Vision Australia, along with the general managers of each division. With 146 years of service to the blindness community, Vision Australia has built a substantial Chief Executive reputation and assets base David Speyer, Acting CEO and is very cognisant of the The CEO and executive are responsible for the responsibilities that go with overall strategic direction and management of Vision managing and safeguarding Australia. Vision Australia Radio reports to the CEO. our heritage.

Independent Seeing Eye Community Living Dogs Orientaion Information Services and Mobility Access Glenda Alexander Leigh Garwood Michael Simpson GM GM GM This division offers SEDOM enhances The AIS library a range of client independence and information services including through mobility service provides specialist children’s training and the books, magazines services, low vision supply of canes, and newspapers in clinics, employment Seeing Eye Dogs and accessible formats. services, independent technological devices. It includes the living training, Seeing Eye Dogs are i-access® online peer support also bred and trained. catalogue, Alternate groups, technology SEDOM also provides Format Production, assessment and international dog guide the Audio Description training and specialist instructor and O&M service and DAISY/ equipment sales. qualifications. Technical support. The executive, from left: Glenda Alexander, Stephen Crook, Michael Hansen, Maryanne Diamond, David Speyer, Michael Simpson, Leigh Garwood, Jan Chisholm.

International Corporate Organisational Fundraising and Services Development Jan Chisholm Stakeholder Stephen Crook Michael Hansen GM Relations Acting GM GM Income from fundraising This division has This division is essential to the Maryanne Diamond nine business includes Human provision of GM units: Finance and Resources, OH&S, Vision Australia’s This division includes: services. This communications, Administration, Payroll, Registered National Contact Training Organisation division oversees a government relations, diverse range of income- advocacy (both Centre, Company and the National Secretary, Office Volunteer generating strategies and individual and is responsible systemic), policy Compliance, Property Program; and fosters and Facilities, organisational for relationships development, with our donors. international relations Accessibility and culture, learning Training Services, and development. and consultation and engagement with Enterprises, Project clients. Office and Information Systems Group.

vision australia annual report 2011/12 41 Strategic and of Commonwealth legislation financial planning and 163 pieces of state/territory legislation we are required to Vision Australia undertakes deal with and this costs us more continual reviews to deploy than $1.2 million a year. assets to best provide services to the blindness community. Our strategic plan is subject to Property and facilities annual review and amendment. Vision Australia currently has We are committed to 27 offices in Australia from transparency of our processes which services are provided. A and a copy of our strategic specific Board committee assists plan is available on our website in the planning, assessment (www.visionaustralia.org). and utilisation of buildings. Currently we have $84.689m Vision Australia supports invested in owned properties government moves to reduce and approximately $2m per year unnecessary complexity in leased properties to ensure and cost in meeting various an appropriate geographical reporting, review, audit and spread. Highlights include: compliance requirements. Currently there are 15 pieces

Vision Australia’s ® has been a Christmas Eve tradition for 74 years. ●● Relocation of the Southport As detailed in the financial report, facility to larger premises in a specific Board committee Robina, Queensland assists with the identification and management of risk. Additional ●● Relocation of the safeguards are: Maroochydore facility from

leased premises into an ●● External audits of the owned site financial statements and result ●● Finalisation of designs

and tendering of the SEDA ●● External audits of grant Barrett Street redevelopment and lottery income to provide new breeding centre and kennels ●● Internal audits reporting to the board

Investments ●● Risk register maintained, reviewed and reported on Vision Australia has $69.1m in at every board meeting. assets under management to Revisions to risk matrix generate investment income part of organisation-wide that contributes to the funding reassessment of risk for the provision of services. This important income stream ●● Maintenance of a Code of is subject to variations that Professional Conduct policy occur due to changes in global ●● Maintenance of employee economic conditions. Vision and workplace policies and Australia utilises the services of procedures an investment advisor, Strategic Capital Management, to provide ●● Maintenance and review of investment advice on the all software licences underlying investments which ●● Review and compliance are predominantly managed by with relevant legislation Hyperion Asset Management and DMP Asset Management Ltd with Sandhurst Trustees as the custodian.

Risk management Vision Australia is a large and complex organisation that delivers a wide range of services and requires processes to manage the inherent risk.

vision australia annual report 2011/12 43 Photo: Newspix working toimprovethisresult. recycle 72%ofwasteandare by Candlelight®wecurrently At VisionAustralia’sCarols with energy-saving fittings. lighting andarereplacingbulbs all printers,havereducedexcess default double-sidedprintingon computer equipment,have We recycleCDs,paper, of VisionAustralia’sservices: audits underlinethehighquality The followingsuccessfulexternal Maintaining standards emissions were: of 9.3%achieved.2011/12CO2 been surpassedwithareduction by 5%during2011/2012has reduce electricityconsumption on theenvironment.Ourgoalto manage andmeasureitsimpact implemented measurestobetter sustainable practicesandhas implements environmentally Vision Australiaencouragesand environmental impact Sustainability and ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● at five service sites last at fiveservicesiteslast Disability ServiceStandards against theVictorian Vision Australiawasaudited Flights –641tonnes Fleet –1,255tonnes – 6,802tonnes Power, heatingandlighting ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● government grant. government grant. our largestrecurrent Disability ServicesProgram, through theVictorian excess of$13mannually because wereceivein This auditwascritical against thesestandards. October andwascertified areas: feedback inthefollowing auditors providedpositive and Maroochydorethe conducted atCoorparoo surveillance auditwas funding. Thefirstexternal requirement forongoing Certification isacontractual Services Program. the QueenslandDisability of Communitiesunder Queensland Department recurrent fundingfromthe Vision Australiareceives and processes and processes Solid managementsystems Committed staff High qualityservices Positive clientfeedback The Department of Health and ●● Improved stock order Ageing conducted a quality turnaround times review of the National Respite for ●● Visibility of stock across all Carers Program, Maryborough. sales outlets A successful audit outcome was achieved against the new National ●● Customer order tracking so Community Care Common staff can immediately inform Standards. This achievement was customers of the status of particularly significant as these their orders new standards covered a number of Federally-funded programs ●● Purchase history collection so that refunds delivered across Vision Australia and exchanges can be centres including: processed easily and

●● Home and Community Care immediately Program services in Victoria, ●● Customer information New South Wales and captured to deliver targeted Queensland promotional campaigns

●● Community Aged Care ●● Improved reporting of sales, programs in Victoria stock and order fulfillment

●● National Respite for Carers performance Program in Queensland and Victoria

Process improvement In September we launched VAPOS, Vision Australia’s point of sale and inventory system for Equipment Solutions. This has removed inefficiencies associated with the previous manual processing of sales and has improved customer service by:

●● Real time stock adjustments at the time of the sale transaction

vision australia annual report 2011/12 45 the board We are grateful for the wide-ranging experience our board shares with us.

Kevin Murfitt Professor Ron McCallum AO Owen van der Wall PhD, BA (Hons) BJuris LLB (Hons) LLM Qu Deputy Chair Chair Deputy Chair; appointed 2006 Appointed 2004 Appointed 2004 Professor of Law, Chair United Retired banker Lecturer Nations Committee on the Right of Persons with Disabilities, Senior Australian of the Year 2011

Lyn Allison (Ronald) Keith Nick Carter BEd, AAICD Barton FRICS, Appointed 2008 PhD, BSc, FTSE FAPI, FAICD Former senator Appointed 2004 Appointed 2006 Non-executive Business owner director

Full details of the board are available in the Financial Report. Donald Fraser Paul Gleeson Ross McColl PhD, BSc (Hons), BSc, LLB, LLM BEcon (Monash) Dip Ed, MBA, M Appointed 2004 FCA Comm Law, DBA, Solicitor Appointed 2006 FACS, FAICD Chartered Appointed 2008 accountant (retired) Business manager

Andrew Moffat Professor Jan Lovie-Kitchin Theresa Smith-Ruig BCom, LLB MSc (Optom) (Melb), PhD, BCom (Hons) Appointed 2011 Grad Dip (Rehab Stud) Appointed 2007 Accredited (LaTrobe), FAAO Lecturer mediator Appointed 2007 Adjunct Professor and Chair of the University of Human Research Ethics Committee

vision australia annual report 2011/12 47 notes

Call 1300 84 74 66 or visit www.visionaustralia.org

ACN 108 391 831 ABN 67 108 391 831

Combining the skills and resources of several blindness organisations to create one national voice, Vision Australia is committed to delivering exceptional and efficient services that open up exciting possibilities for our community.