2008 Annual Report
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Contents
About RIDBC 4 Section Three – RIDBC People 34 2008 Highlights 5 Recruitment and Retention 35 Report of the President and Learning and Development 35 Chief Executive 6 Occupational Health and Safety 35 Financial Summary 8 Industrial Relations 35 Five Year Record of Enrolments 10 Employee Survey 36 Objectives, Activities, Major Volunteers 36 Achievements and Challenges 12 Qualifications 36 Board of Directors 14 Organisational Chart 37 Corporate Governance 16 Senior Managers 38 Heads of Educational Services 39 Section One – Children’s Services 18 RIDBC Staff in the Community 40 RIDBC Assessment Unit 19 Case Study – Christine Muir 41 Early Childhood 19 Visiting Honorary and Professional Staff Parent Support 20 and Organisations 42 School Programs 20 Years of Service Awards 42 Case Study – Charlie 21 Beyond RIDBC 43 Ancillary Services 22 Case Study – Aly 23 Section Four – Paying the Bills and Program Reviews 24 Those Who Help 44 Continuous Improvement 24 Community Relations and Fundraising 45 RIDBC Teleschool 25 Bequests 46 Resource Production 26 Permanent Funds 46 Of Special Interest 26 Case Study – Sue O’Neill 47 Case Study – Andrew 27 Clubs and Committees 48 Supporters 49 Section Two – RIDBC Renwick Centre 28 Case Study – Monica Glare 51 Professional Development and Sponsors 52 Research Report 29 Case Study – OzViskids 31 History 54 Research, Presentations and Publications 32 Concise Financial Report Supplement 55 Directory 55 You Can Make a Difference 56
Contributors RIDBC wishes to recognise and thank contributors to this annual report including: Graphic Innovators Nomad Photography Fiora Sacco Photography Level 4, 515 Kent St David Jenkins PO Box 266 Sydney NSW 2000 11 Parriwi Rd Annandale NSW 2038 Ph: (02) 9261 3222 Mosman NSW 2088 Ph: 0418 263 125 Ph: 0410 691 867
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Aly discusses her news with help from RIDBC Rockie Woofit Preschool director, Julie Kaney. Read more about Aly on page 23. RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT About RIDBC
Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children he Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind In affiliation with the University of Newcastle, Children (RIDBC) is Australia’s major RIDBC conducts a centre for research and T independent special educator. RIDBC’s professional development in the education of primary purpose is to provide high quality children with impaired hearing or vision. educational services to children who have significant hearing and/or vision impairment, RIDBC is one of Australia’s major charities and including children who have additional is incorporated under the Royal Institute for disabilities. Deaf and Blind Children Act 1998.
What end result does • We acknowledge that a child’s parents are the major influences and primary educators in the RIDBC want? child’s life, and may need advice, information and support in fulfilling those roles • That the impact of blindness, deafness, or significant vision or hearing impairment be • We understand that educational practice needs minimised so that children with these impairments continuous evaluation and an underpinning become able to participate fully in all aspects of life through research • We know that the effectiveness of staff members Who does RIDBC serve? can be enhanced by professional development • Children with special needs arising because they • We have faith in community support and the are deaf, blind, deafblind or have significant vision concern and generosity of people or hearing impairment RIDBC helps families by: • Their families • Acknowledging them as their child’s primary carers and as essential partners in the • Teachers of children with these sensory educational process impairments and associated professionals • Assisting them to learn more about their child’s How does RIDBC pursue unique needs and how best to meet those needs its aims? RIDBC helps teachers of the deaf or blind and associated professionals to: RIDBC helps children to: • Become effective practitioners • Access the most effective and appropriate early intervention and school education • Undertake research to improve teaching practice • Achieve to their full potential What RIDBC does • Leave school well prepared for independent • We commence the educational process as soon adult life as a diagnosis of significant hearing or vision impairment has been made RIDBC’s values – the “shared understandings” that underpin our work • We provide high quality, innovative education to children with impaired vision and/or hearing • We recognise that all children, irrespective of disability, deserve to receive education and other • We offer choices and options in educational services which will enable them to develop their approaches and settings skills and capabilities and to participate fully in • We support children with special needs in community life mainstream preschools and schools
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT • We provide children’s audiological services, • We seek the community’s help in order to have including diagnostic audiology sufficient resources to do our work • We assist parents and families in catering to the RIDBC’s programs special needs of their child RIDBC strives to achieve its desired goal through • We train teachers of the deaf and teachers of the implementation of targeted programs which are the blind and provide ongoing professional aligned to clear objectives as outlined on pages development 12 & 13. The remainder of this report provides a • We engage in research and the provision detailed accounting for these endeavours. of information and resources relevant to the education of children with significant vision and/or hearing impairment
Highlights of 2008 • Serving more children and • Joshua Sealy the first signing • Helping less developed families than ever before, with student to complete the Higher countries to develop skills in 16 percent growth in early School Certificate through the teaching deaf children and childhood enrolments and Hills Grammar School/RIDBC blind children, with RIDBC 2 percent growth in enrolments partnership program Renwick Centre and Children’s of school children – (see page Services staff involved in Timor 10 for details) • 55 graduates from the RIDBC Leste, Papua New Guinea, Renwick Centre/University Samoa, Fiji, China and India • Included in the above, a of Newcastle postgraduate 66 percent enrolment growth teacher training program • A large investment in IT to 146 children in RIDBC infrastructure for educational Teleschool, reaching regional, • A new partnership between programs, with new video- rural and remote populations RIDBC and TAFE to provide conference installations, specialist courses in deafness intelligent whiteboards and • Completion of building and blindness to childcare software improvements in the RIDBC workers Alice Betteridge and RIDBC • Donations at a record level Thomas Pattison Schools
About this Annual Report
This report is to be presented to the 148th Annual General Meeting of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children on Tuesday, 19th May 2009. Copies of this report are available online at www.ridbc.org.au and are also available on request in large print or braille. We welcome feedback from readers via [email protected] or on (02) 9871 1233. Louise and Cameron attend an RIDBC Parent Editor: Matthew Smeal, RIDBC Infant Group session with their son Cody. Communications Manager.
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Report of the President and Chief Executive
ver the last generation, children, blind children and 2008. Notwithstanding this, the much has changed for their families. As expected, only real impact experienced Odeaf children and for overall revenue did not match to date by RIDBC has been blind children, including: the record level of 2007, but it a return to expected levels of is very gratifying to report that revenue after the extraordinary • The quality and effectiveness donations to RIDBC have been highs of 2007. The book value of special technology – such at more generous levels than of RIDBC’s investments has as high powered hearing ever before. also fallen from 2007 highs, aids and cochlear implants, but is expected to recover in Five Year Plan and computers with voice the longer term. (Unrelated to and braille output RIDBC is now three years into the economy, receipts from • The focus on early its Five Year Development bequests also fell from the intervention and early Program. This includes very high level of 2007 to education – contributing plans for the growth and an amount more in line with to much better long-term enhancement of research and previous experience.) The outcomes professional development combined effect was to activities. The RIDBC reduce overall revenue by • More highly trained specialist Renwick Centre, under the 15.3 percent compared with teachers and therapists leadership of Professor Greg 2007. Even so, total revenue Leigh, continues to broaden • Attendance at regular in 2008 was in line with its influence nationally and schools for most students expectations, and sufficient to internationally. Planning ensure that the decline from • A great opening up of for a new RIDBC Renwick 2007 had no negative effect post-school opportunities. Centre building was further upon RIDBC’s services. progressed this year. The new During 2008, this trend has building will accommodate Concerned about economic continued. Importantly, it is the far greater than expected prospects for 2009, the Board happening not only in the enrolment growth which has is comfortable that construction major population centres but occurred since Renwick costs associated with the in regional and rural locations College was conceived and RIDBC Renwick Centre project as well. established. The design of a are now likely to be spread over more than one year. The number of children and new centre has taken longer families enrolled in RIDBC than had been expected, Capital Expenditure in 2008 services at the end of the but the commencement of of $3.33 million was less than school year totalled a record construction is drawing had been planned, while 878. This represented closer and much of it will be planned Capital Expenditure enrolment growth of eight built in 2009. for 2009 has been reduced to percent, with most of this The RIDBC Renwick Centre $5.23 million. growth occurring in early Appeal Committee has been Generous supporters childhood services in rural, active and has attracted much regional and remote places. generous support in 2008. RIDBC has always been, and continues to be, principally 2008 has been another Economic Downturn reliant on charitable giving successful year for the Royal Australia, along with the rest from Australia’s generous Institute for Deaf and Blind of the world, experienced community. In 2008, donors, Children. A great deal of a marked downturn in its bequestors, volunteer help has been given to deaf economic circumstances in fundraisers and Rainbow
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Lottery ticket buyers provided As always, it is RIDBC’s at RIDBC’s centres, or by excellent levels of support to supporters who make making provision through our organisation. The generous possible our work for the a legacy or bequest. The forethought of those who made children. People help as contribution of every one of philanthropic provision in volunteers in fundraising RIDBC’s supporters is highly their Wills continues to make through the Lantern Clubs and appreciated and valued. an important contribution to Committees, as donors, as RIDBC’s capacity to meet the purchasers of Rainbow Lottery Together, this group of people needs of the children we serve. tickets, as volunteers makes a positive and lasting difference in the lives of many children throughout Australia and beyond.
NORMAN B RYDGE, AM OBE
RIDBC Thomas Pattison School student Lauren (see page 9) JOHN BERRYMAN does some painting with President Norman Rydge while Chief President Executive John Berryman looks on. Chief Executive
After more than 30 years on the Board, During my time on the Board, I have including 14 years as President, I have been touched by so many instances of decided to stand down, both as a Director and generosity from supporters and volunteers, as President, effective at the close of the 2009 both financially and personally. I have also Annual General Meeting. derived great pleasure in working with my I have gained enormous satisfaction from my Board colleagues, and with the outstanding close involvement with the Royal Institute for Executive and staff of this fine organisation. Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) over such a I would like to assure you that I will always long period – indeed it has been a high point remain closely interested in the affairs of of my career and has always been joyous RIDBC and will continue to help to support its and fulfilling. It has been marvellous to watch wonderful work. the continual improvements in the quality and As a final comment, RIDBC is very well served effectiveness in teaching techniques and by its Board, a dedicated and very able group, technology for deaf children and blind children and by talented Executive and staff. These during this period. These have resulted in people are the most valuable assets to RIDBC children having much better opportunities, at and guarantee its continual development and school and beyond, than when I joined the progress. I admire and respect them all and, Board in 1977. because of their abilities, I leave the Board of I am gratified also by the fact that, today, RIDBC completely confident in its future. RIDBC is serving many more children and Norman Rydge families than ever before. We are doing so in more diverse and individually “tailored” ways, and in many more locations.
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Financial Summary
2008 2007 % Change ($’000) ($’000) Total Operating Revenue 35,892 42,360 -15.3% Recurrent Operating Expenditure 31,909 29,319 8.8% Operating Surplus 3,983 13,041 Non-Operating items (2,349) (255) Surplus after Non-Operating items 1,634 12,786 Capital Expenditure 3,333 2,471
Revenue
E A Charitable Fundraising 28% A B Rainbow Lottery 13% D C Government 25% D Investments 28% B E Other 6% C
Total expenditure F D E A A Student Services 78% C B Investment in Charitable Fundraising 6% F B C B Rainbow Lottery 7% D Community Information 2% C E Administration 6% F Investment Management 1% A E D
Expenditure – Student Services A For preschoolers 18% H B For school children who are blind or have low vision 9% I G A C For school children who are deaf or hearing impaired 22% D For school children who are multiply impaired 14% F B E For all children at RIDBC Therapy services 11% F Services to children in special priority groups 9% E C G For children in host family and respite care 4% D H RIDBC Jim Patrick Audiology Centre 2% I Teacher education and research in RIDBC Renwick Centre 11%
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Four-year-old Lauren shows off her chicken handling skills during a pet farm visit at RIDBC Roberta Reid Preschool. RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Five Year Record of Enrolments*
1. EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 Early Learning Program Enrolments Early Learning Program HI 111 101 107 103 79 Early Learning Program VI 120 98 95 84 71 Early Learning Program (Hunter) 31 18 21 27 29 RIDBC Teleschool (HI) 76 52 48 34 18 RIDBC Teleschool (VI) 25 23 24 24 25 Consultancy VI NA** 37 29 39 25 Total 363 329 324 311 247 Preschool Enrolments*** RIDBC Hunter Preschool 17 20 20 17 19 RIDBC Rockie Woofit Preschool 13 15 16 12 12 RIDBC Roberta Reid Preschool 14 16 10 6 9 RIDBC Nepean Preschool 8 12 11 9 12 RIDBC VisionEd Preschool 8 6 6 7 5 RIDBC Assessment Service 35 Total 95 69 63 51 57 Total Early Childhood Enrolments**** 458 363 360 337 279 2. SCHOOL PROGRAMS School Enrolments RIDBC Alice Betteridge School 67 67 68 75 78 RIDBC Thomas Pattison School 38 36 43 46 36 RIDBC Garfield Barwick School 28 31 28 29 29 Total 133 134 139 150 143 Student Support Services Enrolments Student Support Service HI 143 71 68 49 49 Student Support Service VI 45 46 47 47 44 Consultancy Service HI NA** 53 62 50 65 Consultancy Service VI NA** 122 132 103 78 RIDBC Teleschool – School Age 44 21 RIDBC Teleschool – Consultancy 9 4 RIDBC Assessment Service 91 Total 332 317 309 249 236 Total School Program Enrolments**** 465 449 448 397 376 3. PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION University Award Course Enrolments 107 106 106 115 107 Graduates from Award Courses 55 57 58 45 50 (Students graduating during reporting year) Continuing Professional Education Program 1,527 1,168 1,240 1,320 1,550 (Number of person-days of training provided)
* All enrolment data are as at the end of the ** In 2008, consultancy services became **** Total may be less than the sum of all reporting year part of the RIDBC Assessment Service program enrolments as some children or RIDBC Student Support Services are enrolled in more than one service *** Enrolment data are for children with HI = Hearing Impairment 10 RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT hearing or vision impairment only VI = Vision Impairment Chrissy uses a cutting activity to help develop her coordination and dexterity.
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 11 Children’s Services RIDBC Renwick Centre
Providing high quality, innovative Engaging in research, information dis- es v education to children who are blind, semination, professional preparation and
ecti vision impaired, deaf or hearing impaired. continuing staff development relevant to j b the education of children who are blind, O vision impaired, deaf or hearing impaired.
• Early education programs for children from birth to • The RIDBC Renwick Centre, affiliated with the school age in centres, homes, preschools and by University of Newcastle, offers: remote delivery – Research • Special schools and support for the education of – Award and non-award courses – Continuing education for professionals in the field ities children in regular schools v of deaf or blind education • Ancillary services that are integral to the education – Publications process acti – Library and Information Services • Continuous improvement through program evaluation, external review and assessment, monitoring of consumer satisfaction and staff development
• Continuation of all educational programs with • Continuation of internationally recognised record number of enrolments postgraduate award courses and continuing • Establishment of RIDBC Assessment Unit education programs, including targeted programs in Tasmania and South Australia • Provision of services to children in every state and • 55 postgraduate completions territory of Australia • Continuing collaboration with Cochlear Ltd and ements • Significant growth in number of children being served v China Research and Rehabilitation Centre for Deaf • First RIDBC School Support Services (Auslan) Children to provide postgraduate professional student successfully completes HSC at Hills preparation in China and India achie Grammar School • Successful tender for the delivery of professional or • Production of new teaching resources for use by education to the NSW Department of Education j teachers and parents and Training ma • Best Practice Review of RIDBC Alice Betteridge • Active research and publication program including School completed invited presentations in Belgium, Fiji, Japan, Korea and New Zealand • Resumption of support to Pacific Island countries • Record international enrolments
• Continue to operate high quality programs in • Establishing postgraduate coursework options in all services new locations, nationally and internationally, through • Secure ongoing funding for newer programs distance education and remote delivery sites • Establish partnerships to enhance service provision • Developing new international professional • Successfully devolve the RIDBC Respite & preparation programs in India, Korea, and Thailand Recreation Service to Wesley Mission • Continuing to promote new linkages between challenges • Introduce new staff performance feedback process academic staff and RIDBC programs for research and practice See more information on page 18 • Expanding the range and intensity of research endeavour See more information on page 28 RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT RIDBC People Paying the bills and those who help Recruiting the best people we can, Having sufficient resources to enable retaining them for as long as we can, the pursuit of RIDBC’s objectives. and challenging them professionally so that they can perform to the best of their ability.
• Recruitment and retention of staff • Fundraising through donations, lotteries, voluntary • Continuing professional education support groups, special events and bequests • Industrial and employment relations • Awareness raising through print and electronic • Remuneration management media, general publicity and events • Occupational health and safety • Government subsidies and grants • Equal opportunity in employment • Investments • Volunteer management • Planning, budgeting and cost control
• Conducted a major Employee Opinion Survey • Excellent year for Rainbow Lottery • Introduced paid parental leave • Donation revenue at record level • Introduced pre-employment medical assessments • RIDBC Renwick Centre Appeal exceeds target • Undertook a review of occupational health and • Strong bequest revenue safety and risk management practice • Corporate partnership with Crane Group • Adopted a new collective agreement for school continues support staff • Unqualified audit • Finalised an agreement to outsource salary packaging in 2009 • More than 1800 hours mandatory training for staff and volunteers See more information on page 8 for the financial summary, page 16 for RIDBC’s corporate governance, page 44 for fundraising and the supplement for the concise financial report.
• Adjusting to new employment legislation • Maintaining fundraising and media presence in following ongoing changes in the industrial the face of increasing competition relations landscape • Global economic crisis a threat to donation revenue • Managing employment costs in a small and • Construction of new RIDBC Renwick Centre highly specialised market building • Providing continuing management development • Complete renovations of Fundraising Centre for staff who work in demanding roles • Upgrading information technology infrastructure • Maintaining the focus on addressing issues • Maintenance of infrastructure at North Rocks site arising from the staff survey • Increased competition for government funding See more information on page 34 RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Board of Directors
Patron Mr Richard Owens, OAM, Directors Her Excellency Professor is Chairman of his family’s Marie Bashir, AC, Governor diversified international Mr Graeme Bradshaw, BEc, of New South Wales investment company, and a FFIA, CFRE, is the Principal of vigneron and wine producer Graeme Bradshaw Consulting. President in the Hunter Valley. He is a He retired in 2007 from the role of Senior Partner of DVA Navion Mr Norman B Rydge, AM, Director of Opera Australia, and is a member of the Boards Inc, a specialist international OBE, is a Life Governor of of the Hunter Valley Research management and marketing RIDBC. He was elected to the Foundation and Family Business consultancy serving the not- Board in 1977 and served as Australia. He joined the Board for-profit sector. Mr Bradshaw Honorary Treasurer from 1983 in 1990, was appointed a was the former Deputy General until 1995. He was appointed Vice President in 1999, and is Manager of the Royal Blind a Vice President in 1988 and a Life Governor. Society of NSW, and is a elected President in 1995. Past President and Fellow of Mr Rydge has had extensive (Attendance: 8 of 10 Board meetings, 6 of 8 Committee meetings) the Fundraising Institute of experience both as a Director Australia. He joined the Board and a Manager of public Mr Graeme Skarratt, OAM, in 1998. and private companies in the a former Director of Raine & (Attendance: 7 of 10 Board meetings, fields of media, hospitality, Horne Pty Ltd, is a Life Governor 4 of 6 Committee meetings) entertainment, leisure, steel of RIDBC. He joined the Board manufacture and distribution, in 1981 and was Honorary Professor Christine E Deer, and investment. Currently, he Secretary from 1982 until 1992, BA, MTCP, DipEd, PhD, FACE, is Managing Director of Rydge when he was appointed a Vice is Emeritus Professor of the Holdings Pty Ltd. President. Mr Skarratt has been University of Technology, (Attendance: 8 of 10 Board meetings, a member of RIDBC’s Abstract Sydney, having retired as 4 of 5 Committee meetings) Committee for 43 years. Professor of Teacher Education (Attendance: 9 of 10 Board meetings, and Head of the School of Vice Presidents 3 of 3 Committee meetings) Teacher Education. She is a member of the Sydney Advisory Dr John Gregory-Roberts, MB, Mr Sean P Wareing, FCPA, Board of the Salvation Army, a BS, BSc, FRACS, FRANZCO, ACIS, FAICD, is Chairman of director of the James N Kirby FRCOphth, is a Life Governor Alesco Corporation Ltd and Foundation, and a member of RIDBC. He has been Kiwi Income Property Trust, of the MLC School Council. Honorary Ophthalmologist to and a former Director of Professor Deer joined the Board RIDBC since 1978, joined the Allianz Australia Ltd. He was in 1993. board in 1991, and was elected appointed to the Board in (Attendance: 8 of 10 Board meetings, a Vice President in 2003. He 2000, and elected a Vice 2 of 2 Committee meetings, 9 of 11 is Head of the Vitreo-Retinal President in 2003. Assessment Committee meetings) Unit at the Sydney Eye Hospital, (Attendance: 5 of 10 Board meetings, and a member of the Board of 7 of 8 Committee meetings) Management of the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation. He is a The RIDBC Board of Directors. Back row left to right: Dr John past President and currently Gregory-Roberts, Mr John Landerer CBE, AM, Mr Graeme Skarratt Life Governor and Member OAM, Mrs Barbara Stone AM, Mr Alex Malley, Mr Graeme of the Executive of the Medical Bradshaw, Mr David Dinte, Mr Richard Owens OAM, Mrs Janet Foundation of the University Kelly. Seated: Mr Sean Wareing, Mr Norman Rydge AM, OBE, of Sydney. Mr Roger Gee, Prof Christine E Deer. (Attendance: 9 of 10 Board meetings, 1 of 1 Committee meetings) Mr David Dinte, BEc, LLB, professional background is Risk Committee, Office Police MAICD, is a property developer in finance, audit, and risk Integrity, Victoria, Vice President with extensive experience in management, in Sydney and of the Society for Knowledge commercial, retail, industrial Hong Kong. She was appointed Economics and Chairman of and residential development, to the Board in 2002. the Australasian Reporting acquisition and management in (Attendance: 5 of 10 Board meetings, Awards. He is a former senior both Australia and the United 3 of 3 Committee meetings) academic and Council member States of America. He is a in the university sector. He was Mr John Landerer CBE, AM, member of the International appointed to the Board in 2002. LLB (Syd), LLD (Honoris Council of Shopping Centres. Causa Macquarie), is a solicitor (Attendance: 6 of 10 Board meetings, Mr Dinte was appointed to the 1 of 4 Committee meetings) specialising in corporate Board in 2000. advisory work, and a company Mrs Barbara Stone, AM, (Attendance: 3 of 10 Board meetings, director. He is Chairman of BA, DipEd, MEd, FACE, 1 of 6 Committee meetings. NB: Mr Dinte was abroad for much of 2008) Goldsearch Limited and a MACEL, is Principal of MLC number of private companies. School. She is National Chair Mr Roger Gee, retired in 2006 He is a Director of Life of the Association of Heads from Qantas after a 41 year Education Australia, the Garvan of Independent Schools career with the airline. He Research Foundation and of Australia, past Chair of retired as a 747-400 Senior other charitable institutions. Mr the Association of Heads Check Captain. He has been Landerer is a Visiting Professor of Independent Schools an active member of RIDBC’s at Macquarie University in (NSW), Past President of the Pathfinder Auxiliary for more Business and Commercial Law, Alliance of Girls’ Schools of than 30 years. He instigated the and a Fellow of the University of Australasia, Board member of Charity Flight, a very successful Sydney. He is a Commander in the Association of Independent fundraising event, and piloted the Order of the Star of Italian Schools (NSW), the the Qantas Children’s Jumbo Solidarity. He joined the Board Independent Schools Teacher Joy Flight for many years. Mr in 2005. Accreditation Authority Council Gee joined the Board in 2008 (Attendance: 8 of 10 Board meetings, and the Advisory Group for and is a Life Member of RIDBC. 2 of 2 Committee meetings) Gifted Education Resource (Attendance: 5 of 6 Board meetings) Research and Information Mr Alex Malley, BCom, MCom, Mrs Janet Kelly, BCom, Centre, UNSW. She joined the DipEd, FCPA, is the Chief Board in 2002. MCom, CPA, MIIA, MAICD, Executive Officer of professional (Attendance: 5 of 10 Board meetings, AFin, is Associate Director of medical association USANZ. He 3 of 3 Committee meetings) KPMI Pty Ltd, and a partner is President of CPA Australia, of Riskflo LLC (USA). Her Independent Chair, Audit and
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Corporate Governance nder the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children Act 1998, RIDBC’s Board of Directors is elected by the members of RIDBC from amongst their own number. The Board has Uresponsibilities and duties defined under the Act and the by-laws. These define broadly the processes of control by which the Board and management ensure that RIDBC is achieving its objectives effectively and efficiently, that its financial reporting is properly informative and reliable, and that it acts in compliance with all laws and regulations. The Board selects and appoints the Chief Executive, who is accountable to the Board for the performance of RIDBC.
The Board of Directors and Governance The Board has implemented a number of formal steps in corporate governance. These include an “Integrity Statement”, guidelines for the selection of persons to fill casual vacancies on the Board, and a process of performance self-appraisal by Board members. Integrity Statement
Preamble Members of the Board: Good governance is essential • Shall be non-executive and • Shall not take improper to maintaining trust between unpaid and take no benefit advantage of their position RIDBC and its supporters, whatsoever from their office. No nor allow personal, family or funding authorities and the member of RIDBC staff may be business interests to conflict families of students. appointed to the Board with the interests of RIDBC RIDBC is a charitable human • Shall act at all times and in all • Require the prior approval of service organisation. Accordingly, matters in the best interests of the Board and subsequent its Board will aim to promote RIDBC in conformity with its Act disclosure to the members for appropriate values and attitudes and the by-laws the performance of any service of service, integrity, financial • Have a duty to ensure that or the supply of any article for prudence, consideration of the management of RIDBC is which compensation may be individuals, accountability and competent, ethical and prudent received personal responsibility. and that it acts in the best Conclusion What is required of Board interests of RIDBC Members of the Board agree Members • Shall at all times act honestly to be bound by this Integrity Criteria for Board membership and in good faith in the Statement. New appointees to the are determined by the “Eligibility exercise of their powers and Board will be required to agree Guidelines”, largely derived the discharge of their duties to be bound by the Integrity from relevant clauses in the of office Statement. Any member of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind • Have a duty to use due care Board finding herself/himself Children Act and the by-laws. and diligence in fulfilling the unable to meet or to continue functions of office and in to meet the requirements of the exercising the powers attached Integrity Statement must offer to to that office resign from the Board. • Should not engage in conduct likely to bring discredit upon RIDBC RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Guidelines – Appointments to such committees as the Board The Master Plan Committee the Board thinks will assist it to exercise reviews prospective plans that Prospective appointees to the its functions. Currently, there relate to the further development Board of Directors must: are seven Standing Committees of RIDBC’s four campuses. as detailed below. The Members: Norman Rydge • Be, or be prepared to become, committees are constituted at (Chairman), David Dinte, Dr John members of RIDBC in accord the first meeting of the Board Gregory-Roberts, Sean Wareing. with the Royal Institute for Deaf after the Annual General Meeting and Blind Children Act The Nominations and of RIDBC. Governance Committee • Have sympathy with, and The Building Committee develops and maintains be prepared to contribute oversees all but minor building guidelines to apprise prospective to, RIDBC’s purposes and works, receiving proposals Board members of the Board’s objectives from the Chief Executive and expectations of its members, • Have abilities and skills which making recommendations to the and advises the Board on the would be of use to RIDBC Board in relation to proposed selection and recruitment of works. Members: David Dinte persons to fill vacancies on • Be compatible with and (Chairman), Richard Owens, the Board. Members: Norman prepared to work harmoniously Graeme Skarratt, Barbara Stone, Rydge (Chairman), Prof Christine with existing members of Sean Wareing. Deer, Dr John Gregory-Roberts, the Board The Community Relations and John Landerer, Alex Malley, • Have a range of personal and/ Fundraising Committee Graeme Skarratt. or professional contacts from receives and considers plans The Student Services various fields of endeavour and progress reports in relation Committee receives and who would be of potential to RIDBC’s community relations considers proposals that benefit to RIDBC and fundraising activities. The relate to the establishment of • Have an understanding of the committee reviews the annual new programs or services, duties and responsibilities of a Operational Plan for community or to significant changes or Board member relations and fundraising. the discontinuation of existing Members: Graeme Bradshaw programs or services. The Performance Appraisal by (Chairman), Prof Christine Deer, committee reviews the annual Self-Analysis Norman Rydge, Graeme Skarratt. Operational Plan for services. In order to ensure that the The Finance, Audit and Risk Members: Dr John Gregory- Board is constituted so as to Committee regularly reviews Roberts (Chairman), Graeme properly discharge its duties to the accounting policies of Bradshaw, Prof Christine Deer, the members, staff and clients RIDBC, the provision of financial Janet Kelly, Barbara Stone. of RIDBC, Board members information, and the policy on The Assessment Committee agree that periodically they risk management. The committee considers applications for will undertake a performance receives and reviews the annual enrolment to RIDBC’s Children’s appraisal by self-analysis. This budgets and financial statements Services, examining assessment requires the completion and prior to their consideration by the data against admissions criteria signing of a questionnaire, Board. Members: Sean Wareing to determine eligibility. The signifying continued agreement (Chairman), Robert Butterell, criteria are intended to ensure to be bound by the requirements John Landerer, Janet Kelly, Alex that RIDBC’s limited resources of the Integrity Statement (a Malley, Richard Owens. are directed towards children copy of the questionnaire can be The Investment Committee whose prime special educational found on RIDBC’s website at regularly reviews RIDBC’s needs are related to their www.ridbc.org.au). investment policies and sensory impairment. The Board practices to ensure they are and Standing Committees of the is represented on the Committee remain appropriate to RIDBC’s Board by Prof Christine Deer. All needs. Members: Norman Rydge other committee members are Under the Royal Institute for (Chairman), Graeme Bradshaw, employees of RIDBC. Deaf and Blind Children Act, the Robert Butterell, David Dinte, Board is empowered to establish Richard Owens, Sean Wareing. RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Children’s Services
Providing high quality, innovative education to children who are blind, vision impaired, deaf or hearing impaired.
Sidney and his mum Melinda practise braille on a Mountbatten Brailler. Sidney lives in Cairns and receives support through the RIDBC Teleschool. RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT RIDBC Assessment Unit Early Childhood Enrolments in Early Learning Programs continued to grow he success of education Babies and young children to record levels, with families programs for children who who are deaf and/or blind accessing individual and/or have hearing and/or vision require highly specialised T group sessions conducted impairment is dependent on the early education to develop by highly specialised teachers quality of the assessment of their the foundation for their future and therapists. skills, abilities and needs. Such success. Early education assessment provides the basis intervention increases each Four of the preschools for future work with the child. child’s chance of developing owned and operated by to their full potential, thereby RIDBC continued to provide In 2008, RIDBC established a increasing their opportunities to intensive special programs in new assessment service aimed participate in all aspects of life. reverse integrated settings, at providing comprehensive where children with sensory multidisciplinary assessment RIDBC’s early childhood impairments are enrolled and advice to families and programs aim to address the alongside children who do professionals who work with needs of babies and children not have impairments. Two of children who have hearing and/ with sensory disabilities from the programs, RIDBC Rockie or vision impairment. The unit is the time of diagnosis. Highly Woofit Preschool and RIDBC staffed by a speech pathologist, specialised support is provided VisionEd Preschool are located psychologist, occupational to children and their families on RIDBC’s main campus at therapist, administrative by staff employed in RIDBC’s North Rocks. The other two, assistant and a paediatrician. Early Learning Programs and RIDBC Hunter Preschool and It also draws on the expertise in preschools. RIDBC Nepean Preschool, are of orthoptists, audiologists, located at Tingira Heights in technology consultants and The majority of RIDBC Early Learning Programs are Newcastle, and Glenmore Park physiotherapists to assist with near Penrith, respectively. child assessments. conducted in our centres at North Rocks, the Hunter and The fifth RIDBC preschool, Families from regional and rural Nepean, and also in family RIDBC Roberta Reid Preschool, areas can stay on site in RIDBC homes. Programs in 2008 also provides a program where all accommodation while their operated from premises at children who attend use sign children are being assessed. Ourimbah on the Central Coast, language for their primary The service has already proven Miranda in the south of Sydney, method of communication. In valuable to a host of children and Ingleburn in the south west 2008, the program continued and families from regional and of Sydney. to provide intensive spoken rural areas as well as those who language development reside in the metropolitan area. opportunities for children.
Michael completes a shape-matching activity using the new interactive ‘smart’ board at the RIDBC Alice Betteridge School.
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Children’s Services
Parent Support School Programs list. Deaf volunteers continued to read regularly with students RIDBC programs rely on parent/ The delivery of high quality from RIDBC Thomas Pattison professional partnerships programs continues to be School to promote literacy. for their success. All parents the aim for RIDBC’s school There were many individual are involved in planning and programs. The programs successes in the Basic Skills reviewing their child’s individual include three special schools Tests, mathematics and education plan. Each of the and support services to children science competitions, and Children’s Services departments in independent schools in the in School and Higher School maintained close relationships Sydney metropolitan area. Certificate studies. with families by providing parent All three schools follow the information sessions, regular RIDBC Thomas Pattison School NSW Board of Studies newsletters, parent meetings continued its close relationship Curriculum. The RIDBC Thomas and social functions. Schools with The Hills Grammar School Pattison School uses Auslan report annually to the parent (THGS). THGS provided two (Australian Sign Language) community. The reports are full fee paying scholarships as the first language. A major provided both at a child and to enable two students to emphasis is placed on literacy, school level. complete Year 11 and Year 12. as the transition from Auslan The students were supported Information sessions and to written English requires very at THGS by interpreters and courses for parents in 2008 skilled teaching. tutors provided by the RIDBC addressed such topics as Thomas Pattison School. Language Development, RIDBC Garfield Barwick School Younger students from RIDBC Deafness and Hearing Aid students are taught through Thomas Pattison School Management, Behaviour spoken English. The students attended classes at THGS in Management, Understanding also require considerable English, Mathematics, Computer Vision Loss, Toys for Vision assistance to learn the same Studies and PE. RIDBC Thomas Impaired and Blind Children, curriculum content as their Pattison School conducted a and Siblings and Grandparents hearing peers. Adaptations transition class for pupils in of Children with Disabilities. are made to the regular school curriculum for delivery Year 10. The class focussed The RIDBC Jim Patrick to RIDBC Alice Betteridge intensively on improving literacy, Audiology Centre and RIDBC School students, who use a with outstanding results. Pupils Early Learning Program variety of modes of access also attended a variety of staff continued their popular due to their sensory and introductory TAFE courses to Unilateral Hearing Loss intellectual impairments. assist them to firm up their information sessions to assist ideas about their future families whose children have During 2008, RIDBC Alice education and careers. been diagnosed with hearing Betteridge School had loss in only one ear. outstanding success in teaching literacy skills to the younger A record number of RIDBC pupils in the school. Teleschool families from regional and rural areas of Australia All three schools participated visited North Rocks to have their in the Premier’s Reading children assessed and to meet Challenge, where students read other families. books from a recommended
2 0 RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT CASE STUDY 1
Teleschool brings out the best in Charlie
“ t’s one of the best decisions and remote areas. Because of “Charlie’s confidence and his I ever made,” said Tamworth the RIDBC Teleschool, Charlie determination to do things Imum Michelle about the first can have one-on-one lessons are amazing. He attempts time she contacted the Royal with teacher/consultants like most things now and his Institute for Deaf and Blind Tricia d’Apice. interaction with other children Children (RIDBC). has improved dramatically,” “Charlie has progressed from Michelle said. Michelle’s son Charlie a child who was reluctant was diagnosed with the to a child who is growing in Michelle and husband Julian vision impairment rod-cone confidence with every lesson,” have a key message for all dystrophy when he was only Tricia said. parents. “If you think there is two and a half. At the time, a problem, get help as soon his family didn’t know where Michelle also participates as you can. We are so grateful to turn. in every lesson and she too that RIDBC has been there for has seen the positive change us,” they said. Thankfully, Michelle saw in Charlie. a community service announcement about RIDBC on television and made contact. “It was a very scary time but the assistance we received from RIDBC made the world of difference,” Michelle said. Charlie can only see objects that are within 10cm of his eyes. Unfortunately, even this close vision will diminish and Charlie will be left with no useable sight. While he now uses a special magnifier that enlarges the print to read, he will almost certainly need braille in the future – something he has already begun learning. Helping Charlie through this process is the RIDBC Teleschool. RIDBC’s specialist teachers in Sydney use high quality videoconferencing Charlie and his mum Michelle share a story using a book technology to reach children with both braille and print. like Charlie who live in regional
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Children’s Services
Ancillary Services Aboriginal children from the Rocks Campus. In 2008, JPAC RIDBC educational South Coast at Narooma as part conducted 2,677 assessments. programs are supported by of the Southern Area Aboriginal Australian Hearing also a comprehensive range of Hearing Project. provides weekly services to ancillary services. These In 2008, RIDBC made the RIDBC students on the North include audiology, orthoptics, decision to devolve its Respite Rocks Campus. This enables speech pathology, psychology, and Recreation Program families and children to occupational therapy, to a service provider who receive audiological services physiotherapy and specialised specialises in this type of that are fully integrated into technology services. service. The program provides their educational programs. Audiologists from the Sydney Specialist community support a short-term accommodation service for students of the Cochlear Implant Centre work workers are also employed regularly at all RIDBC sites to ensure families from RIDBC Alice Betteridge School. A suitable service provider was to provide immediate post linguistically and culturally implantation support to children. diverse backgrounds have identified and the transfer will full access to RIDBC services. take place in early 2009. The RIDBC Health Unit The majority of the support RIDBC continues to provide a continued to support children is provided to families host family program for students and staff across RIDBC but from Arabic and Chinese attending the RIDBC Thomas primarily from the RIDBC Alice speaking backgrounds and Pattison School, and short stay Betteridge School. The unit to Indigenous families. accommodation for families and also coordinates and provides health education sessions for In 2008, the Indigenous children enrolled in the RIDBC Teleschool Program. staff. In 2008, ophthalmological, Outreach program focussed on dental and orthotic clinics communities in three regions – RIDBC provides both clinical were conducted, as was an Taree, Broken Hill, and Walgett and educational audiological immunisation program for – providing ongoing vision and services. The majority of the children in the schools at North hearing screening to children in services are based in the Rocks. The above support these areas and ensuring follow RIDBC Jim Patrick Audiology services are critical to the up. In Broken Hill, the team was Centre (JPAC) on the North successful operation of RIDBC accompanied by an optometrist programs. from the International Centre for Eyecare Education (ICEE), who ensured that children with vision impairment received glasses promptly. In Taree, the screenings are being followed up by intensive language work to remediate speech and language delays caused by mild hearing impairment. The program is being delivered by video-conference through Kim Ter-Horst, Senior Audiologist at RIDBC Jim Patrick RIDBC Teleschool. Audiology Centre, conducts a hearing test on an Aboriginal girl RIDBC continued to provide in Broken Hill. RIDBC provides vision and hearing screening full audiological services to to Indigenous children in Broken Hill, Taree and Walgett.
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT CASE STUDY 2
Hard work pays off for Aly
hen four-year-old Aly know that all her hearing, and all you have a child with hearing stood up in front of her the sounds that she had heard impairment, there is no manual Wclass at the RIDBC and learnt over the years, would that tells you what to do and Rockie Woofit Preschool be erased because we were what to expect. Without early recently, she was taking a big going from a normal ear to an support like that provided by step forward. Aly was telling electronic ear.” RIDBC, there is no way you the class about her recent visit can learn what to teach your to the city’s dinosaur museum But Aly had the surgery and child or how to develop their – something that she would the result has been very language,” she said. have been too shy to do only a positive. year earlier. “As a parent you want to “Aly is doing really well,” said equip your children with all Aly was born with hearing Julie Kaney, Director of RIDBC the skills necessary so they impairment, but you wouldn’t Rockie Woofit Preschool where can take on the challenges, know it from listening to her. Aly has attended since 2007. whatever they decide they After years of support from “She’s been lucky to have the want to be,” Carla said. her family and from her winning combination of early teachers at RIDBC, Aly’s intervention, support from With the continued dedication language and speech are RIDBC’s programs, and very of her family and her teachers developing well. And, as she strong family support.” at RIDBC, there is little doubt showed, so is her confidence. that Aly will continue taking big Carla also credits a ‘team steps forward. “It’s been hard work, but to see effort’ for Aly’s success. “If where she is now fills you with joy and fulfilment,” said Aly’s mum, Carla. When Aly was only two days old, her hearing was screened through the now mandatory State Wide Infant Screening – Hearing (SWISH) program. By four months, Aly had begun with RIDBC’s Early Learning Program (Hearing Impairment). Unfortunately Aly’s hearing continued to deteriorate. But it was realised that Aly was a strong candidate for a cochlear implant, even if it meant the sounds she was used to would change. Aly ‘reels one in’ during a fishing game at the RIDBC “The surgery was the least of Rockie Woofit Preschool. our concerns. It was scarier to
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Children’s Services
Program Reviews of Studies. The five preschools with the inaugural Children’s are licensed and monitored by Services Forum, attended by Each year, RIDBC conducts the Department of Community all staff, which aimed to provide a major review of one of its Services. Relicensing is due information about recent Children’s Services Programs. in 2009. All of the services innovations in teaching methods In 2008, the RIDBC Garfield funded by the Disabilities and resources. Barwick School Program was Services Program of the modified in accordance with the NSW Department of Ageing, RIDBC continued to provide results of the 2007 Best Practice Disability and Home Care are generous work-related study & Program Renewal Review. subject to a process of service support for staff to enable them to acquire further qualifications An external review of the RIDBC monitoring and review. In 2008, in their area of expertise. In Alice Betteridge School was the University of Newcastle 2008, 31 staff received RIDBC conducted in 2008 by Professor completed its evaluation of the Scholarships or financial Phil Foreman and Associate RIDBC Teleschool Program, support for study. The majority Professor Michael Arthur from and provided its report to of these staff undertook the University of Newcastle. The the Australian Government Graduate Certificates or Masters recommendations from their as part of the accountability Degree courses in Sensory review will be considered for requirement for partial funding Impairment through RIDBC implementation in 2009. of the service. Renwick Centre/University of In addition to the major internal Continuous Improvement Newcastle programs. reviews, most RIDBC services RIDBC endeavours to ensure Three Children’s Services’ are subject to reviews by continuous improvement in staff participated in the RIDBC regulatory authorities. Each of the delivery of services by Children’s Services/Renwick the schools is registered and continually updating and Centre collaborative research monitored by the NSW Board skilling staff. 2008 commenced program. Each of them was
Paul reviews his homework with RIDBC Teacher, Tania Hudson. In 2008, Paul was the Head Student at RIDBC Garfield Barwick School.
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT At home in Dubbo, Edward gets hands on with his parents David and Susan during a live videoconferencing session with RIDBC Teacher/Consultant Lynne Richards in Sydney. provided with relief from provision where this is seen as RIDBC Teleschool duties to conduct a literature desirable. Examples include: 2008 saw a significant increase review on a topic of importance in the number of families to the work being carried out • RIDBC Thomas Pattison accessing distance education by their Department. Areas School has an ongoing services through RIDBC covered were the assessment literacy coordination project Teleschool. Enrolments at of functional listening in which systematically monitors the end of 2008 totalled 146 hearing impaired children, children’s progress in literacy. children, compared with 93 at the assessment of language • Children’s Services programs the end of 2007. These children in babies and toddlers with in hearing impairment have a were located in every state sensory and additional standardised assessment that and territory. RIDBC Teleschool disabilities, and the is used to follow the language has now installed 56 in-home characteristics of children development of every child. videoconferencing units and with vision impairment and Additionally, RIDBC continues four units in schools, to assist cerebral palsy. to participate in a national students and families to more All programs feature other study to assess outcomes readily access regular service activities aimed at continuous in language, literacy and provision. Increasingly in 2008, improvement. These include social development of families visited the RIDBC North annual surveys of client hearing impaired children Rocks campus for at least one satisfaction and regular in collaboration with the period of assessment and face- program reviews. Projects are National Acoustics Laboratory to-face teaching. implemented to improve service and several other service providers.
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Children’s Services Childrens Services
Resource Production The most popular DVDs were: the USA, Scandinavia and the UK to carry out studies under RIDBC Children’s Services • Language Acquisition in his Churchill Fellowship. produce multi-media resources Children Who are Blind Ronnie provides multimedia for parents and professionals support to children with vision involved with children who have • Promoting Functional Vision impairment and their families. sensory impairment. In 2008, in Young Children Who Have RIDBC Teleschool produced Moderate to Severe Vision • RIDBC supported a young the prototype of an iPod Auslan Loss and Additional Needs deaf boy from Samoa. The Tutor. This is essentially an • Augmentative and Alternative boy, who had become instructional Auslan dictionary Communication Ocular deaf as a consequence of which can be loaded onto iPods Anatomy and Common Visual meningitis, and his mother and mobile phones. Disorders flew to Australia where he stayed on the RIDBC North In 2008, the most widely sought Of Special Interest Rocks campus and received information booklets were: • During March, 14 senior intensive teaching and • Understanding Visual students and three staff from audiology. In a collaborative Impairment, Visual Acuity the Western Pennsylvania project with Sydney Cochlear Simulators School for the Deaf made Implant Centre, he was fitted with a cochlear implant. • Everyday Language Activities, a reciprocal visit to RIDBC Emerging Language Thomas Pattison School. • Children’s Services The students attended staff supported visits by • Learning Through Songs school with TPS students, personnel from Fiji and for Children with Vision and participated in a host Samoa, and provided a Impairment of interesting, typically language development Australian activities over a • Learning Through Songs course to teachers in Fiji, period of 13 days. for Children with Hearing in collaboration with the Impairment • RIDBC Teleschool Multimedia Carabez Alliance. Designer, Ronnie Lam, visited
Students from RIDBC Thomas Pattison School and the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf show their mutual respect by signing the international sign for ‘I love you’ during a visit to the Blue Mountains. The recent exchange program between the two schools is believed to be the first of its kind in the world.
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT CASE STUDY 3
School’s out for Andrew
he HSC is a tough time voice output capability in his With his school years now for any student. But for early high school years. behind him, Andrew is starting TAndrew there was an “I tend to learn better through to plan his future. The support additional challenge – being listening rather than through he received from RIDBC may blind. Just to be on a par reading braille,” Andrew said, even have influenced his with his classmates, Andrew “so Mrs Green organised for decision to help others. needed to work extra hard – my textbook chapters to be “I’d like to become a and receive some specialised sent to me electronically. I Youth Pastor. I’m looking at assistance. could then use my laptop to different courses which will Jo-Anne Green, a Teacher/ ‘read’ them,” Andrew said. help me towards that goal,” Consultant at the Royal Andrew said. Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, was on hand to assist Andrew since he was in Year 7. “I worked closely with Andrew’s teachers throughout the years to ensure Andrew always had access to the same resources as his classmates and so that he could participate in all class activities,” Jo-Anne said. RIDBC’s School Support Service ensures each student has access to their school curriculum. For Andrew, this meant having all of his textbooks, worksheets, exams, assessment tasks and timetables reproduced in braille or as files Andrew could access through his computer. Both have been produced by RIDBC’s Alternate Format Publications department. Andrew is a typical teenager, so it’s no surprise that he prefers using his computer, Andrew fits in some last minute study for his HSC with something he took to readily RIDBC Teacher/Consultant, Jo-Anne Green. after receiving a laptop with
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT RIDBC Renwick Centre
Engaging in research, information dissemination, professional preparation and continuing staff development relevant to the education of children who are blind, vision impaired, deaf or hearing impaired.
Harriet Hill (left) and Celia Helliar (right) both completed Graduate Certificates in Educational Studies through the RIDBC Renwick Centre. They are pictured at the 2008 graduation ceremony with RIDBC’s Head of Graduate Programs, Dr Rod Beattie. RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Professional Development and Research Report
he RIDBC Renwick Centre RIDBC Renwick Centre was also work will provide the first offers a range of higher successful in tendering for the reliable account of the number Tdegree programs leading contract to provide postgraduate of children with impaired vision to awards of the University teacher education (both part- across the country, as well as of Newcastle – mostly at time and full-time) for teachers a more accurate description of the masters degree level. of the deaf and teachers of the scope in nature and impact These programs provide for children with vision impairment of their impairments. initial professional education for the NSW Department of through to specialised Education and Training over the In March, Professor Greg Leigh postgraduate studies in areas next three years. travelled to Beijing for the such as Auditory Verbal “graduation” ceremony for the Therapy, and Orientation and The RIDBC Renwick Centre’s first cohort of 13 students to Mobility Training. In 2008, the research capacity was complete the joint professional postgraduate student body enhanced in January with the training program being comprised more than 150 arrival of Dr John Ravenscroft conducted in China. The students, coming from most to take up the position of Japan program is the result of states of Australia as well as Australia Friendship Fund collaboration among Cochlear Brunei, England, Hong Kong, (JAFF) Research Fellow. Dr Ltd, China Research and Kenya, New Zealand, Samoa, Ravenscroft has been working Rehabilitation Centre for Deaf Singapore, and Taiwan. At the on the development of an Children, and RIDBC. RIDBC graduation ceremonies at the Australian register of children Renwick Centre academic University of Newcastle in May with vision impairment. This staff members, and October, 55 graduands received degrees for studies undertaken through the RIDBC Renwick Centre. During the year, the RIDBC Renwick Centre provided specialised postgraduate programs in hearing impairment for teachers from the Department of Education and Children’s Services in South Australia, and continued to provide support for the training and professional development of teachers of children with sensory impairments in Tasmania. The collaboration between RIDBC and the West Australian Foundation for Deaf Children led to the appointment of a Coordinator of Programs in Perth to oversee an innovative new program in that state. The first intake of students in the new Perth-based postgraduate RIDBC Renwick Centre PhD graduate, Dr Michael Heeney. program will occur in 2009. The
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT RIDBC Renwick Centre
Dr Jill Duncan and Professor which has taken responsibility of professional education Philip Newall, travelled for implementing the EFA- through the program. In to Beijing during 2008 to VI Plan. Other members of addition, RIDBC staff members lecture to the students in this RIDBC Renwick Centre staff participated in more than 2,000 innovative program. In August, travelled as invited guests to hours of specialised in-service another cohort of 13 students deliver keynote addresses, education programs conducted commenced their studies in presentations, and consultancy internally to meet their needs. the program. services in Belgium, China, CPE events featured both local Japan, Korea, New Zealand, and internationally regarded In another international and Taiwan. researchers and practitioners venture, Frances Gentle as presenters, including an participated in the Education The Continuing Professional extensive program provided for All – Vision Impairment Education (CPE) section by RIDBC Renwick Centre (EFA-VI) Forum in Suva, Fiji. of the RIDBC Renwick and Children’s Services staff The Forum, jointly hosted by Centre continues to provide members. The program RIDBC, brought together 40 an important resource for included visits to RIDBC and leaders in the education, health professionals by providing presentations by such notable and rehabilitation sectors to seminars, conferences and international guests as Nancy develop a national plan for short courses in the education Caleffe-Schenck and Professor the education of children with of children with hearing or John Luckner (both from vision impairments. The Forum vision impairment. In 2008, Colorado in the United States), resulted in the establishment more than 800 participants and Robert Adam of City of a Fiji EFA-VI Task Force, completed over 9,000 hours University London.
The first cohort of 13 students graduate from the joint professional training program.The program is a collaborative effort between Cochlear Ltd, China Research and Rehabilitation Centre for Deaf Children, and RIDBC Renwick Centre. RIDBC’s Prof Greg Leigh is back row, third from left.
3 0 RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT CASE STUDY 4
Looking to Scotland to help Australia
n 2008, the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children Ilaunched OzViskids, a major initiative to give long-term benefits for Australia’s vision impaired children. “We simply don’t know how many children in Australia have a vision impairment,” said Dr John Ravenscroft, Senior Research Fellow at RIDBC Renwick Centre. Dr Ravenscroft joined the RIDBC staff in 2007 after having been Director of Visual Impairment Scotland (VIS) in Edinburgh. He is hoping to do for Australia what he did for Scotland. “Like we found in Scotland, we need to know how many Dr John Ravenscroft, Senior Research Fellow at RIDBC children we’re going to serve. Renwick Centre. We need to see the snapshot and then we can start planning are likely to have “X” number other and support each other,” services,” he said. of students with serious vision Dr Ravenscroft said. problems, let’s start planning The positive outcomes VIS for that.’ Across the board, we Given the population had within a short time bode will be able to better plan and difference, the Australian well for a similar study being predict services,” he said. project is about four times as conducted here. large as the one in Scotland. A major part of Dr Ravenscroft’s However, Dr Ravenscroft only “We empowered many parents, study involves establishing a needs to collect information helped them understand the network for parents: a website on 1000 children to give him diagnosis of their children and forum where parents can enough data to start making better, offered better support to find information and contact accurate decisions with regard schools and the data allowed others who have been through to strategies and planning. support agencies to plan their what they’re going through. services much better,” Dr At that stage, Dr John Ravenscroft said. “Putting it simply, no-one knows Ravenscroft and the Royal what it’s like to raise a child Institute for Deaf and Blind “If we know who the with vision impairment except Children will have a much children are who have vision parents of a child with vision clearer image of the effect impairment, we can work with a impairment. Those parents vision impairment is having on school and say ‘Next year you need to be able to talk to each Australia’s children.
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Research, Presentation and Publications 2008
The below is a sample of the extensive research, publications and presentations conducted by the RIDBC Renwick Centre during 2008. For the full list, please visit: www.ridbc.org.au/renwick/research Research Projects Duncan, J. (2008). The auditory- Newall J. P., Newall, A. T., Newall, P., verbal methodology. Deafness Forum & Wang, S. (2008). Challenges posed (a) Auditory-Oral progress of infants Australia Newsletter, 56, 14-16. by the Implementation of Universal in a Deaf family environment: Duncan, J. (2008). Telepractice aural Neonatal Screening Programs in new Three parallel case-studies and (b) habilitation for school age children: locations. Chinese Scientific Journal of Development of the Infant Monitor- Perspectives on aural rehabilitation and Hearing and Speech Rehabilitation, 6, Production (IMP) as an evaluation its instrumentation. ASHA Division 7, 10-14. protocol for infants with impaired 15(1), 5-17. McNeill, C., McMahon, C. M., Newall, hearing. Dr Robyn Cantle-Moore Duncan, J. (2008). Parental readiness P., & Kalantzis, M. (2008). Hearing aids An examination of the effectiveness for decision-making. Intl. Journal of for Meniere’s syndrome – implications of an online mentor support program Cochlear Implants Supplement. of hearing fluctuation.Journal of the for early career special education American Academy of Audiology, Gallimore, D., & Steer, M. (2008). teachers. Dr Ian Dempsey, Prof. Phil 19(5), 430-434. Foremen, Dr Gordon Lyons, & Dr Editorial. Intl. Journal of Orientation and Mobility, 1(1), 6-8. Power, D., Hyde, M., & Leigh, G. Breda Carty. (2008). Learning English from Signed Gentle, F. (2008). Research Report: Defining historical and current auditory- English: An Impossible Task? American Insights from six blind Australian verbal pedagogy. Dr Jill Duncan Annals of the Deaf, 153(1), 37-47. women. British Journal of Visual Profiling children with vision impairment Impairment, 26(1), 99-108. Ravenscroft, J., Blaikie, A., Macewen, in Australia (OzVizkids). Dr John C., O’Hare, A., Creswell, L., & Dutton, Gentle, F. (2008), Report: Timor-Leste Ravenscroft G. N. (2008). A novel method of inclusive education project. SPEVI notification to profile childhood visual Paediatric hearing assessment with News, 3(11), 8-11. tele-audiology: An investigation in rural impairment in Scotland to meet and remote populations (Cooperative Gentle, F. (Ed.). (2008). Fiji EFA-VI the needs of children with visual Research Centre project R4.5.2.). Dr Nat’l Plan 2009-2011: Education for impairment. The British Journal of Dunay Taljaard, Prof. Greg Leigh & all children with vision impairments, Visual Impairment, 26(2), 170-189. including those with additional Prof. Philip Newall Ravenscroft, J. (2008). Shuffling the disabilities. Fiji EFA-VI Task Force, Fiji. The influence of mandatory language deckchairs: Multi-agency working and assessments on the service delivery Gentle, F. (Ed.). (2008). RIDBC the continuing lack of identification of of itinerant support teachers (HI)- Renwick Centre Unified English Braille people with vision impairments. Intl. PhD project. John Davison-Mowle manual: Pacific region edition. Sydney: Journal of Orientation and Mobility, (Supervisor/s: Dr Jill Duncan & Prof. North Rocks Press. 1(1), 83-86. Greg Leigh) Gentle, F. (2008). Inclusive special Ravenscroft, J., & Steer, M. (2008). Educated and included: A strategic education in Timor-Leste: A strategic What research tells us about vision framework for education of children model for phase 1, 2009-2011. Report impairment and bullying. SVRC with disabilities in Timor-Leste – PhD produced for Timor-Leste’s Goodwill Bulletin, 4, http://www.svrc.vic.edu. project. Frances Gentle (Supervisor/s: Ambassador for Education. au/04%2708.htm#bully. Drs Mike Steer & Rod Beattie) Leigh, G. (2008). Changing Ravenscroft, J., & Steer, M. (2008). Aspects of literacy acquisition in parameters in deafness and deaf Calling all Australian and NZ blindness deaf children in bilingual educational education: Greater opportunity but agencies: Let’s celebrate the environments – MPhil project. Michelle continuing diversity In M. Marschark, bicentenary. ADBC Beacon, 34, 12-13. and P. Hauser (Eds.), Deaf Cognition: Baker (Supervisor/s: Dr Breda Carty & Steer, M. (2008). Instructional Foundations and Outcomes (pp. 31- Prof. Greg Leigh) leadership for special education. 50). New York: Oxford University Press. Leadership in Focus, 10, 38-40. McGrath, A.M., & Ong, M. (2008). Use Publications Steer, M. (2008). Editorial: The Nat’l of HELOS to demonstrate the need for Burnham, D., Leigh, G., Noble, W., Relay Service. ADBC Beacon, 33, 2-3. captioned educational material. In N. Jones, C., Tyler, M., Grebennikov, P. Erber (Ed.), Hearing loss simulation: Steer, M. (2008). Editorial: ADBC’s L., & Varley, A. (2008). Parameters Education, Training, and Research (pp. Carla Anderson inducted to the in television captioning for deaf and 142-143). Melbourne: Helesonics. Victorian Honour Roll for Women. hard of hearing adults: Effects of ADBC Beacon, 34, 2-3. caption rate vs. text reduction on McMahon, C., Kifley, A., Rochtchina, Steer, M. (2008). Australian report. comprehension. Journal of Deaf E., Newall, P., & Mitchell, P. (2008). The DeafBlind Intl. Review, 41, 20-21. Studies and Deaf Education, 13(3), contribution of family history to hearing 391-404. loss in an older population. Ear and Hearing, 29(4), 578-584. RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Steer, M. (2008). Powerful networking Duncan, J. Application of auditory- McCarthy, M. Getting Started: in school programs for students with verbal therapy for special education Technical and Educational Essentials disabilities. Special Schools and teachers in educational settings. for setting up a remotely accessible Academies Trust, http://www.cybertext. Conf. of the Korea Institute for Special service. Access Across Australia: net.au/net_s4wk4/p11_48.htm. Education and the Korean Audiology Technology Connects Families to Steer, M., & Gentle, F. (2008). Assoc., Seoul, Korea, Services, Sydney. Ensuring educational integrity in Duncan, J., Nichols, A., & Cheng, McCarthy, M. RIDBC Teleschool: educational assessment. Intl. Journal K. AVT videoconferencing for Innovation in remote service delivery. of Educational Integrity, 3(1), 26-34. adolescents. A. G. Bell Assoc. Intl. Symposium on Technology and Steer, M., & Gale, G. (2008). Ten Convention. Milwaukee, USA. Deaf Education, Rochester, New York, top tips for visiting teachers. SVRC Gentle, F. Children of the South USA. Bulletin, 3, http://www.svrc.vic,edu. Pacific: Cross sector collaboration in McCarthy, M., & Lam, R. Using au/03%2708.htm#ten. the field of vision impairment. Nat’l interactive multimedia resources Steer, M., & Wetton, T. (2008). Twelve Conf., Round Table on Information, to engage a network of learners. lessons from the development Melbourne. Learning Technologies Conf. 2008, and operation of an Australian Gentle, F. ICEVI Pacific Regional Mooloolaba. accommodation and support system Report. 2008 Meeting of ICEVI ExCo, Newall, P., Newall J., Wilkinson, M., for deafblind adults. DeafBlind Intl. Bangkok, Thailand. Newall, A., & Leigh, G. Universal Review, 41, 12-16. Hill, K. Reaching Children with neonatal hearing screening: A Sensory Impairment in Regional reasonable option in a developing Presentations (a selection of Australia through Technology. 8th country? Audiology Australia XVIII Nat’l more than 70 presentations by RIDBC Biennial Nat’l Early Childhood Conf., Canberra. staff in 2008) Intervention Australia Conf., Sydney. Ravenscroft, J. The Process of a Benzie, S. A reverse integration Leigh, G. Newborn hearing screening paediatric vision impairment register. preschool model. Nat’l Conf. on and cochlear implantation: Changing Australian and New Zealand Paediatric Children and Young People with parameters in early intervention Ophthalmologist Conf. Noosa. Disability and Their Families. (Keynote address). Get Screened Ravenscroft, J. What data can be Melbourne and Live Forever: New Zealand expected from a paediatric vision Benzie, S., & Johnston T. An overview Nat’l Screening Symposium 2008, impairment register. Australian of the RIDBC reverse integration Wellington, New Zealand. and New Zealand Paediatric preschool model and its support for Leigh, G. A new paradigm for Ophthalmologist Conf. Noosa. inclusion: Research and practice. 8th intervention in early childhood Ravenscroft, J. The Paediatric Vision Biennial Nat’l Conf. of Early Childhood hearing impairment: Newborn hearing Impairment Register. 65th Australian Australia, Sydney. screening and beyond. 15th Congress Orthoptic Conf., Melbourne. Carty, B. “A grave and gracious of the Federation of Asia and Oceania Sartika, D., Mannell, R., & Newall, P. woman”: Deaf people and signed Perinatal Societies, Nagoya, Japan. Experiences with a paediatric speech languages in colonial New England. Leigh, G. Universal newborn test (INDO-CHIPS) in the Indonesian Invited address to the Deafness, hearing screening, earlier cochlear language. XXIX Intl. Congress of Cognition and Language Research implantation, and sign bilingualism Audiology, Hong Kong. Centre, University College. (Keynote address). 2nd Belgian Steer, M. Social role valorisation as Cook, G. , Wilkinson M., Douglas, R., Conf. on Bilingual Education for Deaf a fundamental principle in service Benzie, S., Ter-Horst, K., L., Britton, Children and Youth, Brussels, Belgium. provision to Australian citizens with Hodgson, F., & Bull, R. Newborn Loomes, C. Strengthening disabilities. Social Educators Assoc. of hearing screening and unilateral communities: A case study. Access Australia Nat’l Conf., Newcastle. impairment: Trends, issues and Across Australia: Technology Connects Steer, M. The lucky country and intervention in New South Wales, Families to Services, Sydney. Australia. Newborn Hearing Screening people with a print disability: A Conf. 2008, Cernobbio, Italy. Loomes, C. Reaching all the reluctant partnership. AASE Nat’l paddocks across Australia: New ways Conf., Hobart. d’Apice, T. Providing support services to deliver specialist services to rural to rural and remote children who Steer, M. A critique of evidence based and remote communities. SARRAH research. 8th ASSID Nat’l Conf., have a vision impairment. Nat’l Conf., Conf., Yeppoon. Round Table on Information Access, Melbourne. Melbourne. McCarthy, M. Reaching Families Steer, M. Insights into vision in Rural Areas. Nat’l Early Hearing Duncan, J. Towards family-centred impairment for disability support Detection and Intervention Conf. New workers. 8th Disability Support Worker practice for young children with Orleans, Louisiana, USA. a hearing impairment. Nat’l Conf. Conf., Melbourne. on Children and Young People Steer, M., & Beattie, R. The Australian with Disability and Their Families, Deaf-Blind Council: Battling for a better Melbourne. tomorrow. 9th Int. Conf. on Low Vision: Vision 2008, Montreal, Canada.
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT RIDBC People
Recruiting the best people we can, retaining them for as long as we can, and challenging them professionally so that they can perform to the best of their ability.
Louise Connelly from RIDBC VisionEd conducts an eye test on an Aboriginal boy in Broken Hill. RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Recruitment and Retention leadership skills. Other relevant with the aim to minimise and, ecruitment advertising conferences and seminars where possible, eliminate trends continued towards have been well attended by workplace risks to RIDBC the use of electronic staff, either as presenters or employees, students and R participants. visitors. media and specialist websites and away from traditional Over 1800 hours of training Through ongoing discussion print media. As a result, the was completed in 2008 within the OHS Committee, amount spent on newspaper through RIDBC’s mandatory reported injury statistics are advertisements was reduced. training program. The training gathered regularly so that As part of tracking these included first aid, fire safety, trends and issues can be trends, statistical reports have manual handling, back care, identified. RIDBC has a very been introduced that provide anaphylaxis, health and good record of injured staff a range of recruitment data. hygiene, and child protection. returning to work, with only During the course of the year, This training is repeated three injuries resulting in more 72 permanent and 19 contract regularly so that the essential than five days lost during 2008. positions were recruited. skills of our staff are maintained RIDBC recognised “Safe Work Pre-employment medical at a high level. Australia” Week in October assessments have been In addition, a series of by conducting a variety of introduced where relevant risk management training activities in consultation with as part of the recruitment workshops was conducted each department’s OHS process to identify any physical on site for management and Committee representative. limitations that may impact staff to ensure compliance with Activities such as back care on an individual’s capacity to the Occupational Health and and manual handling training, perform safely in their role. Safety Act. relaxation classes and soccer Six weeks paid parental The Work Related Part between staff and students of leave was introduced in Time Study Program, which the RIDBC Thomas Pattison January 2008 as a retention was developed to assist School were enjoyed by all initiative, giving working staff in acquiring additional RIDBC staff. parents flexibility for work/life qualifications, was very Industrial Relations balance. As a result of these successful throughout 2008, The new industrial legislation and other initiatives, RIDBC with 33 staff participating and landscape continues to bring enjoys a relatively low turnover receiving financial support. change. RIDBC’s focus has rate of 14.4% (as at the end Occupational Health and been to work with staff and of December 2008). This Safety relevant unions to establish compares favourably with the new agreements to replace not-for-profit sector’s recent A review of RIDBC’s old awards. This year, RIDBC average figure of 19.2% Occupational Health successfully introduced a (May 2008). and Safety management system, with regard to risk new agreement for school Learning and Development management, was conducted support staff, including school RIDBC continues to invest in in 2008 resulting in the review administration and clerical learning and development of the OHS policy as well as employees. In 2009, this initiatives for staff. The some current work practices. will be extended to replace employee survey reinforced awards that have expired. A defibrillator was purchased the importance of career Remuneration levels are by RIDBC and a series of growth and skill development. monitored to ensure that RIDBC workshops were conducted on A number of staff have remains competitive in its site to ensure staff were fully benefited from attending market, even if existing awards trained in its use. external programs covering fall behind. topics ranging from computer The OHS Committee continued skills to management and to work consistently in 2008 RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT RIDBC People
Employee Survey support the community, whilst Highest qualifications offering their employees a In 2008, an employee survey completed by RIDBC staff was undertaken to give staff day of team-building together. the opportunity to express During 2008, groups visited Certificate 42 from LexisNexis, NRMA their views on a range of Diploma 47 questions. The results of the Parramatta Call Centre, Jana survey were generally very Investments, Hutchison Bachelor Degree 72 positive. Suggested areas for 3G, Booz Allen Hamilton, Grad Certificate 11 improvement are currently BT Financial, JET Australia being addressed. Foundation, and in particular Grad Diploma 29 Bovis Lend Lease who supplied Volunteers and constructed colourful Masters Degree 81 RIDBC has a wonderful team cubby houses on site for two Doctorate 9 of volunteers who generously RIDBC preschools. give their time to assist staff, The warmth and generosity both at the North Rocks of spirit displayed by our campus and off-site locations. volunteers is exceptional and The volunteers’ contribution is very much appreciated by all invaluable, and they bring with the staff at RIDBC. them a broad variety of skills and experience. There are currently about 200 registered volunteers who help in many different ways, including classroom assistance, clerical work, gardening and transport. They come from all walks of life, and contribute in a valuable way across RIDBC’s varied environment. Many volunteers stay with RIDBC for several years and, in 2008, six volunteers reached their 10 year milestone, while five celebrated five years of volunteer service. In 2008, RIDBC participated in the NSW Volunteer of the Year Award by nominating six RIDBC volunteers. All were recognised at the award ceremonies. Corporate Volunteer Groups also make a considerable Father and son volunteer team, Paul and Rex Gibson, were contribution at RIDBC, giving nominated for the 2008 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards. companies the opportunity to They are seen here with their nomination certificates.
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Organisational Chart manager – RIDBC Early Childhood Services (Hearing Impairment) – RIDBC Early Learning Program Manager – (Sydney, Nepean, Hunter, Children’s Services Central Coast) – RIDBC Hunter Preschool SECTIONS – RIDBC Nepean Preschool – RIDBC Assessment Unit – RIDBC Rockie Woofit Preschool – RIDBC Community Support Programs manager – RIDBC VisionEd – RIDBC Early Learning Program (Sydney, Nepean, Central Coast) – RIDBC VisionEd Preschool Manager – – RIDBC School Support Service Corporate Services (Vision Impairment) – RIDBC Alternative Format SECTIONS Publications – Audit – Facilities MANAGER – RIDBC Auslan – Finance and Accounting Services – Information Systems and – RIDBC Thomas Pattison School Technology – RIDBC Host Family Program – RIDBC Roberta Reid Preschool Board of Chief – RIDBC School Support Service (Auslan) Directors Executive Manager – PRINCIPAL – RIDBC Alice Community Relations Betteridge School and Fundraising – RIDBC Alice Betteridge School – RIDBC Respite and Recreation Service SECTIONS – RIDBC Health Unit – Call Centre – Committees – Community Fundraising MANAGER – RIDBC Jim – Direct Mail Patrick Audiology Centre – Major Donors – Audiological Testing – Media Relations – Planned Gifts MANAGER – RIDBC Garfield Barwick Centre Manager – – RIDBC Garfield Barwick School – RIDBC School Support Services Human Resources (Hearing Impairment) SECTIONS – Occupational Health and MANAGER – RIDBC Teleschool Safety – RIDBC Teleschool Early Learn- – Payroll ing Program – Personnel – RIDBC Teleschool School Age – Volunteers Program
– Postgraduate Teacher Training – Educational Research Chair – RIDBC – Publications Renwick Centre – Continuing Education – Library and Information Centre
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT RIDBC People
Senior Managers
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE current role, and assigned the a Director on RIDBC’s Board responsibility of expanding and from 1999 until 2002, when she Chief Executive developing RIDBC’s research rejoined the staff as Manager, John Berryman, BSc, and professional development Service Development. In 2006, MAdmin, MSpecEd (Sensory programs and facilities. she was appointed Manager of Disability), GradDipDP, Manager, Community Children’s Services, a new role FAIM, FAICD, FACE, joined at RIDBC. RIDBC in 1978 as Manager, Relations and Fundraising Computerised Braille Dennis O’Reilly, FFIA, Manager, Corporate Services Production. After appointments has worked in fundraising, Mario Torresan, BBus, MBA, as Assistant Chief Executive marketing and management CA, joined RIDBC in 2002. (Administration) and Deputy in the non-profit sector for 39 His background is in finance, Chief Executive, he was years. He joined RIDBC in 1995. accounting, and business, with appointed RIDBC’s Chief Manager, Children’s Services experience working for major Executive in 1985. Jan North, CertTeach, accounting firms and business corporations. Chair, Renwick Centre BSpecEd, MEd(Hons), MACE, Professor Greg Leigh, was a university lecturer in Manager, Human Resources DipTeach, BEd, MSc, PhD, Special Education before Rob Walker, GradCertMgt, FACE, joined RIDBC as Head joining RIDBC in 1990 to GradDipBA, MMgt, has worked of Renwick College in 1993, establish the early childhood for most of his career in human and was appointed Assistant programs. Jan subsequently resources, training and Chief Executive (Educational headed the VisionEd recruitment in the corporate Services) in 1999. In 2006, Department before leaving in sector. He joined RIDBC he was appointed to his 1998 to become Principal of in 2005. Highfields School. She was
Left to right: Rob Walker, Greg Leigh, Dennis O’Reilly, Mario Torresan, Jan North and John Berryman.
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Heads of Educational Services
Manager, RIDBC Early RIDBC Auslan Programs in the public hospital system, Childhood Services (HI) Peter Cipollone, DipTeach, private ENT practice, and with Sue Benzie, CertTeach, AssocDip Welfare, NAATI Para- Australian Hearing. She joined TDeafCert, DipTeach, BEd, professional interpreter, worked RIDBC in her current role in 2004. MLMEd, GradCertEdStud as a Youth and Welfare Worker and Head of Graduate Programs, (SpecEd, Sensory Disability), as a Teacher/Consultant for Deaf RIDBC Renwick Centre MACEL, MACE, joined RIDBC in and hearing impaired students at Rod Beattie, BA, BEd, MEd, 1994 as Director of RIDBC Nepean TAFE. He was Executive Director PhD, joined RIDBC in 1997 as bringing experience as a teacher of the Tasmanian Deaf Society and a Senior Lecturer at Renwick and administrator with the NSW was Principal Education Officer, College. He previously worked Department of School Education. Disability Programs, in the NSW as a teacher of children who She was appointed Manager, Department of Education and were hearing impaired, a special Preschool Services, in 1997, and to Training before joining RIDBC education consultant, a university her current role in 1998. in 2006. lecturer, and a Postdoctoral Manager, RIDBC VisionEd Manager, RIDBC Garfield Research Fellow. In 2002, Rod Alan Baynham, BEd, Barwick Centre (RIDBC Garfield was appointed Head of Renwick MEd, MEd(SpecEd, Multi- Barwick School and RIDBC College and in January 2006 sensory Impairment), School Support Services HI) he was appointed to his current DipTeach, GradDipSpecEd, Alan Kelly, Cert Teach, BA, MSc position in the expanded RIDBC GradDipAboriginalEd, (Applied), LSLS Cert AVT, spent Renwick Centre. 10 years in primary education as GradDipSchoolAdmin, worked Manager, RIDBC Teleschool a teacher and a principal before as a teacher for the NSW Melissa McCarthy, BA, M.E.D., specialising in deafness and Department of School Education LSLS Cert. AVT, joined RIDBC hearing impairment. Alan joined before joining RIDBC in 1979 as in 2004 as a Teacher/Consultant RIDBC in 1994 as a lecturer a residential care assistant. He in the Early Learning Program and research fellow at the then transferred to the RIDBC Alice (Hearing Impairment). Melissa’s Renwick College, rejoining RIDBC Betteridge School in 1980, and prior experiences with children in 2003 to coordinate the RIDBC was appointed Deputy Master in who are deaf or hearing impaired Cochlear Implant Educational 1981 and Principal in 1984. Alan include teaching, consulting and Services Program and the RIDBC was appointed Manager, RIDBC managing roles in a variety of Early Learning Program (Hearing VisionEd in 1998. early intervention and educational Impairment). He began his current settings. In 2007, Melissa was Principal, RIDBC Alice role in 2008. Betteridge School appointed Coordinator of the new Senior Audiologist/Manager, Julie Shylan, BA, DipEd, RIDBC Teleschool and in 2008 RIDBC Jim Patrick Audiology GradDipEdStud(Prof Dev), was appointed to her current role Centre MEd(Spec Ed), MBA, was a as Manager of RIDBC Teleschool. Genelle Cook, MA, DipAud, Teacher’s Aide, Teacher and MAudSA(CCP), has extensive Assistant Principal in the RIDBC experience in paediatric audiology Alice Betteridge School from 1980-1989. After working as a Special Education teacher for the Catholic Education Office, a TAFE Disabilities Teacher/Consultant for Back row: Alan Students with Vision Impairment, Kelly, Rod Beattie, and Deputy Director of Richmond Julie Shylan, Alan College of TAFE, Julie re-joined RIDBC in 2000 in her current role. Baynham, Peter Cipollone. Front row: Sue Benzie, Melissa McCarthy, Genelle Cook.
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT RIDBC People
RIDBC Staff in the Community
Breda Carty – Consultant Frances Gentle – Convenor, Julie Shylan – Chair, National Expert on Education, Deaf NSW Subcommittee of the Independent Special Schools Community and Culture, and Australian Braille Authority; Association; Member, NDS Bioethics – Deaf Australia; International Council for the Committee on Children, Young Consultant Expert on Bioethics Education of People with Visual People and Their Families and Deaf Culture – World Impairment; Representative, (NSW); Member, Independent Federation of the Deaf; South Pacific Educators in Schools Council, Elected Member, Disability Council of Vision Impairment; Advisory Heads and Consultative NSW; Member, Editorial Board, Panel member, Journal of the Committee. Deaf Worlds. South Pacific Educators in Mike Steer Vision Impairment. – Editor, Jacqui Cashmore International Journal of – Vice President, Australian Greg Leigh – Member, National Orientation and Mobility; Co- Association of Special Hearing Screening Working ordinator, National Heads Education (NSW Chapter); Group, Australian Population of Educational Services; Committee Member, Board Health Development Principal Life Member, South Pacific of Studies, Board Curriculum Committee; Member, NSW Educators in Vision Impairment; Committee. Ministerial Standing Committee Member, Australian and on Hearing, NSW Health; New Zealand Heads of Brian Conway – Vice Chairman, Australasian Educational Services (Vision President, Flintwood Disability Newborn Hearing Screening Impairment); NSW Committee Services Inc; President, Round Committee; Member, Editorial Member, International Council Table on Information Access for Board, Deafness and Education for the Vision Impaired; People with Print Disabilities. International; Consultant Expert NSW State Representative, Tricia d’Apice – NSW and on Education, Australian Australian Deafblind Council; National Secretary, South Association of the Deaf; Editor, Journal of the South Pacific Educators in Vision Member, Advisory Board, Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (SPEVI); Deputy MARCS Auditory Research Impairment; Editor, Beacon, Chair (Pacific), International Centre, University of Western Australian Deafblind Council’s Council for the Education of Sydney; Chairman, International newsletter; Editorial Consultant, People with a Vision Impairment Committee, International Australasian Journal of (ICEVI). Congress on Education of the Special Education; Australian Deaf; Chairman, International Representative, Deafblind Jill Duncan – Board of Steering Committee, Asia International Review. Directors, Deafness Forum Pacific Congress on Deafness; Nicola Stowe of Australia. Member, Literacy and Special – Convenor, Learning Needs Advisory Australian Braille Authority Committee, NSW Association of (NSW). Independent Schools. Sue Pinkerton – President, Australian Tuberous Sclerosis Society.
4 0 RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT CASE STUDY 5
The Big Picture
Psychology isn’t something automatically associated with deafness and blindness, but, as RIDBC’s Christine Muir points out, it’s an integral part of educating children with sensory impairment. “An impairment might have a significant impact on the education of a child. By carrying out an assessment, we can see the developmental aspects of a child and how an impairment might affect them,” Christine said. Christine has worked as a psychologist with RIDBC for the past 18 years and works Christine Muir (left) discusses a child’s assessment with primarily in RIDBC’s Early RIDBC Occupational Therapist, Nicole Mann. Learning Program in Hearing Impairment. She is “outplaced” assessment may include a school and a paediatrician. fortnightly to the Deafness psychologist, an occupational “We bring all the information Centre at Westmead Children’s therapist, a speech pathologist together in a cohesive team Hospital, and also works in the and a paediatrician. We can report,” Christine said. new RIDBC Assessment Unit. also call in other specialist “In the Assessment Unit we RIDBC staff when needed,” “Now with the RIDBC follow up with that child within she said. Assessment Unit, we’re fine- a year. In the RIDBC Early tuning our assessment skills. Assessing a child is not black Learning Program there is an We’re also becoming a ‘point- and white. “In one way it’s opportunity for more frequent of-call’ for sensory impairment,” simple; in another, it’s far from contact with children and Christine said. simple. It’s what makes the job families,” Christine said. so interesting: there’s no one “As a psychologist, I try to see “Having long-term contact is clear formula; you’ve got to the big picture – the child’s invaluable from a professional be very flexible, reading the home life, the child’s learning point of view. It allows you to situation the whole time – the and social development. It’s keep learning and it helps children and how the parents an integral part of the whole me to develop professionally; are responding during the job of educating the child and seeing the outcomes of what assessment process,” seeing how it all fits together,” has worked for families. I learn Christine said. Christine said. so much from the families and After the assessment, Christine children with whom I work,” When working with a child, prepares a report for the she said. Christine often works with parents, teachers, additional other team members. “A team health care professionals, the
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT RIDBC People
Visiting Professional and Honorary Professional Staff, and Organisations
Consulting Otologist: Hon. Dental Consultants and Auditor: Professor William Gibson, AM, Inspectors: Grant Thornton MD, FRACS, FRCS Martin Barhon, BDS Banker: Consulting Ear, Nose and Greg Boulus, BDS St George Bank Throat Surgeon: Craig Calleia, BDS Solicitor: Catherine Birman, MB, BS, Moheb Farag, BDS FRACS Bartier Perry Hon. Property Consultant: Hon. Consulting Ophthalmic Michael Scott Surgeons: John Gregory-Roberts, MB, BS, BSc, FRACS, FRANZCO, FRCOphth Christopher Challinor, MB, BS(Syd), FRACS, FRACO
Years of Service Awards in 2008
30 Years 15 Years 10 Years John Berryman Robyn Clarke Andrew Carmichael Wayne Lloyd Jacqueline Donnelly Bridget Carty Cathy Standard Gaynor Jarvis Mary Czipri Gregory Leigh Sandra Ellemor 25 Years Daphne Peterson Della Goswell Charles Dimech Nicola Stowe Joan Ingold Janine Law Megan Wade-Ferrell 20 Years Amanda Lyons Kay Hooper Karen Marsh Cheryl Martin Julie Martin Jemina Napier Patricia McKinnon Rodney Noble Lynette Parnell Karen O’Toole Irene Truscott Karen Ridley Sarah Sheridan Anne Star Kellie Walker Robyn Wallace Michele Weight Mez White RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Beyond RIDBC
n earlier days, the education Staff also actively participate in and to share information about of children with special co-ordinating authorities such service delivery. Ineeds occurred almost as National Disability Services, RIDBC Renwick Centre staff exclusively in special schools Deafness Forum Australia, the and Children’s Services staff in major cities. Many of the Australian Blindness Forum, have given presentations or children were boarders. That the Australian Braille Authority, conducted consultancies in is how it was at the Royal and the Independent Schools many parts of Australia during Institute for Deaf and Blind Council of Australia. Staff are 2008, including Adelaide, Children for about the first encouraged and supported in Brisbane, Hobart, Launceston, 100 years or more. other extra-curricular activities Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. including membership of Today, much of the work of RIDBC staff also travelled RIDBC takes place beyond the professional associations and accreditation bodies in internationally to share their boundaries of its campuses. accumulated experience. The children we help are often their areas of expertise (see page 40). During 2008, staff members enrolled in mainstream schools visited Belgium, China, or preschools. Families with The RIDBC Renwick Centre Japan, Korea, New Zealand, a small child in the Early has an indirect but significant the Philippines, Switzerland, Learning Programs often impact on deaf or blind Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, receive support and advice children around Australia, and and the USA. The purposes at home. Videoconferencing overseas. In 2008, RIDBC of such visits have been to allows “face to face” contact to Renwick Centre students have present at major international occur even when a child and come from most Australian conferences, to give invited family are located at a vast states, as well as Brunei, presentations and keynote distance from RIDBC. England, Hong Kong, Kenya, addresses, to conduct To be most effective, RIDBC New Zealand, Samoa, consultancies or teach short works closely with related Singapore, and Taiwan. The courses, and to participate services such as Australian RIDBC Renwick Centre now as members of international Hearing, the Sydney Cochlear has a staff member based advisory committees. in Perth and has provided Implant Centre (whose staff RIDBC has enjoyed a long and attend RIDBC sites), and professional education to groups of staff from the mutually beneficial association state Health and Education with the Rotary Club of Departments. The relationship Tasmanian Department of Education, The South Australia Carlingford whose Sunday with the Deafness Centre Markets on our North Rocks within the Children’s Hospital at Department of Education and Children’s Services, the China campus raise considerable Westmead (CHW) was further funds not only for RIDBC but strengthened in 2008, with an Rehabilitation and Research Centre for Deaf Children, also a wide range of other RIDBC staff member outposted worthy organisations. there and a CHW paediatrician Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, and “inposted” to RIDBC, both on a the Ministry of Education in RIDBC also provides office regular part-time basis. New Zealand. premises for associated groups such as the Parent RIDBC staff members share In 2008, professionals from throughout Australia and from Council for Deaf Education, their expertise and experience Deaf Australia Inc, and the through many means, including China, Fiji, Japan, England, Korea, New Zealand, and the Early Childhood Intervention membership of various Association. ministerial and governmental USA, have visited programs advisory committees. at RIDBC to observe our work
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Paying the bills and those who help
Having sufficient resources to enable the pursuit of RIDBC’s objectives.
Captain Craig Lambert with his daughter Natalija. Captain Lambert has piloted two Qantas Pathfinder Charity Flights which raise money for RIDBC. Natalija attends RIDBC VisionEd Preschool. RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Community Relations and Fundraising
he outstanding generosity In addition to these in-house through ongoing partnerships of the Australian committees, many other with the Crane Group, Qantas, Tcommunity was once community groups arranged Booz and the many other again evident in RIDBC’s special fundraising activities to corporate partners who are fundraising results for 2008. support RIDBC’s work. RIDBC listed on page 56-57. is most grateful to them as well. The value of donations RIDBC’s media relations received was at a record level, One highlight for the year was program continued to seek as was the number of donors the success of the fundraising opportunities to publicise who supported RIDBC’s work appeal for the construction RIDBC’s work and to raise with deaf children and blind of the new RIDBC Renwick community awareness of the children. Deep thanks are Centre. The initial appeal target needs of children who are deaf extended both to existing was $3.5 million but this was or blind. supporters and to new later raised to $4 million. By supporters who chose to the end of 2008, the total Sincere thanks are extended contribute to RIDBC during amount pledged had reached to all of those people who the year. this target. assisted RIDBC’s Community Relations and Fundraising 2008 was also a good year for It is not yet clear what impact program throughout 2008. Their the Rainbow Lottery program. the changed economic climate numbers include ambassadors, Almost 90,000 supporters will have on RIDBC’s revenue donors, lottery ticket buyers, generously bought $4.5 million for 2009. However, the 2008 volunteer committee members, dollars worth of tickets. The experience suggests that corporate sponsors, parents Rainbow Lottery continued to people want to continue to give and teachers of children in be a very important revenue their support, but may feel it RIDBC programs, and a vast source for RIDBC in 2008. prudent to give a little less. array of other individuals who act as advocates. Their Bequest income was also very RIDBC is very grateful also for assistance is highly valued. strong during 2008, although the generous monetary and in- Thank you to all. short of the record result for the kind assistance received previous year. RIDBC depends heavily upon bequests, and is enormously grateful to each of those people who decided, during their lifetime, to make provision for a testamentary gift through their Will. As always, volunteer Tara Moss, a long-serving fundraisers played a very RIDBC Ambassador, important role in generating records a community fundraising revenue. The service radio announcement Lantern Clubs, Parents to promote the 2008 Splash and Friends groups and for Cash. Tara’s tireless committees, including efforts have raised great Pathfinders, Abstract, Horizon, awareness for RIDBC Sight and Sound and the events such as Splash RIDBC Golf Club, all made for Cash and the Qantas significant contributions Pathfinders Charity Flight. towards a successful outcome.
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Paying the bills and those who help
Bequests and Permanent Funds RIDBC wishes to acknowledge with deep gratitude those who have remembered it in their Wills and those who have established permanent funds to support RIDBC’s work. Their generous forethought has contributed to ensuring that the children served by RIDBC are given the best opportunities available. It will make a lasting difference in the lives of deaf children and blind children.
Bequests received during 2008
Ellie Adnum Patricia Davey Peter Imberger Joyce Myers Helen Taylor Norma Atkin Lionel Dege Ellen Kavanagh Josephine Pearson Rita Thorn Elsie Baddeley Patricia Doherty J & C Kennedy Trust Valda Phelps Gwenda Underdown Charles Barnett Konstantin Doku Allan St Ruth Knights Beatrice Pycroft Jean Van Nooten Bruce Bowman Margaret Downes Marie Leedham May Rattenbury Rupert Varcoe Ella Boyd James Easdon Hans Lewin Gordon Readett Sir William Walkley David Broadley Joyce Fardell Jean Long Edmund Resch Joyce Walsh Iris Bryen Sarah Farrell Elizabeth Lyall Edith Richards Lee Warne Ashleigh Chown John Frazer I M Maslin Marion Ringrose Eileen Weidmann Karline Clarke K & G Gluck Trust Leslie Maurer Bernard Rothbury Arthur Wiencke John Coffey Lorna Goodlad E T McGee Elaine Scandrett Claudia Willis Stanley Collins Harold Granger Gwenneth McLaren John Scard Desolie Wilson Emmett Costello Rosemary Hall Gerda Metz Lola Sharp Carolina Woerdeman Doris Cox Leila Hamer Alice Moorcroft Arthur Simpson Holly Woodcock Florence Crosby Norman Heaton William Moore William Small Mary Wright Clarence Daley Edna Heisler Dinah Morris Edith Stephen Beryl Yabsley Marie Dalton Florence Hillman Delilah Moussa Annette Sutton Georgette Yared
Permanent Funds Year Ended 31 December 2008 18th Australian Infantry Erie Diprose Fund Henry Gough Fund FM Reid Prize Fund Brigade Association of Jeremy Dobbs Prize Fund Hunter Baillie Fund E A Riley Fund NSW Fund Jack & Gwen Freeman Ian Paul Fund Special Prize Fund Edward Arthur Fund Permanent Fund Japan Australia Friendship William Spittle Fund Toni Bates Bursary Fund DGT Gardiner Fund Fund Paul Strelitz Fund John Bedwell Permanent Dora & George Garland William & Gladys Judd Claude Toole Fund Fund Memorial Memorial Fund M Tyrrell Fund Julie Birmingham Fund Betty Graham Bursary Fund B McDougall Prize Fund Jane Vickery Memorial Frank Buckle Family Trust Stan Graham Bursary Fund Elsie McLachlan Bursary Fund Post Graduate Research No 1 Fund Scholarship Fund Dr KF Vickery Prize Fund Stan Graham Bursary Fund Neville McWilliam Prize Ben Bunce Fund No 2 Fund Estate of the Late Joan Frederick Gregory-Roberts Vera Rado Fund Isabel Craven Prize Fund Ann Ratcliffe Trust
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT CASE STUDY 6
Pretty in Pink
t’s Tuesday morning. A gleaming pink Ford ute is Iparked in RIDBC’s lower car park. Its number plate is ‘IPINK1’. The owner steps out; long, bright pink hair catching the breeze. Yes, it’s Tuesday – Sue’s day. Sue O’Neill has been an RIDBC volunteer for the past eight years; gracing RIDBC’s Community Relations and Fundraising department by bringing colour to the office and professionalism and understanding to her role. Sue’s volunteer work is not Sue O’Neill and Leisel Jones at the 2008 RIDBC Splash for limited to RIDBC. She is Cash swimathon. involved in numerous projects, even flying to a remote area of “I’ve lived in the area all my life RIDBC is lucky to have Sue, Papua New Guinea every two and was aware of the Royal and people like her, who so months to assist in a school Institute for Deaf and Blind happily and energetically that she and others built. Children. I was semi-retired give so much of their time to But on most Tuesdays, and and wanted to volunteer,” help others. in a manner that contradicts she said. “I enjoy it here. It’s a great her colourful appearance, Sue Sue works primarily with RIDBC place to work with wonderful quietly slips into the CRFR Auxiliaries Manager, Kaye people. RIDBC has world offices and gets on with the Bailey, assisting greatly with class education and a lot of job of helping children who are events such as Splash for Cash breakthroughs happen here deaf or blind. and the RIDBC Charity Flight. for children with disabilities,” “I think I’ve got a fortunate Sue’s experience as a former Sue said. life,” Sue said regarding her Human Resources manager Now, about that hair. “I just motivation to volunteer. “I guess and owner of a very successful love colour,” Sue said. “It I’m just compelled by the chain of 100 retail stores with brightens up the world and inequity of the world,” she said. 2000 staff has been invaluable makes people smile.” to Kaye and to RIDBC. Sue doesn’t have a personal Just like the work of RIDBC’s relationship with deafness or “I couldn’t do my job without volunteers. blindness. She simply came her. Sue’s expertise, her to RIDBC because she knew calmness and ability to cope RIDBC and was in a position to with all the challenges I give help on a weekly basis. her, just makes running special events so much easier,” Kaye said. RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Paying the bills and those who help
Clubs and Committees Volunteer fundraising committees have been supporting the work of RIDBC since its establishment almost 150 years ago. The role is as vital today as ever. RIDBC is especially grateful to the following volunteer fundraisers.
Lantern Club Camden Haven Hornsby & District Ryde Presidents: Bill Newman Gaye Minahan Rosemary Costar Central Council of Cronulla Ku-ring-gai Shoalhaven Lantern Clubs: Eileen Trish Woodford Beverley Low John Katon Short Far South Coast Maitland St George Avoca Beach Keith Butler Deirdre Howard Mavis Mitchell Donna Judge Forster-Tuncurry Mosman Southern Highlands Belmont Margaret Stephens Elaine Cox Veronica Mackie Nanette Bingham Gosford Parramatta Warringah Blacktown City Pat Woodward Joan Solly Val Davison Maureen Fry Goulburn Port Stephens Wollongong Blue Mountains Joan Thomas Heather Dennis Lorna McKay Peter McTaggart Hills District Robyn Shaw
Committees Abstract Committee President Christopher Arnott OAM
Horizon Committee President – Colleen Keys OAM Parents and Friends of the Alice Betteridge School President – Linda Langton Pathfinders Auxiliary President – Louise Flitcroft RIDBC Golf Club President – Ron Knott RIDBC Hunter Parents and Friends Committee
President – Suzanne Rigg Jacob and mum Jill enjoy fortnightly visits Sight and Sound Committee from RIDBC. Jacob also attends RIDBC President – Lynette Kirsten VisionEd Preschool.
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Supporters
Community Support is at the centre of RIDBC’s ability to deliver the services it provides. Many people assist in a variety of ways. RIDBC wishes to acknowledge this support.
Life Governor Appointed 2008 Qantas Airways Ltd Brian Forbes John Bedwell John Race F M Bradford Foundation Trust Life Governors at R A Gale Foundation Fred Hosking Pty Ltd 31 December 2008 Rotary Club of Carlingford Gwen Freeman Abigroup Pty Ltd Rotary International District Jack Freeman Robert Albert AO 9680 Maureen Fry John Bedwell Rotary International District Karen Gallur 9690 Richard Bonynge AO CBE Luis Gallur Rotary International District Bruce & Joy Reid Foundation 9750 Alan Gaudry Lenore Buckle Royal New South Wales Professor William Gibson Cochlear Ltd Bowling Association J Hale Charles Curran AC Norman Rydge AM OBE Betty (Elizabeth) Hall Ross Field (representing the St Andrew’s Cathedral School Fred Hall Profield Foundation) Graeme Skarratt OAM Deirdre Howard Iris Gageler Dame Joan Sutherland OM AC Edna Major Dr John Gregory-Roberts DBE I Miller Dr Wallace Grigor AM Suttons Motors Pty Ltd Frank Minahan Gwynvill Group Terrace Tower Pty Ltd Maureen Osmetti Ian Holmes Transfield Pty Ltd Joan Nielsen Pieter Huveneers Tasia Varvaressos Parramatta Leagues Club James N Kirby Foundation Vincent Fairfax Family K Pigram Foundation Kathleen Breen Children’s Brian Pinch Charity Trust Elsie Virgona OAM J Salisbury Kumagai Australia Pty Ltd Life Members Appointed 2008 Robyn Shaw Gloria Lardelli OAM The Hon John Aquilina Shaw Family Foundation George McCullagh Dr Martin Barhon Allan Sinclair Dorothy Malouf OAM Dr Greg Boulus Harry Sinclair Ardeis Myers Jnr Patricia Bower Gwen Smith Myer Community Fund Dr Craig Calleia Anne Tidex Myer Stores Ltd Elaine Cox Mary Vernon National Australia Bank Jack Creagh Ethel Webb Network Ten Phyllis Creagh Lysia O’Keefe Heather Dews Opera Australia R Fitzhardinge Richard Owens OAM Beryl Forbes Ian Paul
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Paying the bills and those who help
Major Donors for 2008 A Byrne Dance Partner Productions Pty R Adamson L Cable Ltd A Albert Cabramatta Rugby Leagues P De Sauty R Albert Club J Denovan Alesco Corporation Limited CAF Australia Community Fund Deutsche Bank S Alley Ltd Dick Smith Foods Pty Ltd Amity Grand at Dural R Campbell D Dinte A Andronicos D Carter M Dobbin Animal Doctors Port Macquarie P Carter B Eggert Anonymous Castle Hill Country Club Energy Australia Employees’ Austral Wright Metals C Challinor Children’s Appeal Australian Chinese Charity Chester Hill RSL and Bowling R Etty Foundation Club Co-operative Limited Everyday Hero Australian Ethical Investments V Chick F M Bradford Foundation Trust Ltd A Chittenden R Fitzhardinge H Baker J Choulkes C Flynn K Balmer A Chu F Foran C Barnett L Church B Forbes Bartier Perry Solicitors City Tattersalls Club Ltd R Fox P Barton ClubsNSW Eastern Zone Bear Frank Buckle Family Trust Cottage & Other Charities J Bedwell Fred Hosking Pty Ltd L & I Collins P Bell J Freeman P Collins J Berryman C Gageler Concord RSL Club Ltd J Binks L & K Gallur Connect Hearing Blake Family Trust Gantiel Vensott E.P.S C Cook R Bockholt A Gaudry S Costigan C Bonugli L Gemes B Cottee D Bovis J Gilbert Courtney, Shannon Tong & G Bradshaw R Gledhill Caitlin Quan Brian Kirby Foundation F Godfrey-Smith M Coventry P Bridge Goninan Employees Charities Crane Distribution Fund J Brilliant Limited/Tradelink I Goulding Bruce & Joy Reid Foundation Crane Group Limited Graeme Wood Foundation J Bryan R Croall F Granelli M Buch F Cullen J Grant Buddha’s Light International M & K Cumes Association of Australia Inc. P Grant C Curran E Butler J Green D Curtis-Morris
5 0 RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT J Gregory-Roberts M Johnson Marjen Pty Ltd J Grimsley Johnson Family Foundation Maroubra Garden Village Grosvenor Foundation C Kater Residents Tour Guardian Interlock Systems Kathleen Breen Children’s L Martin Australasia Pty Ltd Charity Trust Mascot RSL Club Limited L Guyton B Katz May and Stanley Smith M & C Gwynne F Kelly Charitable Trust Gwynvill Group Kemps Creek Sporting and K Mayer H V Mckay Charitable Trust Bowling Club Limited R McAllery J Hale W King L McDonagh D Hall Z Kominatos N McFarlane J Hall Kool Nominees Pty Ltd T McGee Hargrove Foundation I Kwan S McIntyre B Harrison Lake Macquarie City Council R McNally B Hartley Lakemba Services Memorial H Menka Club B Hatch A Menzies T & B Lankford Henry H Roth Charitable C Mercer Foundation A Lee S Micallef D Hill & Family M Lee Mill House Foundation J Hollamby Lee & Sons (Aust) Pty Ltd I Miller H Holley P Lenart J & D Momsen H Hone M Lesnie M Monaghan J Hore Liangrove Foundation Pty Ltd R Moore Hornsby RSL Club Lions Club of Bondi E Morgan R Howe Lions Club of Sydney Pacific G & M Morgan Huon Park Craft Group Lions NSW-ACT Save Sight A Morse Foundation Hutchison 3G Australia Pty MQ Financial Services /Trustee Limited A Lockley for David Brown Trading Trust P Huveneers B Lofthouse Mudgee Soldiers Club Illawarra Catholic Club Limited Love Police Pty Ltd Mulwaree Trust R Irvine S & M Lovegrove Mutual Assistance Society, F Isaacs F Mac Gregor Sydney J & G Bedwell Foundation M Macarthur Nell & Hermon Slade Trust J C Pollack Pty Ltd A MacDougall R Neller V Jackel MacDougall Family Endowment A Neville B Jackson Macquarie Group Foundation New South Wales Golf Club Limited Associates R Jaine R Mangano New South Wales Strata James N Kirby Foundation Maple-Brown Abbott Limited Management Pty Ltd Jet Australia Foundation Maple-Brown Family Charitable I Nielsen John Bedwell Foundation Foundation Ltd Northmead Bowling Recreation M Johns G Mapp and Sporting Club Ltd
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Paying the bills and those who help
Novetec Building Products Pty J Sainty Treviris (1976) P/L Ltd J Salisbury Trust of Margaret Betty J O’Connell Sam Dougherty Memorial Campbell L O’Keefe Charity Golf Day T Tse R Oliver B Selby D Turpie O’Neill Foundation Inc Sellers Holdings Pty Limited H Verhoef C Oppen Shaw Family Foundation A Vernon R Owens Shop Assistants & Warehouse M Vernon W Paine Employees’ Federation of Aust G Waddington Parramatta Leagues Club C Shuetrim A Wales Limited A Sinclair A Wareham J Parramore H Sinclair S Wareing I Paul T Sjoquist Warringah Mall Community A Pethebridge Skipper-Jacobs Charitable Club Trust D Watkinson H & L Pickett J Smith N Watson K Pigram D Snedden E Webb B Pinch W Southcott Werani Pty Limited A Prashad Splash For Cash: Rotaract Westfield Shopping Centre – Castle Hill Preisz Family Westpac Banking Corporation State Transit Employee’s Profield Foundation G White Welfare Fund Inc QBE Insurance Group Limited R White A Steinmetz R A Gale Foundation J Whitehead P Stephens V Rado R Willcocks L Stevens M Raine S & S Wong B Stone R Rajola R Wood W Stone J Reid L Worsfold Suncorp-Metway Limited M Robertson A Zahn G Suttor Rotary Club of Burwood S Zeckendorf SVN Engineering Pty Limited Rotary Club of Camden A Ziegler A Sweetman Rotary Club of Carlingford L Szeto Rotary Club of Turramurra P Tang Rothenberger Australia Pty Ltd Thomas Hare Investments Ltd S Rothery A Tidex N Rudder M Tobias D Ryan Tong Yee Foods Ryde-Eastwood Leagues Club Tree Transplanters Australia Pty Limited Ltd
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Brett Masterton, Area Manager for Tradelink’s Hunter region, rode 165km from his area’s most westerly store in Muswellbrook to the most easterly store in Salamander Bay to raise money for RIDBC. Tradelink, a subsidiary of the Crane Group, has implemented a variety of fundraising initiatives to help RIDBC. RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Paying the bills and those who help
Thomas Pattison Society Supporters
Thomas Pattison M Reid P Jones J Boyd Preschool Sponsor N Standish W Leakey G Brown M & C Gwynne R Stephenson P Lopresti Z Brown R Yabsley J Lucas J Cameron N Yip L Magid J Clark Thomas Pattison G Augimeri N Margolis W Clarke Early Learning I Brady S Neil-Smith J Cridland S Alley B J K Cohen C Phibbs G Duckworth T & B Lankford P Crane P & E Ryba L Frazer A Lockley M Kaminski B Scott J Gibson S Rothery J Foster T Sorensen E Greig A Ziegler C Kite P Taylor B Hart L Blackshaw G McDonagh P Thomas W Holmes J Camilleri G Waddington M Ireland Thomas Pattison J Himmelhoch B Walker L Kittelty Gold D Rea N Yabsley E Olsen D Henley A Young H Patterson D Horley V Bailey A Roe Thomas Pattison E Isherwood W Gottlieb A Sayer Silver J Watson L Harkus D Shultz G Cloros R Badgery M Harriss A Spira E Crisp R Baragry D Havercroft A Stark L Falconer H Barton G Hopper C Stedman S Gong J Bedwell J Pescott S Tyrrell G Goodwin M Berry W Phillips J Williams T Harpur G Burton T Savage A Willoughby J Hutchinson R Carmody R Squire O Wood P Irving A Compton J Lindgren T Zanoni G McAuslan M Dintinjana F Bailey V Grace J Adamson R Dwyer J O’Brien J Henderson D Battaglene I Gageler L Jacobs J Russell Baxter N Green L Jones M Chandler Thomas Pattison A Hutchison N Lawton S Cheung Bronze M Jacobs D McColl J Cleary P Casaceli N Kessel S Tattam C Craker A Gowan R & P Lane H Bate C Dawson J Hyatt D Lockley A Sawyer J Derricks P King A MacDougall Y Downes E McLoon J McAlpine R Etty P Budd E Murray J Flanagan S Arnott J Nilson G Fok C Bell I Perusic C Grover M Berzins J Pratten C Humphreys C Best V Rado
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT CASE STUDY 7
Monica receives good news from home
ust days before moving to to say I had won. I couldn’t that I never feel pressured. New York, Monica Glare believe it!” The lottery staff are always Jremembered to purchase Monica and Paul, both lovely,” Monica said. tickets in the Royal Institute healthcare workers, know first- Although still in disbelief, for Deaf and Blind Children’s hand the impact of deafness. Monica is thrilled about the Rainbow Lottery. And it’s a timing of her win. She and Paul good thing she did. Their daughter, Kate, was born with a mild hearing impairment. recently returned to Australia This last minute decision Monica’s aunt also had a for their daughter’s wedding. certainly paid off for the severe hearing loss from a “The money will be a great long-term Rainbow Lottery young age. help towards the wedding supporter when she won the costs,” Monica said. “It will also $20,000 first prize. For these reasons they choose to support RIDBC through its come in handy while we are in “I posted the ticket payment off Rainbow Lottery. New York.” just before we headed to the “I love nursing, but I wouldn’t airport,” Monica said. The friendly approach of the Rainbow lottery staff has also mind using the opportunity “A few weeks later, my made an impact on Monica. to try something new whilst husband Paul and I were sitting overseas,” Monica said. in a restaurant in New York “Another thing which has kept and I got a call from the lottery me buying over the years is
RIDBC Rainbow Lottery Manager, Mr Frank Antonini, presents a certificate and the $20,000 winner’s cheque to Mrs Monica Glare.
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Paying the bills and those who help
Sponsors RIDBC receives support from the business community in many ways. Corporate sponsorship through cash and gifts in kind is vital to the success of many fundraising events.
RIDBC Hunter Parents and Raine & Horne Beecroft Paynter Dixon Constructions Friends Committee Steve Watt Constructions Police Association of New BridgeClimb Sydney Star Truck & Bus Pty South Wales De Lorenzo Natural Haircare Ltd ResMed Limited Lings Quality Trophies Tyres4U Ryde Motor Group Richard Owens OAM Wormald Service Division Ryde Veterinary Clinic Salmon Bros Data & Electrical RIDBC Golf Club Horizon Committee Pty Limited Australian Voices in Print Pro Am Charity Golf Day Sentry Automotive Solutions Bill Hicks Jewellery Ables Betta Electrical Tenix Alliance De Bortoli Wines Pty Limited Gladesville Tom Kerr Auto Centre De Lorenzo Natural Haircare Accident & Health International West Ryde Hotel NEC Australia Pty Ltd Underwriting Pty Ltd Wormald Service Division Pearsons Florist Australia Advance Investments WRI Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd Securities Australia Pty Ltd Sight and Sound Committee Allianz Australia Insurance Crane Group Charity Golf Day Group (Major Sponsor) BHP Billiton Base Metals Charity Golf Day Brad Garlick Ford BlueScope Steel Limited Alliance e-Finance Central District Smash Repairs Brain Sells Pty Ltd ASX Reuters Foundation Charles P Marendy Pty Ltd Caroma Industries BridgeClimb Comfort Inn West Ryde Electrolux Home Products Pty Continental Tyres Concord West Chiropractic Ltd Crane Group Clinic Enware Australia Pty Limited De Lorenzo Natural Haircare De Lorenzo Hair and Cosmetic KPMG Flight Centre Beecroft Research Pty Ltd Novetec Building Products Pty Grant Thornton Dynaflow Pty Ltd Ltd Independent Locksmiths & Holmans Retravision Eastwood Rehau Pty Ltd Security Hornsby Automotive Group Pty Reliance Worldwide (Australia) International Cargo Solutions Ltd Repelec (Aust) Pty Ltd Jackson Industries IT Matters Recruitment Services Rheem Australia Pty Ltd Paul Fabian Pty Ltd Rinnai Australia Paynter Dixon Education Lady Anne Funerals Telstra Corporation Limited Pennant Hills Golf Club McGrath Estate Agents Transport Works Pennant Hills Toyota Noble Toyota Professional Advantage Ord Minnett Limited
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT Pathfinders Auxiliary Bunnings Mascot Cobb & Co BridgeClimb Captain Cook Cruises Dyson Group of Companies Captain Cook Cruises Citizen Watches Deutsche Bank Executive Retreats Port dB Sound Kanprint Douglas Energizer National Road Transport Hall of Fisher & Paykel Hip Hampers Fame Gallery Oscar Turramurra Kanprint Ngapartji Ngapartji Kanprint 3M Qantas Airways Limited Leigh McDonagh Norths Qantas Flight Catering Mango Lagoon Port Douglas Oceanic Thai Raymond Weil Miele Qantas Airways Ltd Royal Flying Doctor Service Qantas Airways Limited Rockpool Fish Shell Aviation Qantas Catering Souk in the City Sydney Airport Corporation Ltd Rosevears Vineyard The Pacific Coast Horns Take 2 Creative Audio Rotary Club of Turramurra TMR Music Stands Rotaract Splash for Cash Schwarzkopf Pty Ltd Trovato Design All Leisure Hospitality St George Rowing Club Vamps BYO Bistro Francais FuturePlus Financial Services Vamps BYO Bistro Francais Wirra Wirra Vineyards NRMA Motoring and Services Qantas Pathfinders Revue Ziedan Management Qantas Airways Ltd ABC Costumes Qantas Pathfinders Charity Rotaract Tri-District Clubs AIPA Flight Rotary International Districts Aeromic Adam Spencer 9680. 9690. 9750 Alpha Flight Services Airservices Australia Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Blacksheep Productions Alice Springs Council Centre Breakfast Point Realty Alice Springs Telegraph Take 2 Audio Budget Station
Passengers disembark in Alice Springs during the 2008 Qantas Pathfinders Charity Flight.
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT History
hat is known today of Superintendents Samuel needs of staff and students. as the Royal Institute Watson (1871-1910) and Harold In the early 1960s, RIDBC Wfor Deaf and Blind Earlam (1911-1947), RIDBC moved to its current location Children (RIDBC) began in continued to grow. at North Rocks. 1860 as a small school for In 1944, a long-held dream RIDBC has continued to deaf children at 152 Liverpool came to fruition when school develop its array of innovative Street, Sydney. The first teacher attendance by deaf and blind educational programs to fill and co-founder was Thomas children became compulsory, the gaps in the education of Pattison, a profoundly deaf as it had been for their non- children who are deaf or blind Scottish immigrant. impaired peers since 1880. and also those with additional RIDBC enrolled its first blind By the middle of the 20th disabilities. students in 1869 and, in century, both the Darlington Today, RIDBC’s programs 1872, moved to a five acre, premises and another RIDBC include national early childhood purpose-built premises at premises at Wahroonga had and school age services, five Darlington. Under the influence become unsuitable for the preschools (including two in regional areas), three dedicated schools for either hearing or vision impairment, support for students attending mainstream preschools and schools, a paediatric audiology centre, community support services, and a university college for teacher training and research. Throughout its history, the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children has been strongly supported by an active management and fundraising committee. RIDBC is a charity, reliant partly on government funding, but primarily on the generous support of Roberta Reid teaching the blind, 1906 philanthropists, benefactors and the wider community.
RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT A copy of the Concise Financial Report is available on request, please phone (02) 9871 1233
Directory
Royal Institute for Deaf and RIDBC North Parramatta RIDBC Nepean Blind Children (RIDBC) 106 Pennant Hills Road 5-6 Floribunda Avenue 361-365 North Rocks Road NORTH PARRAMATTA NSW 2151 GLENMORE PARK NSW 2745 NORTH ROCKS NSW 2151 Telephone: (02) 9683 6400 (TTY/V) Telephone: (02) 4733 4239 (TTY/V) Telephone: (02) 9871 1233 (TTY/V) Facsimile: (02) 9630 1364 Facsimile: (02) 4733 4144 Facsimile: (02) 9871 2196 Manager – School Support PO Box 8161 Private Bag 29 Services (HI): Ruth Price GLENMORE PARK NSW 2745 PARRAMATTA NSW 2124 Director: Joanne Fickel / Sue Website: www.ridbc.org.au RIDBC Hunter Benzie Email: [email protected] 160 Floraville Road Chief Executive: John Berryman FLORAVILLE NSW 2280 Telephone: (02) 4942 8455 (TTY/V) Facsimile: (02) 4942 8457 Director: Wendy Dorn RIDBC 2008 ANNUAL REPORT You can make a difference Every year, thousands of people help the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) to make a difference in children’s lives.
There are many ways to help. Here are just some:
Give a donation Buy a Rainbow Buy your Christmas – many people and Lottery ticket – the cards or other businesses give Rainbow Lottery is merchandise from monetary support to held three times a year with us – when you next RIDBC each year. major prizes including cars, buy Christmas cards, why To make a donation phone travel and gold bullion. not purchase some that will 1800 043 411 or visit To purchase a ticket phone truly make a difference. Our www.ridbc.org.au 1800 043 411 other merchandise covers everything from beach Join a fundraising Participate in a towels to umbrellas group – RIDBC fundraising event and fashion clothing. has around 1500 – everything from To request a catalogue people helping behind the opera evenings to phone 1800 111 474 or visit scenes as members of swimathons. our online shop at fundraising groups. To find out the latest www.ridbc.org.au For further information contact fundraising activities, please Erin Ivey on 9871 1233 phone 9871 1233 or visit www.ridbc.org.au Make a bequest – your support through a bequest creates a legacy that will continue to give. For further information contact RIDBC Life Member, Enid Robyn Clarke on 9871 1233 Burge, and RIDBC Chief Executive John Berryman, Become a volunteer officially launch the Hunter – volunteers support Baillie Circle. The Hunter our staff in areas as Baillie Circle was created diverse as proof-reading to acknowledge and braille, helping in classrooms thank all those who have and even gardening. kindly arranged to leave a For further information, bequest, thereby ensuring contact Diane Piper on RIDBC’s future. 9871 1233 Gi11572