Cover Page
Title: 2011/2012 Annual Report, “See the world through my eyes”
Image: RSB client Sheelagh Daniels smiling and hugging her RSB Guide Dog
Logo: RSB Official Logo
Inside Front Cover
Image: RSB client Penny laughing and cuddling with her baby son
Caption: RSB client Penny Sanchez enjoys time at home with her son, Riley
Page 1
++Vision
To be the primary responsive quality service provider to South Australians who are blind or vision impaired.
++Mission
The RSB is the primary source of assistance giving people with a vision impairment the opportunity to improve the quality and independence of their lives.
++Contents
History2
Corporate Governance2
Patrons 3
Board of Directors 4
Management 5
President’s Report6
Executive Director’s Report8
Community Services12
Low Vision Services16
RSB Guide Dog Service20
RSB Industrial Services24
Digital Library and Print Alternatives Services28
RSB Human Resources and Volunteer Services32
Marketing and Fundraising34
My Eye Health Program 40
Special Thanks42
Bequests44
In Memory45
Treasurer’s Report46
Page 2
++History
It began with a blind man’s vision.
It took the vision of a blind man to truly appreciate the needs of people who were blind in South Australia and understand the plight they faced in the late 19th century.
Andrew Whyte Hendry, who was blinded after a childhood accident, had the conviction and determination to start an industrial training school for the blind in 1884, which has steadily grown and flourished into the multi-faceted Royal Society for the Blind of the 21st Century.
With the help of Sir Charles Goode, a philanthropist, Andrew’s dream was realised on 21 November 1884 when the Institute for the Blind was formed—the genesis of what would become the Royal Society for the Blind of South Australia (RSB).
Through 128 years of supporting South Australia’s blind and vision impaired community, the RSB has grown from an ambitious employment and training centre, to be the primary provider of services to more than 12,000 people who are blind or vision impaired.
The RSB holds true today to the vision Andrew Whyte Hendry held in 1884: The Vision to make a Difference.
++Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance is the process by which the RSB is directed and controlled. The aim is to ensure that the management of the RSB is ethical and acts in accordance with its vision and values.
The RSB is regulated by The Royal Institution for the Blind Act (1934) as amended, and its constitution. These define the rules and processes through which the RSB is managed.
The Board of Directors has responsibility for the governance of the RSB. It sets strategic direction, monitors the affairs of and reviews the RSB’s performance against targets and objectives.
To assist in this process, the Board has created the following RSB sub-committees to provide specialist advice:
- Client Advisory Committee
- Finance and Audit
- Nominations and Governance
All Directors are required to acknowledge and subscribe to the following responsibilities:
- To act honestly and in good faith
- To use due care and diligence
- To act in the best interest of the RSB
- To ensure that management is competent
- Not to engage in conduct likely to discredit or bring the RSB into disrepute
Page 3
++Patrons
His Excellency, Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AO CSC RANR, Governor of South Australia
14/8/2007 – present
Her Excellency, Mrs. Marjorie Jackson-Nelson, AC, CVO, MBE
3/11/2001 – 31/7/2007
Sir Eric J. Neal, AC, CVO
22/7/1996 – 3/11/2001
The Honorable Dame Roma Mitchell, AC, DBE, CVO
6/2/1991 – 21/7/1996
Lieutenant General Sir Donald B. Dunstan, AC, KBE, CB
23/4/1982 – 5/2/1991
Sir Keith Seaman, KCVO, OBE
1/9/1977 – 28/3/1982
Sir Douglas R. Nicholls, KCVO, OBE
1/12/1976 – 30/4/1977
Sir Mark Oliphant, AC, KBE
1/12/1971 – 30/11/1976
Major General Sir James W. Harrison, KCMG, CB, CBE
4/12/1968 – 16/9/1971
Lieutenant General Sir Edric M. Bastyan, KCMG, KCVO, KBE, CB
4/4/1961 – 1/6/1968
Air Vice Marshall Sir Robert George, KCMG, KCVO, KBE, CB, MC
23/2/1953 – 7/3/1960
Lieutenant General Sir C. Willoughby Norrie, KCMG, CB, DSO, MC
19/12/1944 – 19/6/1952
Sir C. Malcolm Barclay-Harvey, KCMG
28/7/1934 – 23/2/1939
Major General Sir Winston Dugan KCMG, CB, DSO
28/7/1934 – 23/2/1939
Brigadier General The Honorable Sir Alexander G.A. Hore-Ruthven VC, KCMB, CB, DSO
14/5/1928 – 26/4/1934
Lieutenant Colonel Sir Tom M. Bridges KCB, KCMG, DSO
4/12/1922 – 4/12/1927
Lieutenant Colonel Sir W.E.G. Archibald Weigall KCMG
9/6/1920 – 30/5/1922
Lieutenant Colonel Sir Henry L. Galway, KCMG, DSO
18/4/1914 – 30/4/1920
Admiral Sir Day Hort Bosanquet, GCVO, KCB
18/2/1909 – 22/3/1914
Sir George R. Le Hunte, KCMG
1/7/1903 – 18/2/1909
Right Honorable Hallam, Lord Tennyson, KCMG
10/4/1899 – 17/7/1902
Sir Thomas F. Buxton Bt, GCMG
29/10/1895 – 29/3/1899
Right Honorable The Earl of Kintore PC, GCMG
11/4/1889 – 10/4/1895
Page 4
++Board of Directors
Ray Clark
JP, AICD, MLBS
President
Board Member since August 1996
Image: Corporate photo of Ray Clark
Rob Richards
Vice President
Cert.App.Sc.
Board Member since November 2010
Image: Corporate photo of Rob Richards
Dr Jim Runciman
MB, CHB, FRACS, FRACO
Secretary
Board Member since July 1996
Image: Corporate photo of Jim Runciman
Barry Clarke
MNIA
Treasurer
Board Member since February 1992
Image: Corporate photo of Barry Clarke
David Coppock
Employee Representative
Board Member since November 1989
Image: Corporate photo of David Coppock
Trevor Basso
BA (ACC), FCA
Board Member since June 1994
Image: Corporate photo of Trevor Basso
Margaret Moxon
BA Grad.Dip.Lib.Stud.
Board Member since June 2003
Image: Corporate photo of Margaret Moxon
Roz Sommariva
N.Path
Board Member since November 2010
Image: Corporate photo of Roz Sommariva
Dr Celia Chen
MBBS, PhD, FRANZCO
Board Member since December 2011
Image: Corporate photo of Dr Celia Chen
George Karzis
LLB, BA (Juris), GCLP
Board Member since 2012
Image: Corporate photo of George Karzis
Pieter Haverhoek
MAICD
Board Member since 2012
Image: Corporate photo of Pieter Haverhoek
Andrew Daly
BEC, ACA, FAIM, JP
RSB Executive Director
Board Member since July 1996
Image: Corporate photo of Andrew Daly
Page 5
++Management
Andrew Daly
Executive Director
Image: Corporate photo of Andrew Daly
Dennis Moir
Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Manager, Community Services
Image: Corporate photo of Dennis Moir
Mark Burleigh
Manager, Industrial Services
Image: Corporate photo of Mark Burleigh
Loucia Calder
Manager, Low Vision Services
Image: Corporate photo of Loucia Calder
Sue Jeffreys
Manager, Human Resources
Manager, Volunteer Services
Image: Corporate photo of Sue Jeffreys
Chris Muldoon
Manager, RSB Guide Dog Service
Image: Corporate photo of Chris Muldoon
Keith Smith
Manager, Business Services
Image: Corporate photo of Keith Smith
Diana Swanson
Manager, Marketing and Fundraising
Manager, Information Technology
Manager, Print Alternative Services
Image: Corporate photo of Diana Swanson
Page 6
++President’s Report
Image: Corporate photo of Ray Clark
I am delighted to present the 2011/12 Royal Society for the Blind (RSB) Annual Report as President of the RSB.
It has been another exceptional year in the development and delivery of our services to more than 12,000 South Australians who are blind or vision impaired.
Encouraging individuals to be proactive in managing their eye health, the My Eye Health community education program is now in its second year.
A collaborative initiative of four of South Australia’s leading organisations, the RSB, the Freemasons Foundation, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (SA) and the Sight for All Foundation, the Program is developing in leaps and bounds as it becomes well-known across South Australia.
During 2011/12, 190 eye health education presentations were held across South Australia for allied health staff, residents of aged care facilities and independent living units, high school students and general community groups, reaching almost 4,800 people.
Working closely with the Aboriginal Health Council of SA (AHCSA), MEHP Community
Educators also continue to look at ways to improve eye health for the Indigenous community. In 2012, this included the opportunity to present to Indigenous football players from the APY Lands and Maralinga during the Rio Tinto Cup.
The RSB remains committed to developing future business leaders of South Australia with the in-business Young Business Leaders Program.
Last year’s Program saw another fantastic, enthusiastic group of young people participate with their mentors and employers, and almost $93,000 was raised, assisting the continued delivery of the RSB’s quality services and exemplifying the RSB’s motto, “The Vision to make a Difference”.
In a South Australian first, the RSB Guide Dog Service welcomed three German Shepherd pups to its Puppy Education program in 2012—Kasey, Lily and Lola.
For 15 years, RSB Guide Dog Service Manager, Chris Muldoon, has been researching the German Shepherd breed and speaking to other guide dog schools around the world about the benefits of training these pups as guide dogs.
Kasey, Lily and Lola join more than 40 other Labrador and Golden Retriever pups in Puppy Education, with the aim to better meet client need and demand.
In 2012, the RSB Guide Dog Service also welcomed Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Lindy Hennekam, to assist with the increasing workload.
Page 7
As an accredited member of the International Federation of Guide Dogs, the RSB would like to acknowledge the on-going support of other guide dog schools worldwide, including Guide Dogs UK, Seeing Eye USA, Guide Dogs for the Blind US, Guiding Eyes USA, Guide Dogs for the Blind San Rafael, Guide Dogs Norge AS (Norway), Kansai Guide Dogs for the Blind Association Japan and Guide Dogs Queensland.
As we look at the world through the eyes of our clients in this report, thanks go to the RSB management and staff for their continued hard work, energy, commitment and dedication. Every day, RSB management and staff ensure that RSB services are delivered at the highest standard, helping to improve the lives of so many South Australians.
RSB volunteers also deserve our great gratitude for contributing their time to ensure the consistent delivery of essential RSB services. Without their support, the provision of many of the RSB’s services would not be possible. Their invaluable efforts in all areas of the RSB are the equivalent of almost 80 full-time employees, which in monetary terms would equate to almost $3 million in salaries.
Special thanks must be bestowed upon our benefactors, donors and sponsors. Essential funds were also provided by The South Australian Department of Health and Ageing, Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, as well as Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations —thank you for helping us make a difference.
I would also like to thank and acknowledge the RSB’s Patron, His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce, Governor of South Australia, for his on-going support.
Ray Clark
President
Image: RSB Guide Dog pup sitting with the puppy pack which includes bag of Royal Canin food, bed, bowl, leash, toys and RSB Guide Dog Service puppy coat.
Page 8
++Executive Director’s Report
Image: Corporate photo of Andrew Daly
In 2011/12, the RSB has remained at the forefront of providing free, vital services, assisting more than 12,000 South Australians who are blind or vision impaired.
Through on-going endeavour and dedication, the RSB remains true to its commitment in providing the best possible services for people who are blind or vision impaired to ensure independence and a better quality of life.
Recently completing our 16th independent Annual Client Survey of a random selection of clients, the following results were achieved:
- Satisfaction with services, a rating of 98% (16 year average 94.4%)
- Satisfaction with staff and volunteers 98% (16 year average 95%)
- Improvement in quality of life 90% (16 year average 83%)
In this report, I would like to invite you to see the world through the eyes of some our clients, volunteers and supporters.
For each service report, you will have the chance to read about the ways in which the RSB has assisted real clients living in South Australia with real services.
For those of us who live with full vision, it can be difficult at times to truly understand the challenges some of our clients face on a day to day basis. It is my hope that this report will assist readers to see the world through the eyes of our clients, and create increased awareness and understanding about the vital services we provide at the RSB.
In the last 12 months alone, we have expanded the Child and Youth Services program, trained and graduated 12 client and RSB Guide Dog teams and introduced three German Shepherd pups to the RSB Guide Dog Service.
We have received more than 1,750 referrals for RSB Community Services, including counselling, independent living training, mobility services, peer support and recreation and leisure services and we have relocated the RSB Port Augusta office to new, larger accommodation to improve accessibility and enable the inclusion of more Adaptive Technology and Low Vision products.
To assist with the continued growth of the Recreation and Leisure Program, the RSB has continued its partnership with the Blind Welfare Association (BWA) and welcomed Blind Sports SA on board to further develop recreation and leisure groups and activities for South Australians who are blind or vision impaired.
The relationship with Blind Sports SA saw the employment of an RSB Sports Development Officer, who in 2011/12 worked with Charles Campbell Secondary School and Seaview High School to provide the opportunity for 62 students who are blind or vision impaired to participate in various sporting activities.
Page 9
The RSB Adaptive Technology Centre (ATC) received 268 client referrals and provided almost 4,800 information and advisory services and it still remains the largest display of adaptive technology in Australia.
All of these positive happenings at the RSB are unfortunately shadowed by the increasing problem of vision loss within our community; in Australia, approximately 600,000 people have some form of vision loss and another 150,000 are predicted to develop vision loss within the next 10 years.
During 2011/12, concerns have also grown regarding eligibility and access to services for people who are blind or vision impaired under the new National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The RSB has always been very active in advocating for the consideration of issues for our clients, and will continue to represent the rights of South Australians who are blind or vision impaired to independently participate in our communities and enjoy the benefits of Australian Citizenship on an equal basis to all other Australians.
Concerns remain that many Australians who are blind or vision impaired will not fit into any of the current proposed federal funding schemes, and will fall through the cracks unless the needs of this significant segment of the Australian population (some 150,000 people) are recognised.
While the RSB supports many of the recommendations, it is important that all Australians who have a disability, including a loss of vision, are provided essential services.
Image: Vet Ian sitting with RSB Guide Dog Yardley
Caption: Dr Ian McMillan provides veterinary services for RSB Guide Dog Yardley free of charge. Thank you to the Para Vista Veterinary Clinic.
Page 10
Moving forward into 2012/13, the RSB will continue to lobby for changes to protect the rights and independence of people who are blind or vision impaired, including:
- Access to early intervention services, before degenerative conditions lead to legal blindness
- The removal of age discriminatory conditions, currently forcing people who acquire vision loss over the age of 65 to be referred to the Aged Care system, where many will not receive services based on current eligibility
- The removal of a discriminatory co-payment based solely on the age of acquiring vision impairment (no requirement to pay for access to services currently exists and it only serves to penalise people wishing to remain independent)
My role as Chairman of the Australian Blindness Forum (ABF) and my involvement with the State Committee for National Disability Services has assisted RSB to lobby for these changes.
To ensure on-going awareness of current best practices and to form collaborative links with other like-minded progressive organisations, the RSB maintains strong connections to the wider world.
To assist in the facilitation of this, I serve as one of two elected Australian delegates to the World Blind Union (WBU) and am on the Elderly Blind and Asia Pacific Employment and Empowerment Committees.
Finally, the continued provision of services to more than 12,000 South Australians who are blind or vision impaired is only possible through the dedication of almost 200 RSB staff, which includes more than 70 people with vision impairment and/or other disabilities employed at the RSB’s Industrial Services division.