2013 Annual Report 0ptImised V2 by Brain Injury Network of South Australia Inc.

icture Description

2012 ‘bangonabeanie’ launch at Light Square— group photograph by Helen Page

Celebrating BINSA’s 20th Birthday Bash at Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers

More pictures for you to enjoy! 2012 ‘bangonabeanie’ launch and 20th Anniversary Celebrations

he Brain Injury Network of South Australia Inc. The Brain Injury Network of South Australia Inc. (BINSA) is pleased to present the 2013 Annual Report and audited Financial Statements for the period 1 July 2012 to the 30 June 2013. The activities of BINSA as recorded in this Report have been undertaken according to:  the objectives as stated in the Constitution  National Disability Standards  The Pre qualified Provider Panel requirements  BINSA Strategic Plan  Funding and Service Agreements  Australian Service Excellence Standards We trust the Report will provide a comprehensive overview of BINSA‘s role and function, achievements and ongoing vision.

Joanna Andrew

Mariann R McNamara

Chair Board

Chief Executive Officer

30 October 2013

30 October 2013 OFFICE ADDRESS 70 Light Square Adelaide SA 5000 Telephone: (08) 8217 7600 Facsimile: (08) 8211 8164 Email: info@binsa.org Website: www.binsa.org Country Callers:

1300 733 049 3

Section

Patron

Board

Staff

Consultants

Volunteers

Sponsors and Donors

2012 Brain Injury Awareness Week (BIAW)

Overview BINSA 2012-13

Chairperson Report

Chief Executive Officer Report

Administration Report

Programs and Services

 



able of Contents

Department of Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) Disability SA  Springboard incl Re-Wired 

Learning and Lifeskills



Peak Body

Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FAHCSIA) 



National Disability Advocacy Program

Motor Accident Commission (MAC) 



6a 6a 6a

Reconnect Transition Program

Regional Support

6b 6b 6c 6c 7

Annexure „A‟ Strategic Plan and Operational Priorities 2010-14 Annexure „B‟ Financial Report 2012-13 5

Section 1

P B S C V S

atron

oard

taff

onsultants

olunteers

ponsors and Donors

atron Professor Richard Clark

Richard Clark is a co-Director of Brain Health Clinics and has been a practicing psychologist since 1987. His interests cover both the assessment and treatment of clients with psychological disorder. His experience covers a range of disorders, including AD/HD, autism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, stress and anxiety, traumatic brain injury and learning and memory disorders. Richard completed undergraduate education at the University of Adelaide and a PhD at Flinders University. He has had a longstanding interest in the relationship between brain and mental function and has published well over 100 papers in the field. He has a special interest in neurotherapy as a means of treating the psychological effects of brain dysregulation and as an adjunct to more conventional treatments such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). He is a founding member of the Neurofeedback and Psychology interest group of the Australian Psychological Society Ltd. Richard is the past Head of School of Psychology at Flinders University and continues as a Professor. He is a past-President of the Australasian Society of Psychophysiology. His contributions to the understanding of brain and mental function have been recognised by his appointment as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences. BINSA is extremely grateful of Richardâ&#x20AC;&#x;s ongoing support especially during 2013 Volunteer day at BINSA, where he kindly acknowledged and presented our wonderful volunteers with their appreciation certificates and tokens of our gratitude.

Richard Clark and BINSA Chair Joanna Andrew at BINSA Volunteers Day 2013

Richard and Sandy Clark 8

oard 2012-13

Board Members Joanna Andrew

Chair

Pam Kirkham

Vice Chair

Terence Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Rourke

Finance

Cheri Archer

(until January 2013)

Megan Barratt

(until July 2012)

Neville Hamilton-Brown Dean Fyfe Ali Lamshed

(until April 2013)

Nadia Moffatt Karl Mortimer Simon West

taff 2012-13

Chief Executive Officer

Mariann R McNamara

Administration (Coordinator)

Karen Arthur

Advocate (NDAP)

Jan Palmer (until July 2012) Paul Connor-Kearns (Sept 2012-March 2013 dismissed) Jan Palmer (temp March-May 2013) Amy Ambagtsheer (from May 2013)

Community Learning and Lifeskills Coordinator

Shaneen Renshaw (from Nov 2012)

Counsellor / RTP Alumni

Chris Farrand

Reconnect Transition Program Co-Coordinators

Lauren Moulds (until August 2012) Kelly Weckert

Coordinator Co-Assistant Coordinators

Kelly Weckert (from Nov 2012) Tegan Whittard (from Nov 2012) Charlotte Rasmussen (from Nov 2012)

Springboard Coordinator

Victoria Zelipski

Program Assistant

Catherine Young

Program Support Workers

Cindy Gillespie Jordan Forrest Vanessa Seymour (from August 2012) Ed Weaver (from August 2012)

Re-Wired Program Fitness Sessional Specialist

Catherine Young

onsultants 2012-13

BINSA would like to acknowledge and thank the following consultants and specialists‘ contractors who have provided their services throughout 2012-13. We are very grateful for their expertise, skills and support as they add to BINSA's ability to continue to provide the very best information, programs and services to all those affected by an ABI. Angela Gregory FCPA Accountant Ann Walter - Flinders Uni Coordinator Clinical Education Speech Pathology Ann Woodcock Special MIS projects Anna Miles - DCSI Physiotherapist

Erika Dauner - Website Content Writer

Mary-Lee Sipski (Dr) Fellow in Rehabilitation Medicine - BIRU

Gary Keen - Jims Mowing rubbish removal

Michal Dutkiewicz Website Graphics

James Burdon BurdonAwire - Website graphic/ design

Natasha Sari - Website and Newsletter Projects

Jason & Josh - Argon Design and Printers

Bill Toop - General Maintenance - Hire-a-HandyJoan Tamiaans - Minutes BINSA Man Board Brett Brace John Harley - Consultant Stuart Witt Advocate Paul Brace IT Contractors John Hogie - Equipment MainteInterIntra nance - Hogies Electrical Services Bron Lloyd—Website Content Writer 2012 Karen Osborne Psychologist - Workforce DevelCon Polychronis Psychologist - BIRCH opment - Associate @ Cognition David Fabbro - Principal Kate Costello Andersons Solicitors Governance Matters Delores Wells Australian Service Excellence Les Koopowitz (A/Prof Dr) Program (ASES) Certification Clinical Associate Professor Uni Adelaïde, and NDAP Certification private medical practice

Pauline Wood - Disability Discrimination Advocate, Central Legal Services, Uniting Care Wesley Adelaide Peter Alderton Insurance Broker - Shield Insurance Peter Hall - Auditor – Peter Hall Charted Accountants Ralph Scalzi - Electrical Contractor Rob Muir - Electrical Communications Steve Elkins - Home and Garden Maintenance Service Sue Hooper (Dr) Medical Officer BIRU Susan Hillier (Dr) Physiotherapist

olunteers 2012-13 BINSA is especially grateful to the many volunteers who assist with our programs and services each day. Your dedication and skills are so valued by everyone here at BINSA.

Jessie Wu Lisa Hall Prof Richard Clark Megan Jenkins Monica Ayliffe BINSA Board Morneer Ackarie Joanna Andrew Chair Nathan Giaccio Ali Lamshed Patricia Jamieson Cheri Archer Patrick Kiu Dean Fyfe Penny Stuart Karl Mortimer Phoebe Weier Megan Barratt Rachel Briggs Nadia Moffatt Rebecca Closter Neville Hamilton-Brown Robert Semmens Pam Kirkham Sheridan Marin Simon West Suzanne Edwards Tanya Davey Administration - General Valmai Mackenzie Whitney Rose Keryl Beesley Will McIntosh Virginia Chen

BINSA Patron

Colette Albino

Administration - Reception Laura Cole Penny Sommers

Website

Springboard Professional Members Group Anna Miles Cherie Archer Delores Wells Fiona Creed Liz Williams

Michal Dutkiewicz Natasha Sari

Reconnect Transition Program (RTP)

Springboard Program

RTP Mentors

Archie Sailesh Athina Takianos Bec Closter Britney Keech Collette Albino David Bajjali Dolores Goodey Ed Weaver Ella James Emma Scanlon Irene Parra Janelle Wood Jess Turner

Adrian Horan Barry Coldwell Bev Wiles Colin Winsor Eli Murn John Furda Mary Waite Robert Semmens Rhonda Baker Trevor Goodwin Terry Somerville

RTP Advisory Committee Adrian Horan Chris Farrand Kelly Weckert Mariann McNamara Tegan Whittard Terry Somerville

RTP Steering Committee Con Polychronis Leslie Koopowitz Philip Martin Tina Benbow

Regional Program SEABIN Amanda Ferguson Anne Bawden Anthony Wood Cara Loftus-Surgoy Dennis Cotton Helen Ferguson Helen McQueen Hermine Scheidl Kara Lea Leanne Schleter Michelle King Stacey Lennon Tamara Pearce Tari Wagland-McCarthy Trudy-Anne Doyle Tom Scheidl

BINSA friends enjoying 2012 IDPwD

2012-13 Student Practicum Flinders Uni Students

Tony and Roza Polyak‟s famous “Lambs on a spit”

Hailey Connor Charlotte Rasmussen

Carrick Education Krystyna Knight Mashelle Hanna Racheal Briggs

Lions Club-IDPwD 2012 2012 International Day of People with Disability

“When friends meet,

hearts warm”

Thanks to so many who volunteered “Time to eat!”

ponsors and Donors

General

Add Value - promo materials Andersons Solicitors Aussi Party Hire ETC - Hospitality Golden Roast Go-Lo Sefton Park - gift discounts InterIntra - IT support James Burdon - Website graphics design Lime2Cafe - Hospitality Michal Dutkiewicz - BINSA graphic icons Natasha Sari - Website design support Pack Mart - packaging and paper products Prof Richard Clark - Patron Skye Cellars - wine discounts URS - security card discounts

2012 BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS WEEK (BIAW) and BINSA 20 Birthday Party BINSA gratefully acknowledges the following for their generous assistance during 2012 BIAW very special thanks Prof Richard Clark - BINSA tribute Sandy Clark - event management Nick Clark - ticket graphics and design Sonya Feldhoff ABC 891 MC

Financial Sponsors Andersons Solicitors David Fabbro—Principal Burdonawire James Burdon—Principal ETC - East Terrace Continental Café Lauro Martire—Director Dante Martire—Director Orange Spot Bakery Nicholas Davey—Proprietor Peter Gerrard & Family Ptwo Pty Ltd t/as Plansure Solutions Peter Alderton Skye Cellars John Mazzocato—Managing Director Tindall Gask Bentley (TGB) Lawyers Claudio Galloni—General Manager

Making Mosaics with Garth Pye 2012 BIAW

Suppliers Aussie Party Hire Ayres House Functions Campus Color Captain Barossa Wines East Terrace Continental Café (ETC) Helen Page, AWEA Les Miller Jazz Musician, Lions Club—Adelaide City Orange Spot Bakery Teusner Wines 14

rain Injury Awareness Week (BIAW) 2012

Award Presenters Joanna Andrew - BINSA Chair Chris Farrand - BINSA Catherine Young - BINSA Victoria Zelipski - BINSA

UniSA Presentation ―It‘s all there in my head‖ a narrative about the experience of Wolfgang Karschimkus who suffered a stroke over 6 years ago—Written by Celeste Villani

Penny Barric Robert McConnell Rikki Starr Rita Stockley

Re-Wired-Adelaide Barry Coldwell Fiona McIntyre (Pictured below) Mario Tarzia Mary Waite Terry McCann

Event Support/Session Re-Wired-Mt Gambier Presenters

Amanda Ferguson Ben Williams Andrea Aitchison DCSI Simon Brook Ben Young - Blacksmith David Caulfield WorkCover SA Victoria Callaghan David Fabbro Andersons Solicitors RTP Garth Pye Mosaic‘s Dr John Cross WorkCover SA Angela Engler Lolo Houbein One Magic Bev Wiles Square Maurice Blackburn Lawyers Barry Coldwell Ralph Brew Shine Bob Tetley Robert Petchell Music Works Colin Winsor Dr Roger Rees Flinders Uni David Tansing Tony Doyle Music Works A/Prof William ―Bill‖ Middleton Mary Waite Morneer Ackarie Griggs AM ASM WorkSkil Representatives Penny Barric Rita Stockley Achievement Awards Robert Brady Robert Semmens Assuming Control Rhonda Baker Scott Leckey David Tansing Suzanne Weatherald Margaret Faseth Wendy Trow Megan Fraser Wolfgang Stahl Morneer Ackarie

RTP Express-Mt Gambier Amanda Ferguson Anthony Wood Edna Aston Jamie McInerney Tom Scheidl Stephanie Snigg

Springboard Andrew Potter Anne Rowlands Brett Afford Cheryl Mason Jane Trowse Jason Ihms Kaye Leyland Mark Payne Michael Stewart Minh Nguyen Peter Gollan Robert Tanti Sharron Hempel Silvana Melchiorre Simon Turner Trevor Gay Wayne Avery Wayne Fogarty

Olivia Kilsby 15

rain Injury Awareness Week (BIAW) 2012 (Cont‟d)

Individual Nominations Amy Booth Anne Rowlands Brandon Charles Brett Afford Cheryl Mason David Brady Fiona Crabb Jane Trowse Jason Ihms Kaye Leyland Keryl Beesley Lee McEgan Leigh Symons Mark Payne Matthew Clelland Peter Caporn Peter Gollan Robert Brady Robert Tanti Samantha Boylen Samantha Pearce Scott Cousins Sharron Hampel Simon Turner Trevor Gay Tyson Neill (pictured below) Vladimir Jurcik Wayne Avery

Service Excellence Awards

Assuming Control Professionals

Individual Nominations

Anna Miles Barry O‘Loughlin Carolyn Bryant (Pictured below) Con Polychronis (Dr) Cherie Archer Jacqui O‘Daly Chris Farrand Julie-Anne Whitehead Daniel Wardleworth David and Deb Dowsett RTP Nominees Delores Wells Adrian Horan (mentor) Fiona Creed Colin Winsor Greenway Appartments Jeff Keyl Jodi Varren John Furda (mentor) John Dempster Mt Gambier Community Liz McEgan Health Service Liz Williams Mary Waite Lynn Field Mt Gambier Council Sue-Anne Gale Patrick Comerford Sue Griffiths Robert Semmens Susan Hillier (Dr) Rhonda Baker Tina Benbow Robyn Hunt Kaye Mahomet Terry Somerville (Pictured below) Meredith St John Trevor Goodwin Miranda Jelbart (Dr) Pauline Wood Peter Rivera Re-Wired-Mt Gambier Robert Semmens Northcare Physio Sue Harper (Dr) Squashbrook Fitness Tina Benbow Valmai Mackenzie

SECTION 2

verview BINSA 2012-13

verview BINSA 2012-13 BINSA continuing the celebration of 20 years representing the interests and needs of people in SA affected by an ABI

BINSA has continued its statewide and national representation of the interests and issues confronting those South Australian individuals who have sustained an acquired brain injury (ABI), their families, friends and significant others.

BINSA has been heavily involved during 2012-13 with Brain Injury Australia (BIA) and other state member organisations, Brain Injury Association Tasmania (BIAT), BrainLink (Vic), Victorian Coalition Consumer Service Providers (VCCSP) (Vic), Brain Injury Association NSW (BIANSW), Brain Injury Association of Qld (Synapse), National Brain Injury Foundation (ACT), HeadWest (WA) in responding to the many general public and also ABI constituent based consultations around Australia and in SA in the development of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and the legislation that was eventually promulgated in the Australian Parliament. NDIS - 21 Mar 2013 - Text of Bill as passed both Houses NDIS - 28 Mar 2013 - Royal Assent An acquired brain injury (ABI) is one of the most disabling of all disabilities and the issues and service needs are highly complex and for many require life long responses. For this reason, BIA, BINSA and the other members and the professionally led reference group that BINSA participated in, have focused especially on the assessment tools to be developed and used to establish eligibility under the NDIS criteria so no one with an ABI who need lifelong support and care as envisaged under NDIS, miss out. We also focused on issues around the appropriate rules and the type of servicing including the service standards and skills, that may be needed in the future, so there is improved awareness and understanding of the needs of people who have suffered an ABI.

2012-13 was also the year SA introduced the Reforms to Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance for South Australian Motorists as part of the National Injury Insurance Scheme, proposed to establish a national framework covering all situations where individuals are injured and are eligible for common law provisions of compensation and or specific entitlements under various legislation and regulations eg Motor Accident Commission (MAC) Compulsory Third Party, WorkCoverSA, Third Party Property and so on.

BINSA was actively involved in the consultations, providing submissions and engaging in public debate because what was being proposed was the inclusion of ‗no fault‘ compensation for those severely injured in a motor vehicle accident. Up until then, in SA up to 25% of all drivers using the car on the road in any given day, were not covered if they were injured, because the accident was due to ‗no fault‘. So no compensation was available and anyone injured needed to either rely - excepting medical services funded under Medicare/private health cover - on their own resources, family and or if eligible due to low income, public services. Continued

erview BINSA 2012-13

continued

On 1 July 2013, changes to South Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance Scheme are to come into effect improving the Schemeâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s affordability and delivering a consistent compensation system for those injured in a motor vehicle crash. BINSA has been invited to join the Motor Injury Insurance Reform Office - Lifetime Support Scheme Rules Advisory Group to work together with others in the design of the new scheme and establish the eligibility criteria and what constitutes reasonable and necessary care and support (similar to what is expected under NDIS).

BINSA 2012-13 Organisational Structure

BINSA Funding In 2012-13 BINSA operated on funding provided through: Disability SA Department of Communities and Social Inclusion [DCSI]) for:   

Springboard Program - Therapy Springboard Program - Learning and Lifeskills, Community Learning and LifeSkills and Counselling Services Peak Body

Commonwealth Department of Families, and Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FAHCSIA) for: 

Advocacy Program under the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP)

The Motor Accident Commission (MAC) for: 

Reconnect Transition Program (RTP)

Subscriptions, fundraisers and donations from BINSA memberships and sponsors support various BINSA‟s operational and service provision. BINSA is dependent on ongoing funding and generous donations and would like to express its deepest appreciation for the financial support from all these sources.

SECTION 3

hairperson Report 2013

This year has been an extremely busy and productive year for the BINSA Board.

Firstly, I would like to congratulate Mariann and her staff on a very successful year. I would also like to thank BINSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friends, supporters and staff for attending the twentieth birthday celebration. At the Board level, there has been a significant amount of work achieved and I congratulate all the Board members on their hard work and time invested. In late 2012 the Board underwent both significant governance training with Mrs Kate Costello of Governance Matters, followed by the development of a new Constitution, through extensive consultations, in the preparation of the NDIS roll out. Thank you to all those who attended the special meeting in May 2013 where the new Constitution was adopted. The Board, staff and many BINSA constituents then undertook, under the guidance of Mrs Kathy Carruthers, the work towards framing the 2013-16 strategic plan, to work towards the NDIS. This has resulted in an exciting and stabilising strategic plan for BINSA to move forward and will ensure BINSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continued success. I would like to thank all those who made themselves available and participated in these strategic discussions. We are now forming finance, governance, strategic and constituent subcommittees to ensure that we continue to not only work towards improving BINSA effectiveness but also to maintain its financial viability and inclusiveness of any SA ABI constituent. Finally I would like to especially thank the financial sub-committee for their time and effort that they have invested to ensure continued financial stability and assisting the Board with its accountability during 2012-13. Again I congratulate BINSA on its success and look forward to the coming year which will be both very busy and exciting.

Joanna Andrew Chair

SECTION 4

EO Report

EO Report 2013

It is my sincere pleasure to present my fourth Annual Chief Executive Officer Report in this, BINSA‘s now 21st year.

In 2012-13 we focused externally on extending our constituency reach, communication, representation and internally our quality assurance, governance and administrative systems.

Some highlights... 

BINSA branding

BINSA represents individuals in SA who have suffered an ABI or those around them also significantly affected by an ABI. An ABI is one of the most complex and life changing of disabilities. An ABI spares o demography and can happen in a moment - and it does. A constant refrain from those we assist is ‗we didn't know you existed‘ or ‘why don't you do more regional activity‘ or ‘please do more advertising/marketing‘ so everyone knows about BINSA. These are of course very sound suggestions but not always so easy to achieve for a small NGO who relies on scant funding and is always trying to work out how to get more! In response, during 2012-13 we have worked very hard to improve our community reach including extending our regional program to the north and constituent visibility through new and contemporary graphics and more consistent communication materials. This has been an exciting time and one which we are very pleased has resulted in the new BINSA website www.binsa.org, totally revised fact sheets, new Program and service pamphlets, and shortly the introduction of our comprehensive client Management Information System (MIS) built on the ‗agile‘ system basis. These improvements in visibility together with how we are delivering our programs have assisted BINSA to extend that reach and we hope ensure that we can influence the key issues confronting anyone affected by an ABI in SA and nationally. During 2012-13 we‘re successfully retained our current funded programs and were selected to commence a new program - External Merits Review Support Service (EMRSS) from 2013-14. We also maintained our absolute commitment to quality standards, and have undertaken 2 full audit reviews: Certification at the Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES); and for the first time National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP) Certification. Achieving these quality levels makes us eligible for current and future funding. 

BINSA representation re National and State Disability Reforms

NDIS 2012-13 has been one of major disability reform through the introduction of the NDIS consultations and eventual passing of the NDIS Legislation. BINSA has taken a very active role alongside its national member group and held several local constituent and allied stakeholder consultations, thereby ensuring all perspectives were able to be presented and inform the submissions that were put forward on behalf of the combined national ABI representative group. This makes for a very strong alliance and one that BINSA takes very seriously. 24

The result of this is that BINSA continues to improve the interests of ABI constituency and ensuing our involvement in many key state and national policy and service campaigns.

Reform of SA Compulsory Third Party Legislation (CTP) As previously advised, BINSA provided very measured but consistent support for this ground breaking change to the SA CTP legislation. Of the 25-30% of drivers who access the road each day and then incur a ‗no fault‘ accident, the majority of injuries result in an ABI. The introduction of life time care and support for anyone severely injured in a motor vehicle accident, is a significant step towards equitable treatment of anyone who is left injured or disabled following circumstances beyond their control. BINSA is pleased to have been there to add the ABI voice to such major reforms. 

Programs and Services

BINSA has continued to provide very wide ranging and innovative services and programs, for anyone affected by an ABI or in some cases specifically tailored for the individual who has suffered an ABI. These include:  

extending Counselling to 2 days Community Learning and Lifeskills to 1 full day per week.

We have continued our Regional Support assisted with the generosity of private donations which we have ‗banked‘ funds to use for these activities. Our efforts have seen us represented several times in the SE, and at an inaugural meeting in Pt Pirie we‘ve taken the first steps to form the Northern ABI Network. We attended the Riverland Disability and Ageing Expo at Barmera. All of these activities mean individual staff also gain experience of dealing with our regional constituency. In terms of new programs, we are thrilled to have been selected by FAHCSIA to deliver a new program as part of the NDIS role out - External Merits Review Support Service - will commence 1 July 2013. This is an affirmation of BINSA‘s capacity to deliver high quality advocacy support to any person who needs to be supported through an advocacy process. Current Advocate Amy Ambagtsheer will move across to the new service from August 2013. 

IT has played an important part in a number of our activities, and this includes future consideration of going to a ‗tablet‘ format and moving across to Microsoft Word 8. New equipment has ensured that participants are exposed to the latest in therapy software and interesting options to expand and personalise learning and lifeskills support. On the broader technology front, we completed the reconstruction of the new BINSA website a very involved process and of course we are always ‗contained‘ by available funding but we are hugely satisfied with the result and continue to receive very positive feedback on a daily basis. Crisp, clear and easy to navigate these are the prevailing comments we receive. Do we have it ‗finished‘? Never - we add information everyday and we realise that it is an ongoing activity and we do need more ‗heads‟ not just hands on deck ‗- so anyone keen to volunteer - quick let Karen know! 

Staffing

We did have to farewell a few - who moved onto higher level positions or more study and so on. We had one staff dismissal which was a difficult time for everyone. Throughout this BINSA has continued its commitment to taking on a number of student practicum placements which is a big benefit to all concerned. Each student who leaves goes with the skills and expertise gained from being in an organisation that is not only hands on, but also highly strategic , very well regarded by other NGO peers and government agencies alike - so it helps with future references. 25

2012 Brain Injury Awareness Week (BIAW) in August 

450+ attended the 5 full days of sessions and activities

BINSA 20th Birthday celebration 

Some 120 enjoyed a terrific evening hosted by Tindall Gask Bentley Lawyers

2012 International Day of People with a Disability in December 

Some 250+ sausages were sizzled and 2 whole lamb on the spit were ‗munched‘ as people from all around enjoyed the lovely sunny day and became more aware of ABI and other disability issues

2012 BINSA Christmas Party in December 

A great group of 95+ enjoyed a fun filled ‗Santa‘ day and moreish Christmas luncheon

Our „mob‟ having a good time

Gotchya - David Fabbro

2013 National Volunteers Day in May 

We celebrated along with many of our fantastic volunteers their dedicated and unstinting support and contribution towards our ABI constituency and BINSA‘s operations. Thank you. Adrian Horan with Patron Richard Clark

Ha ppy 20t h Birt hda y BI NS A 28

Internal Complaints BINSA welcomes comments, compliments and complaints, which enable us to continually improve the quality of our service. Thanks to all who write or contact us with feedback and advice. We really do want to know what we are doing well and maybe where we can focus on to do better. External Complaints BINSA received one external complaint - from a staff member - which was investigated by FAHCSIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s independent complaints unit. BINSA was fully absolved of all of the issues raised. WorkCoverSA claims BINSA dealt with one WorkCoverSA claim during 2012-13. Compliments â&#x20AC;Ś Too numerous to count! Summary My sincerest thanks to all the team and my appreciation of the ongoing support and confidence of the BINSA Board. An organisation like BINSA is only real because it is relevant - and that can only come about because we understand and respond to the needs of our ABI constituency and are able through our shared endeavours, to influence key decisions and policies, work towards service improvements and necessary change. With the introduction of NDIS, the future for all NGOs is going to be challenging but inspiring, as we all develop our capacities to support individuals in a way that is of their choice. BINSA will be very focused on these possibilities from 2013-14. To that end it is my abiding focus to ensure BINSA retains its capacity to assist those affected by an ABI across all areas of representation, advocacy, rehabilitation support, counselling, community connections and improving the awareness, knowledge and skills of those involved in services and personal support. Our aim must always be to ensure those effected by an ABI, can rely upon us to be there for them however difficult ... That is our promise and we hope we achieved that for the most part during 2012-13.

Mariann R McNamara CEO

SECTION 5

dministration Report 2012-13

dministration 2012-13

BINSA Administration forms an integral part of the executive management, and together with the Chief Executive Officer and the Board members ensures that BINSA‘s first point of contact response to all members, clients and friends is professionally managed, including, at times, some very challenging phone calls or visitor requests. Administration is the principal support resource for all BINSA staff and volunteers.

Overview Administration is responsible for maintaining all BINSA‘s records, annual reporting requirements, information materials, IT, communication, technology and electronic equipment and minor system support. We also organise all BINSA program and service bookings, event management and consumables, volunteer support, manuals, staff induction processes, yearly calendar of events and activities, policies and procedures manuals, meeting papers and meeting arrangements, member data base. Lastly, administration is responsible for receipting of cash and petty cash, banking, staff timesheets, staff messages, car and parking bookings, productions of flyers and mailing activities. Administration also plays a key role in managing staff meetings, planning annual calendar, recording WHS issues, complaints and compliments. (lots of compliments) It‘s a very diverse, challenging and rewarding role and I love being a part of this organisation.

Our Celebrations! Of course, all the various celebrations we had were so exciting— especially our 20th Birthday held in the beautiful new building of Tindall Gask Bentley, right beside us (great for the moving and setting up team!). Then there was 2012 International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD), 2012 BIAW and BINSA‘s annual festive season luncheon and much, much more.

Admin Volunteers We could not let the opportunity go without bringing attention to the Admin Volunteers. I would be lost without Keryl Beesley, Virginia Chen, Penny Sommers and Laura Cole. Keryl is the main-stay at BINSA—she knows the place inside and out and always works with a smile on her face—her resilience, diligence and down-right determination keeps us all on track and always forward focused. The wonderful Virginia Chen, a nursing student, comes when we ask her and is always happy to be on call. Penny Sommers, a mature age law student at Uni Adelaide has committed one morning a week to assist at reception, and comes whenever she can (family / Uni / commitments permitted). Laura came under a student placement and stayed a little while to help out on reception. Thank you for donating your time efforts and willingness to help me here at BINSA —we would be the poorer without the support of people like each of you.

Karen Arthur Coordinator Administration 32

lark hard C c i R n ful Patro cheer r e v e e and th y Beesle Keryl

Pen ny S o Vol unte mmers —A er d

min

Virginia Chen admin volunteer and Natasha Sari; newsletter / website volunteer and consultant

ipa rinc P TC e E day r i t th ar o M 0th bir r u 2 La nd A‟s a S r N I ou B eym out at S a ing ess Van th help o —b

Patron - Richard Clark with Laura Cole—Admin Volunteer

SECTION 6

rograms and Services 2012-13

SECTION 6 a

epartment of Community and Social Inclusion (DCSI)

Disability SA

Springboard Therapy Learning and Lifeskills Springboard including Re-Wired Counselling and Community Learning and Lifeskills Peak Body

pringboard Program 2012-13

Overview

Springboard is a 3 year community based individually tailored rehabilitation program. The program incorporates speech, physiotherapy, occupational and cognitive therapy, learning and life skills training. The program is designed to support individual participants aged between 18 and 65 years of age who have sustained multiple disabilities as a result of an acquired brain injury (ABI). Individuals attending Springboard must be clients of Disability Services (DS) of the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI). Referrals are coordinated by Fiona Creed (DS) in conjunction with the individual’s DS Case Manager, who together with Springboard staff and specialist consultants follow agreed criteria to assess the suitability of each person to join the program. Springboard operates in a small group format with a maximum of up to 6 participants in a group. The program runs 5 days a week; 10am – 3pm with the exception of one day being 10am – 1pm to allow for staff training. The group days are as follows; Group 1- Monday and Thursday ; Group 2 -Tuesday and Friday; Group 3 Wednesday.

Springboard outline The physiotherapy programs are assessed, designed and reviewed by consultant Physiotherapist, Dr Susan Hillier and assisted in the implementation by Springboard volunteers and staff. The speech therapy programs are assessed, designed and reviewed by Clinical Consultant Speech Pathologist, Sue-Anne Gale guiding and assisting senior Speech Pathology students from Flinders University. The program is implemented by Springboard volunteers and staff. The individual activities incorporate learning life skills, social interaction and cognitive functioning as well as group activities

Springboard participant numbers During the 2013 reporting period a total of 18 Participants attended the Springboard Program - 6 female and 12 male. The ages ranged from 24 to 66 years.

Springboard student support Springboard welcomes the continued support from Uni SA and Flinders University for their placements of Physiotherapy students and Speech pathology students. Springboard hosted 6 students from Carrick Institute of Education studying the Diploma of Community Services Work during 2013. Carrick Institute has since closed down but it was our pleasure to host 14 students over the past 3 years. A third year Social Work and Social Planning student completed her 400 hour placement. We also hosted a student from Flinders University Bachelor of Disability and Community Rehabilitation on a 150 hour placement. A new partnership with WorkCover SA has been established with the first placement of an injured worker returning to the work force with a work hardening placement. This placement has been very successful with the person joining the Springboard staff to work casually one day a week. 38

Springboard as a student training program Having students on placement is a win – win situation, as BINSA offers a very educative environment. The students bring fresh ideas and insights to the program. Students who have completed their placements with BINSA leave with a greater understanding of ABI and its effects on people’s lives. Some students have returned to BINSA to volunteer in Springboard bringing with them their up to date professional skills to continually add to improvements in how the program is implemented. In 2013-14 we are expecting 2 students from UniSA on a 100 hour placement as part of Health Promotion in Physiotherapy course; they will be working on the development of a new one day program element ‚Springboard Re Focus‛.

Springboard summary We are preparing 5 participants to be ready to graduate later in 2013. 1 participant is returning to work as part of a tailored transition program, 4 families referred to BINSA Counsellor and 4 families referred to BINSA Advocacy.

Volunteers During the reporting period, a total of 28 volunteers were involved in the Springboard program. There are currently 22 active volunteers, 19 female and 3 male. We sincerely thank our volunteers for their valuable time and willingness to support the participants. Without their assistance, the participants would not have the very important one on one support needed to reach their goals as detailed in their individual programs.

Therapists We are fortunate to have the continued support of physiotherapist Dr Susan Hillier. Replacing speech pathologist Anne Walter is Sue-Anne Gale, Sue-Anne is currently working with 2 participants teaching them to use their personal IPad to enhance their speech programs at Springboard and use them at home.

Learning and Life Skills

Royal Adelaide show outings

Some of the Learning and Life Skills activities associated with Springboard are:       

Balloon Volleyball Brain Injury Awareness Week activities The central markets outing Activities in the Square Wii games Returning to work options Adelaide Royal Show day trip

Summary This year has been very exciting with a number of individual participant challenges overcome. Through each individual’s transition review meetings, we have been able to explore new avenues and broaden our knowledge and increase our contacts to include in particular ORANA and successfully assisted a graduating participant in a transition to work. 39

During review meetings it has become clear that there is a definite need for further short term therapy options. We have begun to explore options including creating a new style of daily program - which is now being badged as a concept referred to as Springboard Re-Focus. The program will focus on the existing 3 therapy principles; physio, speech and learning and life skills. It will be designed for an individual to be able to access any of the three areas of interest for a short time to regain focus and continue in their life without long term rehabilitation. The physio and speech components are currently being explored to ensure sustainability of the three areas of interest for a short time to regain focus and continue in their life without long term rehabilitation. The physio and speech components are currently being explored to ensure the best possible outcomes. The learning life skills components are being explored to include learning how to use IPad / tablet and creating a library of online IPad / tablet programs for the individual to come and try and learn how to use before deciding to purchase themselves. This component could also offer support for returning to work, forums or guest speakers. On a personal level, this year my challenge was to complete my Diploma in Disability Services which I am very happy to have achieved. I look forward to what the new financial year of 2013-14 will bring. I particularly look forward to this time next year when I can report on the new Springboard Re-Focus program and the success it will be achieving.

Victoria Zelipski Coordinator Springboard

Mark Payne enjoying Wii balancing games in Physio

Cheryl Mason 1st day at ORANA employment Springboard staff development 40

e-Wired Fitness Program

Re-Wired Fitness Program - Fee for Service

Overview Re-Wired Fitness Program is part of the Springboard Program but is a self standing program initiative and is a fee-for-service program costing $25/session for a 6 week personally tailored fitness program. Maximum course is up to 2 x 6 weeks - that is 12 weeks. The Re-Wired Fitness Circuit is continuing to assist individuals with getting started in regular fitness programs. The program can accommodate 4 at a time, and is open to any one who has an ABI. Re-Wired offers fitness classes for individuals with an ABI with the goal of transitioning into regular fitness programs in their local area. BINSA will assist with this.

Re-Wired Central Re-Wired ran on Thursday afternoons in the second half of the year in Adelaide and we are continuing to develop the program as required.

Re-Wired Regional Re-Wired in Mount Gambier has continued to run with the support of Community Health and Squashbrook Fitness Centre in Mt Gambier.

Catherine Young Re-Wired Sessional Specialist

Re-Wired with Simon

ounselling

Preamble

BINSA is funded by the Dept of Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) to conduct Counselling as part of the Community Learning and Lifeskills program. The counselling position has been increased to 2 days a week.

Counselling Background Counselling throughout 2012-13 has taken many forms, as is expected in the realm of acquired brain injury (ABI). With the increase of counselling to two days per week, there has also been an increase in the diversity and quality of interactions and outcomes. Some common themes in the counselling sessions include:        

Providing insight into and normalising experiences of ABI, with a view to some sense of acceptance of the experience of ABI Supporting cognitive and emotional adjustment and growth after ABI Supporting carers and significant others in their understanding and appreciation of some of the subtle and not-so-subtle occurrences post-ABI Fostering a sense of hope and providing opportunities for people to enjoy and engage in life again postABI Encouraging appropriate distancing from the experience of ABI, so that people can see beyond the (potentially seemingly) all-encompassing nature of ABI Working through changed roles and abilities and any associated shift in self-concept of both people with ABI and their significant other(s) Untangling (attempting to) some of the intricacies of mental health and ABI Generally encouraging people to become more proactive (responsibly) and engaged rather than reactive.

The feedback gained from clients indicates a greater level of acceptance has been achieved through the interactions we have had, which brings me a lot of job satisfaction. While this is important feedback, it only touches on the complexity and multifaceted needs of some people after ABI. The general lack of knowledge, awareness and support in both public and professional settings is a constant frustration to many people experiencing the ‚hidden issues‛ so common in ABI. This can manifest in financial, psychosocial, emotional and ultimately long-term psychiatric problems for individuals living with ABI.

Future directions that counselling might take One way of tackling the feedback gained during 2012-13 may be the introduction of the development of or utilising existing measures for assisting people to gauge their own ability for:    

Interpreting and reliably judging others intentions / honesty Utilising agency (def: agency is dependent on the biological, social, and cultural contexts that inform and shape who we are.) Decision making Dealing with pressure / overload 42

     

Focusing attention Dealing with distraction Regulating emotions Utilising foresight Learning / Memory General and specific cognitive dynamism   

Relating to others Multi-tasking Cognitive flexibility (ability to switch between and integrate thoughts / tasks).

Developing exercises for some of the above and more specifically:    

Memory Effective communication Problem solving Abstract / Divergent thinking.

With the understanding and development of the above skills, there may be a related reduction in stress as a direct result (related to improved functioning), with associated benefits including increased sense of ‘agency’, mastery and self-growth. While the list above is not exhaustive, we believe it will lend itself to giving clients a better idea of what they might need to focus on, whilst providing that all-important gauge of personal development.

Counselling Summary Providing counselling is one way that BINSA can offer tangible and, importantly, intangible assistance to people impacted by ABI. The condition of ABI is far from well understood by experts, let alone the people experiencing it themselves, or their significant others. Giving a greater understanding around the potential ABI symptoms listed above can lend itself to greater self-awareness, problem-centred coping styles and ultimately healthier adjustment to living with an ABI. BINSA will continue to explore other ways to assist people through what is a very complex situation for all concerned.

Chris Farrand Counsellor

ommunity Learning and Lifeskills (CL&L)

General overview Community Learning and Lifeskills (CL&L) has expanded in 2012-13 and is now resourced one day per week. This has meant an increase in the number of different workshops we have been able to facilitate or cofacilitate with other agencies.

Community Connection variety The following programs have proven valuable and informative for people with an ABI and carers: 

Low Cost Living - This session presented by Uniting Care Wesley Bowden gave information on how to save money including budgeting advice, reducing energy costs and clever shopping



Project Survival - Facilitated by a St John volunteer, Project Survival provided participants with training in basic first aid skills with the aim of enhancing community resilience



Family Health Workshop - Experienced health educators provided information on how to improve family health including toxins, preservatives in our food and harmful ingredients in home care products



‚Be Kind and Unwind‛- A personal well –being workshop on emotional overload, relaxation and mindfulness. This session facilitated by Anglicare SA has proven so popular we are now providing it on a regular basis with different themes and topics each month.

Coffee Clubs 

The City Coffee club continues to attract good attendance, with the regulars able to connect and the opportunity to meet new people. We are also able to learn about what else might be happening at BINSA. The Botanical Gardens Café proved a pleasant venue in the summer months but during winter we have re-located to the Town Hall Café with feedback that this is a popular and accessible choice for most



The Western Coffee Club is now also attracting more numbers. The venue is Cafe De Vilis Bakery at Mile End South, another popular choice with great food and coffee.

Summary We continue to be guided by what consumers want and as part of that feedback have identified needs for future development of a Northern Coffee Club, the possibility of a Drop-in centre at BINSA and a number of art and recreational activities. It has been a privilege for me to meet with the many participants of the Community and Lifeskills programs. Our vision is to continue to assist people with an acquired brain injury to develop their leisure interests and friendships, increase their life skills and become more connected to their communities.

Shaneen Renshaw Coordinator Community Learning and Lifeskills 44

eak Body

Summary of Representation NDIS Legislation BINSA together with the national association Brain Injury Australia (BIA) and state member agencies, was involved in substantial and significant consultations both nationally and in SA as well as involved in the many submissions going forward to influence the decisions made regarding assessment, eligibility as it related to those with an ABI. Motor Injury Insurance Reform Office Lifetime Support Scheme Rules Advisory Group Alongside many of SA leading professionals and consumers we are adding the voice of our ABI constituency to the determination of the rules and eligibility that will apply to the new legislation. Motor Vehicle Accidents (Lifetime Support Scheme) Act 2013 - An Act to provide a scheme for the lifetime treatment, care and support of persons catastrophically injured in motor vehicle accidents Disability SA Quality Reference Group BINSA is responding to a discussion paper has been developed by the DCSI Quality team, ‘Quality in the South Australian Disability Services Sector’. This has been developed to provide context for, and to stimulate discussion with, service providers about how we can work together to provide high quality disability services In South Australia. The reference group will advise on the development of a rateable quality framework to improve services and support the skilling of the workforce in line with national quality standards. Disability Justice Plan Consultation BINSA constituents provided specific advice related to ABI to the Attorney General’s state wide consultation team. Amendments to the Evidence Act 1929 are also being progressed, with a Bill expected to be introduced into Parliament by the end of the calendar year Freedom to Advocate - SA Legislation BINSA joined other not-for-profit leaders and SA Minister Piccolo to debate the proposed SA ‘antigag’ Legislation to complement Federal Legislation. ... Freedom to. Advocate Act 2013. No. 56, 2013. An Act to prohibit Commonwealth agreements from restricting or preventing not-for-profit entities from commenting on, advocating support for or opposing changes to Commonwealth law, policy or practice, and for related purposes. ComLaw Authoritative Act C2013A00056 ...

Disability Services (Rights, Protection and Inclusion) Amendment Bill 2013 BINSA involved in advising on the final drafting of the revised SA Disability Act . SA BIRS Consumer Consultation Group Report on Community and Stakeholder Consultation for SA Brain Injury Rehabilitation Services Community Hub and Spoke Model of Care key reference group also advising on the future of Hampstead Centre and transitional accommodation. NDS Accommodation Subcommittee BINSA represented on this subcommittee. ABI constituency has significant issues finding suitable and Reasonable accommodation. SA leaders Institute and Australian Hotels Association (AHA) - ‘think tank’ related to alcohol fuelled violence BINSA involved in a 4 month project which resulted in a major set of recommendations which the AHA will now review and progress with SA government and their own hospitality constituency. Sammy D Foundation - alcohol fuelled violence project - Great Night Out BINSA is involved in this community based project which aims to reduce the incidence of alcohol fuelled Violence amongst younger people. The project is funded and reports to the SA government and the Attorney General’s office.

Summary Along with the various representational activities, BINSA is also involved in highly collaborative and inclusive fora across the disability sector. BINSA seeks to continually and constantly ensure that the interests and needs of anyone in SA who is affected by an ABI is not only heard but recognised. During 2012-13 several hundreds of constituents have been involved in some way in these activities and or benefitted by the representation provided.

All the BINSA team

SECTION 6b

amilies and Housing, Community Services, Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) (now Department of Social Services [DSS])

National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP)

dvocacy

Overview In May of 2013 Amy Ambagtsheer commenced with BINSA as the Individual Advocate. Due to unavoidable circumstances, the Advocacy role went through several changes over the 2012-2013 year but the service to BINSA constituents remained stable. BINSA has recognised that these several changes were commented on in client feedback however the good thing is that no one complained that their support was not fulfilled or that their questions were unanswered. Advocacy is a very complex role. It requires an extended knowledge of many varying areas of life. Sometimes queries take some time to deal with due to a need to research new areas that BINSA have not previously dealt with. Supports are required in everyday social issues, financial concerns, legal matters and many other areas that constituents identify. On any day the Advocate can be supporting a client in the Criminal Justice System addressing a traffic infringement notice, and the next day speaking with services to access funds for art supplies.

Priority issues Generally over the 2012-13 period, the more prominent issues that have arisen include;      

Compensation Public Trustee Criminal Law and police matters Family Law Power of Attorney Employment.

Individual Advocacy BINSA have provided advocacy support in over 100 different constituent matters in the 2012-13 financial year. BINSA have supported some 93 separate constituents in those matters. Some of the issues supported through Advocacy have included: 

Constituent A attended BINSA seeking support to see his children. A had separated from his wife and was being refused access to his three children. Advocacy support was provided and A was assisted to organise and attend family mediation meetings with a family dispute resolution service. The other party refused to attend the mediation and the matter has now been referred to a solicitor and A is being supported by BINSA advocates to go through the court process to have visitation with his children.



Constituent B sought advocacy support through friends with respect to getting repairs done to his house through the Public Trustee. B had been living in a situation which bordered on abusive.





B owned his own house, but since the passing of his mother he had been forced to reside in less than adequate accommodation whilst his step-father and partner occupied B’s house. Assistance was provided by the BINSA advocate in conjunction with B’s other support providers, to contact the Public Trustee and remove the other parties from B’s house. B is now being supported by appropriate carer’s and the Public Trustee is assisting him to get his house cleaned and repaired to an appropriate standard.

Constituent C was given a traffic fine which contained some errors. When questioning the errors with the fines payment unit some concerns were raised by C and as a result he chose to argue the fine. After 6 months the matter finally appeared in court and C requested support from the Advocate to attend court. The Advocate found that whilst there were several errors on the fine, these particular errors did not make the fine invalid. The advocate supported C to speak with a solicitor and ascertain the validity of the fine. The advocate then supported C through the court hearing and guilty plea, requesting the fine be brought back to its original amount. Whilst the outcome was not exactly what C sought, it provided information that will assist him to make similar judgements in the future if they are required. This matter also raised some systemic issues, which were addressed in BINSA’s submission to the Attorney Generals Criminal Justice plan for people with disability.

The role of individual advocate is to assist a person to achieve whatever it is they want to achieve. Whether they are supported by family and friends over their decisions is not relevant, the advocate is there to help them achieve their goals whatever they may be. Sometimes families won’t agree, and sometimes decisions don’t end up the way people expect, but everyone needs to be given the chance to make mistakes, that’s part of being human. The advocate’s role is extremely important and gives people with brain injury the voice to ask for what they want, when and how they want it.

Summary 2012 to 2013 has seen BINSA provide a varied and vigorous advocacy service to its constituents. Regional services are provided where and when necessary and BINSA are pushing further out into the regional areas with allocated times being spent in some regional locations. Once again BINSA’s role is to assist constituents to achieve independence, and in the future be able to self-advocate through empowerment. In my role as advocate I am committed to assisting people develop and use their own advocacy skills, and motivate them be important and respected members of society. Again, special mention must go to David Fabbro from Anderson’s Solicitors for his assistance in providing legal advocacy and support to BINSA constituents. I would like to thank everyone for welcoming me to BINSA with open arms and extend a special thank you to all the team but especially the ‘boss’ and Karen, Vanessa and Edward for their immeasurable support when I began.

Amy Ambagtsheer Advocate

SECTION 6c

otor Accident Commission (MAC)

Reconnect Transition Program (RTP)

econnect Transition Program (RTP)

Overview

Reconnect Transition Program (RTP) 2012-13 The RTP is specifically targeted for individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a road trauma accident. While the program provides information to participants, the underlying and predominate goal of the program is for individuals to meet other people with ABI, share experiences, coping strategies, solutions and insight to adapt to life after brain injury.

RTP achievements In 2012-13, RTP achieved:           

2 RTP courses ( September – November and April – June) 1 young RTP course (February – April) Regional RTP Express South course conducted in Mt Gambier March 2013 1 mentor training refresher course February 27 11 Alumni events Increased awareness in the Green Triangle through SEABIN meetings, express programs and media coverage Secured the partnership with NOVITA to assist in establishing a young RTP (yRTP) with 18-24 year olds. Secured agreement for a future partnership with TAFE Secured agreement for a future partnership with Interwork, Sureway and WorkSkil Maintained partnerships with Shine SA Formed partnerships with the Courts diversion program

A total of 24 individuals, 19 of which were new participants have been involved in the 2012-13 RTP courses, with interest and involvement continuing to expand.

RTP Summary New staff joined in August - Charlotte Rasmussen and Tegan Whittard. Tegan and Charlotte delivered the first ever young RTP, this program is varied slightly from the ‘regular’ RTP as it focused on the social challenges a younger person (18 to 24) faces when adjusting to brain injury. Many young people who have a brain injury have not necessarily had exposure or education around how to navigate issues when it comes to alcohol, drugs and sexual relationships / experiences. The sessions were designed to ensure participant were able to make informed choices and to develop a strengthened sense of self among their peer group. Positive feedback was received by all RTP participant’s including those from YRTP who advised that they wished there were more sessions or the sessions could last longer!

RTP quantitative measures Scores post yRTP obtained via the DASS21 a self-reporting scale which measures levels of depression, anxiety and stress, show a significant decrease in impairments in all participants with 2 clients reporting a complete loss of depressive symptoms. The scores obtained signify the importance of the youth reconnect transition program for positive wellbeing.

Pre Program Scores for YRTP Participants

Post Program Scores for yRTP Participants 50

Depression

Score 20

Anxiety

0 1 2 3 4 5

Stress

Client

RTP Testimonials

Score

Depression

Anxiety

Stress

0 1

3 4 Client

Lauren‟s farewell

―…great information and a great experience. I made new friends who understand my situation…‖ ―...It was really good to be in an environment which fosters safety and understanding…‖ ―...I wish I had known about this program years ago, it really helped me to understand myself…‖

RTP Presentation to Novita

Lauren‟s RTP Group 2012 53

SECTION 7

egional Support

SE ABI Network (SEABIN) Northern ABI Network (NABIN) Regional Expos

EABIN South Eastern ABI Network

Overview The South Eastern Acquired Brain Injury Network (SEABIN) is a network of individuals with an ABI, family members, interested community members and local service providers who come together to discuss local programs, services, supports and opportunities with in the South East. Meetings are held bi-monthly and are facilitated by BINSA staff Catherine Young and Kelly Weckert who attended every 3 months. BINSA supported 3 trips in 2012-13.

SEABIN Achievements We have achieved a very collaborative professional interest group, including Disability Services, South Eastern Community Health, ParaQuad Home Care Plus, RSB, CentreLink â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Information Services, Uniting Care Wesley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Employment Access and Carers SA.

Financial

We would especially like to thank the Mt Gambier Library and the staff there for providing their premises for several of the meetings as the meeting size has grown - such success. and taking a keen interest in this network. We have also had exceptional support from the Border Watch, local ABC Radio, the Mayor - Steve Perryman and many others in the community - already mentioned in other reports.

Summary BINSA is fully committed to extending its regional outreach services and is looking forward to some specific fundraising to assist in this cause.

Kelly Weckert Catherine Young Mariann McNamara

ABIN

Northern ABI Network (NABIN)

Overview BINSA recently facilitated a successful meeting in Port Pirie as part of its initiative to expand its support and representation to Northern local communities for people with an ABI. The meeting was attended by many local professional agency stakeholders and also individuals who were affected by an ABI. BINSA is committed to the longer term establishment of a similar group as we have developed in the SE.

Summary Our model for regionally facilitated groups is quite simple: BINSA is prepared to support and then continue to facilitate meetings of local stakeholders, who will steer their direction and any activities. The aim will always be to improve services, raise awareness and self empower local communities so that the achievements gained are ones that can be sustained in their local environment. BINSA is very encouraged by the interest and the commitment of many and that mirrors our own preparedness to commit resources and time.

All the BINSA team

NABIN inaugural meeting July 2012 57

xpos

Disability and Ageing Regional Expos

Overview BINSA attended the DIRC held regional Riverland Disability and Ageing Expo in Barmera and as usual we set up the table with all our information. Tegan Whittard who represented BINSA indicated there was great interest in the services and programs available at BINSA and many networking opportunities were had. BINSA is looking to extend services to the Riverland area in the coming years, especially a future Riverland ABI Network (RABIN), most likely in the latter part of 2013-14.

Future BINSA is planning to attend at least one and if possible up to 2 regional expos in 2013-14 and also support the SEABIN and NABIN local celebrations for IDPwD . We aim to improve our donation and sponsor contributions towards our Regional Support fund and invite anyone who is interested to assist us to achieve more $s with new ideas, new donors and sponsors, bequests = yes please - step-up step-up.

All the BINSA team

Catherine, Kelly and Virginia

Victoria and Karen

Annexure „A‟

trategic Plan and Operational Priorities

2010-14

BINSA Strategic Directions Key result areas

Representation Identify and represent needs and issues relevant to individuals with an ABI, their families, significant others, to service providers, government and the broader community.

Advocacy Advocate for change and action on issues that disadvantage people with ABI.

Information Be well informed and actively share current information related to ABI.

Service Development and Improvement Identify opportunities for service development and improvement to meet the needs for people with ABI their families and significant others.

BINSA Operational Priorities Key result areas

Governance Committee of Managementâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s (COM) conduct is fully in accordance with the statutory, fiduciary and legal requirements as per the SA Legislation under the Associations Incorporation Act 1985 (AIA 1985).

Strategic Partners and Collaboration Maintain and build key alliances to strengthen our peak body status.

Service Delivery Where appropriate, deliver services to people with ABI or other significant persons.

Capabilities Have adequate resources including finances to fulfil the key roles of the organisation.

Communication Have a strong public profile and with sound public relations strategies.

Annexure B

INANCIAL REPORT 2012-3

...thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s it

Thanks for all your support 77