Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children Annual Report 2013

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Annual Report

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Toys with light interaction help children with low vision, like James, learn to reach out and engage with the world around them.

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Contents

4 About RIDBC

6 National Footprint

8 Report of the President and the Chief Executive

10 2013 Highlights

12 2013 Financial Summary

14 Leveraging Technology

22 Improving Access Across Australia

30 Reviewing and Improving Services

40 Securing and Enhancing Funding

48 Building Awareness and Branding

58 Focusing on Our People

74 Thank You to Our Supporters

80 RIDBC Annual Concise Financial Report


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About RIDBC

The range of specialist services available at RIDBC is unique in Australia and is benefiting thousands of children a year.

These services are delivered by a broad range of highly qualified professionals including: teachers, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, audiologists, orthoptists, psychologists, social workers, technology consultants, physiotherapists, ENT surgeons, paediatricians and more. Services are provided from 13 permanent sites but serve families and children throughout Australia. Using in person sessions combined with modern technology, RIDBC connects families across Australia to the expert education, therapy and other services they need.

As a charity, RIDBC relies significantly on community support.

Our Mission

“To provide quality and innovative services,

to achieve the best outcomes for current

and future generations of Australians with vision and/or hearing loss.”

HistoryRIDBC first opened its doors in 1860, 20 years before education became compulsory for sighted and hearing children and more than 80 years before school attendance became compulsory for children who were deaf or blind. Beginning as a small school for deaf children, the first teacher and co-founder was Thomas Pattison, a Scottish immigrant who was profoundly deaf. In 1869 RIDBC enrolled its first students who were blind.

Originally located at Liverpool Street in Sydney, RIDBC moved to purpose built premises in Darlington in 1872. Another move in the early 1960s saw RIDBC relocate to North Rocks, where its main site remains today.


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RIDBC Provides:• Early learning programs for children with

vision or hearing loss from birth to six years, and their families

• Five preschool programs for children aged three to six years based on a reverse integration model with enhanced vision and/or hearing support, and specialist support for children attending mainstream preschools

• Three specialist schools as well as a school support service for children with vision or hearing loss who attend mainstream schools

• Specialist hearing and vision services delivered to families and children in regional and remote areas via videoconference and other technologies

• Individual therapy sessions

• Assessment and planning services, including orthoptics and audiology

• Outreach programs in Indigenous communities

• Cochlear implant program

• World class research program, postgraduate courses and a continuing professional education program for professionals working with people who have vision or hearing loss.

Objectives To provide quality and innovative services, to achieve the best outcomes for current and future generations of Australians with vision and/or hearing loss.

To engage in research, information dissemination, professional preparation and continuing staff development for teachers and associated professionals in the field of sensory disability.

To recruit the best people we can, engage them in challenging work, and continually develop their skills and knowledge so that we achieve the best outcomes for children with vision or hearing loss.

To provide sufficient funding from diverse sources to have maximum impact on the mission of RIDBC.

Our Values

In everything we do, we are always….

Ethical

Innovative

Respectful to all people

Child & family focused

Sharing knowledge

Striving for high quality


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National Footprint

2,557CHILDREN RECEIVED

ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

1,262CHILDREN RECEIVED

INTENSIVE EDUCATION AND THERAPY SERVICES

18IMPLANTS FITTED THROUGH THE NEW RIDBC COCHLEAR

IMPLANT PROGRAM

39%INCREASE IN RIDBC RENWICK CENTRE

GRADUATES

172STUDENTS ENROLLED

IN POSTGRADUATE COURSES*

100+CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PRESENTATIONS

WERE GIVEN

20 RIDBC STAFF MEMBERS

PRESENTED AT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL

CONFERENCES

$3.3M+RAISED BY RIDBC

RAINBOW LOTTERY – NOW IN ITS 27TH YEAR

$16.1M+RAISED THROUGH

CHARITABLE FUNDRAISING ACTIV IT IES

In 2013 RIDBC provided services to more children, families and professionals, in more locations across Australia, than in any other year on record.

23,000+DOWNLOADS OF RIDBC’S

SUITE OF LANGUAGE LEARNING APPS

10,000+VISITORS

PER MONTH TO THE RIDBC WEBSITE

47% OF OPERATING REVENUE

DERIVED FROM FUNDRAISING


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1,500+PEOPLE

VOLUNTEERED THEIR TIME FOR RIDBC

20%OF CHILDREN IN RIDBC

SERVICES ARE FROM CULTURALLY AND LINGUISTICALLY

DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS

738HEARING SCREENING

SERVICES PROVIDED FOR ABORIGINAL AND TORRES

STRAIT ISLANDER CHILDREN

*Our international postgraduate students come from New Zealand, Samoa, Hong Kong, Philippines and Taiwan.

Children with vision or hearing loss enrolled in RIDBC services

Postgraduate students currently studying through RIDBC Renwick Centre*

RIDBC’s reach within Australia


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Report of the President and the Chief Executive

I am delighted to share with you the impact RIDBC made in 2013 – a highly successful year on so many fronts.

Now in the second year of our ‘Technology and Innovation’ five year strategic plan, our organisational transformation continues as we extend our mission ‘to provide quality and innovative services to achieve the best outcomes for current and future generations of Australians with vision and/or hearing loss.

We are now serving more children, families and professionals in more locations across Australia, than any other year on record. By the end of 2013, 1,262 children were enrolled in RIDBC services and over 2,500 diagnostic and assessment services were provided to children and adults with vision or hearing loss. This represents an 8.7% growth in services enrolments from 2012.

As part of the accessibility theme in our five year plan, we are focusing on establishing smaller, purpose built sites to deliver a range of services, including early learning programs for hearing and vision loss, diagnostic and assessment services, our new cochlear implant program and consultancy and telepractice services. These sites have a focus on community relevance,

community support and ease of access, enabling us to provide a suite of services tailored to specific geographical areas.

To this end, 2013 saw the relocation of RIDBC Central Coast and the opening of new sites at Rouse Hill, Liverpool in South Western Sydney, and at the Macquarie University Australian Hearing Hub. Our co-location at the Hearing Hub alongside other leading organisations such as Australian Hearing, Cochlear, Macquarie University and Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre gives us a great opportunity to foster collaboration with commercial, service and research partners in the hearing arena.

A major highlight of 2013 was the commencement of our RIDBC Cochlear Implant Program (CIP). By year end, 18 cochlear implants had been fitted through RIDBC CIP. Recent advances in our telepractice model and the significant investment we made in rolling out state of the art videoconferencing technology in 2013, have provided significant opportunities for families in regional and remote locations, or internationally, who seek the benefits cochlear implantation provides. We are now able to offer a fully integrated, seamless service and support program for children and adults on our implant program, regardless of geographical barriers.

RIDBC Chief Executive, Chris Rehn, and RIDBC President, Sean Wareing, spending time with RIDBC Thomas Pattison School students who use iPads to support their learning.


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Our important work on the Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register in partnership with key service providers, corporate donors, government departments and health professionals, continued in 2013. The information we are collecting about numbers of children with vision loss, major causes of vision loss and severity of impairment is vital and will inform future service development, research focuses and treatment plans for people with vision loss, according to the needs of the Australian population. We’re also excited about the impending launch of RIDBC’s UEBOnline program – the world’s first online training program teaching sighted learners to use Unified English Braille. This ground breaking program opens up new paths for parents, educators, professionals and members of the general public to learn braille and to better support children and adults with vision loss.

2013 saw the introduction of a changing government approach to the disability sector through the commencement of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). In preparation for the NDIS we commenced activities predominantly in the Hunter region to ensure this important new initiative was managed to the best possible outcomes for families located within the NDIS pilot areas. Central to NDIS is the concept of a transdisciplinary model of service which focuses on structuring quality, fit for purpose services and programs based on an individual client’s requirements.

We have long advocated for and utilised this transdisciplinary approach within RIDBC. Our ability to provide early intervention, acute cochlear implantation services and extended rehabilitation and audiological support has achieved a service level that sets a new benchmark for outcomes and family centred service provision in Australia.

Student numbers at RIDBC Renwick Centre were again at very high levels this year with a total of 172 postgraduate students studying at doctoral, masters or certificate level. The year also saw a record number of graduates of these programs, with 84 students taking awards of the University of Newcastle for studies through the centre. Over 3,000 person days of training and development were provided through

RIDBC Renwick Centre Continuing Professional Education program, ensuring students and professionals working in the area of vision or hearing loss, or in the wider disability sector benefit from our best practice, high quality training and support programs.

From a financial perspective, total revenue for 2013 was $36.2M with total expenditure of $33.8M resulting in a surplus after non operating items of $2M. The result for the year is an improvement on 2012 primarily due to the strong performance in bequest revenues and proceeds from the sale of investments from the RIDBC investment portfolio of $2.4M compared to a net loss of $1.2M in 2012.

Excluding this, the operating result in 2013 was a surplus of $12K compared to a deficit of $800K in 2012. Expenditure on operating activities increased by $1.4M compared to 2012, due to: increases in student services allowing for higher enrolments; expenditure on three new RIDBC locations/sites; and expenses associated with regional and remote service delivery. Looking to the balance sheet, the net asset position increased by $11M to $144.2M – a result of the improvement in value of the RIDBC investment portfolio.

Fundraising significantly underpinned our high quality services with approximately 47% of operating revenue derived from fundraising. Our generous supporters have once again given in kind support, time and funds to ensure the continuation and growth of RIDBC services to children and families. We pay tribute in this report to our many generous donors and celebrate their ongoing enthusiasm, interest and support in meeting the needs of Australians with vision and/or hearing loss.

Finally, we would like to acknowledge our staff, supporters, partner organisations and volunteers, including our valued Board members, for their significant contributions this year.

We look forward to the next phase in RIDBC’s evolution – realising our plan to strengthen our competitive positioning, raise brand awareness, sharpen our customer focus and explore new strategic possibilities to drive RIDBC and the field of sensory disability services forward.

Chris Rehn RIDBC Chief Executive

Sean P Wareing RIDBC President

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2013 Highlights

CI Program Launched

Residential Weeks for RIDBC Teleschool

In January 2013 we launched RIDBC Cochlear Implant Program (CIP), fitting six year old Cameron from Cairns with this life changing technology (you can read Cameron’s story on page 25 of this report). We are proud to say RIDBC now offers a truly comprehensive service for people with hearing loss – from diagnosis, through early intervention, education, expert therapy, and support services, cochlear implantation and follow up tuning or ‘mapping’, using specialised technologies and telepractice.

Giving children with vision or hearing loss an opportunity to connect and socialise with others in similar situations means the world to many families on RIDBC services, especially those from regional and remote areas enrolled in RIDBC Teleschool. In 2013, we held four residential programs at North Rocks, focusing on language and speech development for children with hearing loss, and braille immersion and assistive technologies for children with vision loss. These weeks are full of fun, interactive, educational group activities, as well as intensive, in person sessions to fast track each child’s progress.

Charity FlightThe annual Qantas Pathfinders Charity Flight held in September was a great success, raising over $100,000 for RIDBC. This year the Flight returned to Longreach, QLD, the destination of the first ever Charity Flight 12 years ago. Cabin crew volunteered their time, Qantas supplied a 737-800, fuel was donated and landing fees were waived. Local suppliers offered generous support. RIDBC Qantas Pathfinders Auxiliary is a voluntary fundraising committee, supported by Qantas Airways Ltd, which has raised funds for RIDBC since 1967.


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Australian Hearing Hub

CPE and Postgraduate Increases

Australian Rail Track Corporation Charity Ball

As Australia’s premier provider of continuing professional education (CPE) for professionals working in sensory disability, RIDBC’s CPE program goes from strength to strength, with over 3,000 person days of training delivered in 2013. Students from many different sites around Australia and the Asia Pacific participated in courses during 2013. This, coupled with the important research RIDBC Renwick Centre staff have undertaken again this year, cements RIDBC’s position as a key thought leader in the field of vision and hearing loss.

The Australian Hearing Hub was officially opened in April 2013 and brings together some of the country’s best researchers, educators and service providers to improve the lives of people with hearing loss and language disorders. RIDBC occupies a joint service facility with Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre. Our early learning program and individual therapy sessions conducted within the centre are proving popular with families located in the area.

Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Charity Ball raised over $115,000 for RIDBC in 2013. ARTC is one of many organisations who raise essential funds that underpin RIDBC services. Having local organisations supporting local sevices benefiting the local community is paramount. The funds raised by ARTC enabled us to extend our services in the Hunter region to ensure more children have access to consistent, high quality early intervention, vital to achieving the best outcomes for local children.

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2013 Financial Summary

2013 ($’000)

2012 ($’000)

Change %

Total Operating Revenue 33,776 31,654 6.7%

Recurrent Operating Expenditure 33,764 32,406 (4.2)%

Operating Surplus / (Deficit) 12 (752)

Non-operating Items 1,992 (1,175)

Surplus / (Deficit) after Non-operating Items 2,004 (1,927)

38% Charitable Fundraising

10% RIDBC Rainbow Lottery

32% Government

12% Investments

8% Other

Revenue 2013

75% Student Services

1% Investment Management

8% Investment in Charitable Fundraising

7% RIDBC Rainbow Lottery

1% Community Information

8% Administration

Expenditure 2013


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28% Preschoolers

8% School children who are blind or have low vision

20% School children who are deaf or have hearing loss

17% School children who have sensory and additional disabilities

13% RIDBC Community Support Services

3% RIDBC Jim Patrick Audiology Centre

11% Teacher education & research in RIDBC Renwick Centre

Expenditure: Student Services 2013

Edward and his father, Andrew, were special guests at RIDBC Hunter Sight and Sound Corporate Luncheon where Andrew spoke about his journey as the father of a child who is deaf.


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Chris Rehn, RIDBC Chief Executive, using an iPad with students who have hearing loss at RIDBC Garfield Barwick School.

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Leveraging Technology

Enhancing our services through innovation and technology

COCHLEAR IMPLANT PROGRAM LAUNCHED

56%INCREASE IN ONLINE

DONATIONS WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW

RIDBC WEBSITE

6FREE ONLINE SEMINARS BY

WORLD LEADING RESEARCHERS STREAMED ACROSS ASIA

PACIFIC, IN COLLABORATION WITH COCHLEAR


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Highlight

Technology the Trick for Riley!


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Riley is the youngest of four boys and the second in his family to be diagnosed with vision loss. Supported by RIDBC since he was six months old, he is now preparing to transition into a mainstream school.

Tracy and Craig’s eldest son, Kallan, was diagnosed with monochromatic cone dystrophy when he was three – a rare condition that affects the cones in the eye. These cones are responsible for central vision and detecting colour and fine detail.

“When Kallan was diagnosed, I was a young mum and very overwhelmed – I spent a lot of time searching for information until I found RIDBC,” said Tracy. “When Riley was diagnosed it was very different – I knew exactly where to go and we enrolled Riley at RIDBC Hunter straight away.

“Now Riley attends RIDBC Hunter Preschool, a reverse integration preschool with enhanced vision support, where community children also attend. Riley learns a lot from them – they play with things he may not see and that encourages him to walk up and join in too.”

Trish Lange is Riley’s RIDBC Vision Teacher.

“Riley’s vision loss is compounded when outside in glare so our initial focus at the

preschool was on orientating him to the playground so he could engage in play and exploration,” said Trish. “Now we are working on his concentration skills.

“Concentration can be difficult for children with vision loss as they cannot clearly see the activity they need to engage in. iPads are proving an invaluable resource in maintaining Riley’s attention and we are using educational apps to develop his visual perception and scanning skills.”

Tracy says technology helps Riley investigate his world.

“Riley loves discovering how things work. Because he cannot see clearly he doesn’t take things for granted – he walks up to everything and puts his face right up close to check it out,” said Tracy. “He wants to know how buttons work. He wants to touch everything to find out how it works.

“RIDBC is helping to develop all of these skills, and more. The staff really do tailor their programs to meet the needs of each individual child. With RIDBC I have peace of mind about Riley’s future.”

RIDBC Teacher, Trish, helps Riley use an iPad to develop his visual perception skills. In this game, Riley needs to locate a moving frog by tapping the screen.


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Blended Services

A ‘blended service’ model provides children and families with a combination of traditional face to face or ‘in person’ sessions, as well as telepractice sessions.

For example, a family living in rural Australia may receive the majority of their sessions through telepractice but visit RIDBC once a term for individual and group sessions.

In 2013 we enhanced our telepractice services by expanding our existing high quality videoconferencing technology infrastructure. Using this new technology, children and families can use any device – including laptops, tablets, dedicated videoconferencing equpiment and telephones – to connect to one to one sessions at RIDBC. We can also connect multiple participants using multiple devices to facilitate sessions across many locations at the same time.

For example, we are now using technology to deliver a group braille class directly into the homes of young students who are blind. The benefits are many. Children in rural and remote areas can access expert staff who are experienced in teaching braille; an opportunity that often doesn’t exist in those areas. Parents can learn alongside their children and develop strategies to support their children’s early braille skills.

Children who may not have ever met another child with vision loss can interact with each other and the teacher through these unique sessions. Parents can share their stories with other families in a similar situation and develop a support network that can be accessed outside of the class through telephone, email, residential weeks and the website RIDBC & Me.

Leveraging Technology

Technological advancements over the past few years have dramatically

changed the lives of people with vision or hearing loss.

RIDBC is at the forefront of harnessing technological innovation to enhance our

service provision.


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RIDBC Cochlear Implant Program2013 saw the launch of RIDBC Cochlear Implant Program (CIP) and by year end, 18 cochlear implants had been fitted through RIDBC CIP by Associate Professor Catherine Birman, ENT Surgeon and Consulting Otologist.

In addition to those receiving implants, we had 21 children transfer from other CI programs to RIDBC for ongoing management. A number of children currently enrolled at RIDBC also began their candidacy assessments to determine their suitability for a cochlear implant. We designed the program to grow significantly in the coming years due to our unique, integrated services for children enrolled in RIDBC programs, as well as our ability to perform assessment and follow up activity remotely using telepractice.

Professional Development Using TechnologyRIDBC Renwick Centre continued to attract a record number of postgraduate students and professionals completing courses in 2013. Enrolments came from Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia, Fiji, Singapore, India and Taiwan – made possible by the delivery of online learning portals as well as videoconferencing link ups.

Baz received two cochlear implants through RIDBC Cochlear Implant Program, giving him access to the speech sounds he needs to develop language.


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RIDBC Educational Apps for iPad

Apps are proving to be vital tools in helping children with vision or hearing loss learn essential skills. From 2011 to 2013, RIDBC developed and progressively launched a suite of six language learning apps to help all children, including those with hearing loss, develop early listening and language skills.

Based on familiar early childhood songs, the apps create fun and interactive learning opportunities for families and have also been designed to develop children’s communication skills. The suite is proving to be very popular, having been downloaded more than 74,000 times since 2011, including 23,000 downloads in 2013 alone.

We are currently working on a number of exciting projects that will launch in 2014, including an iBooks version of RIDBC’s popular ‘Understanding Vision Impairment’ series and an Android version of RIDBC Auslan Tutor.

We are also finalising a new ‘Discover the Park’ app for young children with vision loss that introduces concepts related to voice over navigation and in built accessibility features on the iPad.

Progress on RIDBC Information Technology Road Map We continue to progress our RIDBC IT road map and are already reaping the benefits of telepractice via videoconferencing; incorporating tablet and ‘smart’ technologies into our schools and services and embracing new health, education and disability specific technology and software across the organisation.

In 2013 we upgraded our internet connection (20Mbps link), enhanced connectivity at off site locations, expanded server capacity, and increased our use of Microsoft Lync, Yammer and other unified communication tools.

Leveraging Technology (continued)

RIDBC has developed a series of six educational apps for iPads which are aimed at reinforcing a child’s listening and language skills.


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Highlight

RIDBC is a support party to the HEARing Cooperative Research Centre (HEARing CRC) in helping to develop the procedures to enable reliable remote mapping of a cochlear implant.

Mapping is the process of programming a cochlear implant to the needs of the client.

Colleen Psarros, RIDBC Coordinator, Cochlear Implant Research & Services, said the research shows that with the right technology and methodology, cochlear implant recipients of all ages and abilities can have their implants mapped remotely.

Telepractice is a term that embraces a wide range of techniques for delivering professional services, including the use of videoconference technology that allows service recipients and practitioners to come ‘face to face’ over enormous distances.

“RIDBC has been a pioneer in the use of telepractice to deliver education and therapy services to remotely located families which are equal to those provided in metropolitan areas,” said Colleen. “However, until now, families with a child who had a cochlear implant were still required to travel long distances for the critical mapping service.

“Remote mapping has also significantly reduced the time spent away from home. Families are able to get back home within a couple of weeks post implantation and continue their mapping and early intervention remotely.”

Remote mapping occurs as part of the ongoing habilitation of a cochlear implant recipient that also includes regular hearing tests and, for children, speech and language

assessments. This ensures that the recipient gets the best outcomes. With the introduction of remote mapping, RIDBC Cochlear Implant Program provides a streamlined, end to end service no matter where the recipient lives.

The three year research project has now been developed into an online learning module involving RIDBC and three other HEARing CRC members – Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre, University of Queensland and Hear and Say.

“We hope the training module will help the hearing health profession further realise the benefits and efficiencies that information technologies can bring to a country like Australia where large distances impact on service provision,” said Colleen. “These technologies can also be used to address some of the significant health disparities experienced by Australia’s rural and remote populations.”

HEARing CRC research is financially supported by the Cooperative Research Centres Program – a Commonwealth Government initiative.

Remote Mapping

Colleen Psarros from RIDBC Cochlear Implant Program can remotely map a person’s cochlear implant via videoconference technology.


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Ella attended one of RIDBC Teleschool’s residential braille weeks in Sydney where she was able to accelerate her braille skills.

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Improving Access Across

Australia

Responding to community need and improving service accessibility

for families across Australia and overseas

30%OF OUR COCHLEAR IMPLANT SERVICES

HAVE BEEN PROVIDED USING REMOTE TECHNOLOGY

3NEW SITES WERE

ESTABLISHED IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN 2013

(ROUSE HILL, LIVERPOOL, MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY

AUSTRALIAN HEARING HUB)

198CHILDREN IN RURAL AND

REMOTE AREAS WERE SUPPORTED THROUGH RIDBC TELESCHOOL’S

STATE OF THE ART VIDEOCONFERENCING

TECHNOLOGY


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Cameron Goes from Strength to Strength

Highlight


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RIDBC Cochlear Implant Program’s first implant recipient this year was six year old Cameron, from the Atherton Tablelands.

“Cameron received two hearing aids at the end of 2011 and in January 2012 we began accessing RIDBC Teleschool, which uses videoconferencing technology to reach families living in regional areas of Australia,” said Cameron’s mother, Lauren.

“Having a child with hearing loss can be like walking through a dark room where you know everything is there but you cannot see where it is and you just don’t know where to go. RIDBC has pulled everything together for us and Cameron’s development has really accelerated with that support.”

When the family received a further diagnosis that Cameron’s hearing would deteriorate over time, they started thinking about new strategies to support their son.

“It’s always been our focus to prepare Cameron for success at school and to find out how to give him as many tools and options as possible to achieve this,” said Lauren.

“The idea of a cochlear implant was a natural progression for us. The best thing about the new RIDBC Cochlear Implant Program was having Cameron’s care streamlined. With RIDBC we always had someone to call to answer questions and we didn’t lose time travelling between appointments – particularly important for us living in a remote part of Queensland where seeing a health professional can mean taking the day off work or school to make a trip to Cairns.”

RIDBC is continuing to support Cameron with weekly RIDBC Teleschool videoconferencing sessions, and is also now remotely mapping his cochlear implant via telepractice. Cameron’s surgery was performed by leading ear, nose and throat surgeon, Associate Professor Catherine Birman.

“The surgery went really well, although it was the longest couple of hours of my life! The implant has given Cameron access to a much broader range of sounds,” said Lauren. “There are so many possibilities for Cameron’s future now. It’s an exciting time for our family.”

Cameron and his mother, Lauren, visited RIDBC to have Cameron’s first cochlear implant fitted.


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Improving Access Across Australia

Community Relevant Accessible SitesIn 2013, RIDBC opened three new sites in response to community demand; Macquarie University Australian Hearing Hub, Rouse Hill Town Centre and Liverpool. We also extended our RIDBC Teleschool and blended service provision in Lismore, Gosford and the Hunter.

The emphasis for any new RIDBC site is accessibility, both in the way we deliver our services and the range of services we offer in a specific community setting, dependent on local need.

Videoconferencing Technology New videoconferencing technology introduced by RIDBC in 2013 is helping connect children with vision or hearing loss with critical educational support services like never before. The roll out of state of the art videoconferencing technology across Australia in 2013 is transforming the way in which we deliver services and RIDBC is constantly finding ways to connect people to the support they need.

Technology is opening up options for group classes, peer and parental support groups, remote service delivery and enhanced communication between professionals who are working with a specific child or family, but may be located in different geographical areas of Australia.

Providing enhanced

educational and therapy

services to people with vision

or hearing loss who live in

regional and remote areas of

Australia makes a very real and

tangible difference in the lives

of hundreds of

families.


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Accessible web based eLearningWithout question, RIDBC has become a national leader in the provision of accessible web based educational content for university students.

Throughout 2013, RIDBC Continuing Professional Education courses were delivered using an innovative mix of technologies including videoconferencing, multi party web conferencing, and a range of ‘web based’ systems including the streaming of video and audiorecorded lectures.

A highlight of the year was the development of new and innovative strategies for providing access to web based content by postgraduate students who themselves have vision or hearing loss. Those strategies included; (a) the provision of both ‘live’ and pre recorded web based lectures with real time captioning and sign language interpretation, (b) the provision of transcripts of all audio content, (c) the provision of materials in braille or large print, and (d) the extensive use of ‘screen reader’ technology to provide screen accessibility for students with low or no vision.

A $250,000 grant from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation allowed RIDBC Hunter to install state of the art videoconferencing technology to enable remote service delivery.


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Improving Access Across Australia

(continued)

Joel, who has hearing loss, using the latest technology at RIDBC to develop his skills and accelerate his learning.

Use of Assistive Technology with Children and Families Increasingly, iPads and other mainstream technologies are also providing children with vision or hearing loss with access to the school curriculum. RIDBC Access Technology Centre harnesses everyday technologies such as GPS, scanners, netbooks and laptops, as well as specialist tools such as smart boards, in class audio systems and screen reader software, to ensure no child misses out.

In 2013, RIDBC developed an Early Technology Learning Framework for early learning professionals, which will be released as an accessible eBook in 2014. We also provided remote support with access technologies to RIDBC Teleschool students and to those on school support services, to minimise travel and increase immediacy of information.

RIDBC & Me WebsiteRIDBC & Me is a parent networking site which puts families in touch with others who share similar challenges, as well as linking parents and local professionals with RIDBC experts in vision and hearing loss.

Originally developed to overcome the isolation often felt by families in rural or regional Australia who have a child with a sensory disability, in 2013 the website was extended to parents of children who are enrolled in other RIDBC services. Families at RIDBC Garfield Barwick School now access a daily newsletter online rather than in print.

The site has been very well received by families and has allowed for greater interaction between parents and their RIDBC teacher or therapist regarding their child’s progress.


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Dr Breda Carty of RIDBC Renwick Centre won the inaugural Des Power Memorial Award for Significant Contribution to the Education and Well Being of Deaf Children in 2013.

Dr Carty is a lecturer in the Master of Special Education program at RIDBC Renwick Centre.

“My courses focus on the social and historical background to Deaf education, and on the theory and practice of the education of Deaf students who are bilingual. These students communicate through Australian Sign Language (Auslan) and English,” said Breda.

As one of only a handful of deaf university lecturers in Australia, Breda sees part of her role as facilitating understanding between deaf and hearing people.

Deafness was unknown in her family until Breda progressively lost her hearing from the age of three. She attended mainstream schools, using speech reading and her diminishing residual hearing.

A few months after she started university, Breda’s hearing loss progressed further, until she was profoundly deaf. This stimulated her involvement in the Deaf community and her learning of Auslan.

“I had the experience of growing up in the hearing world, and now the experience of living in both Deaf and hearing worlds,” she said. “I think it offers me a great understanding of how one culture sees the other. I use that experience to enhance my teaching.”

Children who are deaf have the best chance of succeeding at school and pursuing a rewarding career if they receive specialist assistance from trained teachers of the deaf from an early age.

“Great teachers are the best investment we can make in the education of deaf students,” said Breda. “I am very proud to be able to contribute to the field.”

“The award is well deserved,” said Professor Greg Leigh, Director, RIDBC Renwick Centre. “So many teachers and students across Australia have benefited from Breda’s generosity and experience. We are very fortunate to have her on staff at RIDBC Renwick Centre.”

Award for Breda!

Breda, RIDBC Renwick Centre Lecturer, with her Des Power Memorial Award 2013.

Highlight


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Suzanne with her son, Oliver, who is learning to listen and speak with two cochlear implants. Oliver is flourishing with support from RIDBC Teleschool, which he accesses from his home in regional NSW.

_4_AR2013_ReviewServices.indd 30 2/05/2014 9:09 am

31

Reviewing and Improving

Services

Designing, reviewing and benchmarking programs and services

to ensure RIDBC remains highly relevant and is responsive to the

needs of the people and communities we serve

7 REMOTE COMMUNITIES

BENEFITED FROM RIDBC’S INDIGENOUS OUTREACH PROGRAM

8.7% GROWTH IN

SERVICE ENROLMENTS SINCE 2012

LESS THAN

30% OF RIDBC SERVICES ARE GOVERNMENT FUNDED


32

Technology Will Help Isabelle Succeed at School

Highlight


33

Isabelle, who has vision loss, is receiving support from RIDBC to help prepare her for school. With RIDBC she is learning to use the technology that will help her succeed in the classroom.

Isabelle began receiving support from RIDBC Early Learning Program (Vision Impairment) and RIDBC Nepean Preschool when she was three.

“Isabelle is learning to use a dome magnifier to enlarge print and pictures, a slope board to encourage good posture when reading, and binoculars for her distance vision so that she can see the white board, teacher and her peers more clearly,” said RIDBC’s Phillipa Southey, who supports Isabelle on the early learning program and provides weekly consultations at the preschool.

“Low vision aids are essential for assisting Isabelle to acquire literacy, so we’re teaching Isabelle the best ways to incorporate these into her preschool activities.”

At RIDBC Nepean Preschool Isabelle is building her confidence with her peers.

“RIDBC Nepean Preschool is a reverse integration preschool, purpose built to cater for the needs of children with vision or hearing loss, but where children from the local community also attend and are language and learning models for their peers. Here Isabelle has access to a range of social experiences to give her confidence interacting with other children,” said Phillipa.

Isabelle’s mother, Rebecca, is truly grateful for RIDBC’s support.

“Isabelle loves iPads, so RIDBC has introduced them into Isabelle’s regular home visits and this really motivates her to learn,” said Rebecca. “While RIDBC has been fantastic for Isabelle, it has also been incredible for my family.

“What might be ‘normal’ for my daughter is a real learning curve for us, and RIDBC provides the practical insights we need to understand her vision impairment – as well as the tools we need to best support her.”

Isabelle with her mother, Rebecca, at RIDBC Nepean Preschool where she receives support for her vision loss.


34

Reviewing and Improving Services

Person Centred Service Provision Ongoing changes to the education, health and disability services sectors, including new government funding models, increasing competition from private sector organisations, and a move to new ‘person centred’ service provision, are impacting heavily on organisations like ours, which have a long history of successful and impactful service delivery for children with vision or hearing loss.

RIDBC already takes a person centred approach to services through the use of family centred practices, including offering a comprehensive range of services that are responsive to an individual child/family’s needs.

Externally Referencing Our Services In 2013, we commenced a detailed review of our program and service portfolio, looking ‘from the outside in’ to examine which services and programs RIDBC needs to deliver in order to meet the needs of children, families, professionals and key stakeholders.

As a result we are expanding our capacity and providing more allied health services, including; speech pathology, audiology, orthoptics, occupational therapy, psychology, physiotherapy, technology consultancy, social work and paediatric services for children from 0-18 years, as well as offering fee for service programs for adult clients.

RIDBC will remain

a highly relevant organisation

by externally benchmarking

our services and programs,

strengthening our organisational

capability and evolving our

services as required.


35

In addition to externally referencing our services within the Australian context, RIDBC Renwick Centre played a significant role in researching best practice service delivery models internationally.

Building Organisational Capability We recognise that RIDBC’s organisational capability also needs to evolve and grow and, as a result, we are progressing our culture, communicating more (internally and externally), building new infrastructure alongside existing, and migrating relevant activities into our new services models.

The important role that RIDBC Renwick Centre

plays in building the capability of our own RIDBC team, as well as educating a whole cohort of professionals working in the field of sensory impairment, cannot be understated. We build this capability by sharing knowledge and best practice principles, investing in significant research programs that inform future service development and delivery, reviewing and publishing literature on specialist fields of study and providing high quality, specialist education and support for students and professionals working with people with vision or hearing loss.

The team from RIDBC Allied Health Unit are expanding our services in response to the needs of children and their families.


36

Reviewing and Improving Services

(continued)

RIDBC Indigenous Outreach Program provides hearing and vision screening services to Indigenous children living in regional and remote areas of NSW.

RIDBC Indigenous Outreach ProgramDuring 2013, RIDBC Indigenous Outreach Program provided 738 screening services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The service was delivered across five remote locations; Walgett, Lightning Ridge, Goodooga, Nambucca and Bowraville. RIDBC also answered the call for help from two new communities in 2013, extending the program to include Macksville and Stuarts Point on the NSW Mid North Coast.

RIDBC continued its commitment to develop and deliver quality education programs and ongoing professional development to the communities visited as an integral part of its program objectives. In addition to the

interactions with children, the program also managed to deliver vital ear health awareness, prevention and promotion messages to local Indigenous communities through several informal but informative community sessions.

An exciting innovation in 2013 was the development of a pilot mentoring program. This innovative initiative saw RIDBC commit to providing mentoring, supervision and support for two Aboriginal Health workers from the Darrimba Maara Aboriginal Health Clinic to obtain nationally accredited qualifications, which will result in the creation of local service capacity into the future.


37

In 2013, our first families received funding through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for vision or hearing loss services in the Hunter region of NSW.

RIDBC welcomes the introduction of the scheme which will provide the means for people with a disability to receive appropriate levels of support to assist them to face the challenges that are often associated with living with a disability.

RIDBC has worked with the government from the start to ensure that we are prepared for the roll out of the scheme and that it will deliver the necessary benefits for people with a disability.

At RIDBC, we pride ourselves on delivering family centred, individualised programs for children with vision or hearing loss. We have been working for some time to review and enhance our programs in readiness for the new person centred funding model.

RIDBC is dedicated to ensuring the very best outcomes for children and their families through expert education and therapy programs. We are committed to working within the new framework to continue to provide relevant services for families.

What we’ve already seen in the Hunter is that no two NDIS plans are the same. RIDBC’s broad range of comprehensive, integrated services ensure we remain flexible in response to the needs of individuals.

Less than 30% of RIDBC revenue comes from government funding. As the scheme is rolled out, individual NDIS funding will replace a portion of our current government funding. This means that RIDBC will continue to rely significantly on the generosity of the community in order to continue our important work, for all children, particularly those who are not NDIS eligible but who still rely on specialist services.

The Changing Face of Disability Care

RIDBC Hunter families are part of Australia’s first NDIS trial.

Highlight


38

Five Year Record of Enrolments

Assessment Unit Enrolments 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

Preschool Age 61 57 58 43 29

School Age 311 241 178 135 87

Total 372 298 236 178 116

RIDBC Plus2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

Preschool Age 35 18 - - -

School Age 20 3 - - -

Total 55 21 - - -

Audiological and Diagnostic Services2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

Total 2557 2626 2484 2059 2416

Cochlear Implant Program2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

Total (Implants)

18 - - - -

University Postgraduate and Continuing Education Programs 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

University Award Courses (Equivalent full time students EFTSU)

57.4* 66.0 56.0 54.0 52.0

Graduates from Award Courses (Students graduating during reporting year)

84 51 54 53 59

Continuing Education Programs (Number of person days of training provided)

3,120 3,011 2,072 1,551 1,662

*A total of 172 students (57.4 EFTSU) undertook graduate studies in 2013.


39

Early Childhood Enrolments 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

Early Childhood Programs Enrolments

ELP (HI) 133 146 117 121 119

ELP (VI) 145 125 127 123 129

ELP (Hunter) 42 41 39 38 33

Matilda Rose Centre 26 21 18

Teleschool (HI) 76 75 77 76 83

Teleschool (VI) 20 16 19 20 24

Hear the Children 17 19 - - -

Total 459 443 397 378 388

Preschool Enrolments

Hunter Preschool 8 7 10 11 13

Rockie Woofit Preschool 16 15 13 13 12

Roberta Reid Preschool 9 5 7 5 8

Nepean Preschool 15 16 14 10 9

VisionEd Preschool 6 5 5 4 7

Total 54 48 49 43 49

TOTAL EARLY CHILDHOOD ENROLMENTS 513 491 446 421 437

School Program Enrolments 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009

School Enrolments

Alice Betteridge School 54 55 56 62 72

Thomas Pattison School 25 30 28 33 31

Garfield Barwick School 32 29 34 37 31

Total 111 114 118 132 134

Student Support Services Enrolments

School Support Services HI 120 135 145 141 145

School Support Services VI 38 42 43 47 44

School Support Services Auslan

4 2 4 3 3

Teleschool – School Age 90 70 50 54 36

Teleschool School Support Service

13 23 25 17 14

Total 265 272 267 262 242

TOTAL SCHOOL PROGRAM ENROLMENTS 376 386 385 394 376

HI - hearing impairment VI - vision impairment A small number of children are enrolled in more than one service.


40

RIDBC Teacher Assistant, Jenni Parkes, with Henry, who has vision loss and is using a smart board to play one of his favourite maths games.

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41

Securing and Enhancing

Funding

The majority of RIDBC revenue comes through community and

corporate fundraising support, followed by government funding

29%INCREASE IN INCOME

FROM CORPORATE FUNDRAISING

PROGRAMS

$2MIN GOVERNMENT GRANTS RECEIVED TO TRANSITION TO NDIS AND INTEGRATE

HEAR THE CHILDREN SERVICE INTO RIDBC

40%GROWTH IN REGISTERED

COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING EVENTS


42

Mario and Michele Topcic have their own financial planning business. Included in the personal advice they give their many clients is the importance of making a Will and regularly updating it.

“As financial planners, we understand how important it is to plan your estate early,” said Michele. As they do not have any children, Mario and Michele chose to support a select few charities, particularly children’s charities.

“My mother is deaf, so there was a real connection for us with the work that RIDBC is doing,” explained Michele.

“Anything can happen at any time,” said Mario. “It’s really important to make a decision about your estate before something happens.

“This is not just for yourself, but for other

family members, so they’re all aware of your wishes.

“We decided to make a percentage allowance in our Will. As the estate value grows over time, so does the amount that is going to go to RIDBC and other beneficiaries.”

Mario and Michele are part of the Hunter Baillie Circle, which is a special group established to recognise, honour and thank those who remember RIDBC in their Will.

“We are so glad we chose RIDBC. We have seen first hand the work they are doing and I know that our contributions will be well spent,” said Mario.

If you are interested in receiving information about leaving a gift for RIDBC in your Will, please call (02) 9871 1233.

Michele and Mario at work at MMT Future Financial Planners

HighlightMario & Michele Plan Ahead


43

Securing and Enhancing Funding

Fundraising Development Plan and Program Review

RIDBC relies heavily on fundraising and community support to be able to continue to make a difference in the lives of people with vision or hearing loss. In 2013, 47% of RIDBC’s operating revenue was derived from fundraising programs.

However, the Australian charity market is facing considerable change, with new government funding models, greater competition for funding, sustained growth in global and Australian wealth, and the digital revolution with new online channels revolutionising donor engagement and giving behaviour like never before. As a consequence, in 2013 we reviewed our fundraising development plan and program, to explore new opportunities for funding and reduce our organisational reliance on fundraising to underpin and deliver key services.

In order

to maintain our intensive

educational, clinical

and research programs,

RIDBC needs to raise

approximately $2.5 million

every month. As a result of this review we are:

• Continuing to focus on corporate partnerships and opportunities to align RIDBC with other like minded organisations

• Nurturing relationships with our generous donors, club and committee members and our volunteers

• Ensuring we effectively communicate and connect with individuals and organisations in the local communities where our services are located

• Applying for more government grants – in 2013 we received $2 million in government grants to help us transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in the Hunter, and to integrate the Hear the Children service into RIDBC

• Recovering service delivery costs through the available government funding models – Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC), Better Start and NDIS

• Exploring new revenue opportunities and opening up programs and services for adult clients through expanded fee for service (RIDBC Plus) programs.


44

Fundraising Results in 2013

Community Fundraising

RIDBC continued to grow our community fundraising in 2013 with a 40% growth in registered community events. There are now 22 Lantern Clubs with 1,100 members around NSW run by dedicated volunteers.

Fundraising in the Hunter delivered significant uplift in 2013 thanks to a significant grant from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation who donated $250,000 to install state of the art videoconferencing technology to enable remote service delivery in the Hunter region. We also established the Hunter Sight & Sound committee in 2013 – a team of Hunter business leaders who create strategic initiatives to help raise awareness and funds for RIDBC Hunter through a series of special events and partnerships.

Corporate Fundraising

Whether it’s through monetary gifts, in kind donations, staff volunteering, staff fundraising, payroll giving or event sponsorship, our corporate partners continue to play a vital role in helping RIDBC make a difference in the lives of children with vision or hearing loss. Corporate fundraising programs delivered a 29% increase in income for RIDBC in 2013. See page 63 for a list of some of our major corporate partners and volunteer groups.

Direct Marketing, Lotteries and Telemarketing

RIDBC’s Direct Marketing program undertakes four appeal campaigns per year, delivering $1.8 million income to RIDBC in 2013. RIDBC Rainbow Lottery is now in its 27th year and raised $3.3 million in 2013. RIDBC’s direct marketing appeal and lottery programs are supported by a dedicated telemarketing team, who moved to a shift work rota in 2013 to allow for better coverage of donors.

Trusts, Foundations and Permanent Funds

Trusts, Foundations and Permanent Funds are vital income streams for RIDBC, with over $7 million donated to RIDBC from bequests in 2013 and $775,000 in proceeds from RIDBC’s permanent funds. See page 78 for a list of major bequesters and permanent funds donors in 2013.

A number of licenced clubs supported RIDBC via the ClubsNSW ClubGRANTS program in 2013, our relationship with Westfield North Rocks continued to grow and build awareness of RIDBC in the North Rocks local community and a number of private and corporate foundations and trustee companies donated significant funds to RIDBC. See page 79 for a list of these companies.


(continued)


45

Major Gifts

2013 saw the development of a new major gifts fundraising program which is already having an impact by fostering close relationships with philanthropists via a regular and sustained program of engagement, events, site visits, and updates regarding RIDBC’s achievements. A list of major donors can be found on page 79.

Committees & Auxiliaries

Committees and auxiliaries continued to deliver funds and awareness of RIDBC in 2013, including the Qantas Pathfinders Auxiliary and the Abstract Committee book fair and trivia nights. The Horizon Committee authors lunch was another successful fundraising event this year. See page 76 for a list of RIDBC committees and auxiliaries.

Swimmers hit the pool to raise funds in RIDBC’s 2013 Splash for Cash swimathon.


46

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)In June 2013, RIDBC Hunter became a trial site for the roll out of the NDIS. By year end, we had six children on NDIS in the Hunter and we were able to effectively advise families who were looking to assign NDIS funding towards RIDBC services.

Being part of the NDIS trial has given us an insight into the challenges and changes required to introduce a more ‘person centred’ service model. Over the coming year, we will continue to tailor and package our services in a way that is more clearly accessed and

understood by the individuals and families who need our services and who will need assistance to navigate their way in the new more competitive environment once NDIS is fully rolled out.

In addition, we will ensure effective communication strategies are implemented to facilitate collaboration between families and RIDBC to advocate for optimal service packages for eligible children.


(continued)

Children with significant vision or hearing loss who are under the age of six are eligible to apply for government funding to improve their access to early intervention services.


47

2013 was a sad year as we farewelled one of RIDBC’s most generous and long time supporters, John Bedwell, at the age of 95.

John and his wife Gwen contributed significantly to RIDBC over many years.

Chris Rehn, RIDBC Chief Executive, was honoured to be asked to deliver John’s eulogy on behalf of all of the charities that John and Gwen supported.

Chris explained that: “John and Gwen never stayed on the periphery but invested their time, interest and support to ensure that every one of RIDBC’s services had the means to get the job done – to give children with vision or hearing loss the very best start in life.

“John invested in people first and then the organisation and he would seek confirmation that the organisations he supported had the right people at all levels.

“The Bedwells made provision for RIDBC now and into the future by establishing a foundation and special permanent funds. They also supported many major capital works including the building of RIDBC Renwick Centre.

“In 2008, John was made an RIDBC Life Governor in recognition of his substantial commitment to the children and services at RIDBC.

“I was very lucky to have met John in the last few years of his life and valued his friendship

greatly. He was an extraordinary man who lived modestly to ensure others less fortunate enjoyed far greater opportunities.

“He will be missed by the many friends and family members who were lucky to be part of his life.”

“For me the joy in life is in giving and helping others. It is very reassuring to know that the spirit of giving which has been such an important part of my life will continue into the future.”

John Bedwell, 1917 – 2013.

John Bedwell

Highlight


48

Thank you to Newcastle Jets stars, Emile Heskey (pictured) and Michael Bridges, who supported RIDBC Hunter 2013 Sight & Sound for Kids Corporate Lunch where we launched our local business community program.

_6_AR2013_BuildAwareness.indd 48 2/05/2014 9:09 am

49

RIDBC benefits from having a trusted and mature brand,

but as we evolve and grow our services and expand our reach,

we must ensure our brand remains relevant, strong and impactful,

so we continue to reach those who need our services most

60%INCREASE IN

WEBSITE VISITS

30%INCREASE IN

SOCIAL MEDIA

450MEDIA MENTIONS ACROSS

PRINT, RADIO AND TV AUDIENCES REACHING 1000s OF PEOPLE ACROSS

AUSTRALIA EACH WEEKBuilding Awareness and

Branding


50

In 2013, RIDBC was named ‘Charity of Choice’ by the Steggles Sydney Roosters Charity Nest – a charity initiative which raises funds for various children’s charities.

The Steggles Sydney Roosters Charity Nest saw Steggles, major sponsor of the Sydney Roosters, donate $1000 for every point the Roosters beat the opposition in 2013, while the Roosters contributed $250 per point.

Additionally, in 2013 the Sydney Roosters contributed $1,000 for each win by their under 20s Toyota Cup team.

Becoming the 2013 NRL Premiers, the Sydney Roosters had a phenomenal season which resulted in a bumper year of contributions to the Charity Nest. At the end of the year, RIDBC received $134,500 which was used to purchase iPad technology.

This partnership not only provided much needed funds, but also an outstanding opportunity to raise awareness of the work of RIDBC.

“Without such generous support from the corporate sector, RIDBC simply wouldn’t be able to provide our high quality services to thousands of children and families across Australia,” said Chris Rehn, RIDBC Chief Executive.

“We are extremely grateful to all the staff at Steggles and the Sydney Roosters players who went above and beyond to ensure RIDBC was able to really make the most of this outstanding opportunity. It is a wonderful example of how the corporate sector can partner with not for profits to achieve great things.”

Managing Director for Baiada Poultry, Simon Camilleri, said: “The Steggles Roosters Charity Nest is something we are very proud of. We find it very rewarding to work with a new charity each year to help raise funds and awareness.

“We were delighted that RIDBC was able to benefit from the great Roosters season and our own staff giving initiatives.”

Steggles Sydney Roosters Charity Nest

Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Michael Jennings from the Sydney Roosters helped launch an iPad app at RIDBC.

Highlight


51

RIDBC Staff in the Community

Karen AtkinsonNSW e-News and Speak Out Co-Editor, Speech Pathology Australia

Breda CartyConsultant Expert on Education, Deaf Community and Culture, and Bioethics, Deaf Australia

Member, Editorial Board, Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education

Newsletter Editor, Deaf History International

Brian ConwayPresident, Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities

Vice President, Flintwood Disability Services

Jill Duncan Board Member, Aussie Deaf Kids

Member, Editorial Board, The Volta Review

Frances GentlePresident, South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (SPEVI)

Second Vice President, International Council for the Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)

Convening Editor, Journal of the South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment

Member, Examinations Board, Australian Braille Authority

Greg LeighChair, Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Committee

Co-Chair, International Committee, International Congress on Education of the Deaf

Chair, International Steering

Committee, Asia Pacific Congress on Deafness

Consultant Expert on Education, Deaf Australia

Member, Editorial Board, Deafness and Education International

Member, Editorial Board, Phonetics and Speech Sciences

Member, Editorial Board, Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education

Member, Literacy and Special Learning Needs Advisory Committee, NSW Association of Independent Schools

Philip NewallVisiting Professor, University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines, Manila

Editorial Associate, Journal of the American Academy of Audiology

Editorial Consultant, Australian Journal of Audiology

Senior Consultant, China Research and Rehabilitation Centre for Deaf Children

Expert Committee Member, Chinese Scientific Journal of Hearing and Speech Rehabilitation

Board Member, Hearing International

Board Member, Carabez Alliance for Deaf Children

Sue SilveiraDirector, Australian Orthoptic Board

Council Member, NSW Branch Orthoptics Australia

Convenor of Awards and Grants Standing Committee, Orthoptics Australia

Member, Editorial Board, Australian Orthoptic Journal

Member, Editorial Board, Journal of South Pacific

Educators in Vision Impairment

Member, Orthoptic Standing Committee, Agency for Clinical Innovation

Member of the State-wide Eyesight Preschool Screening (StEPS) Implementation and Review Committee, NSW Ministry of Health

Trudy SmithChairperson, National Association of Australian Teachers of the Deaf

Mike SteerEditor, International Journal of Orientation and Mobility

Editor, Journal of the South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment

Editor, Beacon, Australian Deafblind Council’s Newsletter;

Editorial Consultant, Australasian Journal of Special Education

Coordinator, Australian and New Zealand Leaders in Vision Education Services (LIVES)

NSW Committee Member, International Council for the Vision Impaired (ICEVI)

NSW State Representative, Australian Deafblind Council (ADBC)

Australian Representative, Deafblind International Review

Fundraising Coordinator, Australian Braille Authority, NSW, Annual Braille Competition

Ceilia VildNSW Branch Councillor, South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment (SPEVI)

Paul HarrisCPA Australia NFP Conference National Taskforce

CPA NSW Divisional Councillor


52

Building Awareness and Branding

Marketing Impact in 20132013 was another successful year in terms of RIDBC’s marketing impact and brand awareness, with:

• More than 450 media mentions across print, radio and tv, reaching thousands of people across Australia each week

• A 30% increase in social media activity across Facebook, Twitter and Youtube, in addition to our internal online forums and parent support platforms

• A 60% increase in website visits, with an average of 10,000 visitors a month to the RIDBC website in 2013

• Over 1,900 subscribers receiving the RIDBC quarterly e-newsletter

• A grant of $400,000 worth of Adshel outdoor advertising space for RIDBC marketing and fundraising campaigns.

Internally, we embarked on a major project to define a united message and key themes for RIDBC moving forward, leading to a review of all RIDBC marketing, fundraising and services collateral, streamlining our communications and bringing look and feel into alignment with our brand style guide.

RIDBC’s success

rests on our ability to

effectively review and develop

our brand, define our core brand

promise, package and promote

our services, and increase brand

awareness among new target

audiences, to ensure sustained

growth and impact

moving forward.


53

Marketing StrategyWe are currently developing a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to focus on effectively promoting RIDBC programs and services directly to people with vision or hearing loss. We are:

• Reviewing RIDBC’s brand architecture and key messages

• Extending our social media, website and e-communications activity to increase awareness and interaction with service users and key stakeholders online

• Building RIDBC’s thought leadership, campaigning and lobbying role within Australia and internationally

• Partnering with key corporate organisations to increase our reach and impact and leverage the RIDBC brand

• Speaking, attending and staging a comprehensive program of events, courses and seminars across Australia and internationally to raise awareness and profile RIDBC’s expertise and impact within the field of vision and hearing loss.


54

Building Awareness and Branding

(continued)

Continuing Professional Education, Conferences and EventsIn addition to pre-service professional education, RIDBC Renwick Centre is also Australia’s premier provider of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) for teachers and a wide range of other professionals working in the field of sensory disability. In 2013, RIDBC CPE continued to grow, with more than 3,000 person days of training and development provided.

In 2013, RIDBC CPE events were conducted in Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch, and Kuala Lumpur. Notably, endorsement for several events was provided by the Audiological Society of Australia and the Alexander Graham Bell Academy of Listening and Spoken Language. As a consequence, audiologists and auditory verbal therapists undertaking those courses were able to credit their participation towards their statutory professional registration requirements for continuing professional development. The NSW Institute for Teachers has provided full endorsement of the program over five years, allowing teachers to gain credit towards the National Standards for Teachers.

International visitors to the centre for the purposes of lecturing, CPE program presentation, and/or research collaboration, included; Dr Jane Erin from the University of Arizona; Dr Christine Monikowski from National Technical Institute for the Deaf who presented around Australia and New Zealand with the assistance of a Fulbright Scholarship; Dr Alys Young from the University of Manchester; Dr Marc Marschark from the National Technical Institute for the Deaf; Dr Alys Eriks Brophy

from the University of Toronto; Ike Presley from the American Foundation for the Blind; and Dr Christina Perigoe from the University of Southern Mississippi. The centre also welcomed a return visit by USA academic Dr Cheryl deConde Johnson – a long standing collaborator in the field of hearing loss.

In addition to hosting a range of international speakers during the year, various other CPE events showcased knowledge and expertise from within Australia and, in particular, from within RIDBC. Notably, staff members from RIDBC Teleschool, RIDBC VisionEd and RIDBC Assessment Unit were instrumental in the delivery of continuing education programs including the annual Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf Conference and bi-annual Vision Impairment Conference (VISCON). Staff from RIDBC Garfield Barwick Centre and VisionEd also continued to provide expert input into highly successful workshops for teachers who have students with vision or hearing loss in their mainstream classes.

In 2013, 160 professionals visited RIDBC Renwick Centre for VISCON – a two day conference bringing together 24 expert presenters in the field of vision loss.


55

Presentations, Research & Publications 2013

PresentationsBull, R., Leigh, G., & Sharma, M. (2013, April 18th). Adaptive assessment of speech-perception in school-aged children with hearing impairment. Presented at Australian Hearing Hub Inaugural Conference, Sydney.

Cantle Moore, R. (2013, March 22nd). Parent impressions. Presented at Australian Association of Teachers of the Deaf (AATD) Queensland Workshop, Brisbane.

Cantle Moore, R. (2013, April 18th). Auditory-oral progress of infant-CI, infant-HA and infant-CODA in Deaf family environments. Presented at Australian Hearing Hub Inaugural Conference, Sydney.

Cantle Moore, R. (2013, August 9th). Simple and effective: The Infant Monitor of vocal Production. Presented at A Lifetime of Speech Conference, Sydney.

Cantle Moore, R. (2013, September, 6th). Language environment analysis (LENA) of a child’s “auditory diet”. Presented at 20th Annual Itinerant Teacher of the Deaf Conference, Sydney.

Cantle Moore, R. (2013, March 22nd). Parent impressions: What do parents expect early intervention to achieve? Presented at the Australian Association of Teachers of the Deaf (AATD) 2013 Seminar, Sydney.

Carty, B., Leigh, G., Goswell, D., & Napier, J. (2013, July 7th). Deaf students’ access to interpreted communication in mainstream classrooms: Sailing in Uncharted Seas? Presented at 27th Australian and New Zealand Congress on Education of the Deaf, Brisbane.

Carty, B., Goswell, D., Leigh, G., & Napier, J. (2013, October 18th). Deaf students’ access to interpreted communication in mainstream classrooms: Is “equality” possible? Presented at 2nd World Federation of the Deaf Conference, Sydney.

Cupples, L., Ching, T. Y. C., Crowe, K., Seeto, M., Leigh, G., Street, L., Day, J., Marnane, V., & Thomson, J. (2013, June). Speech, language, and functional auditory outcomes for children with cochlear implants/hearing aids and additional disabilities. Presented at International Federation of Otolaryngological Societies Conference 2013, Seoul, Korea.

Cupples, L., Ching, T., Crowe, K., Seeto, M., Leigh, G., Street, L., Day, J., Marnane, V., & Thomson, J. (2013, June). All disabilities are not created equal: Language skills of 3 year old children with hearing loss and additional needs. Presented at Speech Pathology Australia National Conference, Gold Coast.

De Beuzeville, L. (2013, October 13th). Teachings kids about language. Presented at Symposium on Deaf Education, Macquarie University, Sydney.

Disbery, M., & Dorn, W. (2013, May 23rd). Blended service delivery: An innovative approach to intensive early intervention service provision for children with hearing and vision impairments. Presented at ECIA NSW 25th State Conference, Sydney.

Duncan, J. (2013, September 6th). Influence of social capital on students with hearing loss. Presented at 20th Annual Itinerant Teachers of the Deaf Conference, Sydney.

Duncan, J. (2013, November 22nd). Factors influencing outcomes: Social capital. Presented at VISCON 2013, Sydney.

Gentle, F. (2013, January 15th). SPEVI Principles and standards review. Presented at SPEVI Biennial Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.

Gentle, F. (2013, January 17th). Transforming the education systems for children with disability in Papua New Guinea and Timor-Leste. Presented at SPEVI Biennial Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.

Gentle, F. (2013, February). WBU-ICEVI joint event: Review. Presented at the Executive Committee meeting of the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment, Royal National Institute for the Blind, London, UK.

Gentle, F. (May, 2013). Braille in the Pacific and East Asia. Presented at the Annual Conference of the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities, Sydney.

Gilliver, M., Cupples, L., Ching, T., Leigh, G., & Day, J. (2013, April). Sound intervention practices: developing phonological awareness teaching strategies for children with hearing loss. Poster presented at Australian Hearing Hub Inaugural Conference, Sydney.

Gouliotis, K. (2013, November 4th). Cerebral vision impairment: Beyond the optic nerve. Presented at Orthoptics Australia 70th Annual Scientific Conference, Hobart.

Gouliotis, K. (2013, November 6th). RIDBC Teleschool: Enabling parents and teachers to take the lead. Presented at Orthoptics Australia 70th Annual Scientific Conference, Hobart.

Hodgson, F., Britton, L., Gold, T., & Ter-Horst, K. (2013, May 18th). Responding to the needs of families of children with unaidable mild and borderline hearing losses. Presented at the 7th Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Conference, Rendezvous Grand Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand.

Kelly, A. (2013, November 4th). English Syntax Substitution Tables: A developmental program for the mastery of English syntax for school-aged children with hearing impairment. Presented at Professional Development Conference,

Queensland Department of Education, Brisbane.

Kelly, A. (2013, January 7th). Developing Language for children over 3 years: A developmental programme for the mastery of English syntax and strategies for speech development and correction. Presented at Professional Development Workshop, Aural Education for Hearing Impaired Children, Mumbai, India.

Kouretas, K. (2013, August 7th). Physiotherapy strategies working with children with vision impairment. Presented at Australian Physiotherapy Association (Paediatric Special Interest Group) NSW Education Event, Sydney.

Leigh, G. (2013, April). Responding to diverse outcomes: Implications for assessment, intervention and pedagogical approaches with deaf children. Invited plenary address presented at Inaugural Australian Hearing Hub Conference, Sydney.

Leigh, G. (2013, May 30th). Education for children with cochlear implants: responding to continuing diversity. Presented at International Federation of Otolaryngological Societies Conference 2013, Seoul, Korea.

Leigh, G. (2013, July 6th). Setting sail for the 27th voyage. Invited opening address presented at 27th Australian and New Zealand Congress on Education of the Deaf, Brisbane.

Leigh, G. (2013, July 7th). Sailing ahead: Setting a course for education of the deaf in uncharted waters. Invited closing address presented at 27th Australian and New Zealand Congress on Education of the Deaf, Brisbane.

Low, C., Mani, M. N. G., & Gentle, F. (2013, January 17th). ICEVI and WBU global campaign, “Education for all children with vision impairment (EFA-VI): International priorities and planning. Workshop presented at SPEVI Biennial Conference held in Auckland, New Zealand.

McMahon, C., MacCullagh, L., Ter-Horst, K., Daly, M., Cowan, R., & Leigh, G. (2013, June). Identifying training and resource needs for audiologists in rural and remote locations. Presented at International Federation of Otolaryngological Societies Conference 2013, Seoul, Korea.

McCarthy, M. (2013, May 18th). Developing a blended service model to deliver family-centred early intervention. Presented at 7th Annual Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Conference, Auckland NZ.

McCarthy, M., Psarros, C., van Wanrooy, E., Pascoe, S. (2013, May 18th). A home based model of cochlear implantation: The role of telepractice. Presented at the 7th Annual Australasian Newborn Hearing Screening Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.


56

Continued...

McCarthy, M. (2013, October 16th). Using technology to support children with disabilities. Presented at the Connected Australia Conference, Sydney.

Newall, P. (2013, January 4th). Assessment of hearing aid benefit in infants: The HearLab Cortical Evoked Response system. Invited lecture at the 4th Annual Newall Lecture Series on Audiology, University of the Philippines Department of Otolaryngology, Manilla, Philippines.

Newall, P. (2013, March 18th). Amplification device assessment. Presented at 3rd International Otolaryngology, Head, and Neck Surgery Conference, St Luke’s Medical Centre, Quezon City, Philippines.

Newall, P. (2013, March 19th). New trends in amplification. Presented at 3rd International Otolaryngology, Head, and Neck Surgery Conference, St Luke’s Medical Centre, Quezon City, Philippines.

Newall, P. (2013, March 22nd). Objective evaluation of hearing aid benefit. Invited plenary address at 15th ASEAN ORL-HNS Congress, Cebu City, Philippines.

Newall, P. (2013, October 25th). Challenges of teaching in a volunteer environment. Invited plenary address at the 66th National Conference of Better Hearing Australia, Sydney.

Silveira, S. (2013, January 16th). Eye and vision conditions in preterm children findings from the Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register. Presented at SPEVI Biennial Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.

Silveira, S. (2013, January 17th). Detecting vision impairment in babies and young children. Presented at SPEVI Biennial Conference, Auckland, New Zealand.

Silveira, S. (2013, October 12th). An update on children living in Australia with vision impairment. Presented at Australian Albinism Fellowship Biennial Conference, Sydney.

Silveira, S. (2013, November 3rd). Finding the leader within. Invited keynote address (The Patricia Lance Lecture) at Orthoptics Australia 70th Scientific Meeting, Hobart.

Silveira, S. (2013, November 21st). Australian Childhood Vision Impairment Register: What do we know now? Presented at VISCON 2013, Sydney.

Research ProjectsThe early communicative environment prior to and following cochlear implants: impact on children’s early communicative and cognitive development (Prof. Edith Bavin, Dr Julia Sarant, Prof. Candy Petersen, Dr Peter Busby, & Prof. Greg Leigh). Research supported by ARC Linkage Grant LP 110100070.

Auditory-oral progress of infants in a Deaf family environment: Five parallel case studies, (a) infant-CI, (b) infant-HA, (c) three infant-CODA (Dr Robyn Cantle Moore). Research supported by the WA Foundation for Deaf Children and Deafness Foundation Victoria.

Development of the Infant Monitor-Production (IMP) as an evaluation protocol for infants with impaired hearing (Dr Robyn Cantle Moore).

Deaf people in colonial Australia: Access to justice, education and employment (Dr Breda Carty and Darlene Thornton).

Factors influencing the nature of intervention by itinerant support teachers of deaf and hard of hearing students—PhD project (John Davison-Mowle—Supervisor/s: Prof. Greg Leigh, Dr Jill Duncan, & A/Prof Michael Arthur-Kelly). Research supported by the Carrie Smith Memorial Fund.

Social capital, language, literacy, and quality of life of adolescents who are deaf/hard of hearing and their chronologically-age matched hearing peers: A pilot study (Dr Jill Duncan). Research supported by the WA Foundation for Deaf Children and Deafness Foundation Victoria.

Unified English Braille: Developing an on-line training program for sighted learners (families of children with vision impairments and professionals) (Dr Frances Gentle). Research and development supported by the James N. Kirby Foundation, the Hargrove Foundation, and the Baxter Family Foundation.

Paediatric hearing assessment with tele-audiology: An investigation in rural and remote populations (Prof. Greg Leigh, Kim Ter-Horst, & Genelle Cook). Research supported by the HEARing Cooperative Research Centre—Project R4.5.2.

The effectiveness of telepractice in delivering specialist early intervention services to deaf and hard of hearing children and their families—PhD project (Melissa McCarthy—Supervisor/s: Prof. Greg Leigh & Dr Jill Duncan).

Assessment of patterns of teacher-student interactions in sign language-inclusive classrooms (Prof. Jemina Napier, Prof. Greg Leigh, Della Goswell, & Dr Breda Carty). Research supported by Macquarie University/RIDBC Enterprise partnership Grant.

A review of oral support services for people of working age with a hearing loss—MPhil project (Michele Nealon—Supervisor/s: Prof. Greg Leigh, Prof. Philip Newall, & Prof. William Noble).

A comparison of the NAL-NL1 and DSL 5 prescriptive hearing procedures in severely deaf children in Malaysia (Prof. Philip Newall).

A review of the Low Cost Hearing Aid project in the Philippines (Prof. Philip Newall).

The development of speech testing materials to assess tonal language perception in Mandarin (Prof. Philip Newall).

The delivery of cochlear implantation related services in a remote access environment—PhD project—Macquarie University (Colleen Psarros—Supervisor/s: A/Prof Catherine McMahon & Prof. Greg Leigh).

Profiling children with vision impairment in Australia (Oz Vizkids): A national register of children with vision impairment (Sue Silveira).

PublicationsChing, T. Y. C., Leigh, G., & Dillon, H. (2013). Introduction to the Longitudinal Outcomes of Children with Hearing Impairment (LOCHI) study: Background, design, sample characteristics. International Journal of Audiology, 52 (Supplement 2), S4-S9.

Ching, T Y. C., Dillon, H., Marnane, V., Hou, S., Day, J., Seeto, M., Crowe, K., Street, L., Van Buynder, P., Zhang, V., Wong, A., Burns, D., Flynn, C., Sjahalam-King, J., Yeh, A., Cupples, L., Leigh, G., Chisolm, K., & Hopkins, T. (2013). Outcomes of Early- and Late-identified Children at 3 Years of Age: Findings from a prospective population-based study. Ear and Hearing, 34(5), 535-52.

Cupples, L., Ching, T Y. C., Crowe, K., Seeto, M., Leigh, G., Street, L., Day, J., Marnane, V., & Thomson, J. (2013). Outcomes of children with hearing loss and additional disabilities. Journal of Deaf Studies and Deaf Education, 19 (1), 20-39.

Duncan, J., Rhoades, E., & Fitzpatrick, E. (2014). Auditory-rehabilitation for adolescents with hearing loss: Theory and Practice. New York: Oxford University Press.

Gentle, F. (2013). Braille Timor-Leste: Manual treinamento para nacionale e linguas indígenas. A braille training manual for Timor-Leste’s national and indigenous languages. Available from http://www.icevi.org/pacific.html

Gentle, F., & Albert, A. (2013). Pacific education development framework vision impairment, 2011-2015 (PEDF-VI): Revised. Available from http://www.icevi.org/pacific.html

Kadappu, S., Silveira, S., & Martin, F. (2013) Aetiology & outcome of open & closed globe eye injuries in children. Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology. 41(5), 427-434.

Low, C., Haslam, D., Gentle, F., & Bosselmann, L. (2013). Post-2015 and inequality: Why the new Development Goals must deliver for people with disabilities. The Educator, 27(1), 16-22.

McCarthy, M. (2013). The RIDBC Telepractice training protocol: A model for meeting ASHA roles and responsibilities. Perspectives on Telepractice, 3, 49-60.

Newall, P., & Newall, C. (2013). Making a difference in Samoa. Audiology Now, 53, 31.

Quar, T. K., Ching, T. Y. C., Newall, P., & Sharma, M. (2013). Evaluation of real-world preferences and performance of hearing aids fitted according to the NAL-NL1 and DSL v5 procedures in children with moderately severe to profound hearing loss. International Journal of Audiology, 52(5), 322-332.

Wang, S., Liu, B., Zhang, H., Dong, R., Mannell, R., Newall, P., Chen, X., Qi, B. , Zhang, L., and De Min, H. (2013) Mandarin lexical tone recognition in sensorineural hearing-impaired listeners and cochlear implant users. Acta Oto-Laryngologica, 133(1), 47-54.


57

Media personality and RIDBC Ambassador, Reuben Mourad, is one of hundreds of volunteers who help to ensure that RIDBC is able to run its high quality services. Reuben has volunteered at RIDBC Alice Betteridge School for over six years.

“Working with the same group of children for most of this time means that I’ve been lucky enough to see them grow up, learn valuable life skills and become incredible young Australians,” said Reuben. “They’re a really important part of my life.”

In 2013, Reuben used his profile as a contestant in the Cleo Bachelor of the Year competition to raise $30,000 for a wheelchair swing for the children at RIDBC Alice Betteridge School.

“These kids are some of the most incredible people you’ll ever meet. Letting them take a break from the traditional constraints of their wheelchairs felt like the best gift I could give

them. I was so grateful to those people who donated to my appeal helping us get to the $30,000 mark for the swing!”

As an RIDBC Ambassador, Reuben generously donates his time and skills in many different ways. Whether it’s voicing a radio or TV commercial or hosting the Qantas Pathfinders Charity Flight at a moment’s notice – as he did in 2013 – Reuben always assists wherever he can.

“I feel fortunate to have been able to work first hand with the amazing staff and students at the school. For many years now they’ve shown me the incredible things that can be achieved with the right specialist care and attention,” said Reuben.

“RIDBC has helped so many families across Australia, and I’m proud to be able to contribute to that work.”

In 2013, RIDBC had 250 registered volunteers working in our services along with over 1,250 volunteers on RIDBC fundraising committees.

RIDBC Ambassador, Reuben

Reuben spends time with the students at RIDBC Alice Betteridge School, where he has volunteered in the classroom for many years.

Highlight

_6_AR2013_BuildAwareness.indd 57 6/05/2014 2:48 pm

creo

58

Kareem with RIDBC Consultant, Maria Lupton, learning to use his new Mountbatten Brailler.

_7_AR2013_OurPeople.indd 58 2/05/2014 9:09 am

59

Focusing on Our People

Our relevance isn’t what we did yesterday,

it’s what we do today, and what we’re going to do tomorrow

450+PEOPLE

EMPLOYED BY RIDBC ACROSS AUSTRALIA

75STUDENTS FROM

27 DIFFERENT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS DID WORK

EXPERIENCE OR PRACTICUM PLACEMENTS AT RIDBC

21,000+HOURS WERE CONTRIBUTED

BY RIDBC VOLUNTEERS IN 2013


60

In December 2013, Arnhem Land student, Guthingara Yunupingu visited RIDBC Teleschool in Sydney for a two-week language program.

Guthingara, or ‘Guti’, began intensively accessing RIDBC Teleschool via high quality videoconferencing technology from his school five years ago.

“Both Guti’s teacher and teacher’s aide attend all of Guti’s videoconferencing sessions, learning Australian Sign Language (Auslan) alongside him so that they can continue to provide support outside our sessions,” said RIDBC Teleschool Consultant, Kathy MacDonald.

Born profoundly deaf, when Guti started working with Kathy he had limited Auslan skills and was primarily using his community’s signing system to communicate.

“The language of Guti’s community is Yolngu and there is a rich sign language that supports the oral language, however it’s not as widely used as Auslan,” said Kathy.

“Language gives you the communication skills that help you make sense of your world and Guti absolutely loves learning! When I first

started working with him I was teaching the signs for different things in the classroom. Most recently, he completed a unit of school work on the USA civil rights movement and we’re having Auslan conversations about Martin Luther King, discrimination and human rights. It’s amazing progress.”

Guti’s stay in Sydney gave him access to a high school bilingual program, contact with other Deaf students, and further access to RIDBC’s assessment and educational services.

“Children with hearing loss can sometimes feel isolated because they have a hard time making themselves understood. This feeling of isolation can increase when a child lives in a remote area where it can be difficult to access the specialist hearing loss services they need to help develop their communication skills,” said Kathy.

“Guti’s trip to Sydney gave him access to a broad range of educational and clinical services, but of course he also wanted to do some of the touristy stuff! We spent the day in Sydney visiting sites like the Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Harbour Bridge and I used those experiences as language development opportunities!”

Guti with his RIDBC Teleschool Consultant, Kathy, during his visit to RIDBC in Sydney.

HighlightHelping Guti Succeed at School


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Focusing on Our People

People and Performance2013 saw a marked change in the way that RIDBC People and Performance department worked strategically across the organisation. This included the alignment and integration of best practice human resources processes and policy, a focus on health, safety and wellbeing of staff, strategic and operational support for delivery of RIDBC programs and services, more active collaboration with the community and building a holistic training and development plan for the organisation.

HR Business PartnersIn 2013, we introduced a new Human Resources (HR) model across RIDBC, assigning ‘HR business partners’ to work with department heads to understand the strategic aims of their department and to develop a people and performance plan to support these strategic aims. This model is already eliciting positive outcomes, enabling a more strategic view of staffing needs and common themes across the organisation.

We’re progressing our

culture, communicating more,

externally benchmarking our

programs and services and

aligning RIDBC staff around

our strategic intent and

future relevance.

RIDBC PEOPLE

Age

<20

70+

20–<30

30–<40

40–<50

50–<60

60–<70

5

47

114

116

108

55

9394FEMALE

60MALE

Gender


62

103

67

Employment Status

158 Perm Full Time

174 Perm Part Time

18 Temp Full Time

16 Temp Part Time

88 Casual

Focusing on Our People (continued)

Wayne Lloyd (now retired)

35years

Charlie Dimech

30years

Megan Wade-Ferrell Greg Leigh

Jacqueline Donnelly

20years

Julie Martin Sarah Sheridan

Joan Ingold Breda Carty

Karen O’TooleKaren MarshKellie Walker

Robyn Wallace

15years

Maree Fieldhouse Elizabeth Marrett Karen Prasetya Theresa Morrell

Sarah Stanojevic Janette Murray

Alan Kelly Tracey Johnston

Kim Ter-Horst Andrea Walker Frances Gentle Fiona Isbister

10years

Kay Hooper

25years

Recruitment In 2013 over 450 people were employed by RIDBC, including full time, part time and casual staff. Our focus is on matching highly qualified and experienced professionals to vacant roles, ensuring that induction programs, goal setting and performance review processes are in place and providing a clearly defined career path for new employees.

RIDBC Staff Service Awards The following RIDBC staff received service awards in 2013, recognising the years they have dedicated to helping children with vision or hearing loss:

Length of Serv ice

92

50

50

83

9

<1yr

25yrs+

1 – <3yrs

3 – <5yrs

5 – <10yrs

10 – <15yrs

15 – <25yrs


63

Corporate Partners and Volunteer Groups

ANZ

Aurecon Group

Black Horse Foundation (Lloyds International)

Colonial First State Global Asset Management

Crane Group

JANA Investment Advisers

Johnson & Johnson Medical

Lend Lease

National Australia Bank - Business Banking

Pfizer

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Protiviti

Steggles 2013 Charity Nest

Strategy& (Formerly Booz & Company)

The Rotary Club of Belmont

The Vodafone Foundation Australia

Tradelink

Westfield North Rocks

Volunteers2013 was a record year for volunteering at RIDBC, with over 1,250 people volunteering through RIDBC fundraising clubs and committees and another 250 volunteers contributing more than 21,000 hours of in kind work for RIDBC.

RIDBC Book, Toy and Music Fair’s volunteer team was nominated as part of the 2013 NSW Volunteer of the year awards and was acknowledged by the Centre for Volunteering for their outstanding effort and contribution towards the 2013 fair.

49 people were awarded RIDBC Volunteer Service and Recognition Awards in 2013:

5 PEOPLE

15years

7 PEOPLE

10years

13 PEOPLE

5years

24 PEOPLE

1year

88 volunteers attended RIDBC’s end of year ‘thank you’ luncheon held on International Volunteer day, 5 December 2013. The end of year luncheon is an annual event to recognise our volunteers’ achievements and to acknowledge the wonderful contribution volunteers make to the successful running of RIDBC.

Work Experience/Practicum StudentsOur work experience and practicum students’ induction process was revised in 2013 to include a more in-depth orientation to RIDBC schools and services. 75 students from 27 different training institutes and schools attended RIDBC for their work experience and practicum program in 2013. Investing time and effort in guiding work experience and practicum students during their placements results in the creation of valuable pathways into the community, as these students take with them knowledge of the specialised work done by RIDBC. Each year we see a number of students continuing on to become regular volunteers for RIDBC.


64

Organisational Chart

Director Clinical Services

Director Educational Services

Director RIDBC Renwick Centre

RIDBC Jim Patrick Audiology Centre

Allied Health Unit

• RIDBC Assessment Unit

• RIDBC Plus

• Social Worker Support Unit

RIDBC Cochlear Implant Program

Community Support Services

Government Partnerships and Programs

RIDBC Macquarie Services

• RIDBC Matilda Rose Centre

• RIDBC Hear The Children

• RIDBC Australian Hearing Hub

RIDBC Early Childhood Services (HI)

• RIDBC Early Learning Program (Sydney, Nepean, Hunter, Central Coast)

• RIDBC Hunter Preschool

• RIDBC Nepean Preschool

• RIDBC Rockie Woofit Preschool

RIDBC VisionEd

• RIDBC Early Learning Program (VI) (Sydney, Nepean, Hunter, Central Coast)

• RIDBC VisionEd Preschool

• RIDBC School Support Service (VI)

• RIDBC Alternative Format Publications

RIDBC Auslan Bilingual Programs

• RIDBC Thomas Pattison School

• RIDBC Host Family Program

• RIDBC Roberta Reid Preschool

• RIDBC School Support Service (Auslan)

RIDBC Alice Betteridge School

• RIDBC Alice Betteridge School

• RIDBC Health Centre

RIDBC Garfield Barwick Centre

• RIDBC Garfield Barwick School

• RIDBC School Support Service (HI)

RIDBC Teleschool

• RIDBC Teleschool Early Learning Program

• RIDBC Teleschool School Age Program

• RIDBC Teleschool School Support Service

Postgraduate Education

Research and Publication

Continuing Professional Education

Library and Information Services

VI – Vision Impairment

HI – Hearing Impairment


Chief Executive

Director Corporate Services

Director Development and Fundraising

Director People and Performance

Marketing and Communications

Finance, Accounting and Audit

Risk, Legal, Insurance and Secretarial

Payroll

Operations, Facilities and Capital Works

IT and Communications

Direct Marketing

Relationship Development

Corporate and Community Development

Operational Support and Telesales

Human resources

Volunteers

Achievement & Recognition

Workplace Health & Safety

Leadership & Management Development

Board of Directors

RIDBC Consultant, Leah Temme, with Jacob and his mother, Lesleigh, using a toy with sound interaction to engage his interest and help him learn.


66

RIDBC Senior Leadership Team

Chris Rehn BBus, DipAppSc Chief Executive Joined RIDBC in 2010. Previously Chris was General Manager of Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre (SCIC). His early career was in health management within the public and private sectors. He is a Harvard Club Australia Non Profit Fellow.

Professor Greg Leigh DipTeach, BEd, MSc, PhD, FACE Director, RIDBC Renwick Centre Joined RIDBC as Head of Renwick College in 1993, and was appointed Assistant Chief Executive (Educational Services) in 1999. In 2006, Greg was appointed to his current role, and assigned the responsibility of expanding and developing RIDBC’s research and professional development programs and facilities.

Anne Paredes Director, People & Performance Joined RIDBC in July 2012 and was appointed to her current role as Director, People & Performance, in 2013. Anne has previously held senior HR management roles within a diverse range of industries including agriculture, marketing and IT.

Our Senior

Leadership Team are

passionate about achieving

the best outcomes for

children with vision or

hearing loss, their families

and the professionals

who support them.


67

Paul Harris BEc, MEc, MBA, FCPA Director, Corporate Services Joined RIDBC in September 2009, having previously held senior management positions in the corporate sector. Paul’s background is in finance, accounting, information systems and business, with experience working for ASX50 multinational corporations both in Australia and overseas in senior financial management roles.

Melissa McCarthy BA, MED, LSLS Cert AVT Director, Educational Services Joined RIDBC in 2004. Melissa was appointed to her current role in 2012. Her background is in speech pathology/audiology, deaf education and early childhood education with experience in a variety of educational settings, including five years as the Manager of RIDBC Teleschool.

Bart Cavalletto Grad Dip Nursing (Mgt), RN, Paeds Director, Clinical Services Joined RIDBC in December, 2013 and has significant experience in service delivery, planning and implementation. With over ten years’ experience in a large government entity, Bart has substantial knowledge of the workings of government, strategy and policy, including the operations of complex state wide services, including cochlear implant services.

(l-r) Prof Greg Leigh, Anne Paredes, Chris Rehn, Paul Harris, Melissa McCarthy, Bart Cavalletto.


68

Mr Sean P Wareing, FCPA, ACIS, was appointed to the Board in 2000, elected a Vice President in 2003 and President in 2009. He is a Life Member of RIDBC. Mr Wareing has had extensive experience both

as an Executive in, and Chairman or Director of, public and private companies. He is a Graduate of the Senior Management Program of the Harvard Business School, an Honorary Fellow of the University of Western Sydney and a former Vice President of the NSW Division of CPA Australia.

Attendance Board Meetings 8 of 9

Committe Meetings 10 of 10

Mr David Dinte, BEc, LLB, MAICD, is a property developer with extensive experience in commercial, retail, industrial and residential development, acquisition and management in both Australia

and the United States of America. He is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centres. Mr Dinte joined the Board in 2000, was appointed a Vice President in 2009 and is a Life Member.



Mr Richard Owens, AM, is Chairman of his family’s diversified retail, real estate development and investment company, and a vigneron and wine producer in the Hunter Valley. He is Deputy Chairman

of the Hunter Valley Training Company and is a member of the Hunter Valley Research Foundation. He joined the Board in 1990, was appointed Vice President in 1999, and is a Life Governor.



Mr Jim Kropp, BComm, FCPA, was a senior audit and risk management consulting partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), retiring from the practice in December 1999. He is a Director of

Commonwealth Managed Investments Limited, Colonial First State Capital Management Pty Limited and Colonial First State Loan Note Issuer Pty Limited, and a former director of AARNet Pty Ltd, and former National President of CPA Australia. Mr Kropp joined the Board in 2010, and was appointed a Vice President in 2012.



Mrs Barbara Stone, AM, BA, DipEd, MEd, MAICD, FACE, FACEL, retired as Principal of MLC School in 2011. She is a past National Chair of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of

Australia, past Chair of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools (NSW), Past President of the Alliance of Girls’ Schools of Australasia, a Board member of the Association of Independent Schools (NSW), Kormilda College, Darwin and a member of the Advisory Group for Gifted Education Resource Research and Information Centre, UNSW. She joined the Board in 2002, was appointed a Vice President in 2012 and is a Life Member.



Associate Professor Catherine Birman, MBBS, FRACS, GAICD, is an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead and a number of other public and private hospitals, Deputy Director of

the Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre and is a

The Board

PATRONHer Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AV CVO, Governor of New South Wales

VICE PATRONMr Norman B Rydge AM OBE, was a Director from 1977-2009 and President from 1995-2009. He is a Life Governor.


69

member of the Macquarie University Medical Advisory Committee. She has been a past Chairman of the NSW division of the Australian Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and past Secretary of the Australian and New Zealand Paediatric Otolaryngology Society. A/Prof Birman joined the Board in 2011.



Mr Graeme Bradshaw, BEc, FFIA, CFRE, is the Principal of Graeme Bradshaw Consulting. He retired in 2007 from the role of Senior Partner of DVA Navion Inc, a specialist international management and

marketing consultancy serving the not for profit sector. Mr Bradshaw was Deputy General Manager of the Royal Blind Society of NSW. He is a member of the Foundation Board at Neuroscience Research Australia and Fellow Emeritus and past President of the Fundraising Institute of Australia. He joined the Board in 1998 and is a Life Member.



Mr Roger Gee, FRAeS, retired in 2006 from Qantas after a 41 year career with the airline. He retired as a 747-400 Senior Check Captain. He has been an active member of RIDBC’s Pathfinder Auxiliary for

more than 30 years. He instigated the Charity Flight, a very successful fundraising event, and piloted the Qantas Children’s Jumbo Joy Flight for many years. Mr Gee joined the Board in 2008 and is a Life Member of RIDBC.



Mr John Landerer, CBE, AM, LLB (Syd), LLD (Honoris Causa Macquarie), is a Solicitor specialising in corporate advisory work, and a company director. He is Chairman of Goldsearch Limited and

a number of private companies. He is a Director of the Garvan Research Foundation and other charitable institutions. He is a Fellow of the University of Sydney, Honorary Doctor at Macquarie University and Fellow of Tel Aviv University. He is a Member of the Order of Australia, Commander of the British

Empire and Commander in the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity. He joined the Board in 2005.



Professor Christine E Deer, BA, MTCP, DipEd, PhD, FACE, is Emeritus Professor of the University of Technology, Sydney, having retired as Professor of Teacher Education and Head of the School

of Teacher Education. She is a member of the Sydney Advisory Board of the Salvation Army and a director of the James N Kirby Foundation. She joined the Board in 1993 and is a Life Governor.



Assesment Committe Meetings

3 of 4

Mr Greg Sedgwick, BComm, MComm, joined the Board in 2011. He was previously the Managing Director of Crane Group Limited and was instrumental in fostering the corporate relationship between

RIDBC and Crane. He was Vice President of the Australian Industry Group of NSW and a member of the Business Council of Australia. He has had extensive international experience and has held board positions with listed companies in Japan, India and South Africa.



Peter van Dongen BComm (Acc), FCA, F Fin, is the National Managing Partner of PwC Australia’s assurance practice and a member of PwC Australia’s Executive Board. Peter has over 28 years’

experience in delivering assurance and other services to many of Australia’s largest ASX listed companies, predominantly in the financial services sector. Peter has contributed to numerous regulatory and industry based initiatives, including for ASIC, the Australian Auditing Standards Board and the Financial Services Council. He joined the Board in November 2013.




70

Corporate Governance

RIDBC Board of Directors 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

Good governance is essential to maintaining trust between RIDBC and its supporters, funding authorities and the families of students.

RIDBC is a charitable human service organisation. Accordingly, its Board will aim to promote appropriate values and attitudes of service, integrity, financial prudence, consideration of individuals, accountability and personal responsibility. What is required of Board Members

Criteria for Board membership are determined by the ‘Eligibility Guidelines’, largely derived from relevant clauses in the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children Act 1998 and the by-laws.

Conclusion

Members of the Board agree to be bound by this Integrity Statement. New appointees to the Board will be required to agree to be bound by the Integrity Statement. Any member of the Board finding herself/himself unable to meet or to continue to meet the requirements of the Integrity Statement must offer to resign from the Board.

Members of the Board:

• Shall be non-executive and unpaid and take no benefit whatsoever from their office. No member of RIDBC staff may be appointed to the Board

• Shall act at all times and in all matters in the best interests of RIDBC in conformity with its Act and the by-laws

• Have a duty to ensure that the management of RIDBC is competent, ethical and prudent and that it acts in the best interests of RIDBC

• Shall at all times act honestly and in good faith in the exercise of their powers and the discharge of their duties of office

• Have a duty to use due care and diligence in fulfilling the functions of office and in exercising the powers attached to that office

• Should not engage in conduct likely to bring discredit upon RIDBC

• Shall not take improper advantage of their position nor allow personal, family or business interests to conflict with the interests of RIDBC

• Require the prior approval of the Board and subsequent disclosure to the members for the performance of any service or the supply of any article for which compensation may be received.

The Board of Directors and Governance


71

Prospective appointees to the Board of Directors must:

• Be, or be prepared to become, members of RIDBC in accord with the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children Act

• Have sympathy with, and be prepared to contribute to, RIDBC’s purposes and objectives

• Have abilities and skills which would be of use to RIDBC

• Be compatible with and prepared to work harmoniously with existing members of the Board

• Have a range of personal and/or professional contacts from various fields of endeavour who would be of potential benefit to RIDBC

• Have an understanding of the duties and responsibilities of a Board member

Performance Appraisal by Self-analysis

In order to ensure that the Board is constituted so as to properly discharge its duties to the members, staff and clients of RIDBC, Board members agree that periodically they will undertake a performance appraisal by self-analysis. This requires the completion and signing of a questionnaire, signifying continued agreement to be bound by the requirements of the Integrity Statement (a copy of the questionnaire can be found on RIDBC’s website at www.ridbc.org.au).

“Under the Royal Institute for Deaf and

Blind Children Act, RIDBC’s Board of Directors

is elected by the members of RIDBC from amongst

their own number. The Board has responsibilities 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.”

Guidelines – Appointments to the Board


72

Corporate Governance (continued)

Standing Committees of the Board

Under the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children Act, the Board is empowered to establish such committees as the Board thinks will assist it to exercise its functions. Currently, there are six Standing Committees as detailed below. The committees are constituted at the first meeting of the Board after the Annual General Meeting of RIDBC.

Committee Members

Capital Projects Committee

Oversees all but minor capital projects, receiving proposals from the Chief Executive and making recommendations to the Board in relation to proposed projects

David Dinte (Chairman) Assoc Prof Catherine Birman Graeme Bradshaw Prof Christine E Deer

Fundraising Committee

Receives and considers plans and progress reports in relation to RIDBC’s community relations and fundraising activities. The committee reviews the annual Operational Plan for community relations and fundraising

Graeme Bradshaw (Chairman) Roger Gee Richard Owens Greg Sedgwick

Finance, Audit and Risk Committee

Regularly reviews the accounting policies of RIDBC, the provision of financial information, and the policy on risk management. The committee receives and reviews the annual budgets and financial statements prior to their consideration by the Board

Jim Kropp (Chairman) Roger Gee John Landerer Greg Sedgwick Barbara Stone Peter van Dongen

Investment Committee

Regularly reviews RIDBC’s investment policies and practices to ensure they are and remain appropriate to RIDBC’s needs

Sean Wareing (Chairman) David Dinte Jim Kropp John Landerer Richard Owens Peter van Dongen

Nominations and Governance Committee

Develops and maintains guidelines to apprise prospective Board members of the Board’s expectations of its members, and advises the Board on the selection and recruitment of persons to fill vacancies on the Board

Sean Wareing (Chairman) David Dinte Jim Kropp Richard Owens Barbara Stone

Student Services Committee

Receives and considers proposals that relate to the establishment of new programs or services, or to significant changes or the discontinuation of existing programs or services. The committee reviews the annual Operational Plan for services

Barbara Stone (Chairman) Assoc Prof Catherine Birman Prof Christine E Deer Sean Wareing

Assessment Committee

The Assessment Committee considers applications for enrolment to RIDBC’s Children’s Services, examining assessment data against admissions criteria to determine eligibility. The criteria are intended to ensure that RIDBC’s limited resources are directed towards children whose prime special educational needs are related to their sensory impairment.


73

In 2013, Julie Kirkness became the Principal of RIDBC Alice Betteridge School.

Julie has worked in various roles across RIDBC’s vision and hearing loss services, most recently as Principal of RIDBC Thomas Pattison School. She has more than 25 years’ experience working with children with vision or hearing loss.

Julie also brings a unique understanding to the role – both her parents are profoundly deaf.

“As a child, there was never any question that I was going to be anything other than a special education teacher,” said Julie. “My favourite toys were a blackboard and chalk and I would stand and play teacher for as long as my family and friends would tolerate it!”

Having seen first hand the challenges that deafness brings, Julie, who has also worked with students with vision loss and those with additional needs, is ideally qualified to lead

the school.

“This role is a wonderful chance for me to work together with dedicated and highly specialised staff to make a difference in the lives of children with vision or hearing loss,” said Julie. “RIDBC Alice Betteridge School caters for school aged students with significant vision or hearing loss, as well as a level of intellectual impairment.

“Our educational curriculum follows the NSW Board of Studies Life Skills Curriculum which provides more relevant and accessible content for our students.”

Julie and the school’s staff must also ensure that the students are equipped with the skills they need to achieve success in the community and workplace post school.

“It’s a busy role but it is so rewarding to see the children developing with appropriate and accessible education,” said Julie.

Julie Leads the Way

RIDBC Alice Betteridge School Principal, Julie Kirkness, with Simra, who has vision loss.

Highlight


74

Hugh is receiving support for his hearing loss from RIDBC Teleschool, which he accesses from his home in regional Victoria.

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75

Thank You to Our

Supporters

Community support and philanthropy remain the key source of

RIDBC funding and are critical to ensuring the continuation of vital

services for children with vision or hearing loss across Australia


76

Clubs and CommitteesRIDBC is very grateful to the hundreds of volunteers who are members of Lantern Clubs and RIDBC committees. Together they raised almost $915,000 during 2013. The clubs and committees also undertake a very important role in raising community awareness of RIDBC.

Lantern Clubs Presidents

Central Council of Lantern Clubs

Jan Bell

Avoca Beach Marie Fuller

Belmont Nevia Morro

Blacktown City Maureen Fry

Blue Mountains Diane Marris

Camden Haven Richard Batts

Cronulla Trish Woodford

Far South Coast Mary Backhouse

Forster-Tuncurry Margaret Stephens

Goulburn Joan Thomas

Hills District Robyn Shaw

Hornsby & Districts Gai Saunders

Ku-ring-gai Beverley Low

Maitland Pauline Hogg

Mosman Elaine Cox

OranaCharmain Woodbury and Colleen Sullivan

Parramatta Joan Hartley

Port Stephens Laurel Donavon

Ryde Rosemary Costar

ShoalhavenMerv Newell and Joan Crabb

St George Barbara Yates

Southern HighlandsJane Deen and Jennifer Grey

Warringah Pam Smith

Committees Presidents

Horizon Committee Colleen Keys OAM

RIDBC Hunter Parents and Friends Committee

Grace McLean, MFIA(RIDBC Hunter)

Pathfinders Auxiliary

Louise Flitcroft Paisley

Abstract CommitteeChristopher Arnott OAM

RIDBC Hunter Sight and Sound for Kids Corporate Committee

Grace McLean, MFIA(RIDBC Hunter)

RIDBC Ambassadors

Tara Moss

Reuben Mourad

Justin Norris

Sir Michael Parkinson CBE

James Pittar

Graham Ross

RIDBC President, Sean Wareing, with President of Central Council of Lantern Clubs, Jan Bell and RIDBC Chief Executive, Chris Rehn at the Annual Lantern Club Luncheon.


77

RIDBC HonoureesCommunity 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.

Abigroup Ltd

Robert Albert AO

Richard Bonynge AO CBE

Bruce and Joy Reid Foundation

Lenore Buckle

Kenny Cheng

Cochlear Limited

Crane Group Limited

Charles Curran AC

Professor Christine E Deer

Gwynvill Group

Ian Holmes

Merry Howie

Pieter Huveneers

James N Kirby Foundation

Kathleen Breen Children’s Charity Trust

Kumagai Australia Pty Ltd

Dorothy Malouf OAM

Myer Community Fund

Ardeis Myers Jnr

National Australia Bank

Network Ten

Lysia O’Keefe

Opera Australia

Richard Owens AM

Sir Michael Parkinson CBE

Ian Paul

Qantas Airways Ltd

John Race

Vera Radó

R A Gale Foundation

Rotary Club of Carlingford

Rotary International District 9680



Royal NSW Bowling Association

Norman Rydge AM OBE

Lynda Rydge-Guyton

Janis Salisbury

St Andrew’s Cathedral School

Graeme Skarratt OAM

Suttons Motors

Terrace Tower Pty Ltd

The Profield Foundation

Transfield Pty Ltd

Tasia Varvaressos

Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation

Glad AllenLorraine AllertonRobert AllertonNorma BakerEsther J BernieNanette BinghamRoger & Carolyn EttyDr Moheb Farag BDSAnne Fursman

Joan H Green

David Hall

Joan De Hamel

Hugh Hone

Jim Kropp

Brian McGrath

S Metzmacher

M & M Monaghan

Jean O’Kane

P & R Pantaleo

Heather PetersSandra RolloSophie RotheryShirley SmithJoan SollyWayne & Julie StoneMary TranterMargaret TyrrellAnabel WestwoodSue Zeckendorf

Life Governors at 31 December 2013

Life Members Appointed 2013

Consulting Otologist: Professor William Gibson, AM, MD, FRACS, FRCS

Associate Professor Catherine Birman, MBBS, FRACS, GAICD

Consulting Paediatrician: Phillip Emder, FRACP

Patricia Mutton, FRACP, MB, BS, BSc(Med)

Hon. Consulting Ophthalmic Surgeon: Christopher Challinor, MB, BS(Syd), FRACS, FRACO

Auditor: Grant Thornton

Banker: St George Bank

Solicitor: Bartier Perry

Hodgkinson McInnes Legal

Insurance Broker: Aon Risk Services Australia

Investment Advisor: JANA Investment Advisors

Visiting Professional and Honorary Professional Staff, and Organisations


78

Bequests and Permanent FundsRIDBC wishes to acknowledge with deep gratitude those who have remembered us 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 and blind children.

Rosemary AllsopAudrey BarrettHelene BartonJoy BlakeneyElla BoydWilliam BradburyRobert BrindleyBarry BristowBonnie BrownSelma BurneDorothy BurtonGrace CasaceliRussell CohenRuby CornishJoyce CostelloeDoris CoxJean DaviesJean DeckLionel DegePatricia DohertyFrank Epton

Patricia FletcherAlan ForbesDulcie FordJack FrankhamIris GagelerGordon GeorgeJohn GibbonsGuelda GibsonFred GillottK & G Gluck TrustGodfrey GoodereLorna GoodladVeronica GraveMavis HaldaneRonald HarrisNorman HeatonHans-Heinz HeilbrunAmy HestelowPatrick HughesNeal JacksonEva Jessop

Raymond JohnstonJohn JordanJ & C Kennedy TrustThomas LankfordIrene LentonHans LewinHarry MalkinJohn ManderConstance MartinEllen McCuddenMabel MetcalfeSusan MilesFlora MonnikendamWilliam MooreRobert MullingerGeorge NixonGeoffrey PackerErnest PaullMiriam PhilippBernard PhillipsDorothy Phillips

Joan ReedEdmund ReschGeorge RobertsBernard RothburyNoshir SachinwallaZena SachsVerity ScottSusan SinclairJohn StormontIvy ThirkellHarold TodhunterAnne TothillLionel TuckMarian VickeryBasil VincentSir William WalkleyWarren WatkinsGwendoline WensleyAnthony WestonAnna Ziegler

Elsie McLachlan Bursary Fund

Stan & Betty Graham Bursary Fund for RIDBC Garfield Barwick School

Stan Graham Bursary Fund for RIDBC Thomas Pattison School

Ann Ratcliffe Fund

Jane Vickery Memorial Fund

18th Australian Infantry Brigade of NSW Fund

Ian Paul Fund

Frederick Gregory-Roberts Prize Fund

Special Prize Fund

N McWilliam Prize Fund

William & Gladys Judd Memorial Fund

Vera Rado Fund

Ivan Rado Fund

Estate of the Late Joan

Isabel Craven

Dora & George Garland Memorial Fund

William Boydell Fund

John B Bedwell Fund

Jack & Gwen Freeman Fund

Robert Simpson & Amy Caroline Brown & Family Fund

Joseph Tyrrell Fund

Japan Australia Friendship Fund

Bequests Received During 2013

Permanent Funds at 31 December 2013


79

Thank You to Our Major DonorsRIDBC thanks the very large number of individuals and organisations who supported us in 2013. We thank below some of the more substantial supporters. Lynne Church

Jess CohenGretchen DechertSteven Ivan FadljevicColin GagelerAnnette GallettaJames GoldmanJessica HoreAudrey JuddSteven KalminRob KeldoulisPenelope LittleFiona MacGregorRocco ManganoLorna MeadS MetzmacherIan MillerAnna MorseJean O’KaneNorm O’NeillFrances PetryMax RainePeter RichardsonSandra RolloNorman RydgeJune SaintyCharles ShuetrimJoyce SproatPeter StephensAnthony SweetmanBernard WilsonRachel BedwellDavid BedwellEsther BernieJack FreemanRichard OwensIan PayneAndrew PethebridgeVera RadoLesley RiachRichard RydgePatricia TangAnthony WalesAnabel WestwoodPieter HuveneersDavid Nevell Paul BartonJohn BedwellJanis SalisburyMargaret TyrrellIan Paul

105.3 New FMABC Tissue Products Pty LtdAttune Hearing Pty LtdAustralian Chinese Charity FoundationBirchall Family Foundation TrustBrian M Davis Charitable FoundationBusiness For Life Pty LimitedCAF Australia Community Fund LtdClub Five DockCommonwealth Bank FoundationDarley Australia Pty LtdDe Lorenzo Hair and Cosmetic Research Pty LtdDesign Change - Janelle GerrardDuchen Family Foundation Pty LtdEntertainment PublicationsFerny Dental CareFirst Focus IT Pty LimitedIllawarra Catholic Club LimitedLee & Sons (Aust) Pty LtdMerewether SurfhouseQantas Founders MuseumRobert Oatley VineyardsRotary Club of Warners BaySydney Olympic Park Aquatic CentreThe Amelia Eliza Holland TrustThe Hargrove FoundationThe Hildanna FoundationThe J & G Bedwell EndowmentThe John Bedwell EndowmentThe R A Gale FoundationAdshelThe Walter and Eliza Hall TrustThe Way In Network IncorporatedWestfield Shopping Centre North RocksAuburn RSL Club Co-operative LimitedBruce & Joy Reid TrustEmorgo Foundation Pty LtdFrank Buckle Family TrustJ J Richards & Sons Pty LtdKathleen Breen Children’s Charity TrustMay and Stanley Smith Charitable TrustNorth Sydney Leagues ClubOlsson Property Group Pty LtdQ CateringRotary Club of Turramurra

Rouse Hill Learning & Community PartnershipSPW Services Pty LtdTC Charity Trust Pty LtdThe Grahame Mapp FoundationThe Perpetual FoundationThomas Hare Investments LtdTVSN Channel Pty LtdWestfield Charity Limited ATF Westfield Charities FundGoogle Australia Pty LtdJames N Kirby FoundationJLDJS FoundationLend Lease Corporation LimitedHeath Wade PhotographyMaple-Brown Family Charitable Foundation LtdMomentum Business Improvement SpecialistsRotary Club of CarlingfordRotary Club of Castle HillRotary Club of The Hills - KellyvilleSkipper - Jacobs Charitable TrustThe Abstract CommitteeThe Baxter Family Foundation for ChildrenThe Shell Company of Australia LimitedTreviris Holdings No 2 Pty LtdWRI Insurance Brokers Charity Golf ProAmBaiada Poultry Pty LimitedCarnegie PPF Foundation Pty LtdColonial First State Global Asset Management (Australia) LtdSecurity Portman Pty LtdSydney Roosters Rugby League Football ClubThe Denton Family TrustThe Profield FoundationThe Shaw FoundationAustralian Rail Track CorporationQantas Airways LimitedSteggles Roosters Charity NestThe Elliott Family TrustThe Rydge FoundationTake 2 Creative AudioCommon Ventures

Organisations

Individuals


80

RIDBC Discussion and Analysis of the Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2013

Information on RIDBC Concise Financial Report

The concise financial report is an extract from the full financial report for the year ended 31 December 2013. The financial statements and disclosures in the concise financial report have been derived from the 2013 Financial Report of RIDBC. A copy of the full financial report and auditor’s report will be sent to any member, free of charge, upon request.

The discussion and analysis is provided to assist members in understanding the concise financial report. It is based on RIDBC’s financial statements, the information contained in the concise financial report and in the 2013 Annual Report of RIDBC.

Statement of Income & Expenditure

In 2013, RIDBC recorded Total Revenue of $36,172,943. This was an increase against 2012 of $4,068,133. Within total revenue, Operating Revenue increased by $2,122,173 or 6.7% over 2012 driven by the increase in Total Fundraising Revenue of $1,670,319 and an increase in Government Grants and Subsidies of $576,732. Revenue from legacies of $7,217,464 was 30% higher than the prior year and was at 7 year historical record levels. RIDBC is very grateful for the generosity and foresight of those who have made provision for RIDBC through their Wills. Donations in 2013 totalled $4,499,246, up 13.3% on the

prior year and represent the sixth successive year in RIDBC’s history where donations have approximated or exceeded four million dollars. Income from other fundraising areas was consistent with or below the 2012 result, providing RIDBC with continued valuable contributions from the Rainbow Lottery, the Lantern Clubs and other fundraising Committees, Auxiliaries and events of RIDBC.

Revenue from investments was in line with 2012. RIDBC continued to benefit from the ongoing support of the NSW and Commonwealth Governments for which we are most appreciative with the increase in Grants and Subsidies noted above.

The difficult and unpredictable economic and operating conditions experienced since 2009 receded and stabilised somewhat in 2013, however the spectre of ongoing depressed global economic growth, especially in North America, and questions regarding sustainable GDP growth in Asia, especially China, casts a shadow over future business conditions locally in Australia and for RIDBC. Despite the continuing rise in the asset value of its investment portfolio in 2013 and 2012, income flow from the portfolio remained at four million dollars which was consistent with 2012.

Total Expenditure on Operating Activities increased by 4.2% in 2013 to $33,764,167, above that of CPI reflecting increases in a number of expenditure types where RIDBC has little or no control and spend in areas that helped execute the Institute’s 5 Year Strategic Plan.

ABN 53 443 272 865

_9_AR2013_Financials.indd 80 2/05/2014 9:10 am

81

Expenditures increased primarily in Childrens Services reflecting an increased breadth and depth of services delivered to an increased number of children and families in 2013. At the year end, there were 1,262 children enrolled, an increase of 101 over the year. RIDBC spent 75% of its outgoings on services to children.

Finance, Administration and General Management costs were contained to 9% of operational expenditure. This continues to reflect the efficient and prudent operation of RIDBC.

Statement of Income & Changes in Reserves Recognised in Equity

An increase in the year end market values of the long term investments held by RIDBC as at 31 December was $9,347,832 or a 13% gain in market values during 2013 which is another significant gain after an 8% gain in value in 2012.

Statement of Financial PositionIn 2013 the value of RIDBC’s Net Assets increased by 8.2% to $144,185,245.

Of importance was the increase in the Non-Current Financial Asset values, with an increase of 7.8% in 2013 after an increase of 3.2% was experienced in 2012 reflecting a gain in the value of RIDBC’s investment

assets with increases experienced across all asset sectors driven by rises in all major global financial markets. RIDBC’s investment portfolio is diversified, being invested broadly across a range of managers and asset classes including cash, bonds, equities, infrastructure and property trusts. RIDBC is a long term investor and operates its investment portfolio with the advice of an independent asset consultant and with a special purpose subcommittee of the RIDBC Board.

During 2013, RIDBC’s additions to fixed assets were $1,094,774 with major videoconferencing infrastructure continuing from 2012.

Statement of Cash FlowsCash inflows from operating activities decreased 38% compared with 2012 primarily due to an increase in payments to suppliers and employees offset partially by the increase in cash receipts from bequests and donations.

Total Cash inflow for 2013 of $4,920,869 compared to the inflow in 2012 of $5,825,677, a net reduction of $904,808. This was due to the increase in payments to suppliers and employees of $2,220,471, offset by the increase in cash balances held for investment purposes, resultant from the restructuring of the investment portfolio undertaken in 2013. The decision to rebalance the portfolio resulted from recommendations that were received from the investment consultant and approved by the Board’s Investment sub-committee.

Annual Concise Financial ReportFor the year ended 31 December 2013


82

RIDBC Statement of Income & ExpenditureFor the year ended 31 December 2013

Note 2013 2012

REVENUE FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

INCOME FROM NON OPERATING ACTIVITIES

2

2

33,776,059

2,396,884

31,653,886

450,924

TOTAL REVENUE 2 $36,172,943 $32,104,810

EXPENDITURE ON OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Charitable fundraising

Rainbow lottery

Community information and education

Administration

Investment management

Student services

3

3

3

3

3

3

2,545,147

2,334,842

329,132

2,865,239

265,205

25,424,602

2,348,115

2,530,351

380,972

2,732,671

237,841

24,175,860

3 $33,764,167 $32,405,810

EXPENDITURE ON NON OPERATING ACTIVITIES 3 405,185 1,626,320

TOTAL EXPENDITURE $34,169,352 $34,032,130

SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR $2,003,591 ($1,927,320)

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.


83

RIDBC Statement of Income & Changes in Reserves Recognised in Equity (comprehensive income)

For the year ended 31 December 2013

Note 2013 2012

SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR $2,003,591 ($1,927,320)

CHANGES IN RESERVES RECOGNISED IN EQUITY (OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME)

Net unrealised gain on revaluation of long term available for sale investments to fair value

Gain on revaluation of Defined Superannuation Fund

Reclassification to statement of income & expenditure on disposal of available for sale investments

9,747,739

108,000

(878,581)

5,560,503

64,000

3,142,558

$8,977,158 $8,767,061

TOTAL INCOME & CHANGES IN RESERVES RECOGNISED DIRECTLY IN EQUITY

(COMPREHENSIVE INCOME) FOR THE YEAR$10,980,749 $6,839,741



84

RIDBC Statement of Financial Position As at 31 December 2013

Note 2013 2012

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Other current assets

13,080,397

1,637,497

719,781

8,159,528

1,593,901

616,201

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS $15,437,675 $10,369,630

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Financial assets

Retirement benefit surplus

Property, plant and equipment

84,453,578

336,000

49,496,068

78,332,322

228,000

50,397,170

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS $134,285,646 $128,957,492

TOTAL ASSETS $149,723,321 $139,327,122

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Trade and other payables

Other current liabilities

Short-term provisions

1,051,290

212,996

3,332,750

1,420,853

480,957

3,285,652

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES $4,597,036 $5,187,462

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

Long-term provisions 941,040 935,164

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES $941,040 $935,164

TOTAL LIABILITIES $5,538,076 $6,122,626

NET ASSETS $144,185,245 $133,204,496

FUNDS

Reserves

Capital projects account

Capital subsidies reserve

Prescribed purpose funds

Asset revaluation reserve

Designated investment fund

Technology capital campaign

1,032,612

-

5,214,000

54,838,051

80,305,148

300,000

1,082,066

179,000

4,076,775

45,968,893

74,775,000

300,000

TOTAL RESERVES $141,689,811 $126,381,734

RETAINED EARNINGS $2,495,434 $6,822,762

TOTAL FUNDS $144,185,245 $133,204,496



85

RIDBC Statement of Changes in Equity For the year ended 31 December 2013

Retained Earnings

Capital Projects Account

Capital Subsidies Reserve

Prescribed Purpose Funds

Asset Revaluation Reserve

Designated Investment Fund

Technology Capital Campaign

TOTAL

BALANCE AT 1 JANUARY 2012

$15,209,158 $1,089,062 $85,113 $3,295,438 $37,265,832 $69,156,152 $264,000 $126,364,755

Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year

(1,863,320) - - - 8,703,061 - - 6,839,741

SUBTOTAL

Transfers to and from reserve






13,345,838

6,996

(93,887)

(781,337)

(5,618,848)

(36,000)

1,089,062

(6,996)

-

-

-

-

85,113

-

93,887

-

-

-

3,295,438

-

-

781,337

-

-

45,968,893

-

-

-

-

-

69,156,152

-

-

-

5,618,848

-

264,000

-

-

-

-

36,000

133,204,496

-

-

-

-

-

BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER 2012

$6,822,762 $1,082,066 $179,000 $4,076,775 $45,968,893 $74,775,000 $300,000 $133,204,496

Total comprehensive income for the year

2,111,591 - - - 8,869,158 - - 10,980,749

SUBTOTAL

Transfers to and from reserve






8,934,353

49,454

179,000

(1,137,225)

(5,530,148)

-

1,082,066

(49,454)

-

-

-

-

179,000

-

(179,000)

-

-

-

4,076,775

-

-

1,137,225

-

-

54,838,051

-

-

-

-

-

74,775,000

-

-

-

5,530,148

-

300,000

-

-

-

-

-

144,185,245

-

-

-

-

-

BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER 2013

$2,495,434 $1,032,612 - $5,214,000 $54,838,051 $80,305,148 $300,000 $144,185,245



86

RIDBC Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended 31 December 2013

Note 2013 2012

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Receipts from fundraising, fees and sundry sources

Government grants & subsidies received

Interest received

Receipts from investments

Payments to suppliers and employees

18,757,952

10,783,982

252,757

3,566,232

(31,936,256)

16,474,950

10,723,840

248,258

4,553,027

(29,715,785)

Net cash inflows from operating activities $1,424,667 $2,284,290

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Payments for property, plant and equipment

Receipts from sale of investment securities

Payments for investment securities

98,250

(1,444,608)

16,924,063

(12,081,503)

16,318

(639,431)

25,264,500

(21,100,000)

Net cash inflows from investing activities $3,496,202 $3,541,387

Net increase in cash held

Cash at the beginning of the financial year

4,920,869

8,159,528

5,825,677

2,333,851

CASH AT THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR $13,080,397 $8,159,528



87

RIDBC Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2013

Note 1 – Basis of Preparation of the Concise Financial Report

The concise financial report is an extract from the full financial report for the year to 31 December 2013. The concise financial report has been prepared in accordance with the principles of Accounting Standard AASB 1039: Concise Financial Reports, and the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991.

The financial report covers the entity of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) domiciled in Australia, incorporated in 1905 by Act No. 10 of the New South Wales Parliament, and replaced by the provisions of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children Act No. 6 from 26 June 1998.

The financial statements, specific disclosures and other information included in the concise financial report are derived from and are consistent with the full financial report of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC). The concise financial report cannot be expected to provide as detailed an understanding of the financial performance, financial position and financing and investing activities of RIDBC as the full financial report. A copy of the full financial report and auditor’s report will be sent to any member, free of charge, upon request.

The financial report complies with Australian Accounting Standards. A statement of compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards cannot be made due to RIDBC applying the not-for-profit sector

specific requirements contained in the Australian Accounting Standards.

The Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission, the independent Commonwealth regulator for Australian charities, was established under the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission Act 2012 (Cth) (the ACNC Act) and the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (Consequential and Transitional) Act 2012 (Cth) (the ACNC Consequential and Transitional Act) and received Royal Assent on 3 December 2012.

The ACNC Act sets out the objects and functions of the ACNC, as well as the framework for the registration and regulation of charities. This includes the ongoing obligations that charities must comply with.

RIDBC was automatically registered as a charity with the ACNC with its registration details transferred across from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) having been previously endorsed by the ATO as a charity.

RIDBC, due to its substituted accounting period of 31 December, will first be required to comply with the ACNC’s reporting obligations in relation to its 2013 annual report and accounts, being required to submit to the ACNC an Annual Information Statement and an Annual Financial Statement by 30 June 2014.


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RIDBC Notes to the Financial StatementsFor the year ended 31 December 2013

2013 2012

Note 2 – Revenue(a) Revenue from Operating Activit ies

CHARITABLE FUNDRAISINGLegaciesDonationsLantern Clubs, Committees, Auxiliaries and MerchandisingOther Fundraising

7,217,4644,499,246

927,921194,625

5,564,1393,971,246

946,233495,209

$12,839,256 $10,976,827

Rainbow Lottery $3,321,564 $3,513,674

TOTAL FUNDRAISING $16,160,820 $14,490,501

GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND SUBSIDIESCommonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

Basic Per CapitaCapital support – Non-Government SchoolsCommonwealth Targeted Programs

Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs

Better StartNational Disability Insurance SchemePrint Disability ServicesRemote Hearing & Vision Services

NSW Ageing, Disabil ity & Home CareEarly Childhood InterventionPrint Disability/Alternative FormatsTherapy, Low Vision and other service grants

NSW Family and Community ServicesPreschool per capita grantsSCAN Funding

NSW Department of Education & TrainingDET Intervention SupportTeaching Supervisors’ Subsidy

NSW Department of Education & CommunitiesState per capita grants

AusAIDAvoidable Blindness Initiative

882,45446,012

1,453,572

527,1789,266

100,000593,453

966,187111,548

4,159,584

412,964203,243

739,338495,022

293,755

1,500

902,536278,200

1,576,871

394,620-

100,000583,528

739,853107,566

3,561,225

374,066183,050

704,138533,990

292,139

86,562

TOTAL GOVERNMENT GRANTS & SUBSIDIES $10,995,076 $10,418,344

Investment Income $3,924,493 $4,106,267

Student And Other Fees $1,914,162 $1,768,366

Staff Development & Publications $446,767 $332,036

Miscellaneous Income $334,741 $538,372

TOTAL REVENUE FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES $33,776,059 $31,653,886

(b) Income From Non Operating Activit iesGain on sale of available-for-sale investmentsGain on sale of property, plant and equipment

2,386,56410,320

450,924-

TOTAL INCOME FROM NON OPERATING ACTIVITIES $2,396,884 $450,924

TOTAL REVENUE $36,172,943 $32,104,810


89


2013 2012

Note 3 – Surplus from Ordinary Activit iesSurplus from ordinary activities has been determined after:(a) Expenditure on Operating Activit ies

CHARITABLE FUNDRAISINGDonation AppealsLantern Clubs, Committees, Auxiliaries & MerchandisingOther Fundraising

1,681,398359,402504,347

1,701,027445,592201,496

$2,545,147 $2,348,115

Rainbow Lottery 2,334,842 2,530,351

TOTAL FUNDRAISING EXPENDITURE $4,879,989 $4,878,466

MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS $329,132 $380,972

ADMINISTRATION

General and Financial ManagementHuman Resources Management

2,139,454725,785

1,978,435754,236

TOTAL ADMINISTRATION EXPENDITURE $2,865,239 $2,732,671

INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT $265,205 $237,841

STUDENT SERVICES

Preschool ServicesRIDBC (Hunter) PreschoolRoberta Reid PreschoolRockie Woofit PreschoolRIDBC (Nepean) PreschoolVision Ed Preschool

Schools Alice Betteridge SchoolThomas Pattison SchoolGarfield Barwick School

Schools Support

Clinical Services

Jim Patrick Audiology Centre

Renwick Centre

Home & Community Based Professional Services

825,315314,858584,919599,036232,161

4,309,5121,931,5141,651,736

3,448,657

1,071,709

699,518

2,771,799

6,983,868

801,551283,432606,099591,775200,784

4,337,1872,003,1071,497,702

3,343,129

778,436

500,965

2,872,148

6,359,545

TOTAL STUDENT SERVICES EXPENDITURE $25,424,602 $24,175,860

TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON OPERATING ACTIVITIES $33,764,167 $32,405,810

Depreciation of non-current assets $2,252,502 $2,193,101

(b) Loss on Non Operating items

Loss on sale of available-for-sale investmentsLoss on sale of property, plant and equipmentLoss on impaired available-for-sale investments

-5,278

399,907

1,626,320--

TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON NON OPERATING ACTIVITIES $405,185 $1,626,320

TOTAL EXPENDITURE $34,169,352 $34,032,130


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Note 4 – Fundraising Activities Conducted

Fundraising appeals conducted during the financial year, under the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991, included direct mailings, special events, merchandising, lotteries and bequests. Other fundraising activities were also undertaken by various Committees & Auxiliaries including Lantern Clubs.

(a) Details of income and aggregate expenditure of appeals conducted jointly with traders

For the purpose of this note all fundraising involving the Sale of Items (e.g. chocolates, sun hats, sunscreen, etc) is deemed to have involved a trader.

2013 2012

Income received from sale of items 927,921 946,233

Total expenditure incurred (359,402) (445,592)

NET INCOME 568,519 500,641

(b) Forms of fundraising appeals conducted in 2013

For the purposes of reporting under the requirements of the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991, Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children classifies all fundraising activities under five categories; legacies, donations, lantern clubs plus committees and auxiliaries, merchandising and rainbow lottery.

Note 5 – Events After the Balance Date

No matters or circumstances have arisen since the end of the financial year which significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of RIDBC, the results of those operations, or the state of affairs of RIDBC in future financial years.

The financial report was authorised by the Directors for issue on 25 March 2014.


91

RIDBC Directors’ Declaration

The Directors of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children declare that the financial statements and notes, present fairly the financial position as at 31 December 2013 and its performance for the year ended on that date in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including Australian Accounting Interpretations).

This declaration is made in accordance with a resolution of the Board of Directors.

Sean P WareingPresident

Peter van DongenDirector

25 March 2014

Declaration by the President with Respect to Fundraising Appeals

I Sean Wareing, President of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, declare that in my opinion:

a. the accounts give a true and fair view of all income and expenditure with respect to fundraising appeals;

b. the statement of financial position gives a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the organisation with respect to fundraising appeals;

c. the provisions of the Charitable Fundraising Act, the regulations under the Act and the conditions attached to the fundraising authority have been complied with by the organisation; and

d. the internal controls exercised by the organisation are appropriate and effective in accounting for all income received and applied by the organisation from any of its fundraising appeals.

Sean P WareingPresident25 March 2014


92

We have audited the accompanying concise financial report of Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children comprises the statement of financial position as at 31 December 2013, the statement of income and expenditure, the statement of income and changes in reserves recognised in equity (comprehensive income), statement of changes in equity and statement of cash flows for the year then ended and related notes, the director’s declaration and the declaration by the President with respect to Fundraising Appeals derived from the audited financial report of Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children for the year ended 31 December 2013. The concise financial report does not contain all the disclosures required by the Australian Accounting Standards and accordingly, reading the concise financial report is not a substitute for reading the audited financial report.

Board’s Responsibility for the Financial ReportThe Board of Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children are responsible for the preparation of the concise financial report in accordance with the principles of Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports, and the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991, and for such internal control as the directors determine are necessary to enable the preparation of the concise financial report.

Auditor’s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the concise financial report based on our audit procedures which were conducted in accordance with Auditing Standard ASA 810 Engagements to Report on Summary Financial Statements. We have conducted an independent audit, in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards, of the financial report of Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children for the year ended 31 December 2013. Our audit report on the financial report for the year was signed on 25 March 2014 and was not subject to any modification. The Australian Auditing Standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit engagements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial report for the year is free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in

the concise financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the concise financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity’s preparation of the concise financial report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control.

Our procedures in respect of the concise financial report included testing that the information in the concise financial report is derived from, and is consistent with, the financial report for the year, and examination on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures which were not directly derived from the financial report for the year. These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion whether, in all material respects, the concise financial report complies with the principles of Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

IndependenceIn conducting our audit, we have complied with the applicable independence requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board.

Auditor’s OpinionIn our opinion, the concise financial report of Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children for the year ended 31 December 2013 complies with the principles of Accounting Standard AASB 1039 Concise Financial Reports.

GRANT THORNTON AUDIT PTY LTDChartered Accountants

A J ArcherPartner – Audit & AssuranceSydney, 25 March 2014

Grant Thornton Audit Pty LtdACN 130 913 594Level 17, 383 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000Locked Bag Q800 QVB Post Office, Sydney NSW 1230

T +61 2 8297 2400F +61 2 9299 4445E [email protected] www.grantthornton.com.au

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORTTO THE MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND CHILDREN


93

RIDBC Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2013

Description % 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 %

EXPENDITURE

Educational Services Expenditure

Preschool Services

Alice Betteridge School

Thomas Pattison School

Garfield Barwick School

Visiting Professional Services

Braille and Large Print Production

Recreation and Respite Services

Approved Therapy Services

Community Support Services

Jim Patrick Audiology Centre

Renwick Centre

TOTAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES EXPENDITURE

Finance and General Management

Investment Management

Charitable Fundraising

Rainbow Lottery

Community Information and Education

75

9

1

7

7

1

2,556,288

4,309,512

1,931,514

1,651,736

6,983,869

1,071,709

-

-

3,448,657

699,518

2,771,799

25,424,602

2,865,239

265,205

2,545,147

2,334,842

329,132

2,483,641

4,337,187

2,003,107

1,497,702

6,359,545

778,436

-

-

3,343,129

500,965

2,872,148

24,175,860

2,732,671

237,841

2,348,115

2,530,351

380,972

2,471,897

3,357,116

1,905,411

1,419,276

4,679,369

916,374

-

2,683,560

3,088,691

447,709

2,969,024

23,938,427

1,824,417

217,175

2,093,422

2,570,478

601,502

2,481,640

3,590,399

2,102,680

1,424,205

4,452,654

901,502

-

2,581,224

2,698,066

403,085

2,601,934

23,237,389

1,962,321

250,846

2,151,157

2,321,994

602,721

2,239,368

3,439,501

1,995,761

1,412,073

4,258,024

1,019,064

371,756

2,456,989

2,414,886

393,855

2,273,499

22,274,776

1,709,816

230,605

1,834,607

2,351,951

531,352

78

6

1

6

7

2

TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON OPERATING ACTIVITIES 100 33,764,167 32,405,810 31,245,421 30,526,428 28,933,107 100

REVENUE FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES

Charitable Fundraising Income

Legacies

Donations & special events

Lantern Clubs, Committees and Auxiliaries

Merchandising and Other Fundraising

TOTAL CHARITABLE FUNDRAISING INCOME

RAINBOW LOTTERY

GOVERNMENT

Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs

NSW Ageing, Disability and Home Care

NSW Department of Family and Community Services

NSW Department of Education and Communities

AusAID

TOTAL GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES

OTHER INCOME

Investment income

Sales, fees and miscellaneous income

37

10

33

12

8

7,217,464

4,499,246

927,921

194,625

12,839,256

3,321,564

2,382,038

1,229,897

5,237,319

616,207

1,528,115

1,500

10,995,076

3,924,493

2,695,670

5,564,139

3,971,246

946,233

495,209

10,976,827

3,513,674

2,757,607

1,078,148

4,408,644

557,116

1,530,267

86,562

10,418,344

4,106,267

2,638,774

4,905,185

3,985,480

1,041,902

104,268

10,036,835

3,917,192

2,374,599

723,406

4,043,300

570,087

1,497,861

313,690

9,522,943

6,953,778

2,519,163

5,294,359

4,181,645

946,964

80,129

10,503,097

4,287,680

3,356,732

642,822

3,647,627

548,776

1,801,135

76,441

10,073,533

6,064,550

2,287,535

4,186,518

5,849,177

911,774

367,638

11,315,107

4,320,168

3,168,155

610,908

3,721,953

531,444

1,438,738

-

9,471,198

4,387,548

2,303,219

36

14

29

14

7

TOTAL REVENUE FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 100 33,776,059 31,653,886 32,949,911 33,216,395 31,797,240 100

OPERATING SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) 11,892 (751,924) 1,704,490 2,689,967 2,864,133

Net gain/(loss) on sale of available-for-sale investments

Net gain/(loss) on disposal & reinstatement of property, plant & equipment

Net loss on disposal of investment property

Net loss on impairment of inventory

Loss on impaired available-for-sale financial asset

2,386,564

5,042

-

-

(399,907)

(1,175,396)

-

-

-

-

(754,784)

(24,531)

-

-

(4,942,361)

-

(81,317)

(100,000)

(116,312)

(1,138,747)

(4,304,738)

18,942

-

-

(245,750)

SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) AFTER NON-OPERATING ITEMS 2,003,591 (1,927,320) (4,017,186) 1,253,591 (1,667,413)

FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL HISTORY


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Source of Funds Legislation Funding Purposes

Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

General Recurrent Grants Program

General Recurrent Grants for Non-Government Schools

States Grants (Primary and Secondary Education Assistance) Act (2000)

Assistance towards the cost of recurrent services at our schools

Commonwealth Strategic Assistance for Improving Student Outcomes

Schools Support Non-Government


Assistance towards costs of education support services at and from our Special Schools.



Funding for special projects that provide a type of support to children’s education which may otherwise be lacking in an institutional setting.

Assistance towards the recurrent costs of our Early Learning Programs.

Funding towards the cost of provision of Student Support Services.

School Language Program –Community Languages Element


Assistance towards the cost of implementation of Community Languages Program in the RIDBC Thomas Pattison School.


Capital Support – Non Government


Assistance towards the cost of Equipment and construction projects within our schools.

Building Education Revolution

• National School Pride (NSP)

• P21

Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan - Education

Build learning environments to help children, families and communities participate in activities that will support achievement and develop learning potential.

Commonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs

Early Childhood – Invest to Grow RIDBC Teleschool Project

Childcare Act (1972) To provide intensive, targeted and coordinated support for parents and children who are vulnerable, at risk or in disadvantaged communities.

Better Start Early Intervention Funding

The Better Start for Children with Disability (Better Start) initiative aims to assist eligible children with developmental disabilities to access funding for early treatment, diagnostic and management services.

National Disability Insurance Scheme

National Disability Insurance Scheme Act (2013) No. 20, 2013

NDIS provide community linking and individualised support for people with permanent and significant disability, their families and carers.

Production of Alternate Format Print

Print Disability Service – Disability Services Act (1986)

Subsidy towards the production of AFP (Part II, Section 10 of the Act)


GOVERNMENT FUNDING – SUMMARY OF APPLICABLE LEGISLATION


95

Source of Funds Legislation Funding Purposes

N.S.W. Ageing, Disability and Home Care

Financial Assistance Grants Disability Services Act (1993)

Assistance towards the cost of providing boarding, therapy, low vision and other services, under Section 7 of the Act.

Community Services Grants Departmental policy initiative – Children (Care and Protection) Act (1987)

Community services grants program funding for community support and braille production.

N.S.W. Department of Family and Community Services

Preschool Per Capita Grant Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act (1998)

Per capita allowance for pupils attending RIDBC’s Hunter, Nepean, Roberta Reid, Rockie Woofit and VisionEd Preschools under the Childrens Services Regulation 2004.

Supporting Children with additional needs

Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act (1998)

Assistance towards the cost of providing inclusive support for children with additional needs who attend RIDBC’s Hunter, Nepean, Rockie Woofit, Roberta Reid and VisionEd Preschools.

N.S.W. Department of Education and Training

Non-Government State Schools Per Capita Allowance

Education Act (1990) Per capita allowance for primary and secondary pupils attending our special schools.

Teaching Supervisor’s Subsidy Education Act (1990) Subsidies for approved teaching staff of intellectually impaired children.

N.S.W. Department of Education and Communities

Non-Government State Schools Per Capita Allowance

Education Act (1990) Per capita allowance for primary and secondary pupils attending our special schools.

AusAid

Avoidable Blindness Initiative Public Service Act (1999) Tackle avoidable blindness in the Asia Pacific region

GOVERNMENT FUNDING – SUMMARY OF APPLICABLE LEGISLATION


Bill, who has hearing loss, began accessing RIDBC’s services in Sydney before moving to his new home in Queensland. Bill and his family continue to receive support – now via high quality videoconferencing technology. This ongoing access to specialist services and support is giving Bill the best possible start in life.


Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC)

Service enquiries: T 1300 581 391General information: T 02 9871 1233 (TTY/V)

Donate: T 1800 043 411 F 02 9871 2196Private Bag 29 Parramatta NSW 2124

E [email protected]

RIDBC Head Office

North Rocks, NSWServices offered:

• Early learning program• Allied health unit• Schools & preschools• Cochlear implant program• RIDBC Renwick Centre• Community support services• Audiology servicesT 1300 581 391

RIDBC Garfield Barwick SchoolNorth Parramatta, NSWT 02 8838 1400 (TTY/V)

RIDBC NepeanGlenmore Park, NSWT 02 4733 4239 (TTY/V)

RIDBC HunterFloraville, NSWT 02 4942 8455 (TTY/V)

RIDBC LiverpoolLiverpool, NSWT 1300 581 391

RIDBC Matilda Rose CentreWaverley, NSWT 02 9369 1423

RIDBC LismoreLismore, NSWT 02 6622 5593

RIDBC Central CoastGosford, NSWT 02 4323 4567

RIDBC at the Australian Hearing HubMacquarie University, NSWT 02 9887 3622

RIDBC Hear the ChildrenRouse Hill, NSWT 0421 085 299

RIDBC DarwinCasuarina, NTT 08 8945 6498

RIDBC Teleschool (Regional/Remote Services)T 1300 131 923 (at the cost of a local call)

or 02 9872 0780

Join the RIDBC conversation!

You can be part of the RIDBC community online by following us on Facebook and Twitter

facebook.com/ridbc @ridbc

To subscribe to the RIDBC e-newsletter go to www.ridbc.org.au


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You Can Make a Difference

Make a DonationMany individuals and organisations donate to RIDBC each year.

Become a VolunteerVolunteers support our staff in areas as diverse as making tactile books, assisting in classrooms and gardening.

Leave a Lasting LegacyFunds donated through bequests, trusts, foundations or permanent funds, continue to support future generations.

Join a Fundraising GroupOver 1,250 people volunteer through fundraising clubs and committees.

Participate in Fundraising EventsWhether you want to raise funds for RIDBC through your own fundraising event, or participate in an existing event, we can help you maximise success!

Buy an RIDBC Rainbow Lottery TicketRIDBC Rainbow Lottery is held four times a year with $25,000 in prizes to be won each time, including cash and gift vouchers.

Become a Corporate PartnerTalk to us about becoming an RIDBC corporate partner, donating funds through workplace giving, or volunteering for RIDBC alongside your work colleagues.

To find out more about how you can make a difference, visit www.ridbc.org.au/howtohelp

call 1800 043 411 or email [email protected]

Every year, thousands of people help RIDBC make a difference in children’s lives. There are many ways you can help. Here are just some:

Documents

Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children Annual Report 2013