Message from the CEO
2006 was another busy year for Autism SA as we endeavour to grow and meet the ever-increasing demand for services. Autism SA now has just over 2600 people registered for services.
The main highlights of 2006 included:
- The $180,000 from the Department for Families and Communities in July 2005 to clear the diagnostic wait list was expended, achieving a 3-4 month wait by the end of 2005/06.
- The State Government announced an additional $4 million over four years for autism early intervention. Formal notification of the allocation of this funding is pending.
- The Department of Education and Children's Services announced that autism and Asperger syndrome are now a separate group for their Disability Support Program for the 2007 Eligibility Criteria.
- There was a review of Autism SA's employment services, including a survey of the vocational needs of clients aged between 11 and 65 years. We are also assisting a group of men with Asperger syndrome develop an IT business called 'ASPITECH'
- Our focus on providing professional development activities has continued with a range of major events being delivered
- The Family and Information Services initiated the peer mentoring project, siblings workshops, the 'Someone to Turn To...' program and stronger links with parent support groups.
- Approval for a southern respite service was achieved!
- Our partnerships program continues to grow with a number of collaborative efforts being undertaken with the Flinders University Early Intervention Research Program; Flinders University (Disability Studies) regarding Victimisation and Bulling, Research & Evaluation Unit Children Youth & Women's Health Service; Aspect Australia regarding the delivery of the 'Someone to turn to...' parent support program, TAFE SA - 'Course in Autism Spectrum Disorders Support Work' and Barossa Leisure Options for the delivery of day options and social activities in the Barossa region.
- Autism SA maintained certification against the Disability Employment Services Quality Assurance (DESQA) framework and the Foundation Level of Service Excellence Framework (SEF).
- We have continued our efforts to promote the organisation and the needs of the people we support through media activities and promotions such as the 'I wish you knew' poster.
We also hosted the Autism SA Inaugural Recognition Awards and sponsored a number of staff and clients to attend the 2nd World Autism Congress in South Africa. Some of our staff and clients will also be presenting at the Biennial Australian Conference in March 2007 on the Gold Coast.
As always, there have been many parents, clients, staff and volunteers who contributed 'above and beyond' to make 2006 a successful year for Autism SA. We look forward to keep building our reputation as a progressive and innovative organisation that is responsive to the needs of the people we support.
Jon Martin
CEO Autism SA