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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 7 Hansard (26 June) . . Page.. 2310 ..

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The results have been outstanding. The systems in place in these pilot houses will be extended to include the rest of the accommodation support service of the Disability Program.

The Disability Program has set a target of achieving external accreditation by the nationally recognised Australian Council on Healthcare Standards in May 1998. This accreditation will demonstrate the high quality of service provided by the Program is in accordance with the National Disability Service Standards, and will be a first for a provider of disability services in Australia.

The Program has begun work on the development of a support needs assessment tool for people seeking accommodation support. This tool will be linked closely with the Individual Planning Process.

As part of this project, more flexible and responsible service models which meet individual consumer needs will be developed, combined with a resource allocation strategy which will be linked to the needs assessment tool.

Underpinning each of these key projects has been a comprehensive communication strategy, to ensure that all stakeholders are kept informed of the Program's plans and progress.

This has included up to 20 briefing sessions held during April 1997 to inform all staff, parents and families, and other stakeholders of the planned changes, and to provide fora for comment and questions. Further briefing sessions will be held at the commencement of each new phase.

A regular newsletter is prepared and distributed to 1000 people, which details progress, and opportunities for interested people to be involved in the projects.

Intensive Business Planning for the Independent Living Centre has recently been undertaken, with a three-staged review and strategic planning process involving all staff undertaken in May and June 1997. The resulting Business plan contains innovative proposals which will be implemented in stages commencing 1 July 1997.

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