ASENZ Supported Employment Services

Discussion on ASENZ meeting. Hadn’t at the time of the meeting met with the minister but now have met with her. National has set up a Disability Commission. There has been an introductory meeting with Paula Bennett.
Discussion on present labour market situation. Paid work placements are harder to find. Work experience situations are not so hard. Some organisations are using training at present to gain clients work experience and contacts in the workplace.
Discussion on what different contracts are funded for. Everyone’s contracts have been rolled-over with MSD.
Epic: is setting up 17 new offices in Australia. There is no ACC in Australia. The situation is similar to the way Work & Income work and they have different streams for different abilities and health etc.
Certificate of Supported Employment:

13 applications received. Some workshops can be attended even if person is not doing certificate. Start date is 27 July and runs through to 30 June 2010 at ChCh Community House. The certificate will be assessed. Josianne and Victoria are Canterbury assessors. Can do diploma after certificate.

Disability Coalition Group (known as PEAK):

Discussion of ASENZ joining coalition and what this would mean for ASENZ. Larger organisation-members of ASENZ may leave ASENZ to join PEAK group which weakens ASENZ. Kevin made the comment that ASENZ could loose its voice if it doesn’t become a part of the larger organisation.
Can organisations join PEAK later?

Kevin Blogg suggestion: ASENZ put subs up to allow for funding for organisations to send board members to meetings. Organisations shouldn’t have to pay to send staff to ASENZ Conference.
Grant Clelland new CEO of Workbridge. Will spend one day in Christchurch office per week.

Christchurch Regional ASENZ Group Meeting Minutes

Date: 10.30am 10th February 2009

Venue: Canterbury Westland branch of Deaf Aotearoa New Zealand

Present: Stephanie Lange, Steven Daw, Russell Phillips, Des Wesley, Lichelle Evans, Kate Windsor, Katrina Galbraith, Louise Deane, Lachlan Keating (Minutes).

Apologies: Kevin Blogg, Deborah Browne, Wendy Jones

Discussion points:

Workbridge - The group welcomed Russell Phillips from Workbridge to the meeting and spoke of the need to work in collaboration with Workbridge. Russell thanked the group for inviting him and answered a number of questions around Support Funds and how they can be used. Russell stressed the need for SF application forms to be completed prior to submitting to ensure swift processing. ‘The Recession’ Some providers have noticed clients being made redundant in jobs including cleaning & logistics.

ASENZ Board - Louise spoke about the Peak Body ASENZ/Vass merger discussions and that there would be a statement from ASENZ following their upcoming board meeting. The ASENZ standards are being reviewed – feedback is welcome from the membership by the end of February. (Editors note – that was last week)

General Business - Steven Daw is new to his role and would appreciate some guidance as he finds his feet; some offers of help were forthcoming and the group wishes Steven well in his new role.

Next meeting - 24th April, venue TBC (will be meeting with the ASENZ Board)