Disability Services Commission Annual Report

2.2 Service Reports — Accommodation Support
Support Strategy 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08
5 Year
Total
ASF funded under
85 107 116 106 111 525
CAP
Vacancies 18 19 26 32 19 114
Total supported 103 126 142 138 130 639
Less already
19 11 11 13 22 76
receiving ASF
Adjusted Total 84 115 131 125 108 563
Blueprint target 103 106 109 113 117 548
Net result against
target
-19 +9 +22 +12 -9 + 15
Notwithstanding the growth in the provision of accommodation support, which has
exceeded the target established under the Accommodation Blueprint, there continues
to be significant unmet demand for accommodation support. In 2007–2008, a total of
482 people applied for accommodation support funding under the Combined
Application Process. This included 111 people who were already receiving
accommodation support funding and were seeking additional funding as a result of
their changing needs.
Accommodation options were provided to a total of 130 people, representing 27 per
cent of all applicants in 2007–2008.
Major Achievements 2007–2008
During the year, there were a number of key achievements in the area of
Accommodation Support, with a particular focus on strengthening relationships with
the community and business. For example, Accommodation Services Directorate
(ASD) staff, residents and families in the southern suburbs linked with the Bannister
Creek Catchment Group and were involved in activities including weed removal and
revegetation.
In addition, the next phase of a five-year plan aimed at reconnecting ASD residents
with local communities was implemented. This saw 103 City of Swan residents
supported so that they could participate in community based activities. Ninety per
cent of these people have had a part of their story captured on film as part of the Lost
Generation project, a partnership between the Commission and Disability in the Arts,
Disadvantage in the Arts Australia Inc (DADAA). The project, which started in
January 2007, has developed positive working relationships with the City of Swan,
the Midland Redevelopment Authority, Landgate and a number of local businesses.
Links were also made during the year with Curtin University’s School of Occupational
Therapy, with 150 students being given the opportunity to work in an ASD facility. A
partnership was also developed with the Australian Medical Association in late 2007,
and the Commission is now helping to provide the AMA’s students undertaking their
Certificate III in Aged and Community Services gain practical experience.
28 Disability Services Commission Annual Report 2007–2008