From Vision to Reality: Transitioning to Community- based Approaches …our journey so far 4 th May 2012

Foundation Activities and Projects Outlook in a pre-emptive move, reviewed its Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Directions in 2005 to more accurately reflect the following principles. –Person-centred, strengths-based and self-directed methodologies –Inclusion –Diversity –Civic value and participation –Community capacity building.

Foundation Activities and Projects Projects to enable development, trialling and transition to community-based supports, included: –Phase 1: Breaking the Mould (Enhancing Sector Capacity funded project) –Phase 2: My Choice My Community 2009 (Changing Days funded project) –Phase 3: A Self-Directed Outlook: Transition through Leadership (ESC funded Leadership in Self- Directed Approaches Project).

Foundation Activities and Projects Phase 1: Breaking the Mould had a consultative focus – engaging participants, carers, families and workers in workshops focussed on changing mindsets from centre- based to community-based support Phase 2: Changing Days trialled a community-based service delivery approach in the small town of Emerald (pop. 6000) and Berwick (pop. 36,000) in the south eastern growth corridor.

Foundation Activities and Projects The outcomes of these two projects demonstrated: –Organisational progress (philosophical and strategic directions) –Enhanced service delivery systems (improved community capacity, procedures and practices) –Improved client outcomes (greater choice, skill development, community participation and confidence).

Foundation Activities and Projects The recommendations of these two projects indicated a need to: –Develop Practice Guidelines for Support Workers –Map/update community options –Reconfigure the funding model to accommodate higher cost of inclusion –Develop a systematic approach for workers to access support (enhancing retention) –Upskill Support Workers to take a leadership role in educating the community (strengths-based) –Continue to consult with participants, carers, families and other key stakeholders.

Foundation Activities and Projects These recommendations were utilised to inform the methodology of the third phase project - A Self Directed Outlook: Transition Through Leadership Project

10 Steps to Success Outlook is asked frequently for the ‘recipe for success’, and it is not easy to condense 6 years of activity into a list of easy to follow ingredients. The following 10 steps to successful transition have been conducted simultaneously (not a linear process) and consultations were repeated, and continue today.

10 Steps to Success Step 1: Review the Organisation’s Strategic Directions Review and refine your Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Directions to more closely align with the principles and directions of relevant legislation and government initiatives (eg. self directed approaches, personalised funding models) to: –Shift organisational culture and mindsets to strengths- based –Practice within a community development framework –Build the capacity of communities to be more inclusive.

10 Steps to Success Step 2: Establish a Committee Responsible for Managing the Transition Establish a Committee of people with the expertise necessary to direct and monitor the transition (including consumer input). The first meeting of the committee should involve development of clearly defined Terms of Reference. The role of the committee is to: –Demonstrate unity and a common vision –Define all aspects of the transition (who, what, why, where, when, how) –Monitor progress –Refine processes –Review effectiveness.

10 Steps to Success Step 3: Confirm the Transition Methodology and Track Progress The committee will be responsible for: –Defining the objectives –Refining the methodology –Setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure achievement –Reviewing KPIs monthly and documenting progress (useful for reporting to funding body, Board and key stakeholders) –Addressing gaps –Modifying approaches according to participant’s needs and project learnings.

10 Steps to Success Step 4: Consult, consult, consult… Involve key stakeholders from the outset (people with disabilities, their carers and families, and workers) and empower them to have a voice in informing the new service model. Consultative activities may include: – A social BBQ as a means of initial engagement – One to one discussions – Workshops.

10 Steps to Success Step 5: Promote the Transition to a Self Directed Model Influence broader mindset change and raise awareness of sector-wide initiatives by: −Presenting at conferences −Sharing progress at network meetings and with funding bodies −Seeking opportunities to exchange stories with other organisations undergoing similar changes −Working closely with participants, carers and other support services. −Engage with the community

10 Steps to Success Step 6: Manage Organisational Change Change managed sensitively, consistently and systematically involving key stakeholders, can be implemented successfully. Outlook suggests you: – Involve all key people from the outset in informal discussions, planning, consultations and workshops – Ensure the Committee defines the rationale for the new service model and can articulate this clearly when asked – Focus on the process, not just the outcomes – Foster a culture of open communication and listen to concerns – Demonstrate flexibility and adapt your model (where able) to reflect consumer needs / feedback – Monitor the change and positively reinforce and promote it.

10 Steps to Success Step 7: Consolidate Systems and Trial the Model Consideration needs to be given to the systems necessary for: −Training associated with the new model eg. self-directed and strengths-based practice, community development (capacity building), and leadership −Organisational, service and staffing restructure −Development and review of Position Descriptions −Documentation of the Service Model −Development of comprehensive Practice Guidelines −Ongoing consultation (supported transition) −Dissemination of learnings.

10 Steps to Success Step 8: Refine and Document the Model and Deliver Training The service model document should include as a minimum: – Background; Theoretical basis; Historical development; Philosophical position; Service objectives and structure; and details of compulsory training – Practice approaches (definitions, principles and procedures to guide operationalisation of the model). An annual training program is crucial to the successful implementation of the new model – to upskill and refresh worker skills.

10 Steps to Success Step 9: Evaluate the Model The committee will have documented an evaluation process as part of the development of the methodology. It is crucial to monitor and review the trial on an ongoing basis. Outlook utilised the following evidence for evaluation. – Monthly review against KPIs (committee perspectives) – Feedback from participants, carers, families, workers and community groups/businesses – Feedback from funder/s – Sector good practice evidence and input.

10 Steps to Success Step 10: Build Capacity and Contribute Learning's Community development or capacity building is fundamental to Outlook’s self directed service model. This means: –Building the skills and capacity (eg. gradually reducing intervention and supports) of people with disabilities, their support networks and communities –Enhancing disability supports through community engagement, partnerships, development and education; community participation and empowerment –Raising awareness of access issues, principles of inclusion, strengths and abilities of people with disabilities.

10 Steps to Success Step 10: Build Capacity and Contribute Learning's Share the learning's with the sector through dissemination of documentation, presentation at conferences and network meetings Contribute to changing the old style ‘disability services’ mindset Build the skills and knowledge of people with disabilities, their carers, broader support networks, the sector and communities.

Key Messages “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” Barack Obama Align the organisation’s philosophical and strategic statements with self direction and personalised supports. Take the time to develop and sustain trust and rapport with staff, participants and carers/families – keep everyone informed along the journey. Focus on the process and allow a gradual transition. For further information visit: outlookvic.org.au