Developng a case on disability service

Identify a disability service or program, and develop a case study of it that will
describe it so that the reader can understand the service or program.
Your case study organization or program may be a service where you have completed
practicum, a place where you have worked or volunteered, or a service you have used.
It is important that you do not identify the organization you are analyzing in your
assessment, for ethical and privacy reasons.
To build your case study, you will need to briefly describe the general location (that is -
urban, regional or rural) and size of the organisation or program. Give most of your
attention to the purpose and function of the organisation or program (what it aims to
do, and how it does this); and the key issues that are currently facing the organisation
or program. Try to look below the surface.
If you are having trouble finding an organisation, talk to me about how you can
research online.
Sample case study
DisabilityServiceis anurbanservice inVictoria,Australia.Itis awell-establishedserviceandhas
been operating for over 50 years.
Disability Service provides a range of services to children and adults with intellectual disability,
cerebral palsy, autism and physical disability, including
• Shared living
• Self-directed support
• Therapy and health
• Tech and engineering
Here is a sample case study for you to think about.
Disability Services is not a real name, and I have not referenced the website of the actual
service.
You do not need to follow this format – you are welcome to use your own approach.
Ihaveusedinternetsourcesonlytodrawtogetherthis information.If youarenotfamiliarwith
anorganisation,there isplentyofinformationavailable onlinethatyoucanusetodevelopa
case study.
If you are looking online for information about an organisation, here are a couple of tips:
• Lookfortheannualreportsfromthelastcoupleof years–theywillgiveamorerobust
reportof the organisation’s performance and goals forthe future.The front of the
website is where the organisation sells its services to prospective clients – the annual
report is where is must report on its performance and outcomes.
• Combinethiswithareviewofthewebsitetodevelopapictureoftheserviceprovided
and approach taken to deliver on that promise.
• Think about what the likely issues and pressures are likely to be on the service (based
on your reading and knowledge of the field).
• Employment support
• Respite
Service provision is divided into two main categories: leisure,respite and health and therapy services
forchildrenandyoungpeople;andallservicetypesforadults.Mostservicesareprovidedtoadults.
Much of theworkof the service isprovided through shared living, with a large supported living
service being provided to approximately 240 adults with disability. Supported employment services
are provided through 4 locations to 150 people. These include packaging services and transition to
open employment services. Self-directed support is a small but growing part of the service, providing
supportto60peoplewithdisability.400childrenandtheirfamiliesusetherapyservices,and250
children use respite and leisure services. Tech and engineering is a growing part of the service, and
digital adaptation is a new business stream.
In the last year, services were provided to almost 2,500 people by 940 staff. Revenue was in excess of$65
millionin2017/18(annualreport),andtheservicehasgrownby20%inthelastfinancialyear. One third
of staffhavebeenwith theorganisationformorethan5 yearsand 20%have joinedthe organisation
within the last twelve months. Staff turnover has been significant, including the CEO of the organisation
(annualreport).
TheservicemovedfullyintoNDISoperationin2018.Itisclearfromtheannualreportthatthishas
requiredabigshiftinthinkingandoperationsfortheorganisation.TheorganisationChairperson noted
that‘weanticipatefinancialchallengesastheorganisationbecomesmoreexposedtothe NDIS
funding structure andthe tight operating marginsthiswillbring.The operational change required by our
people as we transition to the NDIS should also not be underestimated’. (Chairman’s report,annual
report,p.5).TransitiontotheNDISdominatedtheattentionoftheBoardandsenior management of the
organisation over the past year (annual report).
The organisation’s executive team developed a new strategic plan to guide the ‘major
transformation process in preparation for the many changes that are occurring within our sector… that
positions us for a successful future under changed funding and market conditions.’ (Chairman’s report,
annual report, p.5) Goals under the strategic plan are
o Understand ourparticipants
o Deliver efficient and innovative services
o Nurture a culture and workforce that supports growth and change
o Grow and diversifyrevenue
o Be financial sustainable
The strategic directions to achieve the goals are:
o Deliveringqualityservices(organisationalefficiency;integratedservices,
contemporary serviceapproaches)
o Valuingourparticipants (highquality serviceprovision to people with disability)
o Focusingonourpeople (leadership, staff support, professionaldevelopment)
o Buildingourcommunities(promotingcommunityattitudes,communityinclusion)
o Strengthening our organisation (financial sustainability, governance, infrastructure)
Other relevant issues were identified through review of the service website and review of the
organisation annual reports (add references here). These include:
• New accommodation services for people with complex disabilities have been built and
launched
• Board turnover of 5 members (50%).
• Introduction of a major new online customer management system.
• Introduction of new measure for staff satisfaction and ways to improve performance.