Annual Report Focus for the Future ++Vision

To ensure RSB Community Services continues to meet client demand and expectation, a number of things are in place as we focus on the future.
For clients in the South, a new office in Noarlunga is in planning stages. The RSB will also continue to expand the ability to provide Braille training and access to adaptive technology training in regional areas.
In partnership with the Lions Visual Independence Foundation, an evaluation of Kapten GPS technology will take place, with the aim to increase client independence, with this
wayfinding technology.
To improve our knowledge on Neurological Vision Loss, the RSB is working towards international collaboration in this complex area.
Exciting plans are also in place for theatre lovers, with the expansion of the Audio Described Theatre Service. For many years this service has provided the opportunity for people who are blind or vision impaired to experience the theatre via audio description. Now, in partnership with the Disability Access Transition Team, the current service will extend to provide audio description of SA Festival events, dance and smaller productions.
Margaret Brown
Manager,
Community Services

++Low Vision Service
_{The RSB’s Low Vision Services at Knapman House delivers vital support and training services to RSB clients, across many crucial areas.}



Adaptive Technology Centre (ATC)

The Adaptive Technology Centre (ATC) is at the forefront of adaptive technology services providing the largest range of equipment in the southern hemisphere. Clients are able to undertake training, view demonstrations and trial the latest technology from around the world.

TechFest 2011, the ATC’s annual technology expo, was a great success, hosting the major suppliers of adaptive technology at RSB’s Knapman House. For the first time, TechFest 2011 introduced ‘Come and Try’ workshops which proved to be extremely popular, with many at capacity attendance. The 2012 TechFest will take place 23-24 May.
Research into new products is continually undertaken and, where possible, added to the already large range available. Additions in 2010/11 have included the ClearReader+, the Sara CE, the PEARL and high definition models of existing electronic magnifiers.
The RSB would like to thank the suppliers of the equipment displayed in the ATC for their continued support.

Employment Services

RSB Employment Services continues to provide a successful employment program, creating new opportunities for clients and increasing placement numbers from the previous year. With over 150 work placements in 2010/2011, it is one of the most successful employment services agency in Australia to people who are blind or vision impaired.

RSB Employment Consultants continue to successfully assist clients to retain their current employment under the Jobs In Jeopardy scheme. The program aims to help people at risk of losing their jobs, due to sudden or declining
vision loss.
New training and qualification courses are now available to clients, thanks to the successful tender of two Productivity Places Program (PPP) contracts. The PPP contracts provide opportunity for RSB clients to achieve qualifications in Certificate III in Retail, Office Administration and Communications, which, without funding, may have been out of clients’ financial reach. Together with job readiness coaching from RSB consultants, some of these clients have successfully been placed in paid employment upon completion of training.
The RSB School Leavers Program continues to grow, with 18 new students joining in 2010/11. Additionally, a student work experience pilot program in conjunction with FACHSIA and initiated by the Australian Blindness Forum, (ABF) has been conducted.
Whilst the RSB’s Job Services Australia (JSA) contract came to a close in 2011, all participating clients were transferred to the Disability Employment Services (DES) program, with no disruption to RSB services.
The RSB acknowledges the invaluable assistance and funding provided by the Australian Government Department of Employment, Education and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) for the Disability Employment Services program.
Low Vision Centre

Receiving more than 1,000 referrals annually from eye care professionals throughout South Australia, the Low Vision Centre (LVC) provides services to people who have been newly diagnosed with an eye condition and have recently experienced vision loss.

The primary service offered at the LVC is the clinic, which is run three days a week. A counsellor, optometrist and ophthalmologist are all involved in clinic sessions, to provide a vision assessment and general information about a client’s eye condition.
The LVC stocks the largest range of magnifiers and talking products in Australia and the public are welcome to visit during business hours at 230 Pirie Street, Adelaide to examine and purchase the products on display and talk to LVC staff. These products can also be purchased from RSB’s online shop.
Regular LVC Vision Loss Family Support Sessions enable people who may otherwise feel isolated by their vision impairment to meet other people who are experiencing similar circumstances and learn more about their eye condition. Family members are also invited to attend, to further understand how vision impairment can affect people in everyday life and about how best to assist their loved one.
The RSB is grateful to the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing for its continued funding support of the Low Vision Centre.
Volunteer Services

Without the support and generous time given by volunteers, the provision of many of RSB’s services would not be possible. Their invaluable efforts across all areas of the RSB are the equivalent of more than 70 full-time employees, which in monetary terms would equate to in excess of $2.6 million in salaries.

From providing transport to clients, assisting the RSB Guide Dog Service in raising, housing and training future RSB Guide Dogs, assisting with the coordination of recreation and leisure group activities, to simply enjoying a cup of tea and a chat with socially isolated clients, RSB volunteers are essential in ensuring clients can enjoy every day activities that many people may take
for granted.
The RSB is most grateful to all volunteers dedicated to giving their time to assist South Australians who are blind or vision impaired.
_{++Focus for the Future}
Looking forward there are some exciting new developments within Low Vision Services.
Firstly RSB is expanding its services provided to children and young people, starting with the recent employment of a Child and Youth Services Coordinator, providing dedicated support to clients under the age of 18 years. In addition to completing initial assessments and establishing Individual Service Plans, the Coordinator will ensure the child is referred to relevant support services within the RSB.
Another focus is the expansion of the Adaptive Technology department by further growth in its supplier base. Discussions have commenced with new European companies, ensuring that the RSB remains at the forefront of new adaptive technology.
Finally, due to the sustained growth in Volunteer Services the volunteer department will expand in 2012, with dedicated Volunteer Support Officers to be located at the Smithfield and Noarlunga offices in addition to city staff, providing more effective local support. The RSB looks forward to this exciting new era of volunteer services.
Sandra Wilhelm
Manager,
Low Vision Services

++RSB Guide Dog Service
_{The RSB Guide Dog Service is committed to the goal of providing the highest quality trained and healthy RSB Guide Dogs to clients who wish to use an RSB Guide Dog as their preferred mobility aid.}
Already in its fifth year, the RSB is proud to have been able to provide 41 clients with an RSB Guide Dog. Demand continues to increase with 40 puppies on the puppy education program, bred from our very own RSB Guide Dog Service Brood Bitches.
To support on-going demand and meet best practice breeding for RSB Guide Dogs, the RSB Guide Dog Service is currently in negotiation with Guide Dogs UK for breeding stock material and Guide Dogs for the Blind San Rafael for the donation of a Brood Bitch. We are also excited to welcome the gift of three pups from the Kansai Guide Dog School in Japan, due to arrive in Australia in November 2011.
A breeding advisory group made up of specialist veterinarians continues to provides valuable assistance to produce the finest quality dogs – an achievement underlined by the eight trained RSB Guide Dogs that were matched to RSB clients in May 2012.
The fourth K94U2C camp, in conjunction with CanDo4Kids, was a success with four young people enjoying the experience of working with an RSB Guide Dog. The camp enables young people to experience using an RSB Guide Dog, and provides information that will help them decide whether to consider an RSB Guide Dog as their preferred mobility aid.
Recent renovations have expanded the space available to the RSB Guide Dog Service, assisting with optimal efficiency. The RSB Guide Dog Service also welcomes two new staff members, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Sam Goulden and Puppy Education Supervisor, Daisy Piccoli.

Sam joins the RSB Guide Dog Service after training as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor in the United Kingdom, and formerly working for the New Zealand Foundation for the Blind Guide Dog Service. Daisy will work closely with Puppy Education Supervisor, Celeste, to build and develop Puppy Education at the RSB Guide Dog Service.

RSB Cadet Guide Dog Mobility Instructors, Bree Muller and David Bowman have each completed their Diploma in Guide Dog Mobility after three years of intensive training. Governed by the International Guide Dog Federation (IDGF) the training is made up of many components including dog care and welfare, breeding, orientation and mobility, the structure and function of the human eye and ear, as well as practical elements of assessing, matching and training dogs and clients.
The RSB Guide Dog Service continues to provide a public face for the RSB, participating in public relations and fundraising activities that help to raise awareness for the RSB. Prominent public visibility of the dogs through the puppy educator program also assists to draw volunteers to the organisation.
As an accredited member of the International Federation of Guide Dog Schools, we would like to acknowledge the ongoing support of other guide dog schools worldwide, including Guide Dogs UK, Seeing Eye USA, Guide Dogs for the Blind US, Guiding Eyes USA, Guide Dogs Norge AS (Norway) and Guide Dogs Queensland.
Importantly, the RSB Guide Dog Service would not be the world class service it is today without the dedicated and crucial support of RSB Puppy Educators, Bed and Breakfast Boarders, Emergency Boarders and Brood Bitch Holders, as well as veterinarians and valued sponsors, including Royal Canin, PETstock, Novartis and IDEXX pathology services.
A special thank you to our passionate and dedicated vets, who include Dr Mark Reeve (Tea Tree Gully Veterinary Hospital), Dr Chris Girling (Noahs Crossing Veterinary Clinic), Dr Andrew Carter (Magill Veterinary Clinic), Dr Angus Brown (Stephen Terrace Veterinary Clinic), Dr Alana Rosenblatt (Adelaide University Vet Sciences, Roseworthy) and Dr Tony Read (Veterinary Ophthalmic Services, Plympton).
_{++Focus for the Future}
Moving in to the future, the RSB Guide Dog Service is aiming to maximise puppy education potential by creating a learning room and outside dog run area.
It will also be conducting research into dog training such as a longitudinal study with the University of Adelaide on dog distraction.
In addition the RSB Guide Dog Service will look at how best to meet client need, providing the best quality RSB Guide Dogs, training and support, now and well into the future.
Chris Muldoon
Manager,
RSB Guide Dog Service

++RSB Industrial Services
_{Another busy and successful year enjoyed by RSB Industrial Services stands as a credit to the workforce at the RSB Gilles Plains factory.}
With a turnover of approximately $1.2 million, RSB Industrial Services remains viable and competitive in a tough business climate, having established a strong reputation for quality and efficient delivery of packaging and assembly solutions.
An important cornerstone in RSB operations, RSB Industrial Services provides valuable and meaningful employment for South Australians who are blind or vision impaired. The Gilles Plains facility has 70 available places for workers, and staffing levels are always at a minimum of 90 per cent capacity.
Flexibility and adaptability of work practices has enabled RSB Industrial Services to embrace diverse orders from customers. This extends from bag and carton packaging and sealing, component assembly and packaging, rigid food packaging in snap-lid or hinged PVC containers, point of sale display construction, packaging with folded and heat-seal blisters, shrink film wrapping, die cutting, thermoforming and pressure formed products, diverse assembly and packaging services.
In 2010/11 the RSB sales team attracted new customers, including GM Holden, Nova Concepts, Environmental Water Services, Keysun Laboratories, the Sarstedt medical research and supply group and Coopers Brewery.
There continues to be steady growth in the plastics moulding section, with the capacity to operate moulding machines and high-speed Scope pressure forming machines that allow large-scale production from 2,000 to 100,000 moulded plastic parts.
RSB Industrial Services achieve all tasks with safety and quality as a prime consideration, retaining the highest levels of accreditation in 2010/11 with ISO 9000 Quality Assurance and HACCP (Hazardous Analysis Critical Control Points) Certification.
RSB Industrial Services continues to hone its specialist role and has maximised the potential of staff capabilities. Many companies have removed much of their manual labour force, especially to fulfil small-scale orders and short production runs. As a result, to still retain these jobs, their most profitable course of action is to outsource specialised packaging requirements – and this is where RSB Industrial Services capably fills a significant gap in the market.
A highlight of 2010/11 was the upgrade of the Packaging and Assembly area, with the inclusion of a temperature-controlled clean room. The temperature controlled clean room provides food grade and other packaging solutions for new and existing customers. The upgrade allows RSB Industrial Services to package products in a dust free, temperature controlled environment that is ideal for clean packing. Robern Menz and Qantas are just two leading organisations that have product packed in the clean room.
RSB Industrial Services management staff attended the National Disability Service/Australian Disability Enterprises State Government Expo in Brisbane, where they were able to network with other Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs), learn about each other’s respective services and examine fresh opportunities to share work orders.
In comparison with other ADEs, RSB Industrial Services stands strong as a one-stop shop for its clients, capable of assembling, fitting and finishing special job requirements. Delivered at best practice standards, RSB Industrial Services enjoys long term business relationships with a large number of its customers. This long term retained business enables RSB Industrial Services to continue providing job security to employees who are blind or vision impaired, who rely on the RSB for gainful employment, networking with peers and a sense of belonging.
On a personal note, the RSB fare welled one of its longest servicing Industrial Services staff in September 2011, Renaldo Totani. After 44 years of employment with RSB Industrial Services Renaldo retired and we would like to acknowledge his commitment, valued service and friendship.
As the Manager of Industrial Services, I would like to express my gratitude to the entire Industrial Services team and I look forward to 2011/12 being another successful and productive year.
_{++Focus for the Future}
Looking towards the future, RSB Industrial Services has a multi-prong approach which offers customers both a specialised service, as well as a one stop shop service that can meet the changing needs of their marketplaces.
The ability to customise products and undertake small runs, all delivered at competitive prices, enables RSB Industrial Services to meet a burgeoning section of the market-Australia wide.
Further opportunities are also now on offer with the addition of the clean room in 2011, providing the ability to package food-grade and other products in a dust free, temperature controlled environment conducive to clean packing. Customers such as Sarstedt, Qantas, Robern Menz, Perryman’s Bakery and Global Trading have already taken advantage of this high quality service.
RSB Industrial Services remains committed to providing meaningful job opportunities, training and support to 70 people who are blind and vision impaired. And for RSB Industrial Service customers, they achieve quality service and products at competitive pricing, while supporting the RSB to improve the lives of South Australians who are blind or vision impaired.
The future looks bright for RSB Industrial Services, its current and future customers.
Mark Burleigh
Manager,
Industrial Services

++Marketing and Fundraising
_{An innovative media strategy, Ambassador Team, eye health initiative and a new mix of RSB events gave the RSB Marketing and Fundraising team a lot to focus on in 2010/11!}
Before we knew it, 2011 was here and with it, a new name for RSB’s magazine – RSB focus. As part of the RSB’s new media strategy, the new name was chosen to closely reflect the RSB’s focus on our clients and the services we provide, as well as our staff, volunteers and donors.
As part of the new strategy, a focus on social media was introduced, including an RSB Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/RSBfocus) and YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/RSBfocus).

A first for the RSB, the Facebook page provides an online meeting place for RSB clients, volunteers, friends and supporters to get in touch and stay up to date with events, news

and more.
Social media has also provided a platform for the RSB to stay in touch with our new Ambassador Team!
RSB Ambassador Team

Sharing the RSB’s vision to make a difference, we welcomed six RSB Ambassadors on board in 2011; Bernie Vince and Taylor Walker from the Adelaide Crows, Erin Bell from the Adelaide Thunderbirds and Australian Netball Diamonds, Kate Collins from Channel 9, Carole Whitelock from ABC 891 radio and 2011 Dark to Light Walk Client Ambassador, Rachael Leahcar (Bartholomew).

The RSB Ambassadors have had a busy year promoting, volunteering and educating the community about the RSB at events and more.
In April, Adelaide Football Club midfielder, Bernie Vince became a volunteer Puppy Educator, taking home RSB Guide Dog pup, Buddy, on International Guide Dog Day.
“I think it will be rewarding to watch Buddy grow up, then see him head out with someone who is blind or vision impaired and make a real difference to their life,” said Bernie.
As respected leaders in their fields, the support of the RSB Ambassadors delivers invaluable messages to the wider community about the important work that the RSB undertakes. Their attendance at RSB events also assists us to generate new interest and reach new audiences.
A special thank you to our RSB Ambassadors for their dedication and support in 2011!
++Introducing the RSB Ambassador Team!
Kate Collins – Channel 9

“It’s amazing how much we take our sight for granted, and if it’s taken away, how much help we need to live a normal life. Become an RSB Puppy Educator or consider sponsoring an RSB Guide Dog pup. It’s a practical and fun way to help people who are blind or vision impaired.”

Bernie Vince – Adelaide Football Club

“I think it would be pretty disappointing if you had something wrong with your eyesight. You can’t do much without a guide dog, so I think the RSB is a good charity to get involved in and volunteer your time with.”

Taylor Walker – Adelaide Football Club

“I love dogs, but I think an RSB Guide Dog is extra special because it can help someone who is blind or vision impaired in our community.”

Erin Bell – Adelaide Thunderbirds and Australian Netball Diamonds

“I became an RSB Ambassador due to my own personal experience with vision impairment. I have worn glasses/contact lenses since I was 10 years old and would not have been able to pursue my sporting dreams without vision correction.”

Carole Whitelock – ABC 891 Afternoons

“I have a relative with Macular Degeneration who has been helped in many ways by the RSB – and I love the RSB Guide Dogs, they are real life heroes!”

RSB Events

In March, the RSB was ready to race at the annual official 2011 Clipsal 500 Luncheon. The only charity luncheon where participants can get up close and personal with the elite Holden and Ford V8 Supercar drivers – the event was a huge success!

In April, the RSB celebrated our four-legged friends – the RSB Guide Dogs – on International Guide Dog Day in Rundle Mall. International Guide Dog Day provides a chance for the public to ask questions and find out more about the RSB Guide Dogs. It’s also an opportunity to acknowledge the mobility and independence a guide dog can bring to people who are blind or vision impaired around the world.
In June, the inaugural Charlie’s Day event took place - a fundraiser held in honour of Charlie, an RSB Guide Dog who has recently started training. The aim was to raise $25,000 to cover the cost of training Charlie, a target which we achieved above and beyond thanks to generous donors, supporters and sponsors. These events provide an opportunity to show how and why the RSB Guide Dogs can make an enormous difference to the life of someone who is blind or vision impaired.
Other events such as the Royal Adelaide Show or Dark to Light Walk showcase different elements of RSB services, including white canes – an important mobility tool. In 2010, Ross Simpson was the Client Ambassador for the Dark to Light Walk and in 2011, Rachael Leahcar (Bartholomew) took on the role. As a 17 year old, the white cane enables Rachael to study Year 12 at Brighton Secondary School and continue her professional singing career.
“The RSB provided me with Orientation and Mobility training, including how to use my white cane. This gave me the confidence to catch buses, go shopping, walk home from school and other day-to-day things that teenagers like to do!” Rachael Leahcar, 17, 2011 Dark to Light Walk Client Ambassador.
Student Ambassador Program

Young people played a big part in the RSB’s Marketing and Fundraising strategy for 2010/11, with the official launch of the Student Ambassador Program.

As the name suggests, the program invites students from primary school to university to get involved with RSB fundraising, awareness and being active in their communities, as Student Ambassadors for the RSB.
A number of students have already completed the program, which has been mutually beneficial for both the RSB and the students.
Young Business Leaders SA

An initiative of the RSB, the in-business Young Business Leaders Program (YBL) helps young professionals to develop personally and professionally.

Launched in July 2010, the 2010/11 Program concluded on 1 July 2011 with a Presentation Ceremony, where the 2011 Young Business Leader of the Year was announced. The title was won by Tish Naughton of Torrens Finance Brokers, who developed and demonstrated strong leadership skills throughout the year.
Other award winners were Brad Gascoigne from the University of South Australia (Achievement Award) and Jeremy Hodgson from the Commonwealth Bank (Encouragement Award). The three highest fundraisers were Tish Naughton, Kelly Cock of City of Charles Sturt and Sarah Holtmann of Baker Young Stockbrokers.

Many thanks to the sponsors of the YBL Program for their generous support, including: Australian Institute of Management, in-business Magazine, FIVEaa, Nova 919, Gold Network and Channel 9.