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V A S S (The NZ Federation of Vocational
and Support Services Inc) was established 26 years
ago and is an umbrella group for over 70 organisations that provide employment, training and
support services for people with disabilities. Over 12 000 people experiencing disability
are assisted in their daily lives by the services
our members provide, such as:
§
Supported employment
§
Specialised or sheltered employment
§
Life Skills
§
Training
§
Day and Support Services
§
Transition from school
§
Community Participation
The services cater for people across the full
spectrum of disabilities, including intellectual and physical disability,
and mental illness.
What Does VASS
Do?
Provides opportunities for peer support
·
Members meet no less than three times per year. As well as discussing organisational
matters there are guest speakers on topical issues, workshops,
opportunities to share ideas and problems, visits to member
organisations’ workplaces, and national conferences. Meeting fees are
built into the Full Member subscription, which allows one representative
to attend meetings. Extra
representatives and Associate members must pay a meeting fee of $150 per
person.
·
Members have access to collective purchasing through our
subscription with Serco GSB Supply Corp.
This gives members substantial discounts on items such as
computers, vehicles, office supplies, etc, and at a much reduced
subscription rate.
·
We provide support to individual member organisations through a
Peer Mentoring Programme.
·
We run regular seminars, e.g. for Boards of Trustees on
governance and management issues, leadership development courses, etc.
·
VASS has a growing Maori Roopu.
Provides members with a joint
voice to Government and fund holders
· VASS has a full-time CEO based in Wellington, and a
Board committed to ensuring government hears and
understands disability support service issues.
·
We have representation on various Government Advisory Groups.
·
We liaise regularly with Government Ministers, MPs, Ministry of
Social Development, Ministry of Health, DPA, ASENZ, etc.
Provides members with information
·
Members receive our popular newsletter, Wellington Update, and
information about government policy, current research and issues.
·
VASS has developed evidence based Guidelines for Best Practice
for Vocational Services and publishes a Best Practice Journal
Promotes good practice
·
Business Enterprises and Community Participation Sub-Committees
have been formed to support the Board on service delivery matters,
including drafting ‘Principles of Excellence for Business Enterprises’
and developing a practical, resource kit on Community Participation.
·
Members can keep in touch with other providers and share ideas,
questions and information through the Business Enterprises
Email Group and Community Participation Email Group.
Download
VASS
Members Click Here
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