The first day of the Conference focused on issues facing the Vocational Services sector, and guest speakers included Minister of Disability Issues, Hon. Lianne Dalziell and Kate Lynch, who is conducting the Dept. of Labour's Vocational Services Review. Both sessions provided opportunities for frank discussion.   Members were able to discuss with the Minister the problems they have experienced in relation to transition from school for young people with disabilities.  They were also able to provide Kate with input regarding the lack of Evaluation and Monitoring for vocational services.  All present were in favour of some form of evaluation, with emphasis on a system that is independent, practical and performance, rather than compliance, based.

Friday's seminar was titled "Clients' Rights", and speakers included Victoria Gregory (Human Rights Commission), Angus Capie (Standards and Monitoring Service) and Robyn Hunt (Disability Issues Consultant).  All sessions focussed on vocational services from a clients' perspective and touched on issues such as language and terminology, consultation and family inclusion.  There was also a discussion session on 'Changing the Culture within Your Organisation'.

The last word of the Conference was given to Gary Williams, CEO of the Disabled Persons Assembly.  He highlighted the need to improve the infrastructure for the disability sector so that it could move towards self-suffiency, and the value of continuing the present constructive relationship between the DPA and VASS.

Two more VASS Conferences will be held this year.  The next one will be on 14-15 June, in Auckland.  The second day of each Conference is run as a seminar and is open to non-members.  The issues covered are topical and designed to encourage discussion and provide practical ways of improving services. 

VASS President, Robyn Klos, says the seminars are an excellent opportunity for staff training.
"It can be difficult to find relevant training for staff, which is why we have taken the step to open up the seminars and make them as useful as possible."

Anyone interested in attending the seminars can contact Executive Officer, Tess Casey. ExecutiveOfficer@nzvass.org.nz

Newsletter Monthly Newsletter Membership Members receive regular mailouts and newsletters covering specific issues and seeking member comment, notifying any significant Goverment policy changes. Annual Conference The 3rd Annual Conference of Workability International 12th – 15th October 2004 – Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand

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