The Guidelines give service providers a comprehensive tool for assessing their service from both an operational and client's perspective.  It covers topics such as staffing, money matters, keeping up with a changing society and personal growth and development.

"We have been very careful to make them 'tools', not rules.  Flexibility is very important in services that cater for clients and communities with widely varying needs."

Ms. Dyson praised the focus of the Guidelines.  "I am delighted that your starting point is people with disabilities ? in line with the New Zealand Disability Strategy's philosophy of empowerment and 'leading voices'," she said.

VASS President, Robyn Klos, says that the Guidelines will provide much needed evidence based research for the sector.  "Many vocational service providers work in isolation.  It can be difficult to access relevant training and research.

The Guidelines will enable us to evaluate what we are doing and give us ideas about ways to improve our services."

Being client-focused the Guidelines are also a valuable tool for people using disability support services.  Clients and their families will be able to use them to give them an idea of what to look for when choosing a service.

Mrs Klos says the Guidelines are not rules."We have been very careful to make them 'tools', not rules.  Flexibility is very important in services that cater for clients and communities with widely varying needs."

The Guidelines have been made possible by grants from DWI, the NZ Guidelines Group, NZ Lotteries Grants Board and the JR McKenzie Trust, and will be followed up by implementation seminars to be held around the country over the next few weeks. 

The seminars will show people how they can use the Guidelines and give them opportunities to share ideas. About 70 people, who had travelled from as far as Auckland and Invercargill to be present, attended the launch.  DPA Chief Executive, Gary Williams and Dr Anne Bray, NZ Guidelines Group, also spoke at the event and both praised the content and usefulness of the Guidelines.

If you would like a copy of the Guidelines please contact:

Tess Casey

Ph: 04 383 4035

Email: 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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