Collaboration in Practice
NATIONAL RESPITE AND
COMMUNITY CARE CONFERENCE 2014
Glenda Pearce
Your Presenter
General Manager at Interchange Illawarra
Glenda Pearce

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glenda@interchangeillawarra.org
02 4227 1079
Definition
An Example of Collaboration is the
Illawarra Disability Alliance (IDA)
A bit of history about IDA
IDA: How it Started
NDIS DisabiliTea Party at Kembla Grange
Make It Real Rally in Sydney
Framework
Collaboration
Partnership
Relationship
/network
Connections
Engagement
Shared Values
What is IDA
IDA foundation members
Vision

That not-for-profit providers of disability
services and support in the Illawarra offer
an effective, innovative and compelling
option for people with a disability, their
families and carers.
Objectives and Purpose

Promotes the benefits of NFP organisations as providers of
quality person-centred disability services in the region

Advances the ‘for purpose’ community value that emanates
from a not-for-profit ethos and mission based culture

Facilitates and encourages mutual sharing of information and
allocation of resources to best serve a person with a disability
seeking services so as to provide options that meet their needs
More Objectives and Purpose

Creates a collegially competitive environment between local NFP
providers with the aim to strengthen the prominence of the NFP
sector in the region through service excellence and quality
outcomes

Acts as a focal point to offer comment and assistance to policy
makers, government officers, media and the community in aspects
relating to disability support and services in the region

Where appropriate, advocates as a unified and collective voice on
disability services, access and rights of people with a disability
What Happens Now
IDA

Meets quarterly

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
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Is working with ADHC on a Workforce Development Plan to transition staff
to NGO’s
Is considering a shared labour pool
Some organisations are trialling a remote swipe system for workers and
clients
Exploring social housing opportunities in the area
Investigating shared back of house activities
Providing collective staff training and development
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IDA hopes to encourages people
with disabilities to

Choose any disability provider, hopefully one that is an IDA member
 They are;
 not for profit
 a locally run disability service
 an employer of local people
 a trusted provider