By Fofi Christou

In early March, as the rumbling of exhausts of the Grand Prix faded out of Melbourne, stage two of the Department of Human Services’ DisAbility Services Peer Facilitation Program was starting to rev up.

Twenty-six people with disabilities from across the state returned to the Cato Conference Centre at The Hotel Y in central Melbourne and made a spectacular finish to an eight-day training program.

The Peer Facilitation Program was delivered over a five-day period in February with a follow up session in March.

Issues relating to service quality and continuous improvement were the central themes closely following the Victorian Standards for DisAbility Services and the DisAbility Services Self-Assessment System (DSAS).

Program participants shared real life experiences with their peers in a safe and comfortable environment.

They seized the opportunity to be included in discussion about the quality of services they had used.

‘If we are not included we don’t know what we want,’ said one participant.

‘Sometimes services look better from the outside than the inside,’ said another.

With encouragement and the chance to give presentations—both within the program sessions and during the weeks between stages—the participants’ confidence grew.

‘What we have done here will make a big difference,’ said one of the group about the program.

Minister for Community Services Christine Campbell presented certificates to all participants.

Members of the group have since initiated individual peer projects, including information sessions and focus groups, partnerships with service providers and the development of a line of products—laminated cards, overheads and T-shirt—promoting the Victorian Standards for DisAbility Services and the DisAbility Services Self-Assessment System (DSAS).

Program participants will support other clients and carers through Regional DSAS information project initiatives during the year.

The Client/Carer Training and Liaison Officers will continue to provide ongoing support to Regions and peer facilitators as the program progresses.

Short refresher courses may be provided on a monthly basis and may be used as forums to share experiences of practical application.

The Peer Facilitation Program is part of the Department’s Client/Carer Consultation and Information Project aimed to increase client and carer participation in the assessment of service quality.

• For more information contact Fofi Christou on 9616 8617, email fofi. christou@dhs.vic.gov.au or Sarah Wright on 9616 6952, email sarah. wright@dhs.vic.gov.au or country callers can contact 1300 136 152 for the cost of a local call.