Disability Service Providers: A History of Successful Support Services - Essay Sample

Introduction

Disability Service Providers Limited (DSPL), not its real name, is an organization that has a history dating back in 1989 when the idea to provide unique accommodation services to disabled people. The organization was previously called Laveda until July 2015 when it was rebranded to its current name. It has grown over the years and facilitated various disabled men and women to prosper life and realize their full potential. The organization provides high-quality support services that are aimed at achieving the best results of the disabled populace. The organization is located at 101 Park Terrace, Salisbury SA 5108, Australia (Lighthouse Disability, 2019). Currently, DSPL supports more than 90 people whom the organization accommodates in 28 houses in the north and north-eastern suburbs of Adelaide. It has a workforce of approximately 200, assisted by about 70 volunteers (Lighthouse Disability, 2019).

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Purpose

The purpose of the organization is to provide 24-hour support services and accommodation delivered by experts in complex health, medical and behavioral needs to people living with disabilities in the north and north-eastern suburbs of Adelaide (Lighthouse Disability, 2019). Besides, it provides flexible service models based on the needs and preferences of the recipients. The organization aspires to provide high demand services that achieve the best possible results for the disabled population. The organization has shown various qualities; they are person-centered, effective, innovative, efficient, and have adequate information to inform and influence (Lighthouse Disability, 2019).

The organization's vision is to ensure that people with disabilities bare are embraced, supported, and allowed to choose their way of life (Lighthouse Disability, 2019). Its mission is to learn from disabled people by listening to them, their families, and other interested entities to ensure that their individual needs are met (Lighthouse Disability, 2019).

The organization uploads the following values:

• Quality
• Respect
• Innovation
• Teamwork
• Transparency
• Accountability

Services

Among the services offered at DSPL are 24-hour accommodation and care. The supported population includes those who live with challenged such as autism, Prad Willi syndrome, brain injury, intellectual disability, or physical disability that range from teenagers to the early 60s (Lighthouse Disability, 2019). Thirty homes accommodate the more than 90 customers whereby one home can be shared by two to five of them either living together or in adjoining units. They are also encouraged to make their choices and match their personalities so that they can live together and freely participate in daily activities. The rooms are made as comfortable as possible and customized to meet the inhabitant's taste with beautiful gardens outside. Tailored technologies such as the use of ipads are made available for entertainment and other purposes (Lighthouse Disability, 2019).

DSPL also provides its customers with access to social activities so as to avoid isolation and loneliness. The activities include monthly discos, Christmas breakfast and annual picnics among others. They also get an opportunity to participate in soccer competitions such as the Bedford Soccer Tournament.

DSPL Financials

According to the organization's annual 2017/18 annual report, the organization had a surplus of US$ 0.1 million for the period ended 30 June 2018 (Lighthouse Disability, 2018). The total income recorded was US$ 18.8 million, and US$ 18.7 million worth of expenditure (Lighthouse Disability, 2018). Operating income was the primary source of income, which was recorded at the US $ 14.5 million, while employee expenses dominated the expenditure category recording US$ 16.3 million (Lighthouse Disability, 2018).

Reference

Lighthouse Disability, (2018). Annual Report 2017-18. Retrieved from www.lighthousedisability.org.au/files/211_ld_annual_report_2017_18.pdf?v=687, on 19 August 2019.

Lighthouse Disability, (2019). Lighthouse Disability website. Retrieved from www.lighthousedisability.org.au/who-we-are, on 19 August 2019.