01 August 2015
The South West Autism Network (SWAN) is an established not for profit, registered charitable organisation providing peer support, information, respite, advocacy and targeted programmes to families living with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the South West region of Western Australia. From SWAN's inception in 2009 registered membership numbers have grown at a rapid rate to 800 registered members to date. SWAN family and client support covers both Lower and Upper South West Disability Services Commission (DSC) regions.
Our Board of Management is composed of a mix of local professionals and parents. The Board is assisted by an experienced and passionate Coordinator. In addition to services to members, we seek to provide both the broader community and service providers with information about autism. SWAN's services include:
Currently SWAN is in partnership with the Disability Services Commission (DSC) and Developmental Disability WA (DDWA) working on a project to provide information on the WA NDIS My Way trial in the Lower South West. As part of the project, SWAN is working to identify the information needs of people with disabilities and their families, and provide information vial social media, website, newsletter, phone, email and in person.
Our relationship with DSC is now well established, with Local Area Coordinators and My Way Coordinators often referring families to SWAN for support. Families who have a member undergoing the diagnostic assessment process frequently contact SWAN as their first port of call for quality information, support and referral during what is commonly a very complicated and tumultuous time.
Additionally, SWAN is working closely with Curtin University and the Val Lishman Health Research Foundation on the delivery of two autism research projects via dissemination of information to our members and the wider community; participation in the research Project Advisory Committee, and provision of office space and resources to the Curtin Research Assistant.
The rapid growth of SWAN's membership since 2009 is a testament to the efforts of those involved who for the most part are volunteers. The positive response to our expanding range of activities and programs is gratifying, however requests for expansion of these programs highlight the need for increased support within our community.
A community where everyone living with autism is able to live the life they choose.
To enhance the lives of individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders in their own communities by:
Based on dialogue with our members, with regional service providers and regular meetings with the SWAN Board of Management, key strategies as outlined below have been developed to target the needs of our members over the next three years.
Action:
1.1 Utilise the SWAN members Facebook page and Friends of SWAN Facebook page to generate 'Hot Topic' discussions. Encourage members to put forward topics they wish to discuss.
1.2 Face to face meetings and discussions with members and their families during social get-togethers, functions, respite camps and drop-ins to the SWAN office.
1.3 NDIS My Way Project in collaboration with DSC. Collection and analysis of feedback from those who seek information / support and respond to online surveys.
1.4 Linked Survey Monkey questions regarding member's needs and perspectives which can be fed back to DSC with de-identified information.
Action:
2.1 Organise three catered social events per year for SWAN members and their families as well as other interested parties in the community to attend. One of these events will include the Annual Christmas Party for families. Another event will be organised within Autism Acceptance Month in April each year and a third during a school holiday period where families have more time to get together.
2.2 Organise and cater for three respite camps for carers both female and male during each year.
2.3 Recruit members to organise casual social get-togethers via social media regularly throughout each year and in varying regions.
2.4 Hold regular monthly coffee mornings at the SWAN premises and invite relevant guests to speak and provide information.
Action:
3.1 Continue to provide fortnightly social skills groups for children and young people with autism through the provision of the AutStars and YES programs.
3.2 Increase the number of social skills groups in line with demand and waitlist numbers.
3.3 Gain expressions of interest for a group for young adults with autism and interested community members with a focus on inclusion and socialisation.
3.4 Organise family camps where children and young people with autism, their siblings and parents/carers can interact in a fun, relaxing environment.
Action:
4.1 Expand , catalogue and organise the SWAN Resource Library. To utilise volunteers to help promote resources available via the SWAN website and Facebook page and to administer the loan system.
4.2 Continuing web based newsletter and Facebook media flow involving the dissemination of relevant events, training opportunities and other information and evidence based strategies.
4.3 Provide face to face, phone or social media responses to queries of SWAN members and other interested parties (e.g. service providers, extended family members, researchers).
4.4 Provide targeted information to all interested parties regarding the NDIS and My Way plans through the current DSC funded project.
Action:
5.1 Provide individual support and advocacy.
5.2 To further explore the views and experiences of families living with autism to better direct such advocacy.
5.3 Explore the possibility of obtaining funding to deliver a dedicated advocacy service within SWAN.
5.4 Explore the specific advocacy needs of families negotiating supports and education plans with schools for their child / young person with autism.
5.5 To provide up to date, practical and evidence based information to service providers and community groups to dispel myths about autism and improve the support on offer.
Action:
6.1 Network with other service providers in the region to share information about SWAN and gain an understanding of how other services can assist our members.
6.2 To work in partnership with relevant service providers and community groups by sharing information, expertise and resources to provide better services and support to people with autism and other disabilities.
Action:
Current identified gaps in program and service provision:
7.1 Explore ways in which the above gaps in program provision may be addressed. While we have a team of dedicated volunteers who can assist, it is clear that in order to maintain our current premises and to obtain the resources needed to commence these programs, SWAN is in considerable need of funding. Sourcing appropriate funding grants will be a major focus of our work over the next three years.
7.2 As is currently the case, SWAN will consider fee for service for some programs under development as a way of contributing to running costs.
7.3 Work in partnership with other agencies to share information regarding gaps in service provision and strategies to address these.