In the 2005 Carer Survey the Client Satisfaction Index increased by five points from 73% in 2003 to 78% in 2005. This was the major measure used but on all parameters carers' perception of Aspect and its performance has improved significantly. The answer which showed most change was carers' confidence in Aspect if they had to make a complaint which moved 19 points from 53% in 2003 to 72% in 2005. Although these results have been impressive and have revealed that much has been accomplished since 2003, Aspect acknowledges that more needs to be done to better support children and adults with an ASD and their families, and this is clearly recognised in the directions from the 2006 Business Plan summarised below:
Aspect will:
Continue to increase the reach of Aspect by being in contact with more people with autism spectrum disorders and their families;
Establish services in the Riverina;
Consolidate services on the Far North Coast by developing more long term services;
Establish a second “Someone To Turn To…”™ Program on the Far North Coast;
Continue to explore other rural and regional options for Aspect;
Implement the new model for funding diagnostic services which includes using a scaled model of fees based on a family's capacity to pay;
Continue to develop the Autism Information Line as a major source of information and advice for families and service providers;
Continue to develop Aspect's web site as another major source of information and interaction for parents, service providers and the community;
Maintain the total number of early intervention services offered to children and their families;
Continue to expand the schools program;
Extend the range of intervention strategies available through Aspect schools;
Undertake the capital improvements at the Central Coast School for Children with Autism;
Implement the Comprehensive Continuous Improvement Strategy;
Implement the staff learning and development program;
Implement the third year of the Communications Action Plan for staff and families;
Continue sound financial management practices;
As a minimum maintain the net revenue from all fundraising activities whilst continuing to identify new opportunities and new fundraising strategies, and
Continue to maintain effective relationships with Aspect's government funders
Finally, when examining Aspect's overall performance on the key issues arising from the Carers Survey, the highest priorities for Aspect are to:
increase services to people with ASD
increase communication with carers by producing a new magazine known as Perspectives along with Keynotes
improve the buildings and infrastructure at the Central Coast School
increase the level of participation carers have, particularly with regard to decision-making and giving feedback
help carers to be aware of the future direction of Aspect, and increase their overall confidence in management
demonstrate innovative practices, and learn from past mistakes and successes
communicate in a clear and effective manner with all clients, families and carers
provide learning opportunities for families about communication
explain clearly the services that are received by a carer's family member
Aspect sincerely thanks those who participated in the 2005 Carers Survey and who took the time to provide open, honest and invaluable insights into the organisation's services. Aspect's ability to improve is heavily reliant on getting specific feedback from its customers, and it is hoped that through this open exchange of communication, Aspect services will not only keep improving but also become a national lighthouse for ASD services.
