Introduction DFI Seminar on Change and Voluntary Disability Organisations

Change Change we can’t do anything about Change we can’t do much about Change we can ‘manage’: – Change directly relevant to our Remit – Change we wanted: UN Convention on Rights Policy / Programme reviews based on person-centred objectives – Day Services, Congregated Settings, Value for Money & Policy Review, National Housing Strategy for people with a Disability etc

Person-Centred Outcomes More information over-load? Or Opportunity to engage with people and learn. Loss of service function to mainstream? Or Opportunity to enable people to access service locally. Loss of group advocacy voice? Or Gain evidence-based credibility.

We Can Manage Much of change agenda in the work plan of the HSE Disability Consultative Fora The Office of the Minister is energised, and she is advised by the Disability Stakeholders Group The UN Convention has built-in progression and monitoring mechanisms

Change & Uncertainty Not alone in the flux Government keen for innovation (that doesn’t cost more) Shared objective: people with disabilities enabled to pursue their lives, albeit conditioned Lots of experience already but now signposts clearer DFI ready to support organisations