QLD Deafness NFP’s Merge
22 March 2016 at 11:18 am
Two major deafness Not for Profits in Queensland have signed a merger agreement which will see a new re-named organisation begin operation from next month.
Deaf Services Queensland (DSQ) has merged with Hearing Impaired Children’s Therapy Inc. (HICTI), which provides early intervention services to deaf and hard of hearing children under the age of seven.
The newly combined organisations said they aim to provide a full range of hearing services from birth to death as the National Disability Insurance Scheme launches on 1 July 2016.
“Having HICTI join the current suite of services provided by DSQ ensures there is an opportunity to grow and reach more deaf and hard of hearing children who are currently unable to access early intervention services across the state,” CEO of Deaf Services Queensland Brett Casey said.
“Our aim is to also work with the parents and families of deaf children to provide a stronger voice as we move into a self-directed NDIS environment and with a view to enhancing the lives of deaf and hard of hearing children.
“We have been working hard with HICTI over the last 18 months showcasing an alignment in our vision and values for ongoing early intervention service delivery for deaf and hard of hearing children without compromising the existing delivery and outcomes HICTI has been providing for many years.”
DSQ said it had been operating in Queensland for more than one hundred years. One-third of its funding is from government with the rest made up from fee-for-service and fundraising.
HICTI said it had a long history of providing deaf and hard of hearing children with access to speech therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy services over more than six decades as well as assisting families around support and communication opportunities for their children.
“Our organisation and our staff have a holistic approach to service provision, always considering the best interests of the child. The merger with Deaf Services Queensland ensures that we will continue to provide a service that puts the child first,” Manager of HICTI, Jen McKee said.
The Chair of the Board at Deaf Services Queensland, David Gibson, and the HICTI President, Joy MacDougall were both present at the recent HICTI AGM when the final merger decision was made.
They said while there would be a period of transition as the services and staff made the shift to Deaf Services Queensland, parents were aware that there will be no interruption of services.
