2009 - "Thank You" Celebration and Annual General Meeeting

SA Group Enterprises celebrated the successful completion of another year with the release of our 2009 Annual Report and invited members, personnel and board to attend a thank you celebration at the Morphettville Junction.

Morphettville Junction Entertainment Complex

SA Group Enterprises used the AGM as a way to thank all personnel, staff and the board for their ongoing support of the organisation and dedication to achieving our vision “Professional work places, real jobs, valued people”.

Presentations and Awards

SA Group Enterprises weathered well through a tough financial year and although experiencing our first deficit in over 10 years, the organisation maintained a healthy balance sheet and continues to increase employment opportunities for people with a disability.

Board, members and guests

Despite continued slow economic growth budgeted for 2010, SA Group Enterprises will continue to developed our businesses and services through a continued commitment to strategic planning and personnel development.

(Click here to download PDF 898.72 KB)

The 2009 Annual Report is available electronically in high resolution for printing, on request.

2009 - Australian Disability Enterprises Excellence Awards recognise Wire Ware for Innovation

The Innovation Award is for Australian Disability Enterprises Excellence and was awarded to Wire Ware for their ongoing adaptation of manufacturing equipment in their factory that provides real participation in meaningful employment for people with a disability. The award was presented to Michael Berndt the Manager of Wire Ware by Hon Bill Shorten MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities & Children’s Services, at the Workability International Conference held in Sydney on the 7th September. The Australian Disability Enterprises Excellence Awards recognises, encourages and promotes the significant contribution that Disability Enterprises make in improving the lives of people with a disability. They provide an opportunity to recognise the dual focus of Disability Enterprises as viable businesses providing quality employment to people with disability.

The adopted practices by Wire Ware differ from those undertaken by many mainstream businesses in that they make it possible for people with a disability to accomplish skilled operations and production tasks that would not be possible using conventional machinery. The workplace modifications (which have been designed and built at Wire Ware) reduce OH&S risks, increase productivity through semi-automation, and ensure that employees are engaged in valued and meaningful work.

Media Release 7th September 2009 - Innovation media release wire ware 2009.pdf (98.6 KB)

Newspaper Report 18th September 2009 - The Independent Weekly 18092009.pdf (1.93MB)

2009 - Inprint Design launch new website.

Inprint Design launched their new website www.inprint.com.au why not go and check it out.

2009 - Inprint Design finalist in the Messenger Local Business Awards

Inprint Design was a finalist at the Messenger Local Business Awards.

Messenger first promoted the Local Business Awards in 1993 with the aim of recognising and rewarding small businesses across Adelaide.

2009 - AutismSA strengthening communities and skills for people with Asperger's

AutismSA, with the support of Community Benefit SA, are offering a unique computer training opportunity for people with Asperger's. To achieve this, AutismSA has teamed up with two very different community organisations Air-Stream Wireless and SA Group Enterprises.

The result is an outstanding training course where participants learn real-world skills in computer construction alongside a fun social event. Participants will have the opportunity to apply what they have learned as well as to interact with peers in the broader community who share common interests.

Visit Air-Stream Wireless for more details.

2009 - Celebrating 20 years using Apple Computers

SA Group Enterprises began experimenting with the idea of providing employment opportunities in computing for people with a disability in the late 1980s. Using the latest accessible technology at that time the very new Apple Macintosh SE they where the only computer in those days, that came standard with a GUI operating system, accessibility software and a mouse. From these early beginnings we established a business called Inprint Design which has now become an award winning graphic design studio in southern suburbs of Adelaide South Australia.

In 1990 SA Group Enterprises obtained accommodation to establish a new computing business through the generosity and support of Flinders University of South Australia, who provided a small office space on-campus.

InPrint Computing in the 1991

Named InPrint Computing then, the business employed only five people with a disability and was the first project of its kind in Australia to explore employment and training opportunities in a new area of computing then called "desktop publishing".

Newly named Inprint Design in the 2001

As the business grow and changed, its name was also changed to Inprint Design and continues to be the only Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE). of its kind in Australia to provide employment in Graphic Design, and now employs 26 people with a disability who work with and alongside skilled team of industry-trained staff and designers.

Inprint Design now 2008

The business continues to use Apple computers along with the latest industry technology such as Adobe CS4 software, Apple Xserve and high speed gigabit networks. The business is not only viable but also pays its own way for accommodation, raising sufficient surpluses to maintain the latest in Apple computers and other technologies.

More importantly they offer employment conditions and wages equivalent to that expected in Open Employment and a working environment which is not only highly professional, but also one that provides ongoing support and training.

Aspitech in the Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher Program

Aspitech is pleased to announce their official participation in the Community Microsoft Authorised Refurbisher Program (Community MAR) meaning that they can not only offer quality low-cost computers but also supply them with the genuine Microsoft operating system installed.

Using genuine Windows operating systems is as important for refurbished PCs as it is for new PCs. Only genuine Windows operating systems offer end users the quality they expect and additional benefits such as full access to downloads, updates, and enhanced features.

The primary goal of the Community MAR program is to increase the number of low-cost computers available to low-income families, seniors, people with a disability, eligible charitable organisations, eligible academic users, and other community users. In addition, the Community MAR program benefits the environment by helping to prevent the premature disposal of computers that could be reused.

2008 - Australian Disability Enterprises Excellence Awards recognise Inprint Design for Acheivement

Inprint Design has won the National Business Service Excellence Award for Achievement at the National Disability Services (NDS) Employment Forum 2008. The Governor of Queensland and Governor-General Designate Ms Quentin Bryce AM joined Bill Shorten on the 21st July to present the award for Achievement to Ms Lee-Anne Sparks the manager of Inprint Design. Inprint Design has become a highly successful graphic design studio based in the southern suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia. Located in modern offices in the well known Mark Oliphant Building, Inprint Design utilizes the latest in computer technology, industry software and enterprise network environments to produce an extensive range of high quality graphic designs, advertising, promotional, print and website services. It is also the publisher of Link Magazine, a leading national disability issues magazine, and with more than 18 years’ experience in the design and press industry, it is becoming one of the Adelaide’s leading graphic design studios.

But what many people may not be aware is that Inprint Design is one of a number of business enterprises established by SA Group Enterprise designed to provide valued employment opportunities for people with a disability. Lasting the test of time Inprint Design are now one of SA Group Enterprise best examples of what can be achieved for people with a disability in employment.

Inprint Design July 2008

2008 - UniSA Occupational Therapy thank SA Wire Ware

The University of South Australia Occupational Therapy have recently thanked SA Wire Ware for their participation in the "Industry Visits" Program for third year undergraduates.

It was reported that students and course coordinators during the visit where greatly impressed by SA Wire Ware's commitment to enabling real participation in employment. Also the variety of innovative solutions they have developed to offer greater access to work tasks and participation in a commercial environment.

2008 - "Abilities for All" Tafe graduation

The "Abilities for All" Tafe graduation was held on Thursday February 7th at the Adelaide Convention Centre to recognise the achievements of employees who completed the TAFE Certificate 1 and 2 training. Congratulations to all those who participated.

Inprint Design
Jane Quirk
Ben Morton
Cathy Eerden
Donna Eerden
Mandy Vercoe
Wayne Crabb
Julie Lamming
Jacy Arthur

SA Wire Ware
Ross McMahon
Wesley Parsons
Clint Pearson
Jolani Beckley
Gavin Swingler
Linda Symons
Paul Clarkson

2008 - "Thank You" Celebration and Annual General Meeeting

SA Group Enterprises celebrated the successful completion of another exciting year with the release of our 2008 Annual Report and invited all members, personnel and Board to attend a thank you event at the Adelaide Pavilion.

Members and guests enjoying the relaxed atmosphere

SA Group Enterprise would like to thank the many people that make up our organisation, as it would not be successful today without their ongoing support and commitment. This was demonstrated without doubt in the way we have not only expanded our services to accommodate a greater number of support places, but also another surplus in a year predicted to be marginal.

Peter McInerney, Chairperson and Robert Hart, CEO

It is not yet clear how the global financial crisis of 2008 will really affect our organisation in the coming years, nevertheless with this ongoing commitment, a professional Board and a healthy balance sheet we are well placed to prepare for what might lay ahead.

(Click here to download PDF 1.22Mb)

The 2008 Annual Report is available electronically in high resolution for printing, on request.

2008 - AutismSA transfer Business Services - 2008

AutismSA - Business Services TASC and Aspitech have officially moved to SA Group Enterprises from May 2008.

SA Group Enterprises have welcomed this opportunity to support AutismSA and are working hard to ensure the ongoing continuity of these important employment services for people with Autism Spectrum Disorders in South Australia.

2007 - Abilympics Awards

The Abilympics is an annual event held to showcase the skills of employees in various disability business services all around South
Australia. It is with great pride that congratulations go to following personnel from SA Wire Ware, Inprint Design and Your Employment Success who where successful winners in the events.

Metal Fabrication
First Place - Ross Mc Mahon - SA Wire Ware
Second Place - Wesley Parsons - SA Wire Ware
Third Place - Clint Pearson - SA Wire Ware

Graphic Design
First Place - Julie Lamming - Inprint Design
Second Place - Jacy Arthur - Inprint Design
Third Place - Michelle De Stefano - Your Employment Success

Website Design
First Place - Michelle De Stefano - Your Employment Success

2007 - Inprint Design - Scores world highest in SRV evaluation

SA Group Enterprises regularly submits its Business Services for PASSING evaluations as part of its commitment to opening itself to external scrutiny to improve its services to the people with a disability, as well as enabling an invaluable training opportunity to workshop participants.

Inprint Design scored extremely well in this evaluation. Overall, it rated in the upper range of scores for all services evaluated world-wide utilising PASSING evaluations.

PASSING Evaluation of Inprint Design 18th & 19th July 2007

A team conducted an evaluation of Inprint Design on the 18th and 19th July 2007, as part of a training evaluation workshop conducted by Training & Evaluation for Change (TEC) in South Australia. The purpose of the workshop is to teach participants, who typically work in either the disability or aged care sectors, to conduct a service evaluation, and particularly to ascertain the extent to which the service evaluated meets the criteria of Social Role Valorisation (SRV). SRV is a social theory which has been very influential in the development of services and supports to people who are intellectually or physically disabled, mentally ill or elderly in many parts of the world over the past 30 years.

The evaluation instrument used was the 3rd(revised 2007) Edition of PASSING , a manual which was first developed in 1983, by Dr Wolf Wolfensberger and has been used world-wide since, in many thousands of service evaluations.

SA Group Enterprises regularly submits its Business Services for PASSING evaluations as part of its commitment to opening itself to external scrutiny to improve its services to the people with disabilities whom it serves, as well as enabling an invaluable training opportunity to workshop participants.

Inprint Design scored extremely well in this evaluation. Overall, it rated in the upper range of scores for all services evaluated world-wide utilising PASSING evaluations , as reviewed by Flynn(1999).

In particular the service scored well in terms of its relevance to the life experiences and needs of the people, the ‘fit’ between the job and each person, the individualisation of the work, the amount and relevance of support from staff. Also impressive was the level of personal growth and challenge for employees, the amount of enjoyability and interest, and their ability to exercise control or influence on work performed. There was also a lot of attention to the images projected on employees by Inprint in areas such as the location of the setting (it is an authentic workplace), the layout of the workplace, the fact that support staff are employed for their skills as graphic and web designers, promotion and publishing rather than as human service ‘minders’.

There was evidence of thoughtfulness and ‘coherency’ in the sense of Inprint paying a lot of attention to ensuring that there was a good match between/among the work performed, the worker identity, the setting (internal and external) and the needs of each person served. There was a clear differentiation of each person’s goals and supports, an appreciation of each person’s whole life, an avoidance of the ritualistic programming which seems to pervade many workplaces for people with disabilities, and open-minded expectations.

Following the evaluation feedback we have had discussions with the CEO and key staff at Inprint Design with a view to conducting an exercise in mid-2008 to tease out some of the key areas of service design which may require further work. This may involve bringing potential team members from other parts of Australia and perhaps New Zealand to further analyse the service model and hopefully refine it. The event will also involve key personnel from Inprint Design as part of the exercise.

Meantime we have asked Inprint Design if we might work with them to develop a set of teaching slides for use in our other workshops to illustrate the many elements of good practice which we encountered in this evaluation. Hopefully, through this exercise there will be an opportunity to influence developments in other parts of Australasia.

Our sincere thanks to Robert, Maree and Lee-Anne for the ongoing opportunities to follow and learn from developments at Inprint Design and in other areas of SA Group Enterprises’ operations.

Peter Millier
MA(Hons) DipClinPsych
TEC Senior Trainer
5TH February 2008

Bibliography
Flynn, R.J. (1999). A comprehensive review of PASS and PASSING research. In R.J. Flynn & R.A. Lemay (Eds). A quarter-century of Normalization and Social Role Valorization: Evolution and Impact. University of Ottawa Press

Wolfensberger, W., & Thomas, S. (2007). PASSING. A tool for analysing service quality according to Social Role Valorization criteria. Ratings manual (3rd rev. ed.) Syracuse, NY: Training Institute for Human Service Planning, Leadership & Change Agentry (Syracuse University)

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2006 - Celebrating 20 years

Established in 1986 as a result of new funding offered by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), SA Group Enterprises was established as a project to demonstrate how people with disabilities can participate meaningfully in employment and receive award-based wages and conditions.

Since that time SA Group Enterprises has continued with the support of FaHCSIA, DEEWR and through the ongoing success of our businesses and services. The organisation has truly come of age growing from its humble beginnings of only 10 people with disabilities and 4 staff, to now providing services and employment for over 100 people across three professional enterprises.

Although we never lose sight of the social purpose of SA Group Enterprise, our emphasis has always been to promote our business and service expertise in a competitive business environment. Perhaps we have become so successful in this area that some sections of the community are more aware of our enterprise activities than our real achievement in establishing inclusive and well-integrated work places, real jobs and valued employment for people with high support needs.

Celebrating 20 years is a great opportunity to let everyone know about our unique organisation and also give all personnel the opportunity to celebrate and be proud of what we have achieved together.

Thank you to those who through their generosity and support helped SA Group Enterprises to Celebrate 20 years at our special event held in 2006.

Edwardstown Florist - www.edwardstown-florist.com.au/
Eureka Print Group - www.eureka.on.net/
Haigh's Chocolates - www.haighschocolates.com.au
Robyn Moore - www.thepoweroftheword.com.au/
Ted Turner's Signs - www.tedturnersigns.com.au