Inkable Spotlight: CODA SOUTH ASSOCIATION INC.
Inkable Spotlight: CODA South Association Inc.
We are honoured to have Coda South for our Inkable Spotlight this month! They are an organisation that provides respite and support for families caring for an adult with a disability in their own homes.
Their advocacy is passionate, and we are happy to feature them this month, and hope that they inspire you today and everyday with their work.
What is the Coda story? What are your flagship programs and services?
CODA is a non profit organisation established in 1989 founded by a group of concerned parents. Their primary focus was the welfare of their sons and daughters with a disability, when they were no longer able to provide the level of support needed to maintain them at home. After successfully lobbying the local and state government, CODA was born, and became an approved association in September 1991.
Since its conception CODA has extended beyond its in-home respite service into innovative services designed to suit the individual needs of the person with a disability and their carers such as Out of home respite, Plan Management, Supported Holidays and much more.
Could you please elaborate on the “Every Australian Counts” Campaign?
The NDIS is a national scheme to provide targeted support and better coordination and access to services for people with disabilities. The “Every Australian Counts” campaign was the initiative that banded together Australians to get behind the establishment of the NDIS.
CODA welcomes the changes to the industry under a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) as we fully support and recognise individual’s ability to make their own choices and decisions.
- We absolutely agree with you when you say that the size of the organisation does not reflect the power and the passion of the people inside it.
Could you share with us one beautiful photo that speaks about the enormous passion of the team?
Never forget why you do what you do and the people that make it possible by supporting your products or services. You can be a small business or small organisation and still have a big heart.
What is Coda South’s proudest moment to date? And can you give us a sense as to why it’s such a key milestone?
CODA has been passionate for many years about setting up a respite house to offer individuals with a disability time away from home to give their carers a break from the caring role and for everyone to recharge their batteries. So it is exciting to say we have achieved just that! In July, CODA purchased and moved our office into our respite house. We aim to be offering respite support commencing in September/October in an inviting 4 bedroom, wheelchair accessible, open plan home.
We don’t want this to be just ordinary respite, but rather a ‘home away from home’, where guests that stay with us have the opportunity to continue to learn new skills and participate in the running of ‘a home’.
It’s been a pleasure being part of your journey, albeit and even if only through print. How has print helped your efforts?
It is more important than ever, as we move closer to the introduction of the NDIS that we promote ourselves and outline the services and support CODA offers. Individuals and families will receive greater freedom, choice and control over the support they receive and it’s important we can reach potential clients with relevant information via all media including print.
Having our printed material accessible at expos has been our most successful method of sharing printed information about CODA. Professional designs and quality print work are essential for CODA to convey the quality and pride we strive for in all aspects of our organisation.
What are the three adjectives that best describe Coda South, and why those three?
SUPPORT – RESPECT – PASSION.
The passion and unwavering support CODA has for its clients and their families exceed duty. It is with immense respect for the clients who choose to be supported by CODA that we determinedly advocate to develop supports focussed on the individual and strive to develop their confidence and independence.
- Our customers are small businesses and designers who’ve had their share of tough challenges.
Can you impart some words of wisdom for people who are just starting out with their own endeavours?
Be passionate not only about what you do but for the people you are doing it for. Never forget why you do what you do and the people that make it possible by supporting your products or services. You can be a small business or small organisation and still have a big heart.
Where else can we find you?
Official Website: www.codasouth.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CODASouthAssoc.Inc
Twitter: twitter.com/CODASOUTH
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CODA South is a not-for-profit organisation operating since 1991. They provide individualised Personal Care, In Home Respite and Community Access supports to adults with a disability living in the community.