Partnerships
Partnerships are essential to the successful implementation of the Disability Sector Quality System across the Queensland disability sector. Effective relationships, effective networks and mentoring within the sector are critical to the sustainability of the quality system and to having a quality management system that is owned by the sector.
Some of the key partnerships within the sector in relation to the quality system are:
Disability Services Queensland and peak bodies
The department works closely with the disability peak bodies National Disability Services (NDS) Queensland, (formerly ACROD (Qld)) and the Queensland Alliance to develop and deliver strategies to support service providers in implementing their quality management systems.
These peak bodies are important in providing guidance and networking opportunities to service providers and in facilitating two-way communication between them and the department.
For further information on the type of support provided by NDS Queensland and Queensland Alliance, visit the Supporting service providers section.
Disability Services Queensland and CRU and QDN
The department is also working with the Community Resource Unit Inc (CRU) and Queenslanders with a Disability (QDN) to scope and develop a range of possible options to inform, encourage and involve people with a disability, their families and carers in the quality system.
For further information on the department’s partnership with CRU and QDN, visit Current projects under the Supporting service users, families and carers section.
Disability Services Queensland and service user and family networks
The department is working with service user and family networks to share information and raise awareness about the system, its intent and how service users can be involved.
For information on how this is happening, visit the Supporting service users, families and carers section.
Disability Services Queensland and service providers
The department is also working directly with service providers and providing a variety of supports, including financial assistance, resources and training to build their capacity and capability to implement their internal quality management system.
Further information on these supports can be found in the Supporting service providers section.
Service providers and service users
Partnerships between service providers and service users are also essential for achieving quality outcomes for people with a disability and for those who deliver these services. Service providers regularly involve service users in their planning, delivery and evaluation of their service. They can use both formal and informal ways of engaging with their service. Each service does this differently according to the communication needs and preferences of service users.
Service users should contact their provider to discuss how they can be involved in providing feedback about the services they receive.
For more information on how service users can be involved in the quality system, visit the service user involvement section.Last updated May 2008