Pilot Outcomes

The Companion Card program was piloted from September 2003 with one thousand people who had previously registered their interest in the program. The purpose of the pilot was to evaluate the application design and format, and the administration processes. Approximately one hundred and fifty people returned an evaluation form.

Key themes that emerged were:

• The Application form was well set out and easy to read.
• The Handbook provided clear instructions.
• The direction to take the application form to either a Health Professional or Service Provider was difficult for some people.
• The expense of acquiring photographs and access to accessible photograph locations was a barrier for some people.
• The Application form and Handbook should be in Easy English.

What you said.

• "I found the form very clear and easy to read and understand. I think you have done a great job and its about time people with disabilities had a program like this. Thank you."
• "Supportive guidelines helped to streamline and clarification information – thanks!”
• “One call for help was addressed very easily by the Information Line, who were very pleasant”
• “The application process was difficult … just running around to doctors and the passport photo shop was a hassle.”
• “Please provide simpler language for some sections (in the Handbook)”
• “I did not find the application form hard to fill in.”

As a result of the evaluation a number of changes were made to the Companion Card program. Business processes were improved as a result of your feedback, the application form was re-designed to be clearer, and processes have been streamlined resulting in faster approval of applications.

There was some feedback that did not result in change because, after consideration, the business practice was determined to be crucial for the program to be successful. We have attempted to explain some of the application processes in our Frequently Asked Questions section.

Thank you to all those involved in the pilot who returned their Evaluation Forms. Your feedback did make a difference!