RDAA Strategic Plan

RDA Australia The Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia Limited (RDAA) is a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation and registered charity which provides opportunities for anyone with a disability to enjoy safe, healthy, stimulating, therapeutic, horse-related activities across Australia.

Vision

Towards personal achievement through equestrian activities

Riding Develops Abilities

RDA Australia Limited, management, coaches and volunteers strive to provide quality service and personal achievement in all aspects of the Organisation’s programs and operations

Mission

RDA enables people with disabilities and volunteers throughout Australia to experience enjoyment, challenge and a sense of achievement through participation in equestrian activities, resulting in the development of life skills, improved quality of life and attainment of personal goals.

We are dedicated to providing these services through an organisation that is Relevant, Innovative, Effective and Rewarding.

Operated by trained and caring people committed to our aims now and in the future, RDA is recognised as having active involvement within the equestrian and general communities.

Values

Strategic Goals

1. To position RDAA Australia as the recognised leader in all matters relating to equine activities and interventions for people with a disability, illness or injury
2. To promote the rights of people living with a disability through our equine activities and intervention programs
3. To provide new and enhanced equine assisted services through developing and maintaining sustainable revenue streams

By 2020

• Significantly raise the profile and understanding of the benefit of equine-assisted activities/therapies (EAAT) and the work of RDA Australia with all relevant stakeholders.
• Expand our peer support and local and state based services.
• Leverage our current equine intervention expertise into new areas.
• Significantly increase our member numbers and member engagement.
• Train more coaches though our nationally accredited Coach Development Program.
• Recruit and train younger volunteers and coaches.
• Better understand the characteristics & needs of people living with disability.
• Develop and implement innovative services to respond to those needs.
• Grow our fundraising capability and partnerships to sustain future operations.
• Invest in our people and infrastructure to deliver innovative and targeted high quality services and equine interventions to:
  • Improve the live of children with disabilities (i.e. though RDA’s early childhood intervention programs)
  • Improve communication and cognitive skills of children with a range of disabilities (e.g. autism)
  • Help people with disability, illness or injury live more active healthy lives (e.g. Heart Disease, Alzheimer Disease, Type I and II Diabetes)
  • Helping people recover from major trauma or illness (e.g. RTA, Stroke)
• Develop and implement evidence-based practise informed by longitudinal research linked into major hospitals, universities and research centres both nationally and internationally,
• Develop comprehensive equine-assisted activities/therapies and roll out to every RDA Centre across Australia.