Training Carries On
What is everyone doing when all of the Riding for the Disabled groups are closed?
Our volunteers are continuing to study for their NZQA qualifications and online training has been increased.
A Coach impacts positively on the lives of so many riders, so it’s great that so many volunteers are continuing their learning at home during the Level 4 Lockdown.
Online Training has been increased
Online Training has been increased to provide learning opportunities for all RDA people, a few examples are:
- Monthly Coaches Forum
- Monthly Therapists Forum
- Monthly Trainee Forum for those studying for NZQA qualifications
- Regular Webinars.
Qualifications continue to be available
Trainees can continue with their NZQA qualifications. NZRDA is committed to fully supporting individuals to get through their unit standards and to keep providing them with support. The practical components will have to wait until after the Lockdown is finished, but Trainees can complete the units which don’t require a practical element. Coaches can reach many riders for many years to come and we want to utilise this time so that more people can progress towards becoming a qualified Coach.
Quality Audits will be via self-certification
Operational Certificate Reviews will still be required for all Groups for 2020. For the next three months, any Group due to have their review will be asked to follow a different process, involving self-review, sample document review and telephone/video interview with the Reviewer. NZRDA will be in touch with RDA Groups to guide them through the process. This is particularly important as there will be ongoing work to look after horses’ feed and welfare.
Advice and Support for Riding for the Disabled Groups
We want all RDA Groups to stay connected throughout the crisis period. We want to ensure that our Groups are sustainable and have plans for the future so that when this crisis is over, the service for riders can re-commence and come back bigger and better than ever.
- We have issued a checklist to all of the Groups that have closed so that they can make sure they have done everything required on closure. There will be another checklist as the Groups re-open after Lockdown.
- We have also produced a number of resources to help Groups assist or communicate with staff and/or contractors, riders, and volunteers.
- We are encouraging Groups to maintain the RDA network even if they are out of action for a long time. Where Groups go into recess we want them to have plans for staying engaged with their staff, contractors and volunteers. We need Groups to stay in contact and to keep the RDA momentum going, even though riding may not be happening.
NZRDA has adapted to the current situation and will be here and providing on-going services to all RDA Groups and their riders, volunteers, and horses.
