DARU Update › wp › wp-content › uploads › 2012 › 05 › … · Web viewSustainable...
31
DARU Update 10 th August 2009 WELCOME Hello, and welcome to the weekly update from the Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU). If you would like to be removed from this list or kept up to date another way, please reply to this email and let us know. DARU has been funded by the state government. It is run by a governance group, including members of the Victorian Disability Advocacy Network (VDAN), and the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS). DARU’s staff currently includes a Co-ordinator, Sharon Granek, and a Project Administrator, Melissa Yong We are always happy to hear from people who are interested in what we do. If you have a question, an idea, some news you’d like to see in the next update, or even if you just want to tell us something we’re doing is good or bad, get in touch! Call us on 03 9639 5807 or email [email protected] .
Transcript of DARU Update › wp › wp-content › uploads › 2012 › 05 › … · Web viewSustainable...
DARU Update10th August 2009
WELCOME
Hello, and welcome to the weekly update from the Disability Advocacy
Resource Unit (DARU). If you would like to be removed from this list or
kept up to date another way, please reply to this email and let us know.
DARU has been funded by the state government. It is run by a
governance group, including members of the Victorian Disability
Advocacy Network (VDAN), and the Victorian Council of Social Service
(VCOSS). DARU’s staff currently includes a Co-ordinator, Sharon
Granek, and a Project Administrator, Melissa Yong
We are always happy to hear from people who are interested in what we
do. If you have a question, an idea, some news you’d like to see in the
next update, or even if you just want to tell us something we’re doing is
good or bad, get in touch! Call us on 03 9639 5807 or email
Please note that material contained in the DARU Update copy does not
necessarily reflect the policy of DARU or the views of any staff members.
Statements in the DARU Update do not comprise advice and readers
should avail themselves of professional advice where appropriate.
IN THE NEWSEVENTSCONSULTATIONS
PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCESFUNDING OPPORTUNITIESTRAININGPAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS
IN THE NEWS
Disabled Funding Alienates StudentsJustine Ferrari, Education writer, August 05, 2009
Extra money for schools teaching disabled children further
disadvantages the students themselves, alienating them from their peers
as they are caught in a vicious cycle of funding-exaggerated disability.
Schools and parents are given an incentive to exaggerate the extent of
students' disabilities to obtain higher funding, a federal government
review has also found.
The review, conducted by Monash University, found growing concern
among parents, state and territory governments and advocacy groups
about the way schools are funded for students with disabilities.
Under current arrangements, funds are provided directly to the school
and parents are excluded from decisions about how the money should
be spent.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,25884327-
2702,00.html
Update on Developing the National Disability Strategy A message from the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, the Hon Bill Shorten MP, 5th August 2009
Thank you to everyone who provided submissions or participated in the
consultation sessions held across Australia. The response to the
consultation process on the National Disability Strategy (the Strategy)
was extensive with over 2,500 people attending capital city forums and
focus groups in regional and remote areas and over 750 submissions to
the discussion paper were received.
The many views expressed through the transcripts of nation-wide
consultations have undergone a thematic analysis and the submissions
have since undergone an independent qualitative and quantitative
analysis. Together, these two important pieces of work have informed
the consultation feedback report to the government.
The report ‘Shut Out: The Experience of People with Disabilities and
their Families in Australia’ was launched by the National People with
Disabilities and Carer Council (NPWDACC) on 5 August 2009. For a
copy of the report click here
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/pubs/policy/community_consult/
Pages/default.aspx
For the plain English version click here
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/pubs/policy/Pages/shutout_easye
nglish.aspx
Phone 1800 050 009 or TTY: Phone 1800 555 677 and ask for 1800 050
009 if you require another version of this document
The report provides detail on the key barriers and issues facing people
with a disability, their families and carers and highlights the solutions
offered by the submissions. The report also compares the level of
interest against a range of themes and issues that have emerged and
identifies the existing strategies that submissions suggest are working
well.
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/progserv/govtint/Pages/nds.aspx
Call to Lift Disabled Out of ‘Exile’Stephanie Peatling Sydney Morning Herald August 5, 2009
A national insurance scheme that would cover the costs of those with
disabilities should be investigated, says the parliamentary secretary for
disabilities and children’s services, Bill Shorten.
The scheme would provide someone born with a disability or who
incurred one through accident or illness with consistent funds throughout
their life. ‘‘Many Australians with disabilities remain in internal exile,’’ he
said. Mr Shorten will today make public a discussion paper calling for a
national plan for those with disabilities. It argues that the existing system
of providing services to those with disabilities is too flawed to be fixed
and needs to be replaced.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.smh.com.au/national/call-to-lift-disabled-out-of-
x2018exilex2019-20090804-e8on.html
Council Fails to Obey LawNick Higginbottom Herald Sun Wed 05 Aug 2009
Another taxpayer-funded State Government council has failed to lodge
an annual report despite legislation requiring it to do so. The Disability
Advisory Council was established two years ago and gets about $50,000
a year but hasn't sent one report to Community Services Minister Lisa
Neville.
Long-time disability advocate Margaret Ryan discovered the council's
failure when she tried to obtain a copy of its latest annual report. She
was shocked when it took six months for the Government to tell her the
report didn't exist.
``Almost six months after I started the FOI request I got a letter that said:
`The document you request does not exist','' Ms Ryan said. ``Apparently
the report was provided verbally, but then I was told the next report will
be written and available.''
The Disability Act 2006 states under section 12.2: ``The Victorian
Disability Advisory Council must report annually to the minister on the
performance of its functions.''
Ms Neville's spokeswoman last night said the council was not required to
table a report.
Opposition community services spokeswoman Mary Wooldridge was
shocked at the revelation that a verbal report was acceptable. ``There is
something very wrong when a council . . . relies on nothing more than a
nod and a wink . . . to skate over its obligations,'' she said.
EVENTS
Inclusive Emergency Management ForumWhen: Monday 31st August 10am-4pm
Where: 130 Little Collins St (Uniting Church Centre)
RSVP: Thursday 13th August
Email: [email protected] Phone:03 9489 2999 TTY: 03
04891179 Please indicate whether you have dietary or support needs.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Attendant support workers
and Auslan interpreters will be present.
The forum will include presenters involved in emergency management
across sectors including people with disabilities, and focus groups for
discussion and collaboration.
If you are unable to attend but would like to receive information and
updates, please advise.
For further information click here
We hope to see you there
Strengthening Disability Advocacy – Working TogetherWhen: 17th and 18th November 2009
Where: The Jasper Hotel, 489 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
The Conference Organising Committee invites submissions for proposals to present at the conference from advocates, people with a disability, educators and practitioners of social policy.
Keynote speakers at the conference include:-
Dr. Helen Szoke - Chief Conciliator/Chief Executive Officer Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
Dr. Fiona Kumari-Campbell - Senior Lecturer in Disability Studies, School of Human Services and Social Work, Griffith University
Paul Ramcharan - Co-ordinator Research and Public Policy, Australian Centre for Human Rights Education
Expressions of interest are now being sought from people with disabilities, advocates, educators and practitioners of social policy who would like to be part of the program. We would like you to submit your ideas for presentations, exhibitions, displays or performances.
Those considering submitting an expression of interest are invited to be
as bold and imaginative as they like with their proposal.
Possible topics may include (but are not limited to):
Empowering people involved in advocacy and self advocacy Human Rights Advocacy and self advocacy models and tools Checklists for advocacy groups and service providers
For further information please visit www.daru.org.au or email
[email protected] For the Expression of Interest form please click
here. Closing Date for Expressions of Interest is Friday 28 August 2009
The 2nd Strengthening Disability Advocacy is being hosted by DARU SARU and VDAN
Open Invitation Multi-faith and Disability Forum
When: 10.30am – 2.30pm, Wednesday 9 September 2009
Where: The Jasper Hotel, 489 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne
RSVP: To Nahum Hall by September 1 Phone (03) 9251 5255 or email
A light lunch will be provided. Please indicate whether you have any
dietary or access requirements.
Have you experienced barriers when accessing a faith community? Do
you have any ideas about how to make things better? Please come
along to share your stories and ideas.
The Uniting Church as host invites you to this forum as part of a project
to gather stories and insights, of both inclusion and exclusion in faith
communities. This forum arises from the belief that faith networks are
valuable communities for many people with disabilities. However, it is not
always easy for people to fully participate.
Presentations· John Swinton, School of Divinity, History and Philosophy, University of
Aberdeen, Scotland
· Personal Perspectives
· Faith Communities and Disability video focussing on three major
traditions
There will also be an opportunity to discuss issues in small groups.
Unable to attend the forum? Please go to
http://blogs.victas.uca.org.au/disabilityinclusion and tell us about your
experiences in faith communities.
This forum is supported by the Office for Disability, Department of
Planning and Community Development.
Workability International Annual Conference 2009When: 6th to 9th September 2009
Where: Hilton Hotel, Sydney, New South Wales
The conference will be held in conjunction with NDS.
The overall theme for the conference is SHINING THROUGH - Creating
sustainable employment in a turbulent world
Employment provides people with income, a mechanism to contribute to
society's economic well-being, and opportunities for social engagement.
And it engenders feelings of satisfaction, achievement and contribution.
But not everyone has had the same opportunity to participate. Despite
growing
recognition of the rights of people with disability, their employment
opportunities are far too few. This does not have to be the case. Access
to the right support services can deliver great outcomes. Sustainable
employment for people with disability is, however, at serious risk from
the global economic downturn.
Workability International and National Disability Services have joined to
host a 3-day conference to equip delegates with knowledge and
strategies to help ensure that the employment of people with disability is
not adversely affected by the economic challenges ahead.
The Workability International Annual General Meeting will be held on late
afternoon on Tuesday 8th September 2009.
For further information go to
www.workability-international.org/events.html__
Accessible Arts' upcoming Arts-Activated ConferenceWhen: 25-26 March 2010
Where: Powerhouse Museum in Sydney
Accessible Arts is convening the second Arts Activated Conference. The
theme of the
conference, Arts - Access - Excellence, will explore process, practice
and innovation relating to inclusion of people with disability in the arts.
Accessible Arts invites submissions for proposals to present at the
conference. The Arts Activated conference aims to be interactive and
outcomes driven and will be looking for creative and interactive
presentations that incorporate participatory elements. The closing date
for submissions is 31 August 2009. People with a disability are
encouraged to apply.
Speakers confirmed to date include Genevieve Clay, emerging
filmmaker and winner of Movie Extra Tropfest 2009, Gerard O'Dwyer,
best actor, Movie Extra Tropfest 2009, Dr Erin Brannigan, founding
director ReelDance, David Doyle, Executive Director of DADAA and
Gareth Wreford, Executive Director of Arts Access Australia.
Further information and invitation to present – call for papers application
form: www.aarts.net.au/arts-activated-conference-2010
CONSULTATIONS
National Mental Health Consumer Peak OrganizationJanet Meagher AM, Divisional Manager - Inclusion PRA Management Unit, Level 11, 1
Lawson Square, Redfern
If you are a mental health consumer, or an organization with consumer
focus, you may wish to participate in discussions, consultations or
submit ideas to the consultations around the formation of a national
mental health consumer peak organization. Please encourage
participation as it’s so important that consumers gain a peak national
organization of the highest quality and with as much input as will make it
sustainable and responsive to stakeholder requirements.
The website for the National Scoping Study: Consumers Speak:
seeking a national voice - a project to inform the establishment of a new
national mental health consumer peak is now live:
www.crazelateralsolutions.com Click on National Scoping Project logo
for details about project and consultation meetings nationally.
Phase One of consultations start the week commencing 23 August.
Please distribute the news of the National Scoping Study far and wide.
City of Melbourne Disability Action Plan The City of Melbourne is developing its fourth Disability Action Plan. A
major part of this development is the feedback, views and aspirations of
all people who live, work, study or visit the City of Melbourne.
Consultation now open Disability Action Plan 2010-2013 survey is
open now until Friday, 21 August.
You can participate in the consultative process and share your thoughts
on disability access within the City of Melbourne. Tell us what you like
and don’t like about coming to the city – is it easy to get around and
what are the barriers you face when accessing the City of Melbourne?
What is working well for you? What changes would you like to see in the
future?
Complete their survey, or request a time for an individual interview.
Visit the link for more details: click here
You can also fill out a survey at the City of Melbourne libraries and
community centres or at the Melbourne Mobility Centre (located at level
one, Federation Square car park). Make sure you see the front desk for
your copy.
InterviewsIf you are unable to attend a forum and would like to share your views
via an individual interview, contact Tasia Karlis, MetroAccess Project
Officer on 9658 8587 or [email protected] to schedule an
individual time.
3CR Broadcast - International Day of Persons with Disabilities - Call for Proposals3CR Community Radio is calling for proposals from people with
disabilities who want to share their own stories, record their music and
arts, or record other material for broadcast on International Day of
Persons with Disabilities, 3 December 2009. For more details click here
PUBLICATION AND RESOURCES
Barwon disAbility Resource Council The Barwon disAbility Resource Council has made a name change and
is now trading as ASSERT 4 ALL. They are still specializing in Access,
Advocacy and Information. Contact details remain the same.
Email: www.bdrc.org.au
Phone: (03) 52218011
Fax: (03) 52295665
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Vision Australia Further Education BursaryThe Vision Australia Further Education Bursary 2010 for tertiary students
with a vision impairment is now open for applications. This is a great
opportunity receive adaptive technology.
Visit www.visionaustralia.org/bursary for the application form and more
information.
Disability TAFE and Tertiary Scholarships and Ethel Temby Study Tour Awards 2009
Thousands of Victorians support people with a disability to enjoy living
and participating in work, leisure and local community activities.
Disability Services Division is again offering scholarships and study tour
awards to encourage current and future disability sector employees to
develop their knowledge and skills.
Lifelong learning and professional development are hallmarks of the
Victorian disability sector workforce. The scholarships and awards may
open the door to new career opportunities so whether you already work
in the field or are looking for a positive change, consider applying for one
of the following:
Disability TAFE and Tertiary (for study in 2010-2011)
An Ethel Temby Study Tour Award (for travel in 2010)
Who can apply
Applications are invited from current disability services staff and potential
staff and students who are interested in a career in disability services.
For more information on eligibility and selection criteria click here.
For more information email [email protected], phone (03) 9096 2980
or visit the website
The closing date for Disability TAFE and Tertiary Scholarships and Ethel
Temby Study Tour Awards is 27th August 2009.
Victoria Law Foundation General GrantsThe Victoria Law Foundation is accepting new grant proposals for the
second round of its 2009-10 general grants program through 17 September 2009. Twice a year the Foundation offers a round of general
grants between $10,000 and $90,000, for innovative legal projects that
are likely to benefit the people of Victoria.
Grants are considered with reference to the Foundation’s statutory
functions as contained in section 5 of the Foundation’s governing
legislation, the Victoria Law Foundation Act 2009. Grant applications
are also assessed against the Foundation’s guiding principles to
determine their originality and ability to provide long-term benefit.
Finally, the Foundation considers the size of the overall project and how
well the project satisfies our mandate to enhance access to justice and
understanding of the law.
The Foundation’s guiding principles and statutory functions are listed on
their website
We encourage all applicants to contact the Foundation’s Grants and
Awards Manager on 9604 8100 or via email at
[email protected] and to review the grants criteria
before submitting an application.
TRAINING
Working with Women with a Disability Experiencing Family ViolenceWhen: Wednesday 26 August 2009, 9.30am to 1.30pm.
Where: Jaspers, Training Room, 489 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne.
RSVP: Places are strictly limited and are offered on a first in basis. Click
here for the flyer and expression of interest form Fax or email the
expression of interest form to Sophie Hibberd at Swinburne University to
participate. Phone: 03 9214 6543 Email: [email protected]
This half day training workshop is for workers and professionals who
may work with women with disabilities experiencing family violence. This
workshop will provide workers and professionals with the skills to
perform a 'preliminary risk assessment', which includes undertaking
initial risk assessments with victims of family violence before referring
them to specialist family violence services, and possibly providing
ongoing related support services.
Disability Intake & Response workers, Family Team workers and
Disability Case Managers from Disability Client Services (DHS) and
Disability CSOs (outreach and case managers) are strongly encouraged
to attend.
Women with Disabilities invited to participate in Multi-Media ProjectThe Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service of Victoria has received
funding to expand its successful media advocacy project to include the
voices of women with disabilities who have experienced family violence.
We are looking for women with disabilities who may be interested in
training to be media advocates. Speaking out, not only about family
violence, but also about the additional barriers women with disabilities
face when living with or leaving abusive situations and/or environments.
Training around key family violence messages; self care; working with
the media and public speaking will be covered. For a copy of our
expression of interest form please contact Jane Ashton, or leave a
message, on 9928 9614 or email
[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>.
Education and Training - Easy English writing coursesWhen: Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 August 2009
Where: Darebin Arts Centre, Preston.
Cost: $550 (including morning and afternoon tea, lunch and handouts).
RSVP: Chris Gormley Phone: 03 9843 2000 Email:
Do you want to make your written documents more accessible to staff
and customers?
During this two day course, you will receive information and participate in
activities to learn the steps to develop accessible written information.
The expert presenters will also discuss making other communications
accessible, such as websites.
On the second day, two presenters will guide you through choosing the
right images, inserting images and document layout.
This course is suitable for people who write information for their staff or
customers. This includes policy, handbooks, manuals, plans, posters,
brochures, fliers and content for the web.
Disability Confidence For H.R.Professionals -
Half Day Training SessionWhen: 9:30am - 1:00pm Thursday 10th Sept 2009
Where: Dept of Innovation, Industry & Regional Development, Level 27,
131 Exhibition St Melbourne
Cost: Members $225 + GST / Non-members $275 + GST
RSVP: By Mon 31st Aug 2009 to [email protected] or phone (02)
9261 3922.
Over 16% of the working age population has a disability Mastering the skills, tools and techniques to effectively interview and
select talented candidates with disability can ensure Human Resource
professionals provide their internal and external clients with the best
possible candidates for all available roles.
THIS INTERACTIVE HALF DAY SESSION WILL COVER: The business case for employing people with disability
Understanding disability types
Legal obligations
Reasonable adjustments
Interviewing skills
Coaching skills for managers of employees with disability
Support systems for HR Professionals and employees.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND? HR Professionals
Recruitment Specialists
Managers
Diversity Practitioners
DOWNLOAD A REGISTRATION FORM IN WORD / PDF
Please advise of any specific dietary or accessibility requirements when
registering.
Weaving your Web – Online Essentials When 8th September, 1.30pm - 4.30pm
Where Angliss Conference Centre, Building A, Level 5, 555 La Trobe
Street, Melbourne. Room: Main Theatre
Register Cost $95. To register phone 03 9320 6800 or email
The era of social media is here. This is a seminar for volunteers and staff
on how to use WEB 2.0 in your community organisation.
In this low-jargon, highly practical and entertaining session, you will learn
how to improve your Web 1.0 presence, embrace Web 2.0 possibilities
and use your newfound online savvy to win friends and raise money for
your community group.
You Will Learn:
What the media want
Web 1.0 fundamentals – creating a job description for your
website, clear sitemaps, cunning design, clear navigation, better
search engine results, utilising Google analytics and Google
webmaster tools, gaining more visitors
How to create the right culture to be good online communicators
Writing for online vs print
E-newsletters – why they matter, how to start, what’s possible
How and why you should use YouTube, Animoto, Facebook,
Survey Monkey, MySpace and Twitter
Which sites and services will make you better online
communicators
For more information contact Lisa via phone 9320 6820 or email
PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS
POLICY OFFICER - (Violence against women with disabilities)Victorian Women with Disabilities Network is a small and vibrant
organisation of women with disabilities working for all women with
disabilities in Victoria. We have a disability friendly work environment.
We are seeking a woman with a disability to continue our work to
influence policy and practice in responding to violence against women
with disabilities in Victoria. Initially the position will be for 2 years with
potential for continuation.
The role will be responsible for continuing to implement the VWDN AIS
framework for responding to violence against women with disabilities.
Further enquiries can be made by phone 9664 9317 or the position
description can downloaded from http://www.vwdn.org.au.
Applications close 5pm 24th August 2009Applications in response to the key selection criteria marked confidential
are to be addressed to Keran Howe, Executive Officer, VWDN, GPO
Box 1160, Melbourne 3001, or email [email protected].
E. O Exemption No. A182/2008
AMIDA –Short Term Project 10 hours per week, over the next 18 months
$25.61 per hour
Located at AMIDA office, at Ross House 1st Floor 247 Flinders
Lane, Melbourne
Action for More Independence and Dignity in Accommodation Inc
(AMIDA) is looking for a project worker for a part time project over the
next 18 months. The job is to arrange the preparation of a booklet and
training to go with our new DVD package on residential rights for people
living in Community Residential Units (CRU’s). It will also involve
organising training sessions for residents of CRU’s and supporting peer
educators to present the DVD in these sessions.
To request a job description or to ask any questions phone 9650 2722.
For more information on AMIDA visit the website
www.amida.infoxchange.net.au
Applications should be sent to AMIDA, Ross House, 1st Floor 247
Flinders Lane Melbourne.
People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Closing date for written applications is Friday 28th August 2009
Individual Advocate Team Leader An exciting opportunity exists in N.S.W. for an experienced and skilled
advocate to lead a team of individual advocates at the Multicultural
Disability Advocacy Association. MDAA is an innovative agency working
for people from non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB) with
disability and their families, where diversity is celebrated and valued.
This position is permanent full time (37.5hrs/wk) depending on annual
funding. Salary is based on SACS Grade 6 and with maximum salary
packaging, ranges from $58,709 to $70,050. You will also benefit from
ongoing support, training and flexible working conditions.
The role of the IA Team Leader is to: Undertake individual advocacy
Lead a team of individual advocates to achieve specific outcomes
Review and develop "best practice" policy and procedures
Maintain and support regional advocacy services in 5 locations
(City/Inner West, Bega, Griffith, Wollongong, Newcastle).
Applicants should have a commitment to social justice, demonstrated
experience in advocacy work, excellent management, supervision and
communication skills.
For a full position description including selection criteria please call Judith on (02) 9891 6400 for an information package or download
from the MDAA website: www.mdaa.org.au
All applications must address the selection criteria as outlined in the
position description. Further enquires to Diana on (02) 9891 6400.
Applications close Friday 21 August 2009.
Email: [email protected]
MDAA is an EEO employer and an affirmative action policy applies to
people from NESB with disability.
