News in Brief
Do you have the write stuff?
Are you a person with a disability who is interested in writing high-quality, entertaining and informative articles for a vibrant community-focused website?
DiVine is an innovative new website offering the exciting opportunity for you to share your passion, intellect and unique experiences with thousands of other Victorians.
The aim of DiVine is to inform, engage and entertain people with disabilities, and create a vibrant, inclusive community that encourages participation. The new website will be written for and by people with a disability and hosted by the Victorian Government.
To express your interest in contributing to the website, read the expression of interest flier or contact Jason Hill, Office for Disability on 9208 3052, TTY 9208 3631 or Jason.Hill@dpcd.vic.gov.au
2010 Program for Students with Disabilities Handbook and Student Support Guidelines
The 2010 Programs for Students with Disabilities Handbook and Student Support Group Guidelines are now available on the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) website.
The Program for Students with Disabilities provides additional support for students with a disability in regular and specialist schools.
The DEECD website also includes information about applications for continuation of funding for students over 18 years of age studying VCE, VET or VCAL, which must be completed before 26 February 2010.
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New look ‘Using disability discrimination law’ booklet
Legal Aid Victoria has updated and reprinted their Using disability discrimination law booklet.
The booklet includes comprehensive information about how disability is defined, hw to take action against disability discrimination, the complaints process, and where to get help.
New additions include information about what the proposed changes in the Disability Discrimination and other Human Rights Legislation Amendment Bill (2008) might mean.
Using disability discrimination law is available free from Victoria Legal Aid. For more information phone 9269 0120 or visit www.legalaid.vic.gov.au
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Appreciating autism
Women's Health in the South East (WHISE) is seeking parent input for a project to assist teachers and parents of children with ASD/Asperger's syndrome. For more information contact Robyn Smith on 9794 8677 or rsmith@whise.org.au
Respite services for children with a life-threatening condition
The Nucleus Consulting Group has been appointed by the Department of Human Services to undertake service mapping of respite services for children with a life-threatening condition.
Families and carers are invited to participate in an online survey about their needs and possible barriers to respite. The closing date for surveys is 25 May 2009. For more information contact the Nucleus Group on 9375 2633 or visit the link below to complete the survey.
Respite Services for Children with a Life Threatening Condition - Parent/Carer Survey
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Online travel directory
The IDEAS online travel directory provides a searchable database of accessible accommodation, tour operators, vehicle hire companies and other travel services across Australia.
For more information phone 1800 029 904 or visit www.ideas.org.au/travel
Helping Children with Autism package:
ASD website
A new website about services and support for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been launched by the Raising Children Network. The website includes sections on:
• learning about autism
• services pathfinder
• guide to therapies
• online parent forum
The website provides impartial, evidence-based information about ASD and early intervention. Future enhancements will include video clips, improvements to interactive features, additional text based articles and further parent guides to therapies.
For more information about
the ASD website visit http://raisingchildren.net.au/autism
Early Days workshops
Early Days provides workshops for parents and carers of children aged six and under who are on the autism spectrum.
Workshops are free and each family who attends the Early Days Introductory Workshop is eligible to receive a $100 support payment to assist with the costs of travel and childcare.
The workshops will be followed by skills sessions later in the year that focus on practical strategies for dealing with issues such as behaviour, language and play.
The workshops will also be available online or as self-directed interactive programs.
For more information about Early Days phone 1800 334 155 or visit www.earlydays.net.au
The ASD website and Early Days workshops are two initiatives of the Australian Government’s Helping Children with Autism package.
Other initiatives include the introduction of Autism Advisors, Playconnect playgroups, changes to medicare items to assist access to early intervention and workshops for teachers.
In addition to the Helping Children with Autism package, six Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centres are being established as part of the Australian Government’s broader commitment to establish up to 260 Early Learning and Care Centres across Australia.
For more information about the Helping Children with Autism package phone 1800 289 177 or visit www.facs.gov.au/internet/ facsinternet.nsf/disabilities/ services-help_child_autism.htm
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Teenage social group – Access All Areas
The Cerebral Palsy Support Network (CPSN) is looking for enthusiastic fun loving participants to join a teenage social group for teens aged between 13 and 18 years who have cerebral palsy.
Monthly activities will be provided by staff and volunteers and most costs, including travel, admission to events and refreshments will be covered by CPSN.
The aim of the program is to build confidence, empower independence and to have fun!
For more information contact Sam on 1300 277 600 or by email samantha.kosky@cpsn.info or visit www.cpsn.info
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Good Practice Guide and Self Audit Tool
The Disability Services Commissioner has launched the Good Practice Guide and Self Audit Tool: Developing an effective person centred complaints management culture and system.
The guide and self audit tool has been developed to assist disability service providers to develop and review their complaints management system to ensure that it is responsive and accessible to people with a disability. It also forms part of a broader quality culture that sees complaints as an opportunity for service improvement.
For more information phone 1800 677 342 (free call) or TTY 1300 726 563 or visit www.odsc.vic.gov.au
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Send your items for Diary Dates and News in Brief to Fiona Gullifer by email fionag@acd.org.au or phone the Association office on 9818 2000. A selection of News in Brief items also appears in our NoticeBoard magazine.
Infoxchange
Visit the Disability News section of the Infoxchange Australia website for more news, events, activities, publications, research, services and programs.
Classifieds
The Classifieds listing is a free service for families of children with a disability in Victoria who want to buy or sell equipment that relates to their child's disability.
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