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News in Brief Archive

Inquiry into Better Support for Carers

Through our national organisation the Australian Association for Families of Children with a Disability (AAFCD), we recently contributed to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Better Support for Carers

Our submission focused on the need for real change and recognition of carers, service system reform and financial assistance for carers. We were also invited to attend one of the public hearings and roundtable discussions held in August which was an opportunity for the committee to hear first-hand about real-life issues for families and carers.

It is encouraging that the government has set up this Inquiry and we look forward to seeing how it all translates into real outcomes for families and carers of children with a disability. To read our submission to the Inquiry visit the AAFCD website www.aafcd.org.auwww.aafcd.org.au

For more information about the Inquiry visit www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/fchy/carers/index.htm

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Family Relationship Service for Carers

The Family Relationship Service for Carers (FRSC) is a statewide program that supports carers of family members with a disability with issues around family relationships, disability and future planning.

The FRSC works with family members caring for someone with any type of disability, of any age, including young children. Free counselling information and referral is available and the service is designed to complement other services or counselling a family may be receiving.

For more information contact the Regional Program Co-ordinator in your area: Gippsland, Hume, North, West and Eastern regions contact Nicola Roche on 1300 303 346 or nroche@EACH.com.au. Barwon South West, Grampians, Loddon Mallee, and Southern regions contact Karen Jorgensen on 1300 303 346 or email frsc@each.com.au

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Helping children with autism package

The Australian Government’s Helping Children with Autism package includes a range of new initiatives across a number of government departments, including:

•    increased access to early intervention services for children aged 0–6

•    education and support for families and carers of children with autism spectrum disorder

•    new Medicare items for diagnosis and early intervention treatment for children aged under 13 years

•    workshops and information sessions for parents and carers of school-aged children

•    professional development for teachers and school staff who work with students with autism spectrum disorder

The Helping Children with Autism package will provide $190 million over 2007-08 to 2011-12 and is a joint initiative of the departments of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA); Health and Ageing (DoHA); and Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

For general inquiries and information about support for children aged 0–6 phone 1800 289 177 or visit the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) website www.fahcsia.gov.auwww.fahcsia.gov.au

For information about Medicare items for children aged under 13 visit the Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) website www.health.gov.au/autism

For information about support for school aged children visit the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) website www.dest.gov.au/schools/autism

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Autism State Plan

A summary of the statewide consultation process for the Autism State Plan is now available. The summary outlines the main themes that emerged from the forums and written submissions. For more information about the progress of the Autism State Plan and the consultation summary visit http://autismstateplan.dhs.vic.gov.au

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Vehicle Modification Subsidy Scheme

The new Vehicle Modification Subsidy Scheme (VMSS) is now available for Victorian residents who meet the eligibility criteria of the Aids and Equipment Program.
The statewide scheme will be administered by Ballarat Health Services through the Aids and Equipment Program.

The subsidy will provide assistance to:

•    people requiring vehicle modifications due to    their disability to drive their primary vehicle, and

•    people with a disability requiring modifications to travel as a passenger in their primary vehicle.

A maximum subsidy of up to $10,000 over a seven year period is available to assist with the purchase of prescribed vehicle modifications. A range of vehicle modifications are covered by the scheme including hand controls, specialised seating, hoists and ramps. The application process requires an assessment by an occupational therapist.

For more information phone Ballarat Health Services on 1800 995 009 or visit www.dhs.vic.gov.au/disability

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New guidelines for Individual Support Packages

From 1 July 2008, disability support packages known as HomeFirst, Support and Choice and Community Options/Futures for Young Adults Years 1−8 have been consolidated into one Individual Support Package with a single set of guidelines.

Individual Support Packages are Disability Services funds allocated to a person to meet their disability related support needs, which may include support to maintain independence, learn new skills and participate in the community. They were created so that people with disabilities can direct the planning process and make their own choices about how they live their life.
To be eligible to receive an Individual Support Package you must meet eligibility criteria under the Disability Act 2006.

For more information about the guidelines and how to apply, contact your regional Disability Intake and Response Service on 1800 783 783, TTY 1800 008 149 or visit www.dhs.vic.gov.au

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National Disability Insurance Scheme

The idea of a National Disability Insurance Scheme has been around for some time but appears to be gaining momentum after it was discussed at the Australia 2020 summit in April this year.

The proposal is for a ‘no fault’ insurance scheme for people with disabilities that would fund the reasonable needs of the insured person without the need to sue and win a court case. This could include medical costs, aids and equipment, home modification, and therapy services.

The proposed scheme could operate in a similar way to the TAC no fault insurance scheme but would cover all people with a disability. Funding for the scheme could come from a number of sources, such as a supplement to the Medicare levy.

Anyone interested in supporting the proposed scheme can contact our CEO Elizabeth McGarry by email elizabethm@acd.org.au or phone the Association office on 9818 2000 or 1800 654 013 (rural callers).

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Capital grants scheme

The Capital Grants Scheme provides one-off assistance to concession card households by repairing or replacing essential water, gas or electrical appliances for households who otherwise could not afford to do so because of financial hardship.

To be eligible, you must demonstrate that you have no savings to meet the cost of the faulty appliance. Applications are available from financial counsellors or direct from the Concessions Unit.

For more information contact your financial counsellor or the Concessions Unit at the Department of Human Services on 1800 658 521 or visit www.cyf.vic.gov.au/concessions

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Livewire website

The Starlight Children’s Foundation Livewire website for teens with a serious illness or disability features information, online chat, games, competitions, forums and more.
For more information visit www.livewire.org.au

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Early Childhood Intervention Reform Project (DEECD)

Amongst a range of early years consultations happening of late is a statewide review of Early Childhood Intervention (ECIS) Reform Project by KPMG.

The project will look into issues around early childhood intervention services for children aged 0–6 with a disability or developmental delay, including demand for services, funding arrangements, transition issues and workforce development.

Of particular interest to families of children with a disability is an examination of the Early Childhood Intervention Service (ECIS) program, Kindergarten Inclusion Support Services and the Preschool Field Officer programs. The resulting Ministerial Options Paper and Action Plan due in September 2008 will guide a long-term reform process for early childhood services in Victoria.

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A Statement of Principles to guide support for families of children with a disability and their families (DHS)

KPMG’s National Health and Human Services Practice is assisting the Department of Human Services to develop a contemporary Statement of Principles to guide support for Victorian children with a disability and their families.

The purpose of the project is to:

•    Raise the profile of children with a disability and their families receiving support through the Disability Services Program

•    Provide a Statement of Principles to underpin service delivery to children with a disability and their families; and

•    Contribute to a co-ordinated approach across Disability Services and children’s services sectors to provide timely and effective supports

The Statement of Principles will be informed by a range of recent reforms to legislation and policy being implemented by the Victorian Government in relation to early childhood, disability and related areas such as child protection, education and health.

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Autism Support Program

The Commonwealth Carer Respite Service is funding a support program for people with an autism spectrum disorder who do not have an associated intellectual disability. Autism Plus, a specialist disability support agency, will provide support in the areas of community participation, recreation, out of home respite and holiday and weekend activities. To register your interest, phone the Commonwealth Carer Respite Service on 9212 3000.

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2009 Program for Students with Disabilities Handbooks

The 2009 Program for Students with Disabilities Handbooks are now available on the Sofweb website. The Sofweb site also now includes information about the application for a continuation of PSD funding for students studying VCE, VET or VCAL. This is in accordance with changes to legislation in the Education and Reform Act supporting student attendance up to the age of 20 to enable them to complete their VCE or equivalent.

The PSD handbooks, including Student Support Guidelines and the Language Support Program handbook, are available from www.sofweb.vic.edu.au/wellbeing/disabil/psdhandbook.htm

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Kids Onside football

Football Federation Victoria and the Victorian Sports and Recreation Association of Persons with an Intellectual Disability (VICSRAPID) are running a program to encourage children with an intellectual disability to take part in community football.

Kids Onside involves Regional Sports Assemblies, Access for All Abilities co-ordinators and Regional Soccer Associations working to educate clubs and local communities about making activities accessible to everyone. The program will focus on areas of West Gippsland, Swan Hill and Ballarat.

For more information contact Jenny Bees at VICSRAPID on 9926 1383 or jbees@tpg.com.au

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Building Foundations Autism: your child, your family DVD and manual

Aspect Australia has produced a 30-minute DVD and manual for families who have a child recently diagnosed with autism. It features families and service providers talking about their experiences and includes strategies and information about autism.

The manual covers topics such as early signs, diagnosis, interventions, communication, visual supports, play and social interaction, behaviours and sensory processing. The DVD is in English with subtitles in other languages. The manual includes a glossary of terms in English, Arabic, Cantonese, Farsi, Hindi, Korean, Turkish and Vietnamese.

Copies of the DVD and manual are available for $9.95 from Aspect Australia , phone 02 8977 8300 or visit www.aspect.org.au

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Blueprint for government schools

With the creation of the new Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) in August last year, the Victorian Government has begun a process to integrate early childhood services and schools across Victoria .

The Blueprint for Early Childhood Development and School Reform discussion papers were released for public comment and feedback in May. The Blueprints outline proposed reforms in the early childhood sector and in schools, taking a lifecycle approach to the learning and development of children from birth to adulthood. The final Blueprint will be released later this year.

You can read our Blueprint submission online or contact the Association office for a print copy. For more information visit www.education.vic.gov.au

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Exploring the possibilities – Post-school options for young people with a disability

The Victorian Advocacy League for Individuals with Disability (VALID) has published a resource guide to assist young people and their families with the transition from school to adult life.

The booklet includes information about planning, post-school options, study, employment, specialist and community based choices as well as a list of websites and contacts.

For more information contact VALID on 9416 4003 or 1800 655 570 or visit www.valid.org.au

Federal Inquiry into Better Support for Carers

The Federal House of Representatives Standing Committee on Family, Community, Housing and Youth is conducting an inquiry into better support for carers.

The Standing Committee will report on the role and contribution of carers, barriers to social and economic participation for carers, practical measures to better support carers, and strategies to assist carers to access the same range of opportunities and choices as the wider community.

For the purpose of the inquiry, carers are defined as ‘individuals providing unpaid support for others with ongoing needs due to a long-term medical condition, a mental illness, a disability or frailty'.

Parents and carers are encouraged to make a submission or attend one of the public hearings to be held in all capital cities and some rural centres. The inquiry is an opportunity to tell government about specific ideas, solutions, and program proposals you want to see put in place to better support carers.

Templates for writing a submission are available from the Carers Australia website

For more information and details of public hearings, phone the Clerk Assistant (Committees) House of Representatives on 03 6277 4399 or visit the Australian Parliament House website

Submissions close Friday 4 July 2008.

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Autism State Plan

The Autism State Plan aims to build new and better approaches across government for meeting the growing needs of people with autism spectrum disorders. For the latest news on the Autism State Plan and other information about autism, contact Autism Victoria on 9885 0533. For government information about the Plan phone 9096 0526.
http://autismstateplan.dhs.vic.gov.au

Disability Services Commissioner

The role of Victoria's Disability Services Commissioner, Laurie Harkin, is to resolve complaints about disability service providers and to work with them to improve outcomes for people with a disability. Anyone can make a complaint in relation to a disability service. Contact the Office of the Disability Services Commissioner on 1800 677 342.
www.odsc.vic.gov.au

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Australian Cerebral Palsy Register

The Australian Cerebral Palsy Register uses web-based technology to share information about the causes and treatment of cerebral palsy with researchers in Australia and around the world. Participation is voluntary and requires written consent.
https://secure.cpregister-aus.com.au/

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Disability Act

Information about the Disability Act including a series of Easy Read Information Sheets is available from the Legislation Team of the Disability Services Division of the Department of Human Services on 1300 366 731. Copies of the full Act can be viewed on the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents website in the Victorian Statute Book.
www.legislation.vic.gov.au

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Auditor General’s report on education

In September 2007 the Victorian Auditor General released a report on the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD). The report, ‘Program for Students with Disabilities: Program Accountability’ is available from the Victorian Auditor-General’s Office website www.audit.vic.gov.au or phone 8601 7000.

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Autism Consultation and Training (ACT-Now)

The ACT-Now project aims to build the skills of professionals who work with children with autism and their families. A series of fact sheets about autism and a project newsletter are available.
www.med.monash.edu.au/spppm/research/devpsych/actnow/

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Free information booklet for families

'There's No Such Thing As A Silly Question' is a practical guide for families living with a child with chronic illness, disability, mental illness or life-threatening condition. Contact the InterAct Secretary at secretary.interact@gmail.com or Very Special Kids on 9804 6222 to order a copy.

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