News in Brief
News in Brief
Planning Great Futures presents: The Housing Roadshow
An information day about how to get started on the journey to leaving home and living in the community. Offering a practical guide to housing and supports, who can help and what you need to do to make it a reality.
FOR - Individuals with a disability, their families, friends and workers.
WHEN: Saturday 11th May 2013 – 10.00am to 3.00pm
WHERE: Tecoma Uniting Church, 1566, Burwood Highway Tecoma
Melways Ref: 75D9 adjacent to Tecoma train station.
Cost $100.00 Concession $50.00
To book a place or for information contact Di or Ross on 0412 535 435 or email planninggreatfutures@gmail.com
Please see flyer for further information: Planning Futures: The Housing Roadshow (Word docx, 16KB)
Posted 03/05/2013
DARU Forum: Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport Review
Are you considering making a submission to the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport Review? Not sure where to start?
The Department of Infrastructure & Transport has recently announced the second five year review of DSAPT. Submissions from the public are due on Friday 26 April 2013. The issues paper can be found at: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/transport/disabilities/review/2012.aspx
The forum is designed specifically for disability advocates and people with a disability. Llewellyn Reynders from the VCOSS All Aboard campaign will facilitate the forum. Presenters Jessica Zammitt, consumer representative from the Australian Public Transport National AdvisoryCommittee, and Bec Feldman from the Youth Disability Advocacy Service, will offer their perspectives on key points you may wish to consider when making your submission.
When:Tue 16th Apr, 2013 Time: 10:00am - 12noon
Venue: Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane, Level 4 Meeting Room, Melbourne 3000.
Booking is essential as there are limited places. Please click on the following link to register: http://www.eventbrite.com.au/event/6130517543# or contact DARU on 9639 5807.
Posted 05/04/13
Caring for children and young people with a disability Webinar series 2013
Hosted by Department of Developmental Medicine (RCH)
There are three information sessions which you can access via the internet. This seminar series is
presented via webinars which are virtual lectures.
Benefits of webinars:
You can participate in the session in the comfort of your own home
No travel time or babysitters required
Opportunity to ask questions just like in face to face sessions
Opportunity to link in with a range of families caring for a child with a disability
This introductory webinar series is free.
For further information and to register, please refer to the following flyer:
RCH Reg Webinars June 2013
Posted 05/04/2013
Seeking Personal Stories from People with Disability
Occupational Therapy Australia has funding under the NDIS Practical Design Fund to develop a web resource for people with disability and their families explaining the services offered by allied health professionals. A feature of the web resource will include a range of personal stories on how you think an allied health professional has helped make a difference in your life. So if you are interested in contributing your story (can be anonymous) please contact Vicki at CPSN on 9478 1001 or email cpsn@cpsn.info
Posted 05/04/2013
ADEC ArtAbility® 2013 -Destinations
ADEC aims to empower people living with disabilities from multiculturally diverse backgrounds, their carers and families to fully participate as members of the Victorian community. ArtAbility® is ADEC’s flagship, annual art exhibition, held at the Atrium, Federation Square. The theme this year is Destinations, and ADEC invites artists living with a disability, from multiculturally diverse backgrounds to submit works interpreting this theme for showing from December 2nd to December 14th 2013.
Since its inception in 2005, ArtAbility® has grown into an important event within the multicultural and disability communities as well as making its mark on the mainstream artistic calendar. Many artists have been discovered through ArtAbility® and have gone on to launch careers in the arts because of this. Works of art from ArtAbility® have been acquired by industry, government and other collections for display.
Expression of interest Flyer and form - EOI form must be received by 24th June 2013.
Please contact Cassandra Glover, Artistic and General Coordinator – ArtAbility on 9480 1666 or email artability@adec.org.au for further information.
Posted 05/04/13
Help for children with disability to access sport and recreation activities in their community
Would you like support for your child with a disability to access sport and recreation activities? Then join the Live Your Community Program from Extended Families Australia. A recent influx of volunteers into the Extended Families Program means that they are now looking for families to participate.
Live Your Community Program (LYCP) provides flexible, volunteer-based inclusion support for children with disabilities who experience barriers to participation in sport, recreation and leisure. This exciting new program, developed by Extended Families Australia is funded by the Department of Human Services Innovative Respite program.
How it works
A local adult volunteer is recruited and receives training before being matched to a child with a disability. Volunteers support the child they are matched with to access and be included in local community sport or recreation activities. Volunteers provide friendship, practical assistance and mentoring to:
• help the child develop social skills and sports skills
• provide transport to and from the activity (in some cases)
• attend sport training sessions and,
• on match days support the child to be included in the sport or community group support club coaches, team members and local sporting groups in including the child in the activity.
Matching of volunteers with children will take into account the personal situation, availability, and interests of both the volunteer and child. On average volunteers provide 2 to 4 hours of inclusion support weekly, fortnightly or monthly. The LYCP Coordinator will work closely with the family, local council, local sport and recreation clubs to find activities that suit the child.
Children aged 6-17 years of age with a diagnosed disability are eligible. There is no cost to families accessing LYCP. Specific costs relating to the sporting activity chosen by the child (for example, club membership fees) are generally met by the family.
For more information, contact Rachel DeSumma on 9285 4839 or 0438 752 126, or email rachel@extendedfamilies.org.au
posted 05/04/2013
Ensuring Success for the Dyslexic Learner Workshop (SPELD Victoria)
Ensuring Success for the Dyslexic Learner is a one day workshop that will provide a collaborative approach to supporting children and young people with dyslexia.
A wide range of presenters will speak from their perspectives across psychology, teaching, parenting, the education and community sectors about what works!
When: Monday March 18th, 2013
Time: 9.30am until 2.30pm and all resources and catering will be included
Location: Darebin Arts Centre – Corner of Bell Street and St Georges Road, Preston.
This event is suitable for parents, teachers and allied health professionals.
Please refer to the website www.speldvic.org.au for more information and to book on line.
Ensuring Success Flyer (PDF 340KB)
Posted 04/03/13
Clinical Intensives for children with Cerebral Palsy
‘Paediatric Workshops’ are a new service offering clinical intensives for families in the Melbourne area where a small team of therapists work with families, towards their goals for their children, and on an occasional basis – such as 2 or 3 times per year.
If you are interested in finding out more, refer to the links below:
Paediatric Workshops Intensives - Families Flyer (PDF 225KB)
http://paediatricworkshops.com.au/
posted 15/02/13
A Home of My Own – Upholding the Sanctity of Home - (Belonging Matters Inc)
When we think about home we generally think about a place that is dear to our hearts, a revered place that nurtures our personhood and surrounds us with love and warmth. It’s one of the few places that we can be ourselves and seek refuge in a busy and chaotic world! Conversely if you have a disability the sanctity of home is often replaced by a limited menu of services, programs and predesigned accommodation options, which you need to “fit” into! This seminar aims to uphold the sanctity of home and provide the opportunity to hear from a range of inspiring speakers who have tackled the question of ‘accommodation’ in more typical, innovative, personalised and life giving ways, while creatively supporting people, some of whom require some very complex support arrangements (for a variety of reasons).
This seminar is designed for people with a disability, families and others who are genuinely interested in exploring alternative accommodation possibilities.
When: Wednesday 27 February 2013
Time: 9.30am – 4.30 pm
Venue: Abbotsford Convent, Community Room
1 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford, Vic
Cost: Standard $220
Families:$55
Registration closes 18/02/13.
For further information please refer to the flyer and registration form:
A Home of My Own Flyer (PDF 606 KB)
Registration form (Word 131 KB)
posted 15/02/13
Limbs 4 Life 2013 Events information
Limbs 4 Life supports amputees, their families and primary care givers. So, whether you are facing limb loss for the first time or have been an amputee for many years, Limbs 4 Life can support you through information and programs.
Based on the valuable feedback from the consultation process, a twelve month program has been designed to provide information, networking opportunities and family events.
Please find more information from their flyers :
Calendar of Events for the Carers, Children and Youth program for 2013 (PDF 186 KB)
Information session on Dealing with Grief and Loss (PDF 80 KB)
Easter Egg-Stravaganza – family picnic event (PDF 938 KB)
posted 15/02/13
Positive Behaviour Support Workshops
Aspect Victoria is providing Positive Behaviour Support Workshops for parents and carers of children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder aged between 6 – 25 years of age and living at home. Participating families are encouraged to invite professionals or service providers working with them to attend the workshop.
Please refer to the attached flyer for details:
Aspect Victoria Positive Behaviour Workshops (Word 157 KB)
posted 15/02/13
National Disability Insurance Scheme
Victorian Bulletin February 2013
From the Minister for Community Services, Mary Wooldridge
NDIS Vic Bulletin Feb 2013 (PDF 50 KB)
Posted 15/02/13
Every Australian Counts campaign re NDIS update
The legislation will impact on the lives of people with disability, their families and carers. So if you have an opinion on the laws that will establish the NDIS, then the Federal Parliament needs to hear from you.
Making a submission to a parliamentary inquiry might sound daunting. But don't worry, you don't have to be a legal expert to make a submission; you can use the easy form on our website:
www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au/your_voice_counts/
The campaign is also polling our supporter's opinions on our Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/everyaustraliancounts
These online polls will be part of the Every Australian Counts campaign's submission to the inquiry.
We want to know:
Which feature of the NDIS will have the biggest community impact; and
Which support types are the most important for the NDIS to provide?
By answering these questions, your views on the NDIS will be considered by the parliamentary inquiry and included in the final report and recommendations when the legislation heads back to Federal Parliament for our MPs to vote on.
Your voice will influence the laws that make the NDIS a reality.
Remember, the deadline is January 25 - so make your submission today.
Your experience and opinions are critical to designing the NDIS. More than ever, your voice counts.
Thank you for your support.
posted 21/01/2013
Parents as Career Transition Support (PACTS) Workshops
Have you spoken with your child about life after school?
Do you know where to start?
Would you like to participate in a conversation that helps you to help your child begin to explore their future choices?
The National Disability Coordination Officer Program (NDCO) is funding 3 PACTS Workshops series in the Southern Metropolitan Region. The workshops are aimed at providing information to parents about careers planning and post school supports for their child with a disability. These are sessions open to all parents from all schools who are caring for a child with any disability type. The idea of providing these sessions is to reduce anxiety and increase expectations for young people with a disability.
If you are interested please refer to the below flyer for further information or contact:
Sally Bailey
National Disability Coordination Officer
Southern Melbourne and Suburbs
03 9784 0400 or 0439 897 027
sbailey@skillsplus.com.au
PACTS Workshops (276KB, PDF)
posted 20/01/13
Media Release - The Hon Mary Wolldridge MLA, Mon 3 December 2012
Direct Employment providing infdependence and choice
People with disability now have a much greater say in their support with the state-wide rollout of the Direct Employment initiative, Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge said today.
Speaking on the 20th anniversary of International Day of People with Disability, Ms Wooldridge said Direct Employment gives people greater choice and control over their supports.
“People with disability using Direct Employment are able to directly employ the staff that support them, which gives them greater choice in what type of supports they access, and when they receive their supports,” Ms Woodridge said.
“This gives them more flexibility and independence in their lives, and allows them to have better control of their life by taking into account their personal needs and preferences. It is an empowering initiative.”
Ms Wooldridge said that from today, Direct Employment is available to approximately 400 people with disability across Victoria who manage their own Individual Support Package funding.
“Direct Employment will appeal to people who are confident they can manage their support arrangements, along with the responsibilities and obligations required of them as an employer,” Ms Wooldridge said.
“The type of choice and control available under Direct Employment is similar to what people can expect under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which will be launched in the Barwon area from 1 July next year.”
Ms Wooldridge said it was fitting that the Direct Employment initiative was being made available across Victoria on International Day of People with Disability.
“This year’s International Day of People with Disability has a theme of creating an inclusive and accessible society for all,” Ms Wooldridge said.
“The participants involved in the pilot of the Direct Employment initiative have told us that it has enabled them to pursue their personal goals and has given them greater flexibility to access and participate in local community activities such as sporting and music events.”
Posted 10/12/12
Media Release - The Hon Wendy Lovell MLC, 30 November 2012
$3.7 million per year to provide vital support to children with disabilities, additional needs
Hundreds more young children with a disability or developmental delay will receive the vital support they need due to a multi-million dollar boost from the Victorian Coalition Government.
Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Wendy Lovell today announced the Coalition Government will provide an extra $3.7 million per year for an additional 500 Early Childhood Intervention Services (ECIS) places.
The funding will reduce waiting lists for children to access ECIS, including specialist educational, speech pathology and occupational therapy.
It also means that more than $70 million worth of ECIS funding will now be available to support more than 13,000 Victorian children each year.
“As a government, we recognise that the sooner children with a disability or developmental delay are supported, the greater their chances of reaching their potential,” Ms Lovell said.
“This new additional funding, worth $3.7 million per year, every year, will provide support to children who need it most, helping them to lead fulfilling lives.”
The cost of ECIS visits are covered by the Coalition Government for children with additional needs from birth to school age.
Ms Lovell said the investment was responding to increased need for support.
“We’ve seen a growing demand for ECIS services in recent years,” Ms Lovell said.
“This is due to a range of factors, including a growing population, an increase in diagnosis of conditions such as Autism, and the increased skills of professionals in identifying and referring children for specialist support at an earlier age.
“This is a significant investment which I hope will have a profound impact in the lives of many children with additional needs and their families,” Ms Lovell said.
Ms Lovell said the new funding complements other Coalition Government commitments to increase support for children with disabilities and additional needs.
In 2011-12, the Coalition Government contributed $10 million over four years to provide more Kindergarten Inclusion Support packages.
This provides kindergartens with extra funding for staff assistants, building modifications and specialist training for kindergarten staff to support the participation of children with additional needs.
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/5542-37-million-per-year-to-provide-vital-support-to-children-with-disabilities-additional-needs.html
Posted 10/12/12
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'Every Australian Counts' Campaign message:
"Both our children have been diagnosed with a medium level of autism. We constantly struggle to provide speech therapy, occupational therapy and schooling. We are constantly worried about what the future will hold for our children. As my wife and I grow older we will be unable to provide sufficient resources to allow my children to lead a healthy life."
That is what Frank from Glen Iris, Victoria wrote to his local MP Kelly O'Dwyer last week asking her to speak up for the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Parliament before the year is out.
He's one of more than 800 supporters from every single electorate around Australia who have already written to their local MP. Wow!
Will you join in and write your message before parliament finishes up? There are only 6 days left to take part.
The more people who write to their local MP before the end of the year, the more chance we have of the issue being raised in Parliament and a funding commitment guaranteed in 2012.
Without full funding, there will be no NDIS.
Don't let this year end without helping to secure the promise we need to know that the NDIS is here for good. Write your personal message in just three easy steps.
Find out who your local MP is and send your message now, before it is too late. It will only take a few minutes.
Thank you for your support,
John Della Bosca
and the Every Australian Counts campaign team
www.everyaustraliancounts.com.au
Posted 21/11/12
People Outdoors present: ADVENTURE FOR ALL Camp
People Outdoors are running another ADVENTURE FOR ALL Camp in the January 2013 school holidays. This camp is for campers with and without a disability (campers with a disability must live in the Eastern Region of Melbourne).
For further details about dates, location and cost, please see the flyer and expression of interest form by clicking on the below link. Please note the expression of interest form needs to be returned to People Outdoors by Monday December 3.
Adventure for all camp (PDF 205KB)
Posted 19/11/12
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CPSN Family Fun Day - Sunday 25 November, 11am -3pm
Corner of Oriel Road and Southern Road, Heidelberg West
Just bring your family and a picnic rug or chairs – and meet & mingle with the CPSN team and other families who are affected by CP.
RSVP by phone: 9484 5326 or email cpsn@cpsn.info
Please folow the link for further information: http://www.cpsn.info/calendar.html
