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Disability Education and Employment News: Vol 2 No 1 - Friday, 13th January 2006 |
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Enhancing post secondary education, training and employment opportunities for people with a disability RDLO & DCOs National Website |
Compiled by Timothy Hart DCO for Northern, Central and Southern Sydney |
To return to the DCO Disability Newsletter Archive Page go to http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/dco/newsletter or click here
In this Disability Education and Employment News, the first for 2006 there is information on the Kickstart 2006 - Vision Australia seminar, the NSW Crossroads: ‘Information Seminar for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Students’, Advance notice of a Disability Law Seminar in Coffs Harbour NSW, in the new ‘Calls for Expressions of Interest and Input’ section, there is a Request for Input from Mature Age Students with a Disability and Call for Expressions of Interest to Update NSW U Book plus other News articles, Conferences and Workshops information, Resources and other information for the disability education and employment sectors.
For information on contributing or advertising a new resource or a service in the Disability Education and Employment News or subscribing, please go to the end of the newsletter.
Services for people with a disability
Calls for Expressions of Interest and Input
Conferences and Workshops:
International Conferences
22nd Annual
Date: March 13-15, 2006
Sheraton Waikiki Hotel & Resort
The 22nd Annual Pacific Rim Conference on Disabilities Registration is now open!
Learn more about Pac Rim 2006 go to http://www.pacrim.hawaii.edu/
AHEAD 2006
AHEAD 2006 in
http://www.ahead.org/training/conference/2006_conf/cfp.htm
For further information do not hesitate to contact Erin Evans, Program Co-Chair, AHEAD 2006 E-mail eevans@babson.edu
National Conferences
ACROD NSW ANNUAL CONFERENCE - EMPOWERMENT, PLANNING, ACTION!
In 2006, we transform learnings from our previous conferences on Empowerment and Planning into ACTION! The ACROD NSW 2006 annual conference is the final chapter in a trilogy of specialist disability sector two-day events.
We will present a range of speakers over three streams involving service delivery and policy development action initiatives for both State and Australian Government funded disability organisations.
* * Download the Early Bird Registration Form from http://www.acrodnsw.net/Conferences/2006%20Action%20Conf/ACearlyrego06.pdf
EARLY BIRD RATES END WEDNESDAY 25 JANUARY 2006
Enquiries to Gabrielle Jones, Planning Coordinator gabe@acrodnsw.net or on 61 2 9503 1603
Call for Papers for 2006 National Conference of the
Expressions of interest are invited from people wishing to participate as a presenter, with the conference theme being ‘Realizing the Vision for Accessible Information: The Way Forward’. Topics include Unified English Braille in
An abstract of approximately 200 words must be submitted by Friday 27 January 2006.
Please email your abstract as a Microsoft Word attachment to:
Sue Oriander
2006
Email: susan.oriander@visionaustralia.org.au
The conference occurs from Saturday to Tuesday, 20-23 May 2006.
Pacific International, Brisbane.
To discuss ideas for a presentation, contact Tim Evans on phone 03 9864 9605 or email tim.evans@nils.org.au . Email your abstract as a Microsoft Word attachment to Sue Oriander, 2006
ACROD's Inaugural National Conference on Social Participation
30 - 31 May 2006 -
For more information go to http://www.acrod.org.au/conferences/SP2006/home.htm
Contact Information: Gabrielle Jones, Planning Coordinator ACROD NSW
Phone 02 9503 1603 gabe@acrodnsw.net
Brain Injury
Brain Injury Australia's (BIA) will be hosting its inaugural National Conference in Gold Coast
For further information about the Conference or the final date for submission of abstracts please contact ACQ Conference & Event Management on:
Ph: (07) 3725 5588 Email: bia2006@acqi.org.au
The Inaugural Learning Disability Conference –
25 to 27 September 2006
More information soon
3rd International Forum On Disability Management
You can view the website at http://www.ifdm.com.au/
Australian Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology Association National Conference 2006
The conference will provide a forum for exploring issues in technology for people with disabilities.
Expressions of Interest are now sought from interested speakers, delegates, sponsors & exhibitors.
Contact details: A.M. Meetings Plus
Phone: 03 9372 7182 (International: +61 3 9372 7182)
Email: arata@ammp.com.au
Web site: http://www.e-bility.com/arata/conf.php
PATHWAYS 8 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2006-Hobart
On behalf of the Australian Tertiary Education Network on Disability and the Pathways 8 Organising Committee, it is my pleasure to invite you to
For more information go to http://www.leishman-associates.com.au/pathways8/
NSW EVENTS
"CROSSROADS: INFORMATION SEMINAR FOR DEAF AND HEARING IMPAIRED STUDENTS"
Friday 24 February 2006 University of Western
The Crossroads Seminar will bring to life post-school options information for Deaf and hearing impaired students....So when you leave school are you thinking about going to TAFE or University or getting an Apprenticeship or traineeship?
"Crossroads" seminar will provide the opportunity for you to learn about the range of education opportunities available. The information presented will include:
* Processes for entering TAFE/University
* How to get the apprenticeship/traineeship you want
* TAFE/University services available to you
* Using technology to succeed
* Finance, scholarships, allowances accommodation
Information will be presented in a dynamic and hands-on fashion, including talks from Deaf and hearing impaired students about their own experiences going to University or TAFE or getting an apprenticeship/traineeship.
While lunch is served, a number of information stalls with loads of written material for students will be available, as they showcase employment services, careers information as well as assistive technology.
So come along to get lots of information, meet new people and be entertained by a range of dynamic speakers
For further information please contact:
Liz Claridge, Crossroads Project Officer
Mob: 0418 981 199
Or
Anna Mungovan, Regional Disability Liaison Officer, Greater Western Sydney Region
Mob: 040907 3366
Email: a.mungovan@uws.edu.au
This is a FREE seminar
Advance notice: Disability Law Seminar
Where: Coffs Harbour NSW
When: Monday 20th March 2006
The Seminar will cover the DDA, Anti-Discrimination Law, and the impact of IR legislation on people with a disability.
More details to follow in early February.
Contact person: Gwen Johnson e-mail gwen.johnson@une.edu.au
VICTORIAN EVENTS
Kickstart 2006 - Vision
This course has been developed for current and prospective tertiary students who are blind or vision impaired.
• Prepare yourself for further study.
• Find out about on and off-campus services.
• Learn about the Disability Discrimination Act and your rights as a student.
• Improve your writing skills for assignments.
• Improve your research skills by learning to use the internet and online data bases effectively.
• Learn about new audio formats.
• Meet other blind and vision impaired students and professionals who can help you.
• Learn strategies for completing study with a view to improving employment prospects.
Where: Vision
When: 23-25 January 2006
Time: 9.30am – 3.30pm
To register please contact:
Renee Williamson
Tertiary Education Consultant
Phone: 9520 5555 or 1300 55 99 87
Email: renee.williamson@rvib.org.au
Registrations close 17 January 2006 and places are limited. It is recommended that you register promptly.
"Help! Where am I?"
Students with disabilities moving from School to TAFE. This forum is designed to assist TAFE staff to plan for 2006 enrolments of students with disabilities exiting the school system.
FORUM POSTPONED UNTIL 2006.
http://www.equityresearch.org.au/new.htm
Education News:
Labor blames Govt for low uni enrolments
The Federal Opposition says higher HECS fees are behind a decline in student numbers at
The Rockhampton-based
Vice-chancellor Professor John Rickard says it is a trend being seen in a number of smaller universities.
Acting Opposition Leader Jenny Macklin says students in regional
"The Howard Government has more than doubled the cost of university education," she said.
"Every university in
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200601/s1546663.htm
Uni placing fall worries schools
Peter Lenaghan
Thursday, 12 January 2006
Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre figures show that the number of students applying for HECS, or government-funded, university places has dropped for the second consecutive year.
For the rest of the article go
Uni equality slipping away
Thursday, 12 January 2006
REVELATIONS in recent days of a drop in the number of Victorian students applying for HECS or government-funded university places highlights a disturbing trend in this country.
Once a country that prided itself on `free' tertiary education and healthcare, among other things, university is now becoming the domain of the rich.
For the rest of the article go
Literacy strugglers to get extra push
By Farrah Tomazin
January 12, 2006
THE State Government is considering a reading program to target hundreds of students in years 3 to 5 who do not meet basic literacy standards.
The Victorian Principals Association wants a literacy "intervention program" in which struggling students are paired with a teaching aide and given extra tuition.
It would be the first time Victorian schools offered a special literacy program for students in years 3 to 5.
Educators say that although schools have a reading program for students from prep to year 2, the gap between literate and illiterate students widens from year 3 onwards.
For the rest of the article go to
Pay the mortgage - or educate your child
By Justin Norrie Education Reporter
January 12, 2006
FOR the cost of putting a baby born in 2006 through private schooling, parents could pay off a mortgage on a two-bedroom suburban
Calculations by the Australian Scholarships Group, an education investment fund, show the cost of an elite school education for a baby born this year will approach $300,000.
Even parents who send their child to government schools will have to pay almost $110,000, the projected costs reveal.
Add a three-year stint at university, totalling $140,000, and the costs blow out to $430,000 and $250,000 respectively.
For the rest of the article go to
Uni maelstrom as students decline
Dorothy Illing, Higher education writer
January 12, 2006
One regional university,
University applications continue to fall - down 3per cent, or 6607, this year, on top of a 5per cent fall last year - and the increased competition for students is driving a wedge into the higher education sector.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,17796975%255E12332,00.html
Students' shift a blow for Uni
Rising costs cut demand for uni places
By David Rood
January 11, 2006
DEMAND for government-funded university places has fallen for the second year in a row as the increasing cost of higher education bites deeper.
Figures from the Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre, obtained by The Age, show the number of first-preference applications for HECS or government places dropped by 2.5 per cent to 54,872.
In 2005, the number of applications dropped by 4 per cent.
For the rest of the article go to
Fee-paying courses shunned
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,17784467%255E12332,00.html
Two-tier university system - Plain wrong on generalist principles
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=4027
Fees push students out of uni courses
From: By Lisa Macnamara
January 07, 2006
EXPENSIVE university fees have been blamed for a sharp drop in people seeking a tertiary education, as demand stagnates for full-fee places.
University admissions figures show applications for entry to Victorian institutions fell 4.2 per cent, compared with courses last year. For NSW and the ACT, they are down 1 per cent.
As Year 12 graduates prepare for next week's first round of offers of university places, data from the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre shows the number of students vying for a spot fell 1.6 per cent.
"School leavers and their families are starting to raise more questions about the worth of going on to university," said Richard James from
"The costs of university courses have gone up" and that had been widely discussed in the media, he said.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,17748731-421,00.html
University places for sale
http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,17749466%255E421,00.html
Threat to safety
January 09, 2006
MENTAL illness is emerging as a major issue in the state's schools, Government documents obtained by The Daily Telegraph have revealed.
Serious incident reports filed by schools to the Department of Education show a number of high school students committed suicide or attempted to harm themselves in the past year.
For the rest of the article go to
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story/0,20281,17762170-5001022,00.html
Lesson one: finish Year 12 to get work
Rick Wallace
December 28, 2005
YOUNG people who leave school without finishing Year 12 are twice as likely to be unemployed after a year as those who complete secondary school.
And the trend gets worse a year further on, a study of a group of 3500 young Victorians in post-school years has found.
The
"Students who have completed 13 years of school are more likely to have work, spent less time looking for work and work more hours," she said.
"Students thinking of leaving school without any education or training options should think again, go back to school next year or start a TAFE course."
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,17673127%5E2702,00.html
Employment News:
Online skills data for bosses
Patricia Karvelas
January 07, 2006
HIGHLY specific employment data telling bosses where they can find the right staff and how to address skills shortages will soon be available online.
Under the new system, employers and industry will have access to specific and detailed online employment data from the middle of the year, as part of the federal Government's new Employer Demand Strategy.
The Government first gave the information to Job Network providers late last year and it is now opening it up to all employers. It is designed to help get people with disabilities and single mothers back into work.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,17750495%255E2702,00.html
The Minister for Workforce Participation Media Release dated 10/01/06
‘New Employment Data to Help Business Develop Employment Strategies in 2006’ can be found at
Happy to be on the job
By TIM MARTAIN
04jan06
AT a time when a lot of Tasmanians are enjoying taking a holiday from work, two
Johanna Goetzl and Gary Casely are the hospital's first new staff to be employed under the State Government's Disability Fixed Term Employment Program.
Mrs Goetzl had been off work for 15 years due to a back injury when she did a seven-week training course at the hospital in late 2004.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.themercury.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,17724948%255E3462,00.html
Walgett launches disabled training cafe
Wednesday, 28 December 2005.
A new cafe has opened in Walgett in north-east
Cafe 64 currently employs six people but expects to provide hospitality training to 17 staff by next year.
Nova Employment has opened the cafe in the old newsagency building opposite the police station.
Branch manager Michael Wallis says Walgett was in desperate need of a cafe and more jobs.
"We were an open employment agency - the people with a disability used to come in to us when they'd want some work and we used to go out and try and find them work," he said.
"And it was very limited for people in Walgett with disabilities so we thought, we have to start something ourselves."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/items/200512/1538724.htm?westernplains
Welfare News:
Welfare to Work legislation is now a Commonwealth Act is now available in it is complete form at http://www.comlaw.gov.au/ComLaw/Legislation/Act1.nsf/0/1E82138F7F5CDBABCA2570DB0082AF88/$file/154-2005.pdf
Disabled face hardship - barriers abound: Scope
Robyn Powell
Tuesday, 10 January 2006
CENTRAL Victorians with a disability face financial hardship, which is preventing them from accessing education, employment, health services and social and recreational activities.
Scope Loddon Mallee region manager Mary Sullivan said the experiences of central Victorian people with a disability are consistent with a national study, which suggests people with a disability face major economic barriers to employment, social activities and transport.
The study, released by Scope, provides data and opinions from people with disability, their family and carers, focused on the issue of economic hardship and social participation.
More than half unemployed respondents were prevented from taking part in education and training to the extent they desired, and about 53 per cent of unemployed respondents identified financial barriers to actual participation in the workforce, the study found.
For the rest of the article go to
For the Scope Economic Hardship and Social Participation Study go to -
http://www.scopevic.org.au/what_media_1in4021205.html
PM to act on mental health
Samantha Maiden
January 02, 2006
THE nation's mental health crisis will be tackled under a new partnership between state and federal governments that will boost early intervention, counselling and residential care.
John Howard will put a proposal for substantial reform of mental healthcare services to premiers and territory leaders at the Council of Australian Government meeting next month.
Coalition MPs have urged the Prime Minister to end the "national shame" of the mental health system amid mounting concern at the "revolving door" of psychiatric care, which pushes sufferers back into the community without adequate support.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,17710461%5E601,00.html
International News:
Full funding ordered for learning disabled
Public schools required by law to provide proper education: tribunal
Janet Steffenhagen, Vancouver Sun
Published: Thursday, December 22, 2005
The B.C. Education Ministry discriminates against learning-disabled students when it fails to give them proper support in the public school system, the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal ruled Wednesday.
In a decision arising from the troubles of a young boy in the mid-1990s, the tribunal ordered the ministry to provide full funding for the education of severely learning-disabled students and to monitor districts to ensure they deliver the necessary service.
For the rest of the article go to
New Resources:
Parents Help With Careers—future directions
How parents can help their children with career choices can be found at:
http://www.dest.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/63B60C0F-ED1D-41EF-A983-A81C51E07FC1/670/ParentsHelp.pdf
Also TAFE Qld have developed a booklet, Anything’s Possible that targets parents as career counsellors
It can be found at http://www.tafe.qld.gov.au/resources/pdf/Parents_brochure.pdf
Or visit the Qld TAFE website www.tafe.qld.gov.au and search for Anything's Possible.
Independent Living Institute - Resources for Study and Work Abroad for All.
People with disabilities are under-represented among youth who study, train, work or volunteer in their countries or abroad. With support from the Swedish government the Independent Living Institute has compiled a list of currently over 1,000 universities offering services to students with disabilities and 250 disability organizations that can be contacted for information about local conditions in university towns such as the availability of accessible housing, transportation, sign language or personal assistance services.
The list can be found at http://www.independentliving.org/studyworkabroad/
Self-assessment Tool for Inclusion for Corporations, Public Agencies and Non-governmental Organizations
Self-assessment Tool for Inclusion for Universities http://www.independentliving.org/studyworkabroad/disability-information-checklist/index.php
DisAbility in Education Conference
Notetaker notes from the Conference and National Gathering are now available on the website. Find these on http://www.disability.auckland.ac.nz , then select DisAbility in Education Conference 2005; the bling flashing box on the left hand side of the screen. Photographs taken at both the Conference and the Bling Bling Conference Dinner will also appear there shortly.
Reframing the Future: Hidden Disabilities Video Workshop
Providing reasonable adjustment for students who have a psychiatric or learning disability
The recording of this event is now available on the NSW DET streaming server:
(if challenged, the username is ‘guest’ there is no password.) This can be viewed both inside and outside of NSW DET. The video should be available on the server until the end of January.
You can download the file to your desktop by clicking on this link: http://153.107.5.60/recording.html?name=Hidden%20Disabiliti_14Nov05_09.56 MPEG file size 512Mb select ‘download MPEG file’ (best to right click and “save target as..”) the username is ‘superguest’ password is ‘123’
Draft Revised AVCC Disability Guidelines released for consultation
In July 2005 the AVCC Board of Directors authorised a revision of the current AVCC Guidelines Relating to Students with a Disability. A Steering Group was established to oversee this project.
The Board has approved release of the draft of the revised Guidelines to universities sector for comment.
The draft guidelines are now available on the ADCET website at http://www.adcet.edu.au/ViewNewsDetail.aspx?itemID=391
Transforming Disability: community inclusion, employment and innovative reform conference
The website now has some of the transcripts from the conference up.
http://www.public-policy.unimelb.edu.au/events/transforming_disability.html
Centrelink has a website outlining the ‘Welfare to Work’ changes.
Click here to go to website. Or go to http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/services/welfare_work.htm
Services for People with a Disability:
Macquarie Customised Accessibility Services (M-CAS), an initiative of Macquarie University, Sydney, works to meet the life-long information needs of people with disabilities using proven methodologies and cutting edge technologies.
This unique service continues to be available to universities around
M-CAS is currently seeking partners to run pilot programmes within businesses, big or small. The pilot programme will assess the workplace or study needs for a person with a disability and work with employer, employee, and related team members alike to customise a solution.
If you are interested in participating in an M-CAS industry pilot, please contact
Miriam Holder on (02) 9850.8981 or 0419.468.072; or email mholder@laurel.ocs.mq.edu.au .
For more information about M-CAS visit us on the web at www.cfl.mq.edu.au/mcas/ or www.cfl.mq.edu.au/mcas/industry.htm
SCANning & CONversion Services
What do we do?
We convert printed material into an electronic format for use by print disabled/vision impaired students when using a speech package. These electronic manuals are designed to allow the student/trainee to work independently and at their own pace thus minimising the requirement for sighted assistance.
We have produced a number of training manuals that support competencies contained in the Business Services and Information Technology Training Packages as well as modules covering the International Computer Drivers License. More are under conversion.
ScanCon can produce the final material on - Floppy disk, Compact disk, E-mail
How much does ScanCon charge?
We do not believe that an individual student with a vision impairment should have to pay for our services. Training / Educational institutes or Employers however are charged a fee for the rights to access the converted material. This fee differs from publication to publication depending on the amount of work required to convert it but is a once only fee regardless of the number of copies required by the institute.
Where is ScanCon and how do I contact it?
ScanCon is based in
Correspondence sent to: ScanCon Services
Or by telephoning: (07) 3846 6980
0417 087 262
Or via E-mail: scancon@bigpond.com
Calls for Expressions of Interest and Input:
Request for Input from Mature Age Students with a Disability
Liz Horrock from the University of South Australia and Leonie Challans the Regional Disability Liaison Officer for Adelaide are putting together a resource that encourages and informs mature aged students with a disability/medical condition of the benefits of studying at university or TAFE. The resource will also support employers, agencies and people with a disability in their mid-years to train or re-train in the higher education or vocational education and training sector with a focus on moving into employment. With the advent of the Welfare to Work program they want this resource to particularly encourage and support people with a disability in their mid-years (40-55+).
They would like to hear from any mature age students (approximately in the 40-55+ but not necessarily restricted to that bracket regarding
Any and all information is welcome
Would you please respond to Leonie Challans leonie.challans@unisa.edu.au or on (08) 8302 1756
CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST TO UPDATE THE NSW U BOOK
U book: a self help guide to university for students with disabilities
Expressions of interest are invited from people with suitable skills needed to assist the work of Sydney-based universities in revising a publication designed to provide vital information for people with disabilities considering tertiary education in
Background
The U book - a self help guide to university for students with disabilities was originally published in 1993 as a workbook for people with disabilities who were considering their post-secondary study and work options in
Aim of the current update and rewrite
To update a valuable resource, The U book, for distribution to prospective students with disabilities considering tertiary education in NSW and the ACT. The aim is for the provision of: a comprehensive up to date workbook about issues facing students with disabilities who are considering tertiary education; encouragement of independence in prospective students with disabilities considering their post school options in tertiary education; and enhancement of ease of transition into university for prospective students with disabilities. The publication is to be available in hard copy, Braille, CD and as a download from university websites Roles and job descriptions The plan is to produce the book over the first four months of 2006. Expressions of interest are invited from people with skills and experience in publications and project management. We are open to one person taking on more than one of the roles described below:
Project Co-ordinator
The Project Co-ordinator would: work closely with and report to the project Steering Committee (made up of the Disability Liaison Officers from Macquarie University, the University of New South Wales, the University of Sydney, the University of Technology, Sydney and the University of Western Sydney); be responsible for organizing interviews with members of the target audience e.g., students with disabilities in years 10 and 11, as well as some young people with disabilities in an older age bracket who may be attending TAFE or similar educational institution/s, and possibly including some graduate/post graduate students with disabilities. (Suggested names and contact details will be supplied by the project Steering Committee); contact students/graduates with disabilities who have publication design skills and request them to submit samples of their work for use as graphic content in the new publication; contact service providers in the different school and TAFE sectors (names and contact details will also be provided as above); check and update contact details of resources that may be included in the publication; liaise with both the writer and editor; arrange for the provision of the revised publication in CD, hard copy form, web and Braille formats (including liaising with the printers); keep the project within an agreed time frame; Arrange for promotional material to be distributed; arrange for an initial distribution of the publication to schools and universities and other interested parties
Writer
The writer would: review the previous editions of the U book and present a suggested outline for the new edition of the publication to the Steering Committee for consideration; interview identified prospective students with disabilities with a view to clarifying the information needs of the target audience; interview identified tertiary students with disabilities about their experiences and progress, and write up the interviews for the book; circulate drafts for comment by the steering committee, and present a final draft at an agreed time.
Editor
The editor would: copy of the new edition of the U book; report to the project Steering Committee at agreed upon time/s.
Suitable candidates will have: knowledge of disability issues in education and be familiar with the content of the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (1992) and the Disability Discrimination Act Education Standards; experience in disability advocacy or services; substantial experience in the role you are expressing interest in undertaking, and availability to commence by early February 2006.
Requirements a CV that reflects suitability for one or more of the above roles; a written Expression of Interest addressing the eligibility criteria for the position/s, including fee structure, should be submitted by Friday, 20 January 2006, and it is expected that applicants would be able to make an immediate start by 1 February 2006.
Timelines
Applications to be submitted electronically as a Word document (not in table format) to Liz Claridge (contact details below) no later than midday on Friday, 20 January 2006 Confirmation of successful applicant: Friday 27 January 2006
Project completion, 1 May 2006
This project has an overall budget of $30,000
Inquiries should be directed to
Liz Claridge Assistant Disability Services Email: e.claridge@unsw.edu.au Tel: (02) 9385 4734
Or
Australian Public Service Commission Review of Employment of People with a Disability
The Australian Public Service Commission has a new project aimed at improving the employment of people with disability in the Commonwealth Public Service.
They have asked the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations to provide case studies of people's experiences of employment in the Commonwealth Public Service. They want examples of good and bad experiences, identifying what works to support people with disability to gain/retain employment and what acts as barriers.
People are welcome to remain anonymous.
The case studies will be used as part of the report.
If you know anyone interested in responding or submitting a case study, please contact Collete O'Neil at collette.oneill@afdo.org.au by 20 January.
Found at http://www.disabilitynews.infoxchange.net.au/news/detail.chtml?filename_num=65241
Open call for Proposals for Transnational Project Partners
Independent Living Institute
Training as Vehicle to Employment - Gathering information about accessible training opportunities at government agencies.
In late December 2005 The Independent Living Institute together with seven other European Independent Living organizations were awarded a contract by the European Union for a two-year project. We will work with government agencies in a dozen European countries to ensure that their trainee and internship programs are open also to qualified people with disabilities. We plan to register in our database training opportunities where disabled youth can apply and gain valuable work experience and insight in top level agency operations to improve their chances in the labor market.
For more information go to
http://www.independentliving.org/docs7/eu-project2005.html
Spotlight on Useful Resources:
The Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET) is a web based information resource that provides up to date, accurate and comprehensive information about inclusive teaching, learning and assessment strategies, accommodations and support services for people with disabilities.
ADCET aims to encourage equitable, inclusive access to post secondary education and training for people with disabilities through the following strategies:
gather, evaluate, and disseminate research and other information for disability practitioners and students with disabilities, relating to inclusive teaching, assessment and learning strategies, support services and related areas including changes to legislation, policies and practice
facilitate and promote professional development, information sharing and research, amongst disability practitioners, teachers and other professionals.
The initial development of ADCET was funded by DEST but in the absence of ongoing Government funding subscriptions have been introduced to provide sufficient ongoing funding to enable ADCET to continue providing high quality services
Subscribers receive an informative monthly newsletter including the latest resources and news items and have the opportunity to 'Ask ADCET' for information they cannot find elsewhere.
All subscriptions cover the calendar year:
· Individual - $99 (including GST)
· Group (up to 8 users) - $275 (including GST)
· Organisation (unlimited users) - $990 (including GST)
· Partnerships and concession rates - negotiated individually
Australasian Network of Students with Disabilities (ANSWD)
ANSWD is a student organisation, advocating, promoting, lobbying and campaigning on disability issues. We seek to achieve equality, access, and representation of students with disabilities in the tertiary education sector.
Reports:
Annual Reports of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission provide an overview of the Commission and its work during the financial year period.
The 2004-05 Annual Report for the period ending 30 June 2005 is produced pursuant to section 45 of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986. The report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of section 70 of the Public Service Act 1999.
The 2004-05 Annual Report is now available at: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/annrep04_05/index.html
ACROD Response to New Directions for Community Participation
On 13 December, the Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care published a document entitled Future Directions for Community Participation. Information can be found at http://www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/dadhc/People+with+a+disability/Post+School+Programs.htm
The Document exposes key themes that will underwrite the upcoming tender for Community Participation services, which is expected in the next few weeks.
ACROD’s full response to the document is now available online, it can be found at http://www.acrodnsw.net/newsitems/2006/CP%20New%20Directions%20Response.pdf
http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/dco/Scholarships.htm
NSW: The Ruth Marion Fardell Scholarship
For Students with a Physical Disability Undertaking Tertiary Education in New South Wales in 2006
INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS
This scholarship has been set up in memory of Ruth Marion Fardell to assist students with a physical disability with the costs entailed in tertiary education. These are many and varied and not encountered by the able bodied students. The participation of people with physical disabilities within the community and into the workforce is to be strongly encouraged. Education is central to this process. Students with a physical disability should have every opportunity to be as independent as possible.
Seven scholarships up to the value of $5,000 each ($2,500 for part time students) are available for the two year period 2006/07.
Scholarships are only for students who have a physical disability, are Australian citizens and studying at TAFE or University.
A student must have been accepted into a fulltime/part-time TAFE/university course in NSW, or be currently enrolled, to be considered for a scholarship. Students who are proceeding to a higher degree are also eligible. (Part time studies minimum of 10 hours a week will also be considered).
Application forms can be obtained by contacting Elizabeth Mead at Northcott on (02) 9890 0100. Completed applications must be returned by 3rd February, 2006.
For further information contact:
Elizabeth Mead Phone: (02) 9890 0100
or
Email: spinecare@northcott.com.au
Postal Address: P0
NSW: The Gregory and Dolores Farrell Scholarship
For Wheelchair Users Undertaking Tertiary Education in New South Wales in 2006
The scholarships are to assist students who are wheelchair users with the costs entailed in tertiary education. These are many and varied and not encountered by the able bodied. The integration of wheelchair users into the community and into the workforce is to be strongly encouraged. Education is central to this process. Students with a physical disability and reliant on a wheelchair should have every opportunity to gain independence in our society.
Two scholarships up to the value of $5,000 each are available for 2006.
Scholarships are only for permanent wheelchair users who are Australian citizens.
A student must have been accepted into a full time university course in NSW, or be currently enrolled, to be considered for a scholarship. Students who are proceeding to a higher degree are also eligible, as are students who have been accepted for post graduate study in
An application form, available from The Foundation and must be competed and returned by 3rd February, 2006, to the address below. The completed application form may be posted, faxed or emailed.
SpineCare Foundation
Address:
Contact: Elizabeth Mead Phone: (02) 9890 0100
Fax: (02) 9683 2827
or
Email: spinecare@northcott.com.au
NRMA scholarship - For People with spinal cord injury
ParaQuad offers a range of scholarships, covering academic education from primary to tertiary level, as well as those pursuing other career directions, for example in sport.
New scholarships for people with a spinal cord injury available in 2006
How to Apply
Applications are currently being accepted for the NRMA Insurance Scholarships. Applications for the NRMA Scholarships close 7 February 2006.
There are three NRMA Insurance Scholarships of $5,000 each to help with tertiary education at a university, TAFE college or registered private college for individuals with an acquired spinal cord injury residing in NSW.
The $5000 scholarships can cover tertiary education fees for a year up to the value of $5000, and/or items such as a contribution to a carer’s allowance, computer hardware and assistance (scribes and word-processing services) , as well as tuition fees, to name a few options.
To apply, future and current students must carefully read the information leaflet and guidelines, and complete the application form. For a hard copy please email us at scholarships@paraquad.org.au , or phone (02) 8741 5622.
http://www.paraquad.nsw.asn.au/page.asp?partid=229&versionid=231
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If you have a Resource, a Scholarship, Workshop, Conference, or any other information that is Disability Education or Employment related and you wish to promote it here please e-mail me at thart@med.usyd.edu.au
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If you wish to have the Disability Education and Employment News e-mail to you please e-mail me at thart@med.usyd.edu.au with “Subscribe Disability Education and Employment News” in the subject line.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the DCO for Northern, Central and
The information contained in this newsletter is accurate to the best of our knowledge and No responsibility is taken for its accuracy.
The Disability News Archive can be found at http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/dco/newsletter/
The Regional Disability Liaison Officer and Disability Coordination Officer programmes are funded by the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training
No 1 Vol 2
Compiled by Timothy Hart the DCO for Northern, Central and