 |
Disability Education and Employment News:Vol 2 No 12 - Wednesday, 26th July 2006 |
|---|---|
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 Edition of the Disability Education and Employment News we have information on the NSW Council for Intellectual Disability (NSW CID) is holding a ‘Employment Summit - Pathways to Employment’ latest year.
Plus other News articles, Conferences and Workshops, a bunch of New Resources and other information for the disability education and employment sectors.
Please distribute the Newsletter to those that you think would be interested in it.
If you have a Resource, a Scholarship, Workshop, Conference, an Event 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
For information on subscribing, please go to the end of the newsletter.
Calls for Expressions of Interest and Input
Most disabled kids 'in mainstream schools'
July 14, 2006
MOST disabled children in
A study released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) details the education and care received by the 317,900 children - one in 12 - living with disabilities.
The report shows that the vast majority of school-aged disabled children - 97 per cent - attend school.
This includes 89 per cent in mainstream schools and another nine per cent in special needs facilities.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19785031-1702,00.html
Two-tiered unis 'necessary'
Adam Morton
July 12, 2006
Melbourne University's radical plan to transform into a two-tier university - and other bold changes - are necessary for Australian campuses to avoid falling "further and further" behind international standards, a US teaching expert says.
The man charged with improving teaching standards at prestigious
Under changes to be brought in from 2008, the university will offer six broad undergraduate degrees followed by professional programs in fields including medicine, law and engineering.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/twotiered-unis-necessary/2006/07/11/1152383745135.html
Student debt $13b
09jul06
MORE than a million Australians have racked up $13 billion in student debt.
Of this, $2.5 billion is not expected to be repaid.
Average individual debt has risen from $4787 in 1996 to about $10,000.
Student debt under the Higher Education Loan Program has soared from $4 billion in 1996 to a record $13.2 billion.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.thesundaymail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,19724536%255E903,00.html
Schooling choice leaves poorest to struggle: study
Anna Patty Education Editor
July 8, 2006
AUSTRALIAN students from poorer backgrounds are doing worse at school than many of their international counterparts, a study by a leading education researcher has found.
Although high achievers compare well, Professor Barry McGaw, the architect eight years ago of the NSW HSC, warned that the learning gap between the top performers and the also-rans was set to widen as a result of a growing social divide in the schooling system.
For the rest of the article go to
Danger of 'schools for the poor'
06jul06
ONE bright child from a poor background might still thrive in any government school but when there are clusters of impoverished students, they tend to drag each other down.
Research prepared for the nation's education ministers, obtained by The Australian, warns that schools with the poorest students have half as many top performers as schools with the wealthiest students.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,19699573%255E421,00.html
Back to Top
Employment News
Counting cost of work depression
Melissa Sweet, Sarah Price
July 9, 2006
THOUSANDS of Australian workers battle depression and related problems without appropriate help, and employers bear the cost.
A landmark survey of 90,000 employees at 58 of
The study, to be considered at the Council of Australian Governments meeting starting on Friday, found that workers with untreated symptoms were less productive per year at an average cost of $9660 to employers. They were less effective at work and took more time off work.
For the rest of the article go to
Commonwealth sets poor example on jobs for disabled
Tim Colebatch
July 3, 2006
THE Federal Government has halved the number of disabled people it employs, at the same time as it is cutting up to $122 a week from benefits to disabled people to encourage them into the workforce, activist Maryanne Diamond said yesterday.
As welfare groups stepped up their attack on the Government's Welfare to Work reforms, which take effect today, Ms Diamond, chief executive of the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, said the changes would "punish people with a disability, while doing little to improve employment outcomes".
For the rest of the article go to
Welfare News:
It's time to share the spoils
July 14, 2006
The Commonwealth and the states have an opportunity to work together so that all Australians can share the benefits of economic growth, writes Tony Nicholson.
Today's meeting of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) takes on greater significance than most - and not just because of the backdrop of the leadership machinations within the parliamentary Liberal Party.
Rather, as
They want it invested to create a bright future for our children. Today's wealth can produce a brighter future, but only if it is invested to enable real reform.
It won't surprise you to find that, as the director of the Brotherhood of St Laurence, I am arguing for higher levels of investment to help disadvantaged Australians. It's a moral duty, of course. But it's also in everyone's economic best interests.
For the rest of the article go to
Legalising euthanasia 'hurts disabled'
July 7, 2006 - 3:40PM
Legalising euthanasia would present a threat to people with a disability because society believes they lack a "good quality of life", a national conference has been told.
Leading disability advocate Kevin Cocks said the increase in public support for legal voluntary euthanasia, or medically assisted death, triggered warning bells for people with disabilities.
For the rest of the article go to
Spreading prosperity requires more real reform
July 3, 2006
Guiding people at the fringes into work calls for a more serious investment in education and training.
THROUGH a combination of fortuitous economic cycles and good housekeeping, the Howard Government has presided over an era of increased wealth. But has the bounty been extended to everyone? More fruits from the tree of prosperity were shaken down at the weekend with another round of tax cuts. Most workers will get $10 a week extra to spend, but the top 20 per cent of earners fare much better. A host of other measures were triggered on July 1. The baby bonus has risen to $4000, the formula for child support has begun to be recast and the childcare tax rebate — announced in the 2004 election campaign — can be claimed by parents without being means tested. More families with children will also benefit from changes in one of Prime Minister John Howard's most cherished policies, Family Tax Benefits. The Coalition's Senate majority has secured an industrial relations revolution, and another ideological victory has been scored on campuses with student union fees no longer compulsory. Welcome to policy prescriptions demarcated by "superwinners", "winners" and "losers".
For the rest of the article go to
Federal treatment of disabled 'shameful'
Ross Peake
Monday, 3 July 2006
The Howard Government was criticised yesterday for cutting back on employing people with a disability in the federal public service while making it tougher for those people to collect welfare.
The swipe at the Government's employment track record came as the controversial welfare-to-work changes which begin today were labelled "shameful".
Officials from national organisations representing people with disabilities gathered in
For the rest of the article go to
Tax cuts 'make wealth gap worse'
By Sandra O'Malley and Robin Pash
July 02, 2006
WELFARE groups said today the gap between
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19659130-1702,00.html
$1bn cut from disabled, parents' welfare
Annabel Stafford,
July 1, 2006
THE Government will slash $1 billion from welfare to single parents and the disabled over the next three years, it has confirmed just before the start of its new Welfare to Work regime today.
With the Government predicting a budget surplus of $10.8 billion this year and preparing to hand out $36.7 billion in tax cuts over the next four years, welfare advocates and others have questioned its reduced support for some of Australia's most vulnerable.
According to figures from the Australian Council of Social Service, from today 158,000 people who would have received a disability or parenting pension will be forced onto the lower Newstart allowance if they are assessed as being able to work 15 hours a week. This will mean $46 a week less for disabled people and $29 a week less for single parents, according to the National Centre for Economic and Social Modelling.
For the rest of the article go to
Disability pensions 'safe'
July 01, 2006
NEW welfare-to-work laws will not affect people currently on disability pensions, but will encourage future recipients to do as much paid work as they can, Treasurer
The controversial changes to welfare payments, effective from today, will force thousands of single parents and disability pensioners to look for work.
Parents will be forced to accept a job if it makes them $50 a fortnight better off and is within an hour's commute from home.
The Australian Council of Social Service warned that 81,000 people with disabilities will receive $45 a week less, and 77,000 single parents will be $30 a week worse off under the changes.
ALP employment spokeswoman Penny Wong said the new laws would cut the household budgets of some of the most vulnerable Australians by almost 20 per cent.
Ms Wong said the legislation would affect 60,000 people with a disability and 70,000 single parents.
The laws would reduced their incentive to work and make it harder for them to study or train, she told the ABC.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19650027-1702,00.html
Internationals News:
More students with special needs going to college; challenges remain for some
The number of students with disabilities attending college has risen significantly over the past decade, but the graduation rate for students in the category remains low. Students with special needs face a host of additional challenges when they move beyond the controlled environments of high schools, from living on their own to dealing with the loss of devoted teachers and administrators.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2006-07-17-special-education_x.htm
British teachers call for review of inclusion policies
Now that
For the rest of the article go to
http://education.guardian.co.uk/ofsted/story/0,,1819623,00.html
Special needs education 'not fit'
Special needs schools have smaller classes and cost more per pupil
The system of education for pupils with special needs in
The Commons education select committee is calling for stronger government guidelines for councils, to end a "postcode lottery" of provision.
It also wants ministers to clarify their policy on whether to include special needs children in mainstream schools or educate them separately.
The government said it had "done much" to improve the situation.
According to the committee, those with special educational needs (SEN) are being "sidelined".
It also claims the government's "inclusion" policy - teaching pupils in mainstream schools wherever possible - is causing confusion about whether this means closing special schools.
About 1.53 million children in
The number of special schools in the state and private sectors fell by 7% from 1,239 in 1997 to 1,148 last year.
Without evidence it appears a policy of inclusion has developed on the basis that it benefits all children
The committee says special schools, dealing with issues such as autism, behavioural and learning difficulties, are "invaluable" for many pupils.
It recommends more mainstream and special schools joining in federations to share ideas.
For the rest of the article go to
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/5150480.stm
MSU expert: ADHD has many causes but some cases may be preventable
By Matthew Miller
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder has no shortage of controversies and open questions.
And when it comes to what causes the disease, there are no easy answers, according to
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006607050329
General ed. teachers face special ed. realities
Districts, colleges adjust to a changing educational landscape
BY CHRIS GAETANO
Staff Writer
Ron Grygo
A few years ago, at the
According to Debra Jennings, co-chairwoman of the Council for Exceptional Children, some 6 percent of the students expressed that they might be teaching children who have a disability of some kind. It was a story she heard when she went to see a lecturer on teacher education, and it's a story that's been echoed in various forms throughout schools across the country.
According to many education professionals, new teachers trained in general education often leave college with little experience or academic course work in working with students with special needs, despite the fact that special-needs students are becoming more common in the classrooms.
For the rest of the article go to
http://nbs.gmnews.com/news/2006/0629/Schools/047.html
Conferences and Workshops:
"Creating Our Future: On Campus and Beyond"
11th Biannual NEADS National Conference
November 10-12, 2006
Delta Ottawa Hotel and Suites
Come be part of the 20th anniversary celebration of the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)! The 2006 Conference Planning Committee invites expressions of interest by individuals interested in speaking on one of the four workshop panels at our biannual national conference. The theme for this year's conference is Creating Our Future: On Campus and Beyond.
Frank Smith, National Coordinator
National Educational Association of Disabled Students Rm. 426 Unicentre, Carleton University Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6 tel. (613) 526-8008 www.neads.ca
http://www.neads.ca/conference2006/en/
NATIONAL CONFERENCES
ACE CONFERENCE 2006
The ACE Conference 2006 will be held in
REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN. Early Bird Registrations close COB 31st July 2006.
For further information go to http://www.hotelnetwork.com.au/conferences/conferences#ace
From Tolerance to Respect: Cultural Competence in Practice
Thursday 7th - Friday 8th September 2006
Novotel Hotel Sydney Olympic Park corner Olympic Boulevard & Herb Elliott Ave Homebush Bay,
The Multicultural Disability and Advocacy Association (MDAA) and the National Disability Ethnic Alliance (NEDA) are holding a two day conference that will examine current ideas and practices in cultural competence. To be held at the Novotel Hotel at
The conference will provide local, national and international perspectives on best practice in responding to community diversity and competing service development needs. It provides an excellent opportunity to explore cultural competency in a safe and stimulating environment, including:
• international best practice
• the Australian experience and its place on the global stage
• policy implications and dimensions
• contemporary indigenous perspectives, and
• hands on, field-based experiences
For more information go to http://www.mdaa.org.au/culturalcompconference.html or
Email: theresa.clark@mdaa.org.au
Phone: (02) 9891 6400
Fax (02) 9635 5355
Telephone Typewriter (TTY): (02) 9687 6325
Toll Free Phone: 1800 629 072
Australian Association of Special Education - National Conference
30 September – 2 October 2006
Learning Together: Leading Practice in Inclusive Education
Hyatt Hotel
Check the AASE website for Online Registration and Conference Updates at http://www.aase.edu.au/2006_Conf_site/program.html
3rd International Forum On Disability Management
You can view the website at http://www.ifdm.com.au/index.html?page=21340
Australian Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology Association National Conference 2006
The conference will provide a forum for exploring issues in technology for people with disabilities.
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
“The Right to the Right Health Care” - Evidence, ethics and health in people with developmental disability
An Annual National Health Conference jointly organised by Centre for Developmental Disability Studies Australian and Association of Developmental Disability Medicine
15th-17th November, 2006 SMC Conference Centre (
For further information or to place your name on a mailing list to receive the conference registration brochure, please email tonyharman@med.usyd.edu.au
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
POSTER PRESENTATIONS ARE STILL BEING ACCEPTED
For more information go to http://www.leishman-associates.com.au/pathways8/
“Toward 2020: what WE do NOW will make the difference”
…. promises to be a Pathways Conference with a difference!
The program applies to teachers, lecturers, researchers, policy developers, students as well as disability practitioners in any industry. This is THE conference to attend in relation to enhancing successful education and career opportunities for people with disability.
If you choose to submit an abstract, and are selected for the program, your presentation will precede workshops on particular topics and streams, and will provide an important platform for discussion. In addition international and local experts have been confirmed and will give keynote presentations on a range of topics.
For some presentation topic suggestions, guidance on how to submit your abstract, as well as a range of other information about the conference including the excellent keynote speaker program, please see the website at www.leishman-associates.com.au/pathways8
If you have any questions about this event please contact the conference organisers, Leishman Associates, on telephone (03) 6234 7844
PRE CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
The Pathways8 Organising Committee are also calling for expressions of interest from people who would like to conduct a 2-3 hour Pre-Conference Workshop on a topic relevant to the conference theme. Pre-conference workshops will be conducted at Wrest Point Convention Centre on Tuesday 28 November 2006.
A reminder that the deadline for Early Bird Registration for the Pathways 8 Conference is looming quickly - August 1st is the cut off date so please register now to save your budget by taking full advantage of this offer.
The Constraints to Full Employment Conference - fiscal policy, WorkChoices and job insecurity
December 7-8, 2006
The Centre of Full Employment and Equity (CofFEE) will host the Conference, which incorporates the 8th Path to Full Employment Conference and the 13th National Conference on Unemployment. It will be staged at the
Major themes for the Conference will be employment quality, underemployment and marginal workers.
Please note the deadline of September 1 2006 for submission of abstracts to refereed stream and September 29 for submission of abstracts to the non-refereed stream.
For information about the conference and more details about the Call for Papers go to:
http://e1.newcastle.edu.au/coffee/conferences/2006/index.cfm
For information about CofFEE go to:
http://e1.newcastle.edu.au/coffee/index.cfm
ACROD NSW ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2007: DISABILITY SERVICES ~ WHAT’S NEXT??
19 – 20 February 2007, Novotel Brighton-Le Sands,
What will 2007 hold for the Disability Services Sector in NSW? And how can we as a vibrant, progressive industry thrive?
ACROD NSW is calling for abstracts from those wishing to present papers on conference themes. Abstracts, up to 500 words in length and in the approved format, must be submitted by 12 September 2006
Submissions / Enquiries:
Damien Anderson, Deputy Executive Officer, ACROD NSW Division
Phone: 02 9503 1602 Email: damien@acrodnsw.net
Locked Bag 535, Kingsgrove NSW 2208
Website: www.acrodnsw.net
Autism Spectrum Disorders - When & Where
Royal Pines Resort - Gold Coast - 14th to 16th March 2007
The website can be found at
http://www.astmanagement.com.au/autism7/Details.htm
Doing It Better Learning Disabilities Forum
May 14th & 15th 2007,
Storey Hall at
More information later
http://www.deakin.edu.au/events/ldc2006/
Conference of Aus & NZ Educators of the Deaf ‘Down Under and Leading the World’
Hosted byNational Association of Australian Teachers of the Deaf (Inc)
To submit contact details & interest in participating contact Gwen Colloff, Conference Project Officer- gcolloff@aapt.net.au
For more Information visit our website-
Creating Accessability Teaching & Support (CATS)
Tony Payne, Manager of the CATS project will be in
Date: 21 August
Time: 10:30 - 3:00
Venue: Rm 329,
ADVANCE NOTICE !! - SYMPOSIUM AND SEMINAR - BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS WEEK 2006
Tuesday 19th September 2006
At the
Morning symposium providing up-to-date information about acquired brain injury.
Afternoon seminar on Planning for community services and the challenges of cognitive difficulties.
These sessions are planned particularly to be helpful to Options Coordinators, Support Workers, G.Ps and Professional people working in related areas.
Full details will be available soon – put the date in your diary now.
NSW EVENTS
Employment
Key Note Speaker: Mr Graham Innes, AM – Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission
How can people with intellectual disability get better access to employment opportunities?
Join us for this very important one day conference where we will discuss the various issues associated with employment for people with intellectual disability Speakers include: representatives from TAFE, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care and people with intellectual disability.
Workshops on finding work, being a worker and Business Services will be held in the afternoon – all participants are invited to take part People with intellectual disability, families, carers, service providers, educators and other interested people all welcome!
Date: Monday 18 September 2006 Time: 9.30am – 4pm (Registration will open at 9am)
Place: Sydney Mechanic’s School of Art 280 Pitt Street,
Cost: $66 per person People with intellectual disability free
Contact: Lee-Anne Whitten Phone: 02 9211 1611 or 1800 424 065 (outside Metro) Fax: 02 9211 2606 Email: info@nswcid.org.au
New Resources:
Tool Kit on Teaching and Assessing Students With Disabilities
http://www.osepideasthatwork.org/toolkit/index.asp
Australian Apprenticeships
http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/
From 1 July 2006, 'Australian Apprenticeships' has replaced the scheme formerly known as 'New Apprenticeships'. The new name and look reinforces that apprenticeships are a prestigious and first rate career option for all Australians.
JobAccess — workplace solutions for people with disability
This resource has been designed as a one-stop-shop for all matters relating to employment of people with disability
As part of the Federal Government’s welfare-to-work changes, which came into effect on 1 July 2006, DEWR has launched the Job Access information and advice service.
The service (which consists of a website www.jobaccess.gov.au and a telephone advice service 1800 464 800) is designed as a ‘one stop shop’ for employers, job seekers, co-workers and service providers seeking information on the employment of people with disabilities.
National Disability Web Portal
This has links to information and services on 700+ Australian Government websites as well as selected state and territory resources, like: Centrelink; Carelink Centres and Directory; CRS Australia; FaCSIA including Business Services; Disability Open Employment Services; Disability Rights; HealthInsite; JobAble; Information for individuals and communities; and National Auslan Booking and Payment Service.
http://www.australia.gov.au/367
Source: “Warringah Disability Newsletter
Assistance for those who can't afford a computer
TAD (Technical Aid to the Disabled) in several states have low cost loan schemes.
See http://www.technicalaidnsw.org.au/service/cmpLoan.html
Green Peripherals and Components, otherwise known as GreenPC
The only qualification for an individual or family to have access to a Green PC computer is that they are holders of a current Health Care Card or are able to verify their low income status in some other way.
https://greenpc.infoxchange.net.au/shopcart/browse.chtml or http://www.greenpc.com.au/about.shtml or telephone
(08) 9434 0530 (
(07) 3255 8300 (
(03) 9486 9344 (
(02) 6251 5617 (ACT)
An article that may be interesting to some on the Workplace Modifications Scheme can be found at
http://www.workplace.gov.au/workplace/Category/Publications/Employment/EmploymentExtra/
'Helping people move into work' - A Community Information Pack:
Information on Centrelink website
This community information pack has been developed to help Centrelink staff explain the changes that will happen with the 1 July 2006 implementation of Welfare to Work. The pack includes information on who is affected, copies of the letters sent to customers as part of the targeted mailout and additional information about the new compliance system and changes to the income tests.
The pack can be found at http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/publications/lw028.htm
Career Advice
The new Career Advice
More information available at:
New Apprenticeships Job Pathways Website
A new website has been launched to help people needing New Apprenticeships job and training information. From staff in New Apprenticeships Centres to employers, job candidates, students, parents and careers advisors in schools, all are able to quickly find potential New Apprenticeships job outcomes that include a sample of the training that could apply to the occupation.
The New Apprenticeships Job Pathways website (http://www.najobpathways.com.au/) is a DEST funded resource that has been developed from the popular New Apprenticeships Training Information Service website. Feedback from a variety of Vocational and Technical Education stakeholders has been part of this development.
Disability Initiatives information can be found at
For more information go to www.najobpathways.com.au , www.natinfo.com.au , or call the New Apprenticeships Training Information Service on 1800 338 022.
Welfare to Work package - basic training material, from the National Welfare Rights Network
The introduction of Welfare to Work from 1 July 2006 will see major changes to the social security system. The information is designed to give an overview of the most substantial of these changes. The website will be updated as additional information becomes available.
http://www.welfarerights.org.au/wrtraining/introduction.htm
There are fact sheets on-
· Changes to Disability Support Pension
http://www.welfarerights.org.au/wrtraining/changes%20to%20disability%20support%20pension.htm
· Newstart Allowance
http://www.welfarerights.org.au/wrtraining/Newstart.htm
· The new compliance regime – moving from breaches to suspension of payment
http://www.welfarerights.org.au/wrtraining/the%20new%20compliance.htm
· What happens if I am receiving a payment now?
Creating Accessible Teaching and Support (CATS) an online resource for teaching and supporting university students with disabilities.
The CATS resource http://www.adcet.edu.au/cats has established a framework for good practice that provides information and resources to assist universities to create equitable access for students with disabilities and to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and the Disability Standards for Education. The project that developed this resource and a series of accompanying booklets has been funded by the Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching.
RDLO-DCO Resources http://www.adcet.edu.au/rdco
School to Post-School Transition Resources
http://www.adcet.edu.au/rdco/ViewFAQDetail.aspx?itemID=567 (Opens up a Word document with hyperlinks to resources).
Features information about a range of transition related resources currently in use in
Transition: Supporting Students into Post-Secondary Education
http://www.adcet.edu.au/rdco/ViewFAQDetail.aspx?itemID=62
Students with disabilities in transition require everything that other students in transition need including.......
Learning Experiences of Students with a Learning Disability
http://www.adcet.edu.au/Uploads/Documents/disability-project-report.pdf [pdf: 295 kilobytes]
This study aims to increase awareness and understanding of the needs of The University of Nottingham students who have a disability. The project is a qualitative investigation using in-depth interviews, work 'shadowing', and video recordings of a 'day in the life of' a number of selected students. Interview and video data will be used (with student consent) to develop high quality, training materials for a variety of contexts.
‘Academic Accommodations for Students with a Psychiatric Disability’
Students with psychiatric disabilities are entitled to reasonable academic accommodations under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) and Disability Standards for Education 2005. Providing effective accommodations allows students equal access to academic courses and activities. Their presence also contributes to the diversity of the student population. This resource is concerned with the impact of mental illness on academic pursuits, and the development of strategies to study successfully.
‘The Road Ahead… A
The workbook was produced for people with a disability (which includes a chronic medical condition) who are considering their post-secondary education and training, for example, secondary school students, VTE (Vocational and Technical Education) students, potential New Apprentices and people looking to change their career direction. We hope it will be used by secondary school students in Year 11 or earlier. Teachers and trainers facilitating group work on career planning with people with a disability could also use it. This project was a joint Initiative and can be accessed on the following websites.
http://www.disabilitycentral.com.au
http://www.cdu.edu.au/rdlo/The-Road-Ahead.pdf The Road Ahead: a NT Self-Help Planning Guide [pdf 6.18 mb]
Calls for Expressions of Interest and Input:
Young people wanted to have their say!
A research project is underway which aims to learn about the experiences and goals of 18-25 year olds with cerebral palsy as they make the transition into adulthood, from their own perspective. It is hoped that this knowledge will lead to the development and implementation of appropriate, relevant and effective services and supports in the future; services which meet needs identified by young people and which help them to achieve their own goals.
This project involves collaboration between The University of Western Sydney (UWS), The Spastic Centre of NSW and The Cerebral Palsy League of QLD. The primary investigator, Nicole Sharp, is a PhD Candidate at UWS. Nicole is looking for young people who would like to have their say by participating in interviews (face-to-face or email) and/or completing a package of surveys. Interviews are confidential and have no set questions; they are a chance for young people to talk about issues that are important to them.
Please pass on the details of this project to young people aged 18-25 who have cerebral palsy. This is a chance for young people to have their say!
To get involved or for further information, please contact Nicole Sharp at UWS on (02) 4620 3591 or n.sharp@uws.edu.au
http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/dco/Scholarships.htm
Win a Jot a Dot Brailler in Quantum Technology Competition
Enter the competition at www.jotadot.com/index.php?x=entercomp by guessing how many separate parts go together to make up a Jot a Dot. The competition closes on 31 July 2006, with the winner being drawn early August and notified by e-mail.
The Jot a Dot is small (8"x4.5"x2"), weighs 350grams, uses normal photocopy paper of A5 or A6 size, with 20 cells of braille per line, attractive (lively blue with lime green keys!), includes neck strap (for brailling on the go) and lets you read what you’ve written (left to right) on the reverse side. Did you know that the Jot a Dot replaces the Perkins brailler of 1951, with 500 parts!
For other products produced and/or distributed by Quantum Technology, see www.quantech.com.au .
"Source: Warringah Disability Newsletter".
Freedom Scientific/Quantum Technology 2007 WYNN Scholarship
Freedom Scientific and Quantum Technology have pledged to make life a little easier for eight lucky students who are planning to make the move into tertiary study in 2007!!!
Quantum Technology are excited to announce the inaugural WYNN (What you Need Now) Scholarship, which is intended to assist students who have been assessed as having a learning disability.
If you are an Australian or
To enter just tell us in 500 words or less how the WYNN program will assist you with your studies. Applications must include a name for reference of an educator or person involved in Learning Disability, and demonstrate an understanding of how WYNN can help improve educational outcomes.
Applications must be made in writing by email to info@quantumtechnology.com.au or via mail to Quantum Technology PO Box 390, Rydalmere NSW 2116
To assist with your application you may request a WYNN demo CD to evaluate. For further enquiries please call or e-mail Quantum Technology:
Contact: Bronwyn Davies
Head Office (02) 8844 9888
International + 61 2 8844 9888
Freedom Scientific and Quantum Technology has pledged to make life a little easier for eight lucky students who will make the move into tertiary study in 2007!!!
A total of eight scholarships for a free copy of JAWS Professional screen reading program are up for grabs.
Applications for this year's scholarship are now open, so it's time to get behind this worthy initiative.
If you an Australian or
To enter please, tell us in 500 words or less why you need a Freedom Scholarship and how it will assist you in your tertiary studies. Applications must be made in writing by email to info@quantumtechnology.com.au or via mail to Quantum Technology PO Box 390, Rydalmere NSW 2116
Applications must be received by Friday 29 September 2006, and winners will be notified by e-mail and announced in LiveWire. Good Luck!
For further enquiries please call or e-mail your local Quantum Technology office:
Head Office (02) 8844 9888
lkumutat@quantumtechnology.com.au
Southern Office (03) 9545 4100
Media Releases:
Press Release from the Census people
People with disabilities form a large part of the Australian community so it is important that the Census of Population and Housing, to be held on 8 August, reflects this.
The Census, held every five years, provides us with the best available snapshot of
The Census is also an essential tool in planning for the needs of the community. This includes forward planning by all three spheres of government and is therefore important to those with disabilities - and everyone else in
The 2006 Census will include questions to identify people who need assistance due to a "profound or severe core activity limitation". The questions are based on similar criteria to the ABS Survey of Disability, Aging and Carers. This population is defined as people with a disability who need assistance in their day-to-day lives with any or all of the following core activities: self care, body movements or communication.
The results of the 2003 ABS Survey of Disability, Aging and Carers showed that one in five Australians - 20 per cent of the population, or 3.96 million people - had a disability. Like all Australians, this significant group has a chance to have a say through the Census.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics is committed to communicating Census information effectively to people with a disability and to minimising any barriers they might have in filling out the their form on Tuesday 8th August. For example:
The ABS encourages people who need help to enlist the assistance of others they trust, such as a family member, friend, carer or neighbour.
Census assistance for the hearing impaired is available through the Telephone Typewriter Service (TTY) number 1300 364 365 from 28 July 2006.
A large print version of the Census Guide is available from the ABS web site at www.abs.gov.au .
Organisations for people with disabilities, and carers' groups, are encouraged to help spread the word about the Census and to help wherever possible.
Special Collectors will be recruited to enumerate people in hospitals, nursing homes, retirement villages and other retirement establishments and hostels.
For the first time, people will have the option of filling in the 2006 Census on-line via the ABS web site (eCensus). The design of the eCensus form takes into account accepted accessibility standards as set out by the World Wide Web Consortium. The form is also compatible with commonly used screenreader programs such as Jaws© and Window Eyes©.
In the course of designing the eCensus form, the ABS consulted organisations such as Vision
People with a visual impairment can obtain their Census Form Number and an eCensus number in alternative formats, to enable them to complete the form securely online. To do this, they will need to contact the Census Inquiry Service hotline on 1300 362 883 or talk to the Collector and request these numbers be delivered in Braille or large print, or relayed verbally.
ALP education policy a step forward
Senator Natasha Stott Despoja
Democrats Senator for
Australian Democrats spokesperson for Higher Education
The Australian Democrats have welcomed the release of the Labors White Paper on Higher Education, Research and Innovation,
"The Australian Democrats support a number of initiatives in this White Paper, and in fact, have advocated a number of them, such as the abolition of full-fee paying places, reduced HECS rates and improved student income support, for many years," Democrats Higher Education Spokesperson Senator Natasha Stott Despoja said.
"We have long campaigned for Rent Assistance for Austudy students, income support for postgraduates, and improvements to student income support eligibility tests like the parental income test.
For the rest of this media release go to
http://www.democrats.org.au/news/index.htm?press_id=5290&display=1
Disability Action Week 2006
Senator Andrew Bartlett
Deputy Parliamentary Leader and Democrats Senator for
Celebrating Disability Action Week, Democrat's Disability spokesperson, Senator Andrew Bartlett said that while great inroads have been made in getting people with a disability out into the community there is still great scope for improvement.
For the rest of this media release go to
http://www.democrats.org.au/news/index.htm?press_id=5283&display=1
People with disabilities have more opportunity to move into work
Hon Dr Sharman Stone MP
Minister for Workforce Participation
03 July, 2006
Today is the first day of important changes that will see more people with disabilities helped into real jobs the Minister for Workforce Participation, Dr Sharman Stone said today.
"From 1 July 2006 people with a disability who are assessed as capable of working at least 15 hours a week will be assisted by Job Network, Disability Employment Network and Personal Support Programme providers to find a real job," Dr Stone said.
"These providers offer personally tailored and specialised services for people with a disability who may need some extra training, coaching or support in the workplace to keep their job.
"Welfare to Work is an Australian Government investment of $3.6 billion of extra services that will assist Australians of working age who are welfare dependent to take the first steps towards becoming financially independent and involved in the community through work.
For the rest of this media release go to
Australians to benefit from range of programmes
Hon Dr Sharman Stone MP
Minister for Workforce Participation
02 July, 2006
From tomorrow the half a million Australians who are of working age and currently unemployed will be given even more help to find and sustain a job, the Minister for Workforce Participation, Dr Sharman Stone said today.
As well, those with a disability or parents on pensions will be given extra help to find work that suits their capacity and commitments.
There have been two million working-age Australians in those parent or disability pension categories," Dr Stone said.
"This is a time of great opportunity for Australians who have been unemployed for a number of years, or for people who may never have considered themselves able to work because of a disability, or a lack of skills or experience," Dr Stone said.
For the rest of this media release go to
-----
To Subscribe:
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 12, Vol 2
Compiled by Timothy Hart the DCO for Northern, Central and
To return to the DCO Disability Newsletter Archive Page go to http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/dco/newsletter or click here