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Disability Education and Employment News:Vol 2 No 13 - Friday, 11th August 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 Edition of the Disability Education and Employment News we have information on the final DEAN PD Day for 2006 in NSW, topics include an examination of the DADHC Post School Programmes for Students with High Support Needs Accessing TAFE and University, a discussion of current issues in the TAFE and University sectors and the DEAN Annual General Meeting. In
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
Stop Press:
Federal Court of
28 July 2006
DISCRIMINATION LAW – "requirement or condition" that hearing impaired child be taught in English rather than Auslan, a native Australian sign language – whether ability to "cope" without Auslan assistance meant that child was "able to comply" with "requirement or condition", pursuant to s 6(c) of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) – whether child would suffer "serious disadvantage" without Auslan assistance – whether suffering "serious disadvantage" meant child could not comply with "requirement or condition"
Held: (a) the primary judge erred in finding that an ability to "cope" without Auslan assistance meant that child was "able to comply" with "requirement or condition"; and (b) the evidence showed that child would suffer serious disadvantage without Auslan assistance, and therefore child "not able to comply" with "requirement or condition", pursuant to s 6(c) of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth)
For the rest of this ruling go to http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/FCAFC/2006/100.html
Education News:
Why bonus payments are flawed
By Bruce McDougall
August 09, 2006 12:00
A SLOW-BURNING fuse lit in
It started with the mandatory teaching of values, new report cards grading children on their academic work and stronger emphasis on Australian history.
Now Prime Minister John Howard is turning his sights on what has been education's most untouchable issue - paying teachers for performance.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/opinion/story/0,22049,20060299-5001031,00.html
Teachers slam cash for grades
By Bruce McDougall, Education Reporter
August 09, 2006 12:00
PLANS to pay cash bonuses to thousands of teachers for producing high-achieving students will be met with mass opposition from educators.
Principals yesterday accused the Howard Government of "turning back the clock" decades to when children were graded on ability and the top teachers taught the most able students.
Federal Education Minister Julie Bishop is pressing ahead with the reward system.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,20061511-5001021,00.html
Where to from here for Maryan and Angelo?
Lisa Mitchell
August 7, 2006
Maryan MIKHAEL would like to be
"My current registration as a pharmacy student to undertake clinical training has a condition imposed on it that I should have an Auslan (sign language) interpreter at all times. I find that a concern because if the Pharmacy Board of Victoria imposes that same condition on my registration as a pharmacist, it will be hard for me to find a job as it will cost employers a lot of money to fund full-time interpreters," Ms Mikhael says.
There is strong anecdotal evidence to suggest students with disabilities have a tough time finding employment, despite government legislation and equity policies designed to prevent it.
For the rest of the article go to
Breaking the sound barriers
August 7, 2006
Universities are helping bridge the learning gap for students with special needs, writes Lisa Mitchell.
AT HIGH school, Amy Ni went through "that stage" where a girl doesn't like to stand out in the crowd - difficult when you are the only girl in class using binoculars to see the blackboard.
Ms Ni has Stargardt's Disease, which means she has little central vision but enough peripheral vision to get around. The condition leads to legal blindness.
"Blinkies", as she and her vision-impaired friends call themselves, don't like to be called disabled. "Because I didn't want to acknowledge my impairment, I bluffed my way through . . . I didn't really do homework . . . and I only scraped through high school," says Ms Ni.
Study difficulties did not deter her from furthering her education, however. The 23-year-old is now in her second year of a bachelor of arts at
Students such as Ms Ni would at one time have struggled through their studies with the help of family and friends, or never made it to tertiary education, but most universities now have disability liaison units.
For the rest of the article go to
Policy lines are drawn in the university debate
July 26, 2006
Labor has made it clear where it stands on full-fee-paying students, writes David Rood.
IT WAS in April, fronting the cameras of Sunday morning political television, that Opposition Leader Kim Beazley committed Labor to scrapping local full-fee university places once and for all.
Labor was trying to reshape its higher education thinking after years of policy drift. Universities were shouting for the ability to specialise after a decade of funding cuts and micro-management.
But Beazley's commitment also reopened a Labor policy wound that created damaging opposition from universities at the 2004 election. Then, Victorian institutions panned the policy, saying it would leave them up to $100 million worse off.
For the rest of the article go to
ALP offers alternative on quality
Dorothy Illing and Catherine Armitage
July 26, 2006
A FEDERAL Labor government would scrap the research quality framework and introduce a new, beefed-up quality agency to monitor and regulate standards.
As the university sector prepares for the introduction of the federal Government's project to assess the quality of all publicly funded research, Labor has revealed its plans for a different system aimed at achieving the same end.
The centrepiece of Labor's quality agenda, revealed last Friday in its higher education white paper, would be the Australian Higher Education Quality Agency.
This would be a joint state and federal authority with wide-ranging powers, including the power to accredit institutions.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19911718-12332,00.html
Students demand value for money
Consumer culture invades universities writes Lisa Macnamara
July 26, 2006
LEGAL action against universities by students demanding value for money in higher education is inevitable as the tertiary sector moves further down the path of corporatisation, experts warn.
Administrators at the front-line of student complaints and legal liability say declining university funding, the rise of fee-paying places and increased competition between campuses have forced institutions to focus on good business techniques not only to satisfy their clients but also to prevent a consumer backlash and damages payouts.
Last month a group of fee-paying international students threatened a class action against RMIT University TAFE, claiming they were short-changed in the number of student contact hours received.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19911816-12332,00.html
Bishop tells unis: merge or reform
Adam Morton
July 25, 2006
UNIVERSITIES will be encouraged to merge or specialise under a push by federal Education Minister Julie Bishop to reduce the number of traditional public institutions to about 12.
Australia had too small a population and not enough high-quality academics to justify continuing with 37 generalist universities, Ms Bishop said.
"There is a place for perhaps a dozen universities like that," she told the John Curtin Institute of Public Policy in Perth.
Ms Bishop said she did not plan to force mergers but would give funding priority to universities prepared to specialise.
"I encourage universities to look at their future and determine which direction to take — merge or reform. Standing still is unlikely to be an option."
For the rest of the article go to
Crusader Ariane drums up help
Ariane Garner-Williams, of the Youth Disability Advocacy Service.
July 24, 2006
A 14-year-old with cerebral palsy is taking on the bureaucrats. By Margaret Cook.
ARIANE GARNER-WILLIAMS is lively and intelligent. She's also a fighter, particularly when it comes to improving rights for people with disabilities.
Ariane, who has cerebral palsy, has been appointed to the steering committee of the new Youth Disability Advocacy Service for 12 to 25-year-olds. At 14, she is its youngest member.
"I was nervous at our first meeting but I decided to speak out," says the year 7 student. "I represent all the people with disabilities at school, and that's a very big responsibility."
Ariane has a simple message for bureaucrats who allocate disability funding - such as money to provide teacher aides - using statistics based on questionnaires filled in by schools and families.
"Don't try to fit us into a formula; look at us as individuals and come out and meet the person first," she says. "It's not just 'tick the box'to decide what we need."
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2006/07/21/1153166592981.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
Uni plan to ease fees and unleash ideas: Labor
Harriet Alexander Higher Education Reporter
July 22, 2006
A LABOR government would end full-fee student places and increase university funding.
Universities and education groups welcomed Labor's plan for higher education, which was released yesterday by the Opposition Leader, Kim Beazley, and the education spokeswoman, Jenny Macklin.
The plan canvasses options to reduce the financial burden on students, including reducing HECS payments in disciplines with skills shortages, such as teaching and engineering, and partially waiving debts for graduates in those disciplines who work in regions with particular shortages.
More university places would be created in disciplines where there was an undersupply of graduates to the workforce, and the associate degree program - a qualification between vocational diplomas and undergraduate degrees - would be expanded.
For the rest of the article go to
Education vouchers 'to hit poor'
Adam Morton
July 20, 2006
PUBLIC schools would be reduced to a "safety net" for poor children under a controversial proposal that hands education funding directly to parents.
A report to be released today says a school voucher proposal — under which parents would spend their child's education funding on the public or private school of their choice — would cut opportunities for children from low socio-economic backgrounds.
The Federal Government last year introduced a pilot taxpayer-funded voucher system, offering struggling year 3 students $700 for one-on-one literacy tuition.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/education-vouchers-to-hit-poor/2006/07/19/1153166455630.html
Teachers with no training
Justine Ferrari, Education writer
July 19, 2006
EDUCATION standards are being compromised by a shortage of teachers that has forced about 300,000 high school lessons to be taught daily by staff with no expertise in the subject.
A survey of government high school principals found that in one-third of schools across the nation, up to five classes a day are taught by teachers who have no training in the subject they are teaching.
As a result of the shortage, schools are forced to drop some subjects, with languages and technology most often culled.
Physical education and special needs are the subjects most commonly taught by teachers with no expertise in those areas.
The survey by the Australian Secondary Schools Principals Association of 25 per cent of government high schools suggests the problem has worsened significantly in all subjects over the past year.
In 2005, about 8 per cent of schools reported non-specialist teachers were taking more than 20 per cent of English and mathematics classes.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19838382-2702,00.html
Employment News:
Advocate queries call centre offers
Meaghan Shaw and Misha Schubert
August 9, 2006
WORKPLACE contracts — including pay rises partly based on sick leave — offered to workers at a Lufthansa call centre could breach state discrimination laws, the jobs watchdog says. . . Mr Lawrence found the scheme had a significant potential to disadvantage workers who were disabled or ill or who were parents or carers. The workers were told if they did not sign the agreements, they would miss out on Lufthansa flight privileges. Also, if productivity targets were not met in the fourth quarter, Global Tele Sales would have no choice but to seek concessions from those who had not signed an AWA.
For the rest of the article go to
'Give low-paid tax relief, not more cash'
David Uren and Natasha Bita
August 01, 2006
THE low-paid should be given income tax credits rather than further increases in minimum wages, which the OECD says are already the most generous in the world.
While commending the Work Choices package, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development says the federal Government should go further and either abolish industrial awards altogether or sharply pare them back.
"The industrial relations reforms are a step in the right direction, with benefits likely to surface gradually over the coming years," the OECD says in its annual review of the Australian economy. "Yet even after the reform, the industrial relations system remains highly prescriptive and there is still considerable room for further simplification that would leave more room for bargaining over workplace conditions."
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19976518-2702,00.html
Welfare News:
You can work, teen told
Stephanie Peatling
August 9, 2006
"He can't work. He can't walk. We're not asking for much" … Vicki Pearce with her son Matthew.
MATTHEW PEARCE has leukaemia. With it comes aching limbs, blood tranfusions, lumbar punctures and being forced to stay at home or in hospital, leaving the 16-year-old cut off from his friends.
But, according to Centrelink, leukaemia is not a permanent disability, making him ineligible for the disability support pension.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/you-can-work-cancer-teen-told/2006/08/08/1154802890295.html
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20066155-2702,00.html
Welfare recipients slip further into poverty
Patricia Karvelas
August 04, 2006
AUSTRALIANS relying on welfare benefits are slipping further below the poverty line despite one of the biggest economic booms in the nation's history.
The
Unemployed couples without children were living $28.23 a week below the poverty line, while unemployed couples with children were $31.39 a week below the poverty line.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20012733-2702,00.html
On the rocks
A push to fix
August 05, 2006
ONE evening earlier this week a group of people met at the offices of the Brain and Mind Research Institute in
Nothing new in that, but this group was different. It comprised about five couples - the parents of young people in the early stages of psychotic illness, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder - and they were there for an education program designed to give them essential information to help them understand and cope with their children's condition.
The session covered the roles of medication and psychological and social therapies, the importance of a person with mental illness being in employment, as well as practical advice about how to encourage a patient to take their medication, what to tell children about drugs and alcohol, and how to deal with a withdrawn teenager.
BMRI director Ian Hickie, who talked to the group, says this is one example of a program that simply did not exist until recently, when new federal funding became available.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20009951-23289,00.html
Howard's plan to transform the economy
OECD issues warning for Aussie economy
August 1, 2006 - 1:04AM
The OECD has given the federal government a huge wake-up call, arguing Australia needs to embrace a range of major economic changes if it is to continue being the lucky country.
In its annual survey of the Australian economy, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development said the surge in commodity prices had delivered a major income boost to the nation.
But it warned this could be squandered if the federal and state governments did not make further changes.
This include extending the GST to fresh food, indexing personal income tax rates, phasing out industrial awards, extending welfare to work changes to all people on government handouts and even giving states their own income taxes.
For the rest of the article go to
Cheques and balances
The Government likes to believe it has given Centrelink a service culture. But Elisabeth Wynhausen finds welfare dysfunction survives for questionable reasons
July 29, 2006
IN what some believe is a rehearsal for the legal wrangling sure to follow radical changes to the welfare system that began this month, there has been an explosion of litigation from the federal department that administers about $22 billion a year in social security benefits.
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has been hauling social security recipients into an independent tribunal after they have won their cases. The number of legal appeals initiated by the department has more than doubled in two years. The Howard Government says it is tightening up the system but welfare experts argue that the department is wasting millions. While the department is playing hard ball, serious deficiencies have emerged on the front lines of the welfare bureaucracy.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19941250-28737,00.html
Internationals News:
Congress renews career and tech ed bill
The updated Perkins Act, which President George W. Bush will likely sign, reflects the view that traditional vocational careers are much more technical today. The legislation earmarks $1.3 billion for career-based courses in high school and community colleges.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.eschoolnews.org/news/showStoryts.cfm?ArticleID=6499
By DIANA JEAN SCHEMO
Published: August 4, 2006
Text of RegulationsIn regulations issued today after changes to the law, the federal Education Department said states could not require school districts to rely on that method, allowing districts to find other ways to determine which children are eligible for extra help.
It was the final step in the federal government’s repudiation of the old approach, which had come under severe criticism from advocates for children with disabilities, testing experts and eventually federal officials themselves. Advocates for those children applauded the change.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/04/education/04education.html?_r=1&ref=washington&oref=slogin
Conferences and Workshops:
"Creating Our Future: On Campus and Beyond"
11th Biannual NEADS National Conference
November 10-12, 2006
Delta Ottawa Hotel and Suites
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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.
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, Sydney, Australia
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 Homebush Bay on 7th and 8th September 2006, “From Tolerance to Respect: Cultural Competence in Practice” will focus on practical approaches to working with people from diverse backgrounds.
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 Canberra, Australia
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
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia - 8 to 11 October 2006
You can view the website at http://www.ifdm.com.au/index.html?page=21340
Australian Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology Association National Conference 2006
Fremantle, Western Australia from the 17 -20 October 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 (Sydney Masonic Centre) 66 Goulburn Street Sydney 2000
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
Registration opens for NCVER Research Forum
Registration has opened for NCVER's Research Forum 'A well-skilled future: Tailoring VET to the emerging labour market'. Based on the results of a two-year research program by researchers from the National Institute of Labour Studies (NILS) and the Centre for Post-compulsory Education and Lifelong Learning (CPELL), the one-day forum will focus on the expected future in which the VET system will operate. It will cover: the factors that impact on the future demand for work skills; the issues that impact on the future supply of work skills; and how the VET system fits into the labour market of the future.
NCVER will host this event on Friday 24 November, at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. For further information, or to access the online registration form, please go to NCVER's website http://www.ncver.edu.au/newsevents/events/wellskilled/forum.html events@ncver.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 Hobart, Tasmania to attend “Toward 2020” the Pathways 8 National Conference. Hosted by The University of Tasmania, the Conference will be held at Wrest Point Convention Centre from 28th November to 1st December 2006.
POSTER PRESENTATIONS ARE STILL BEING ACCEPTED
Due to several requests from prospective delegates, the Early Bird closing date has been extended until Friday 19 August! This is an opportunity for you to be involved in a landmark program for the Pathways network. You will still be able to register after this date, but the registration fees will increase.
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
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 University of Newcastle, NSW - Thursday, December 7 and Friday, December 8, 2005.
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
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’
Hobart July 6-8 2007
Hosted by National 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- www.anzced2007.com.au
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, Information Science & Technology Building
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.
Creating Futures - A Symposium on Day options
Friday 22 September 2006, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Morphettville Junction (Stables Ballroom 2) 470 Anzac Highway, Camden Park SA 5038
Creating Futures is for people with a disability, their families and service providers
• What should quality post school options be like? • How should service providers be held accountable?
• What makes a Day Options service worthwhile? • What questions should families ask service providers?
• How can consumers and families be involved? • How do we put community into community inclusion?
Presented by the Association of Non Government Organisations of South Australia Incorporated (ANGOSA)
Contact Lauren Ings for a registration form on Ph. 08 8277 3300, Fax. 08 8277 3994
VICTORIAN EVENTS
The
Live Remote Transcription is targeted at improving access for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Students access, in class, a transcript that is around 98% accurate and with minimal delay. The launch/demonstration will describe the features of the system, its current state of development and students experiences in its use.
Further information about this event can be found at http://events.unimelb.edu.au/eventid_2954.html
Tuesday 5 September 2006 @ 05:30 pm - 06:30 pm EST
Agar Theatre,
Directions: Grid Ref G12 http://www.pb.unimelb.edu.au/CampusMaps/Parkville.pdf RSVP: Meletta Elton - melton@unimelb.edu.au by August 25
NSW EVENTS
The final DEAN PD Day for 2006
27 September at the
Topic:
DADHC is now in the process of finalising new guidelines for 2006 for year 12 school leavers with high support needs. The DEAN PD day will explore these new changes with specific attention to supporting students with high support needs in accessing TAFE and university.
The PD Day will also focus on:
TAFE, University and Community Peer Networking to discuss current issues: meet with your colleagues to discuss the topic of the day, other pressing issues and formulating recommendations and outcomes
DEAN Annual General Meeting: Hear where DEAN is up to, where it wants to be and put your ideas out there as to where you would like to see it go.
Further information will be posted shortly about the speakers.
9.15am Registration and networking (tea and coffee available)
Further information including RSVP information, refer to the website: http://www.anu.edu.au/disabilities/DEAN/news/
RSVP Details:
Fax: 9715 8549
Email: margaret.m.butler@tafensw.edu.au
Telephone: 9715 8610
RSVP Closing Date: 22 September, 2006
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, Sydney (Parking stations nearby, Close to Town Hall station)
Cost: $66 per person People with intellectual disability free
Contact: Lee-Anne Whitten Phone: 02 9211 1611 or 1800 424 065 (outside Metro) Fax: 02 9211 2606 Email: info@nswcid.org.au
ACROD NSW ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2007: DISABILITY SERVICES ~ WHAT’S NEXT??
19 – 20 February 2007, Novotel Brighton-Le Sands, Sydney
What will 2007 hold for the Disability Services Sector in NSW? And how can we as a vibrant, progressive industry thrive?
ACROD NSW is calling for abstracts from those wishing to present papers on conference themes. Abstracts, up to 500 words in length and in the approved format, must be submitted by 12 September 2006
Submissions / Enquiries:
Damien Anderson, Deputy Executive Officer, ACROD NSW Division
Phone: 02 9503 1602 Email: damien@acrodnsw.net
Locked Bag 535, Kingsgrove NSW 2208
Website: www.acrodnsw.net
New Resources:
Centrelink - 'Are you ill, injured or do you have a disability?' Booklet:
This booklet provides information about payments and services you may be able to get if you have an illness, injury or disability. It contains details about qualifications for each payment, how to claim payments from Centrelink as well as other services and programs that may help you.
Download 'Are you ill, injured or do you have a disability?' Booklet [32 pages, PDF: 1280KB] from http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/filestores/id001_0607/$file/id001_0607en.pdf
Download 'Are you ill, injured or do you have a disability?' Booklet [29 pages, RTF: 210KB] from http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/filestores/id001_0607/$file/id001_0607en.rtf
Australians for Disability and Diversity Employment Newsletter
Australians for Disability and Diversity Employment - ADDE promotes pro-active employment policies and practices for disadvantaged groups, including people with disabilities, mature age workers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds as well as indigenous people.
ADDE produces a regular newsletter focusing on diversity employment in the workforce.
July 2006 Newsletter contents
Download Newsletter
ADDE Newsletter July 2006 - Microsoft Word Document 613kb http://www.distss.org.au/infocast06/adde/newsletter.doc
ADDE Newsletter July 2006 - PDF document - 254 kb http://www.distss.org.au/infocast06/adde/newsletter.pdf
To receive the ADDE newsletter on a regular basis please contact Peter Rickards:
Email: peter_ri@bigpond.net.au
Tel: 0407 509 117
Website: http://www.adde.org.au
Google website to aid vision impaired
Google Accessible Search is available at http://labs.google.com/accessible
Accessible Search is an early Google Labs product designed to identify and prioritize search results that are more easily usable by blind and visually impaired users. Regular Google search helps you find a set of documents that is most relevant to your tasks. Accessible Search goes one step further by helping you find the most accessible pages in that result set.
For more information go to http://labs.google.com/accessible/faq.html
The second Adaptive Technologies Newsletter for 2006 is now available.
The current Newsletter is available from the Adaptive Technologies Newsletter page at http://www.cli.nsw.edu.au/cli/e-learning/Adaptive_technologies/adaptive_newsletters.shtm
There are also links to Latest News and Upcoming Events, so I suggest that you bookmark the page to facilitate regular visits. Archives of previous Newsletters will be added in the near future.
For further information contact Andrew Downie andrew.downie@det.nsw.edu.au
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
JobAccess
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations has developed and released JobAccess, a new one-stop information shop for all matters relating to the employment of people with disability.
JobAccess includes a comprehensive, easy to use web site and a free telephone information advice service that provides confidential and expert advice to:
The JobAccess website has step-by-step guides and checklists on recruitment, job searching, adjusting a workplace, employer incentives, understanding rights and responsibilities at work and much more. The web site also contains case studies and success stories as well as information on the full range of services and incentives available for people with disability and for current and potential employers.
In addition to providing ideas for workplace modifications and adjustments, the website provides secure online forms for the Workplace Modifications Scheme. For employers, the Scheme aims to make accommodating employees with disability in the workplace easier by paying the costs involved in modifying the workplace or purchasing special or adaptive equipment for eligible employees with disability.
For more information, visit JobAccess on the web at www.jobaccess.gov.au or contact the JobAccess Advisers by calling 1800 464 800
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
Career Advice Australia
The new Career Advice Australia initiative will for the first time provide a comprehensive national career and transition support network for all young Australians from 13 to 19 years of age.
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?
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 Australia. The majority of the resources listed here have been developed or are used by members of the national network of Regional Disability Liaison Officers and Disability Coordination Officers throughout Australia.
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 Northern Territory self-help planning guide to post-secondary education, employment and training for people with a disability and chronic medical conditions’
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:
NSW Apprenticeship Program for People with Disabilities
https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/industryprograms/programs/apprprog/
This year the NSW Apprenticeship Program for People with Disabilities celebrates a huge milestone of 25 years since its commencement in 1981 to mark the International Year of Disabled Persons. Over 200 people have been employed under the program through 60 government departments in 25 different trade areas.
Interested in an Apprenticeship?
Approved apprenticeship positions will be available to people with assessed disabilities who are eligible for the Commonwealth Government’s DNAWS allowance, this includes people who are able to undertake open employment given suitable support and training.
Interested in being a host Employer?
Applications close 31 August 2006.
Click here for the Employer Program Guidelines https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/industryprograms/programs/apprprog/Empguide.doc and Employer Application Form https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/industryprograms/programs/apprprog/Appl0607.doc
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
TAFE Course: Social Occupational and Communication Skills for Youth with Aspergers
What? Teens aged 15-17 with Aspergers are invited to improve skills for employment, and to explore options like computers, art, gardening, hospitality and video through SOCS course.
Where? Crows Nest TAFE, 149 West Street, Crows Nest.
When? Two days / week for 12 weeks starting 23 August. Wednesday and Friday 9:30am-2pm.
RSVP? Phone Daena Tyerman on 02 9448 4426, Deborah Trevan-Catling on 02 9448 4431.
Note: The course will be run at Meadowbank TAFE later. A one-day course may also be run for students aged 18+ to include support/coaching and other ways to network into community support educational or employment options.
Source: Warringah Disability Newsletter
http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/dco/Scholarships.htm
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 New Zealand citizen who is blind or vision impaired and are planning on entering tertiary studies in 2007 you are eligible to apply.
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 Australia.
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
Queensland Office (07) 3393 5776
South Australia: Sir Charles Bright Scholarship Trust
Supporting people with disabilities
What: Sir Charles Bright Scholarships
For whom: Students with any disability living in SA and undertaking post secondary education in 2007
Value: $1000
Additional ‘Scholarships: SA Government sponsoring 3 scholarships in 2007 for students undertaking University study
Applications forms Available from 1 August 2007 and closing on 24 December 2006.
Where from: Rosemary Penn – email rosemarypenn@aandr.com.au OR Student Counsellors (or equivalent) at High Schools, TAFESSA campuses, Universities
Quality Strategy Evaluation Final Report
The Evaluation of the Quality Strategy for Disability Employment and Rehabilitation Services is complete. The Evaluation Report demonstrates the strengths of the Strategy and makes a number of recommendations for its ongoing effectiveness.
Easy English version - PDF [346kb] http://www.facsia.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/vIA/disabilities_QSE/$file/EQSEasy_English.pdf
Please note, the Easy English version of this report is designed to be printed and read. If you are reading the document electronically, you can click on the blue words, which will take you to the meaning of the word at the end of the document. This means you will have to scroll back through the document to find the place you were up to.
Executive Summary - PDF [258kb] http://www.facsia.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/vIA/disabilities_QSE/$file/EQSExec_%20Summ.pdf
Full Report - PDF [642kb] http://www.facsia.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/vIA/disabilities_QSE/$file/EQS.pdf
Agrifood Industries - Industry Skills Report
http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/training_skills/publications_resources/profiles/agrifood.htm
This report outlines the findings of a high level review of the skills and workforce issues facing the agrifood industry.
Service Industries - Industry Skills Report
This report outlines the findings of a high level review of the skills and workforce issues facing service industries.
Construction and Property Services - Industry Skills Report
This report outlines the findings of a high level review of the skills and workforce issues facing the construction and property services industry.
The impact of additional educational qualifications for early school leavers
The study analyses outcomes by their mid-twenties for early school leavers and Year 12 completers from completing post school qualifications. The study also reports on the outcomes for those who had experienced extended periods of unemployment before undertaking the additional qualification.
Media Releases:
MURDOCH & MACQUARIE TO BRIDGE THE ACCESS GAP - August 7,2006
Macquarie Customised Accessibility Services (M-CAS) is pleased to announce an innovative advance in client support with the appointment of Sue Stanley to the newly created position of MCAS Campus Support Officer. This position, to run initially as a six month pilot programme, will be based at
M-CAS, an initiative of Macquarie University’s Centre for Flexible Learning, is a national service aimed at meeting the life long educational requirements of students with access needs through customisation of individual academic programmes. M-CAS works in partnership with students, academics and campus support services such as university Equity Units.
Creation of the position came about in response to an independent qualitative evaluation, into the Service, initiated by Murdoch late last year.
Jennifer Bainbridge, M-CAS Educational Developer, explains the position aims to facilitate process and lessen delays. ‘Cutting timelines is our biggest goal’, says Jennifer, ‘as well as maintaining seamless communications both ways. Sue’s position will support these goals in a very practical way – she’ll be able to help pick up if students are having problems, determine if it’s an issue for M-CAS or Equity, circumvent document supply requests and offer immediate follow up on the ground.’
Sue comes to the Campus Support Officer position highly qualified. Her background includes involvement with the Liberated Learning Project at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, and many years working with students with disabilities as well as tutoring. Currently Sue is completing her doctorate and working part time as a guest lecturer and tutor which gives her a valuable insight into the needs of both students and her academic colleagues.
Trish Edmonds, Manager, Online Education Service, CFL, feels confident that the Campus Support Officer will meet all the criteria set for improving service delivery. ‘This innovative approach is designed to support and increase the independence of students and their control over their lives through creating a greater range of choice,’ explains Trish. ‘We also intend the position to assist academics by helping with provision of resources and creating a better understanding of the need for timeliness and resolving any access to information issues that arise.’
In the medium to long term M-CAS sees the role of Campus Support Officer expanding to offer support to all universities in
For more information on M-CAS visit www.cfl.mq.edu.au/mcas
For further information on this release contact:
Tracylee Arestides on 0425 208 521
email address: tarestid@laurel.ocs.mq.edu
Most children with disabilities attend mainstream schools
A new report on Australian children with disabilities describes the number of children aged 0-14 years with disabilities, the types of disabilities they have, their experiences in school, and the needs of their carers.
The report, Disability update: children with disabilities, released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, is an update to a comprehensive report on this topic released in 2004.
The new report shows that the vast majority (97%) of school aged children with disabilities attend school, with 89% in mainstream schools and another 9% in special need schools.
Ms Louise York of the Institute's Functioning and Disability Unit said more than half (63%) of the school-aged children did experience some difficulty at school.
'The most common issues were fitting in socially, communication and intellectual and learning difficulties,' Ms York said.
The report estimates that, in 2003, 317,900 children (about one in 12 children or 8.3% of all children) had a disability.
'About half of these children had a severe or profound core activity limitation, which means they need help with basic daily activities,' she said.
The update showed that boys were more likely than girls to have a disability - 10% of boys compared with 6.5% of girls, and more likely to have a severe or profound core activity limitation - 5.4% for boys compared with 3.1% for girls.
Children with conditions such as autism and intellectual impairment were likely to have a severe or profound core activity limitation (87% of children with autism, and 75% of children with an intellectual impairment).
Carers and their needs were also highlighted in the report. The report found that 91% of the primary carers of children with disabilities were the children's mothers.
Most primary carers of children with disabilities spent 40 hours or more a week directly caring for their child.
Of all primary carers surveyed, 48% reported needing more support, with more respite care and more financial assistance.
Further information: Ms Louise York, AIHW, tel. 02 6244 1271
From http://www.aihw.gov.au/mediacentre/2006/mr20060714.cfm
Jobs:
DSaRI is currently recruiting a new Senior Research Officer
Senior Research Officer (base salary range $52K to 62K – additional packaging arrangements based on salary sacrifice available to maximum of $58 to 68K)
Responsible for managing and undertaking disability research projects on behalf of the Disability Studies and Research Institute, a research organisation involving a variety of disciplines drawn from university/industry and the community.
Essential criteria: high level understanding of disability rights and values issues; excellent communication skills; demonstrated experience in social research; capacity to develop new research partnerships and resources in the disability sector and to apply social models of disability in policy areas; degree in social sciences or related discipline.
Desirable: personal or family experience of disability; experience in developing easy English materials.
For further information, and to obtain an information package on the position, please contact
Sally Robinson,
Director Policy and Research, Disability Studies and Research Institute
ph (02) 6689 5207,
email srobinson@dsari.org.au
PO Box 301
Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
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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 13, Vol 2
Compiled by Timothy Hart the 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