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Disability Education and Employment News:Vol 2 No 14 - Wednesday, 23rd 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 a new Deaf resource from
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.
Stop Press
Due to the postponement of the "Doing it Better" - Learning Disabilities in Education and Employment Forum we are able to extend the deadline of the WYNN Scholarship date.
The details are below:
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 further study in 2007!!!
Quantum Technology is 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. The prize will be a copy of the WYNN software program.
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
The eight lucky winners will be notified by e-mail in the final term of 2006.
To assist with your application you may request a WYNN demo CD to evaluate. For further enquiries please call or e-mail Quantum Technology on 02 8844 9888 or info@quantumtechnology.com.au .
To download a demo go to www.freedomscientific.com go to downloads and then WYNN demo.
If you have any problem downloading the demo email bdavies@quantumtechnology.com.au
Calls for Expressions of Interest and Input
Education News:
VU boosts on-the-job study
Lisa Macnamara
August 23, 2006
Under the strategy, VU would axe some of its 800 courses to enable a greater focus on its core training areas including hospitality, sport science and engineering.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20217540-12332,00.html
Uni students rally for services
By David Crawshaw
August 22, 2006
THOUSANDS of students will down their books tomorrow to urge universities to help fund campus services threatened by the abolition of compulsory student fees.
The rallies are aimed at pressuring universities into entering funding agreements with student unions to ensure the continued viability of cultural, recreational and support services after the introduction of voluntary student unionism (VSU).
The Federal Government's VSU laws mean university unions have less money with which to fund student services, as many students elect not to pay the fees which have traditionally funded campus activities, clubs and events.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20216610-1702,00.html
Uni gets third degree over postgrad plan
Lisa Macnamara
August 18, 2006
A RADICAL shift to a US-style graduate school system at
The Law Institute of Victoria will write to the dean of the university's law school to raise concerns about the plan to abolish its four-year undergraduate degree and replace it with a graduate law program.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20163785-12332,00.html
Universities face backlash over surge in full-fee prices
The World Today - Wednesday, 16 August , 2006 12:41:00
Reporter: Dhana Quinn
HAMISH ROBERTSON: Is $200,000 too much to pay for a university degree?
According to next year's university guide, that's what a number of full-fee paying students will pay for a straight medicine or a combined medicine-arts or medicine-law degree at four Australian universities.
The guide reports there are now more than 100 degrees, which cost more than $100,000.
The universities charging the high prices argue that they're forced to do so, while the Federal Government insists only a very small portion of students are taking up the full-fee option.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2006/s1716561.htm
TAFEs the way for the future
Anna Patty
August 16, 2006
TAFE education will be worth $196 billion to the NSW economy over the next 20 years, an independent assessment published today says.
The report by the Allen Consulting Group, The Complete Package: The Value of TAFE NSW, says that each dollar the state government invests in TAFE will generate a $6.40 benefit over 20 years.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/tafes-the-way-for-the-future/2006/08/15/1155407810492.html
Full-fee uni degrees 'top $200K'
August 16, 2006
OBTAINING a full-fee paying degree at some Australian universities can be more expensive than taking out an average home mortgage, Labor says.
Opposition education spokeswoman Jenny Macklin seized on the latest edition of the Good Universities Guide, released today, to criticise the Federal Government's approach to higher education.
The publication is a guide to the performance of
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20146371-29277,00.html
Expert fears students priced out of university courses
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2006/s1716114.htm
Student unions need to be unions
Jess
The National Union of Students has abandoned the campaign against “voluntary student unionism” (VSU) and yet, in the context of a weakened student movement and current attacks on higher education, students need strong unions now more than ever to fight for their rights.
Government funding continues to be withdrawn from public education, forcing the bill onto individuals. The contribution of student fees and charges (other than HECS) to higher education funding increased from $1.2 billion in 1997 to $2.5 billion in 2002. Since 1996, about 20,000 government-funded university places have been cut.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2006/679/679p11b.htm
Special needs kids `coping
By Linda Smith
August 14, 2006 12:00 am
PARENTS of children with disabilities have hit back at comments that special needs children are too difficult for teachers to deal with and should not be included in mainstream schooling.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,20117458-921,00.html
Fees don't dictate uni choices
Opinion
Andrew Norton
August 14, 2006
LABOR'S higher education policy contains much that is new, but one proposal is a return to the past: to take most students back to the lower, flatter HECS rates Labor charged before the Coalition came to power in 1996.
Without making promises,
For the rest of the article go to
Minister to miss tribunal
Julia Medew
August 11, 2006
EDUCATION Services Minister Jacinta Allan has been excused from appearing at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to answer questions in a discrimination claim against the Department of Education.
VCAT deputy president Cate McKenzie yesterday said the minister was not required to attend the case of Rebekah Turner — a 15-year-old student with a severe learning disability who is suing the department for a lack of assistance — because there was already enough evidence before the tribunal to assess the claim.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/minister-to-miss-tribunal/2006/08/10/1154803030169.html
Employment News:
Getting ahead - Ask an expert: VET
Michael Carolan
August 21, 2006
What is this skills shortage I keep hearing about and is it worthwhile to consider TAFE VET courses or apprenticeships?
WHEN choosing your future career path your interests and abilities should be guiding factors. But you should also strongly consider training for occupations that are in greater demand for workers now and in the future.
Skills shortages may also be caused by recruitment difficulties due to perceived low pay, poor working conditions or other related causes. Skills gaps might also develop when existing employees don't have specialised skills, qualifications or experience to keep up-to-date with the changing skills needed in occupations.
For the rest of the article go to
People with disability can be expected to work
Monday, 14 August 2006
Presenter: Genine Unsworth
Jeff Strully is an advocate for expecting, and then helping, people with disability to work and be part of the community.
The word expectation comes up often in the conversation of Jeff Strully. A father with three adult children with disability, Jeff has spent the last 30 years as an advocate for community inclusion.
Jeff is visiting
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.abc.net.au/southwestwa/stories/s1714745.htm?backyard
Welfare News:
Anglicans desert welfare to work
August 20, 2006
THE Anglican Church is the latest religious organisation to back out of the government's controversial welfare to work program.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20189616-1702,00.html
Catholics say no to welfare program
Stephanie Peatling
August 18, 2006
ONE of the largest church welfare organisations has pulled out of the Federal Government's new welfare system because it believes it undermines the right to a basic living standard.
For the rest of the article go to
Catholics quit 'immoral' program
Patricia Karvelas
August 18, 2006
THE welfare arm of the Catholic Church has withdrawn from a government deal to help unemployed people who are punished by Centrelink, claiming the system is immoral.
The Government pays charities $650 to manage each eligible unemployed person cut off from payments for eight weeks. Charities assess the person's essential expenses and notify Centrelink, which would pay the bills.
But the board of Catholic Social Services Australia has decided that it would be immoral to help the Government "police" its new system.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20167713-2702,00.html
Hockey to keep close eye on Centrelink
August 16, 2006
HUMAN Services Minister Joe Hockey has promised to keep a close eye on Centrelink to ensure it behaves sensitively when dealing with people with serious illnesses.
Labor yesterday highlighted the case of
The 31-year-old has a rare and highly aggressive brain tumour which requires months of treatment and has left her unable to work.
But when she applied to Centrelink for a disability pension, she was advised to apply for the Newstart Allowance.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20146718-1702,00.html
Charity proposes $4000 return-to-work bonus
August 14, 2006
SINGLE mothers and the disabled who take a job would be paid a $4000 return-to-work bonus under an ambitious welfare overhaul proposed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence.
Urging a "fundamental rethinking" of federal policies that cut welfare benefits in an effort to boost incentives to find a job, the agency has developed its own blueprint for a less punitive strategy to move people into work.
For the rest of the article go to
The weakest link
August 12, 2006
Inflexible government rules are forcing the ill and disabled to fend for themselves, writes Stephanie Peatling.
ANNA WARR was a university student when she was admitted to hospital to have a tumour removed. There were complications during the operation, leaving surgeons with no choice but to remove most of her small intestine.
The 20-year-old had to be fed intravenously and was unable to work for about two years
For the rest of the article go to
Disabled, but no pension
Misha Schubert, Canberra
August 11, 2006
A MELBOURNE teenager who is blind and has a cleft lip and palate, epilepsy and severe Asperger's syndrome has been denied the disability support pension.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/disabled-but-no-pension/2006/08/10/1154803030181.html
Centrelink refused another leukaemia patient
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2006/s1712140.htm
Sick youth to get pension after outcry
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/cancer-teen-bungle/2006/08/09/1154802927858.html
Centrelink accused of insensitivity over disability rules
The World Today - Wednesday, 9 August , 2006 12:26:00
Reporter: Michael Edwards
ELEANOR HALL: Centrelink has admitted that it has been insensitive in dealing with a 16-year-old boy who has leukemia and who has been denied the disability pension.
Matthew Pearce's case is now being reviewed but the Federal Labor Party says it's a case of the Government putting harsh policies ahead of human beings.
And while the Government has apologised to Matthew Pearce, another teenager with disabilities, who says she faces the axing of her pension, has now come forward, as Michael Edwards reports.
MICHAEL EDWARDS: 16-year-old Crystal Neil goes to school like most other teenagers but it's not easy. She suffers from crippling rheumatoid arthritis and a form of autism known as "Aspergers Syndrome".
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2006/s1710760.htm
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/
23rd Annual
March 12-14, 2007
Sheraton Waikiki Hotel & Resort
Call for Papers and Registration Now Open
Building on the overwhelmingly positive outcomes of the 22nd Annual Pacific Rim Conference on Disabilities, we invite you to mark your calendar now and plan on joining us for the 23rd Annual Conference taking place March 12-14, 2007.
Please visit the website at http://www.pacrim.hawaii.edu and click on the link for the Call for Papers for complete details.
Registration is also open and you can take advantage of Early Bird pricing by registering now. Visit the website at http://www.pacrim.hawaii.edu and click on the link for Registration.
There are opportunities for you and your organization to Exhibit, Advertise, provide Sponsorship, and even donate to our annual Silent Auction. Check out the website at http://www.pacrim.hawaii.edu for more details or contact us directly at prinfo@hawaii.edu or by phone at 808-956-7539
NATIONAL CONFERENCES
ACE CONFERENCE 2006
The ACE Conference 2006 will be held in Perth, Western Australia September 6th - 8th 2006.
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.
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 RMIT University's City Campus.
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
ADVANCE NOTICE !! - SYMPOSIUM AND SEMINAR - BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS WEEK 2006
Tuesday 19th September 2006 At the Adelaide Convention Centre.
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
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,
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,
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:
Deaf Studies Program
Very useful for staff development programs; especially some of the videos. A MUST for every library! J PowerPoint presentation at: http://www.griffith.edu.au//centre/casd/ and follow the links.
Enquiries: Des Power, d.power@griffith.edu.au
Available from Deafness Resources Australia in
Employers' Forum on Disability website - www.realising-potential.org
The website is targeted at:
* business leaders seeking to understand why disability is a business issue and to put together a compelling business case for investment in disability confidence
* organisations and policy makers who need to understand the business perspective as they help disabled people to prepare for and find employment.
* all those wanting to engage business leaders behind the economic and social inclusion of people with disabilities
The website focuses on 'Disability Confidence' - It explains how business benefits from understanding how disability affects their business. It then outlines how meeting the needs of groups of disabled people with similar needs, and making adjustments to enable specific individuals to contribute, works to the mutual benefit of business and disabled people.
By providing information on the strategic, commercial, legal, societal, ethical and professional benefits of getting it right on disability, the website is designed to help individual business leaders tailor the case for action in their business. www.realising-potential.org
Enhancements to National Training Information Service
The National Training Information Service (NTIS) is a database on Australian vocational education and training. NTIS is the official national register of information on courses, qualifications, training packages, units of competency and registered training organisations. Last weekend a number of enhancements were uploaded to the NTIS website at www.ntis.gov.au . The enhancements are the outcomes of the first round of consultations with stakeholders around
• an upgraded navigation menu to improve ease-of-use
• new users’ guides and help files for common tasks
• improvements to search functions
• additional quick links within the Browse NTIS box
• quick links from training package and qualifications information to the list of RTOs delivering the package and qualifications
• an updated National Training Glossary.
If you have any feedback on the new searchable packages and the enhancements please go to http://www.ntis.gov.au/?/feedback
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
ADDE makes TV debut
Feature Article - “Should disability agencies lead from the front”
Profile on ADDE web designer and committee member Asitha Gurusinghe
Normalising the Australian workforce
Profile on Amanda McNeill – ADDE vice-president
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
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
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?
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.
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
http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/dco/Scholarships.htm
COMMONWEALTH LEARNING SCHOLARSHIPS (CLS)
Commonwealth Learning Scholarships are available at all unis, as well as some form of equity scholarship.
Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarship (CECS) paying $2121 p.a indexed for up to 4 years for education costs or
Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship (CAS) paying $4231 p.a indexed for up to 4 years for accommodation costs if it was necessary for you to relocate from a rural and regional area to attend University.
TO APPLY FOR AN EQUITY SCHOLARSHIP PLEASE VISIT: http://www.uac.edu.au/equity/equityschols.html
On-time closing date for equity scholarships is 29 September 2006.
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
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
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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 Southern Sydney, The Centre for Developmental Disability Studies or The Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training.
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 14, 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