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Disability Education and Employment News:Vol 2 No 16 - Wednesday, 20th September 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 the Australian Public Service Commission report on the “Employment of People with Disability in the APS”, “Disability support services 2004-05” and “Welfare expenditure Australia 2003-04” Reports by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. A discussion paper into “the costs of disability and the incidence of poverty” from the Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC). Plus information on a bunch of New Resources, Conferences and Workshops, News articles and other information for the disability education and employment sectors.
Please distribute the Newsletter to those that you think would be interested in it.
If you have a Resource, a Scholarship, Workshop, Conference, an Event or any other information that is Disability Education or Employment related and you wish to promote it here please e-mail me at thart@med.usyd.edu.au
For information on subscribing, please go to the end of the newsletter.
Calls for Expressions of Interest and Input
Education News:
Postgrad degrees pay richer rewards
September 20, 2006
POSTGRADUATE pay has edged sharply upwards.
The median salary for postgraduates rose $3100 to $58,100 last year compared with $40,500 for workers with bachelors degrees, according to a survey by Graduate Careers Australia.
"I think this indicates that there is a strong labour market for postgraduates," said Andrew Norton, education commentator and research fellow with the Centre for Independent Studies.
By contrast, Mr Norton pointed to slow growth in incomes for those with bachelors degrees only. Drawing on Australian Bureau of Statistics figures for 2001-05, he calculated that average income for these graduates had risen in real terms by only $4 a week.
The GCA survey tracks three groups of postgraduates: diplomas and certificates; coursework masters; and research masters and PhDs.
In 2005, each group enjoyed an increase in median salary of $3000, the first time in six years that an increase of this size had been recorded for all three groups.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20441480-12332,00.html
Higher education price too high
September 15, 2006 12:00am
IT would come as a shock to many that course fees for Australian university students are second highest in the world.
An OECD report found Australian tertiary students pay an average of $5033 a year for their education, well above those in Europe,
Only in the
Also worrying was that the report found
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20413762-5006029,00.html
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20408867-661,00.html
Australian schools spend less time on reading, writing and languages
Chee Chee Leung
September 13, 2006
AUSTRALIAN students have less time in class dedicated to reading, writing and learning foreign languages than those in other developed countries.
But they also spend among the highest number of hours in school, clocking up almost 8000 hours between the ages of seven and 14, about 1000 more than the OECD average.
A new report shows that in Australian schools, 13 per cent of the compulsory curriculum for nine to 11-year-olds is set aside for reading and writing, compared with 30 per cent in
In 2003, an international study ranked
For the rest of the article go to
Student debts heading towards $20b
Harriet Alexander Higher Education Reporter
September 13, 2006
UNIVERSITY students and graduates will owe the Government nearly $20 billion in three years as debt accumulates by almost $2 billion a year.
They now owe the Government a little more than $13 billion, figures provided by the Department of Education to a Senate estimates committee show, and the figure is increasing as fees for individual courses rise. By 2008-09 the debt will reach $18.8 billion.
The average outstanding debt was about $10,500, said a spokesman for the federal Minister for Education, Julie Bishop. This represents a rise of 7 per cent since last year. Fees for some courses have risen to more than $30,000.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/student-debts-heading-towards-20b/2006/09/12/1157826940212.html
Educators: Some kids left behind
BY LYNNE SLACK SHEDLOCK
STAFF WRITER
09/10/2006
No Child Left Behind is leaving behind special education students, according to some area educators.
Most of the officials had entire buildings that failed to meet federal No Child Left Behind proficiency targets in 2005-06 because of low special education student scores. They believe state assessment tests fail to acknowledge individual education plans for special education students that are used in daily instruction.
The plans often mandate that students do work below their grade levels in order to accommodate their learning disabilities.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17175506&BRD=2185&PAG=461&dept_id=416046&rfi=6
Deaf transport axed - Jacqueline Freegard
September 11, 2006 12:00am
PARENTS of deaf children have been forced to quit their jobs to drive them to school after cuts to transport services.
Other deaf children have been forced to spend hours alone on public transport each day just to get to school.
About 200 children are affected by the decision to slash State Government transport services for families whose children attend
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,20388521-661,00.html
Employment News:
PM tips new fund in plans to remedy skills shortage
Misha Schubert
September 19, 2006
PRIME Minister John Howard has blamed past intakes of unskilled migrants and high school drop-out rates in the 1970s and 1980s for leaving 3.5 million Australians of working age without a complete school education.
And he has warned that many of them may lack the basic literacy and numeracy skills that are becoming essential for keeping a job or finding a new one in a high-tech age.
Foreshadowing a wave of reforms to realign
He nominated three priorities: lifting basic skill levels, boosting apprenticeship completion rates and training more scientists and engineers.
For the rest of the article go to
TAFEs to blame for skills crisis, says PM
By Jane Bunce and Alyssa Braithwaite
September 18, 2006
STATE governments must take responsibility for
Speaking at a skills conference in
He said the states should give TAFE directors greater independence and flexibility in responding to localised training demands and also remove barriers to school-based apprenticeships.
"The state governments essentially run the TAFE system and they run the schools, and major reforms in these areas can only be carried out by state governments," Mr Howard said.
"We're trying to work together with state governments but some of them have been very slow."
Mr Howard named
The NSW Government immediately announced it would set up a high-level task force to help ensure the state's future skills needs are met.
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20433983-1702,00.html
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20431450-5006784,00.html
Govt wants flexible workers to fight skills shortage
Samantha Maiden
Political Correspondent
September 18, 2006
JOHN Howard has pledged to raise apprenticeship completion rates and encourage employers to consider mature-age workers as part of an agenda to tackle the nation's chronic skills shortage.
In a speech in Sydney today flagging future reforms in the education and training portfolio, the Prime Minister said looming workforce shortages demanded a more "flexible and responsive" approach.
"To compete and prosper in the decades to come,
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20431602-2702,00.html
PM calls for advanced skills training
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/pm-takes-on-skills-shortage/2006/09/17/1158431586270.html
Apprentices fall short in maths, science
Jeremy Roberts
September 11, 2006
A LARGE workplace training provider has been forced to teach maths and physics to apprentice electricians.
The move by Adelaide-based Peer Tec -- which trains hundreds of apprentices -- follows warnings that universities may need to lengthen courses or drop subjects unless the review of the South Australian Certificate of Education produces more maths and science students.
Peer Tec chief executive Michael Boyce said a shortfall in the maths and physics knowledge of students who had left in years 10 and 11 had forced the company to introduce classes for its first-year apprentices.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20389245-30417,00.html
Welfare News:
Deeper tax bite makes work less attractive
September 20, 2006
MORE than 900,000 working age Australians will keep less than half of their next dollar of private income, a report shows, and more sole parents and women face higher effective marginal tax rates than they did a decade ago.
The AMP.NATSEM Income Wealth report, which tracks the effect of high effective marginal tax rates on almost 13 million Australians aged 15 to 64, suggests there may be less incentive for people, especially women, to return to work.
The report, Trends in effective marginal tax rates, shows that despite the Federal Government's large income tax cuts this year and changes made in the past few years to reduce tax rates associated with family tax benefit payments, many are now worse off than a decade ago when the Howard Government came into power.
The report is the first, since income tax changes were introduced on July 1, to analyse effective marginal tax rates — how much of an additional dollar of income is kept after income tax is deducted and means-tested Government support (for instance, age pension, family tax benefits and Newstart allowance) is withdrawn.
For the rest of the article go to
Disabled welfare shake-up
Stephanie Peatling
September 15, 2006
PEOPLE who do not have to look for work because they have a medical certificate will be required to prove they are also unable to undertake any work for the dole or training programs or face losing their welfare payments, under changes being introduced by the Federal Government.
The Minister for Workforce Participation, Sharman Stone, told the Herald that although welfare seekers with physical or mental disabilities might be unable to work, they might be able to take part in education courses to prepare them for jobs.
"There are a significant number of individuals who cannot work Monday to Friday but who could be doing something like developing skills or doing a course," Dr Stone said. "It might be the best thing to get them out of the house and into the community with other people."
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/disabled-welfare-shakeup/2006/09/14/1157827094337.html
International News:
No let-up in campaign to reinstate college course
By Roland Batten
Members of the Learning Disability Support Group say they are "fed up of quietly being discriminated against" and are demanding the college reinstates around 115 disabled students whose Pathways courses were scrapped at the end of last term because of changes to the way funding is provided.
For the rest of the article go to
Conferences and Workshops:
"Creating Our Future: On Campus and Beyond"
11th Biannual NEADS National Conference
November 10-12, 2006
Delta Ottawa Hotel and Suites
Come be part of the 20th anniversary celebration of the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)! The 2006 Conference Planning Committee invites expressions of interest by individuals interested in speaking on one of the four workshop panels at our biannual national conference. The theme for this year's conference is Creating Our Future: On Campus and Beyond.
Frank Smith, National Coordinator
National Educational Association of Disabled Students Rm. 426 Unicentre, Carleton University Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6 tel. (613) 526-8008 www.neads.ca
http://www.neads.ca/conference2006/en/
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 12-13, 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
Australian Association of Special Education - National Conference
30 September – 2 October 2006
Learning Together: Leading Practice in Inclusive Education
Hyatt Hotel
Check the AASE website for Online Registration and Conference Updates at http://www.aase.edu.au/2006_Conf_site/program.html
3rd International Forum On Disability Management
You can view the website at http://www.ifdm.com.au/index.html?page=21340
Australian Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology Association National Conference 2006
The conference will provide a forum for exploring issues in technology for people with disabilities.
Contact details: A.M. Meetings Plus
Phone: 03 9372 7182 (International: +61 3 9372 7182)
Email: arata@ammp.com.au
Web site: http://www.e-bility.com/arata/conf.php
“The Right to the Right Health Care” - Evidence, ethics and health in people with developmental disability
An Annual National Health Conference jointly organised by Centre for Developmental Disability Studies Australian and Association of Developmental Disability Medicine
15th-17th November, 2006 SMC Conference Centre (
For further information or to place your name on a mailing list to receive the conference registration brochure, please email tonyharman@med.usyd.edu.au
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
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
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’
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 Futures - A Symposium on Day options
Friday 22 September 2006, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Morphettville Junction (Stables Ballroom 2)
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
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
Sexuality & Disability workshop for residential carers, case managers and teachers.
Wednesday & Thursday 4th & 5th October 2006
2007 workshops:
This workshop is designed to review sexual health and relationships from ‘first principles’, with a view to enhancing the capacity, enjoyment and quality of life for people living with a disability (developmental or acquired [intellectual, physical], single or dual/triple diagnoses). This is a ‘firstline’ level workshop suitable for professionals who are new to the field or for those who want to revisit the issues and to share ideas and strategies with others in the field. Topics covered include sexual identity development, sexual health issues including contraception, STI’s, sexual safety, case management strategies,policies and protocols review, resources review. The content is consistent with DoCs and DET policies.
This workshop can be modified to meet the needs of managers and staff in supported workplaces, where adult relationship issues may become part of workers’ welfare and Employee Assistance Programs.
Early bookings are essential; up to 20 places only are available. Applications close 22 September.
Fee: $220 pp (GST free ) - includes tea, coffee (lunch not included), materials
Facilitator: (Ms) Reet Kabi DipTeach BA MPsychEd MAPS
For more information and application forms please contact Reet:
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:
Can my wallet afford it?
The cost of undergraduate university study.
http://www.deakin.edu.au/vc/can-my-wallet-afford-it/index.php
Pro Bono
An exciting online resource directory for all not-for-profit and community groups. With hundreds of companies offering discounts and special rates on a large variety of products and services, you're bound to find something for your organisation!
Check it out at http://www.wowguide.com.au
WorkWelfareWills
WorkWelfareWills is a plain English web guide to legal issues around health and life changes. It was produced for use in
Chronic illnesses bring about lifestyle changes. This resource was designed by the Chronic Illness Alliance to help people with a chronic illness, their families and advisors, to make informed decisions about the future.
http://www.chronicillness.org.au/workwelfarewills/
Disabled Workers Publications
IWS Documented News Service
Provides access to ILO publications in
http://www.ilo.org/public/english/region/asro/bangkok/library/pub2.htm
Proceedings of the Expert Group Meeting on Inclusion of People with Disabilities in Vocational Training,
IWS Documented News Service
14-16 February 2006,
Web version: ISBN 92-2-118781-0 978-92-2-118781-3 Read Online - http://www.ilo.org/public/english/region/asro/bangkok/library/download/pub06-15.pdf
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
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
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
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
Career Advice
The new Career Advice
More information available at: http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/career_development/programmes_funding/programme_categories/key_career_priorities/career_advice_australia.htm
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 http://www.najobpathways.com.au/help_11.cfm?cfid=195688&cftoken=1bda896-d48e637f-c754-4ff9-91e0-264024d82484
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.
Australian Apprenticeships
http://www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/
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.
Pathways to a Profession: Education and training in early childhood education and care,
04/09/2006 - http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/school_education/publications_resources/profiles/Pathways_to_a_Profession
The report investigates current practices in articulation between the vocational and technical education (VTE) and higher education sectors for early childhood education and care qualifications. It identifies both the barriers and the innovative models of practice in articulation from VTE to higher education in this field.
Educating Primary School Students with Disabilities: Auditor General's Report
Saturday, 09 September 2006
Educating Primary School Students with Disabilities
Department of Education and Training
Auditor-General's report: performance audit
Click on the following link to downloaded the report http://www.audit.nsw.gov.au/publications/reports/performance/2006/school_education/school_education.pdf
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Report:
Disability support services 2004-05: national data on services provided under the Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement.
'Disability support services 2004-05' reports on data collected as part of the Commonwealth State/Territory Disability Agreement National Minimum Data Set (CSTDA NMDS) between 1 July 2004 and 30 June 2005. The NMDS provides information on the service outlets funded under the CSTDA and the people who use these services.
The report includes a strong focus on data relating to the support needs, informal carers and living arrangements of people who access CSTDA-funded services. For the first time, some comparisons between two full financial years of CSTDA data (2003-04 and 2004-05) are included.
This publication is available from CanPrint (1300 889 873) for $27.00. or View online for free at http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10306
For the media release go to http://www.aihw.gov.au/mediacentre/2006/mr20060831.cfm
Welfare expenditure Australia 2003-04
Health and welfare expenditure series No. 27
'Welfare expenditure Australia 2003-04' provides estimates of expenditure on welfare services and social security benefits in
Authored by AIHW.
Published 7 September 2006; ISSN 1323-5850; ISBN 1 74024 601 2; AIHW Cat. No. HWE 34; 61pp.; $22.00
View online for free at http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10365
For the media release go to http://www.aihw.gov.au/mediacentre/2006/mr20060907.cfm
Discussion Papers:
The costs of disability and the incidence of poverty: SPRC Discussion Paper
Sunday, 03 September 2006
Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC), August 2006:
The costs of disability and the incidence of poverty
Peter Saunders
Abstract:
Although both disability and poverty have been subjected to extensive research, relatively few Australian studies have examined the relationship between these two important social issues. However, recent changes to the Disability Support Pension mean that there is an urgent need to estimate the costs of disability so that the impact of the changes on poverty can be assessed and inserted into the policy debate. This paper reviews evidence linking the presence of disability to the risk of poverty and the actual hardship using data from the 1998-99 Household Expenditure Survey (HES), and shows that where there is someone in the household with a disability, poverty rates are higher and hardship is more prevalent. It then uses the HES data to estimate the costs of disability using a method recently developed in the
To download the discussion paper go to http://www.sprc.unsw.edu.au/dp/DP147.pdf
Calls for Expressions of Interest and Input:
Young people wanted to have their say!
A research project is underway which aims to learn about the experiences and goals of 18-25 year olds with cerebral palsy as they make the transition into adulthood, from their own perspective. It is hoped that this knowledge will lead to the development and implementation of appropriate, relevant and effective services and supports in the future; services which meet needs identified by young people and which help them to achieve their own goals.
This project involves collaboration between The University of Western Sydney (UWS), The Spastic Centre of NSW and The Cerebral Palsy League of QLD. The primary investigator, Nicole Sharp, is a PhD Candidate at UWS. Nicole is looking for young people who would like to have their say by participating in interviews (face-to-face or email) and/or completing a package of surveys. Interviews are confidential and have no set questions; they are a chance for young people to talk about issues that are important to them.
Please pass on the details of this project to young people aged 18-25 who have cerebral palsy. This is a chance for young people to have their say!
To get involved or for further information, please contact Nicole Sharp at UWS on (02) 4620 3591 or n.sharp@uws.edu.au
http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/dco/Scholarships.htm
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
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
The Committee of the Dr Louisa Alessandri Memorial Fund, based at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research,
Purpose: The Scholarship is intended to assist a student to achieve his or her career aspirations. Funds may be used for a variety of purposes, including course fees, equipment, support, interpreters, transport, etc.
Eligibility Criteria: Eligible students will
• have a disability which significantly impacts on his/her ability to undertake study;
• be able to demonstrate a strong commitment to an area of study that can lead to a possible career path in the future;
• provide evidence of successful completion of at least one semester of relevant tertiary or postsecondary study;
• provide evidence of current enrolment in study, with a recognised institution;
• have demonstrated leadership qualities, and community involvement, and
• be an Australian Citizen.
The Scholarship shall be awarded by a Selection Committee appointed by the Dr Louisa Alessandri Memorial Fund Committee.
The value of the Scholarship is AUD $3000. Secondary scholarships may be awarded at the discretion of the Selection Committee.
Applications must include:
• A statement from the candidate, addressing all the eligibility criteria and including how the disability impacts his/her ability to undertake study.
• The names of three referees who know the candidate personally and/or professionally, and are able to address their comments to the above eligibility criteria.
Interviews may be conducted with short-listed applicants at the discretion of the Selection Committee.
A recipient of the Scholarship will not be eligible to apply for the Scholarship a second time. Previous applicants who met the criteria and were not successful may apply again.
Enquiries are welcome by calling the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, 100 Roberts Road, Subiaco WA 6008; Telephone (08) 9489 7777, or by emailing Linda Watson: linda@ichr.uwa.edu.au
Application forms will be available from the above.
Completed applications should be forwarded to:
The Chairperson, LAMF Scholarship Committee
Telethon Institute for Child Health Research
Applications must be received by the close of business on Friday, 20th October 2006.
Vision
In February 2007, Vision
These bursaries are valued at up to $6,000 each.
The Further Education Bursary aims to assist clients, who for financial reasons would not otherwise be able to purchase adaptive technology limiting their participation and access in further education.
To be eligible, applicants need to:
Be a resident of the ACT, NSW, the
Demonstrate the need for financial assistance to purchase adaptive technology.
Be applying for tertiary study in a course graded certificate IV or above.
To apply for a bursary, applicants need to:
Complete an Application Form in full.
Have an adaptive technology assessment with a Vision Australia adaptive technology consultant, and
Provide some documentary evidence (outlined on the application form).
Applications open in early September and close on Monday 30 October 2006.
Applications are treated in the strictest confidence. All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application.
For more information and to download an application form, please visit the Vision Australia website at
http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=1161
All enquiries should be directed to Renee Williamson by phone on 03 9520 5555 or 1300 847 466; or via email to Renee.williamson@visionaustralia.org
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
Media Releases:
ALP test on VSU
Senator Natasha Stott Despoja
Democrats Senator for
Australian Democrats spokesperson for Higher Education
The Australian Democrats have today called upon the ALP to join them in their commitment to reversing Voluntary Student Unionism.
Australian Democrats' Spokesperson for Higher Education, Senator Natasha Stott Despoja will move a motion in the Senate this afternoon, calling on the Government to overturn the contentious legislation.
"The introduction of VSU has had detrimental consequences for students across the country," Senator Stott Despoja said.
"Staff have lost jobs, financial support for key student support services has been slashed and the student right to independent representation has been undermined.
For the rest of this media release go to
http://www.democrats.org.au/news/index.htm?press_id=5379&display=1
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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 16, Vol 2
Compiled by Timothy Hart the DCO for Northern, Central and
To return to the DCO Disability Newsletter Archive Page go to http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/dco/newsletter or click here