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Disability Education and Employment News: Vol 2 No 4 - Wednesday, 22nd March 2006 |
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Enhancing post secondary education, training and employment opportunities for people with a disability RDLO & DCOs National Website |
Compiled by Timothy Hart DCO for Northern, Central and Southern Sydney |
To return to the DCO Disability Newsletter Archive Page go to http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/dco/newsletter or click here
In this Disability Education and Employment News there is information on the "Doing it Better" - Learning Disabilities in Education and Employment Forum to be held in Melbourne in September, DEAN is holding a Professional Development Day on “Aspergers/Autistic Spectrum Disorders & Emerging Trends and Issues in Disability” and there is the SETTING DIRECTIONS SEMINAR 2006 on University education options for people with disabilities a free seminar for those thinking of going to university in NSW.
Under New Resources we have “Stepping into Law” a four-week paid work placement program available to students doing a Law degree, who have a disability and the “Stepping Into…” Work Experience Series, Techassist - NSW trial - your assistive technology questions answered! The Regional Disability Liaison Officer for NT website now has resources on ‘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’ and ‘Academic Accommodations for Students with a Psychiatric Disability’. Plus other News articles, Conferences and Workshops, Resources and other information for the disability education and employment sectors.
Please distribute the Newsletter to those that you think would be interested in it.
If you have a Resource, a Scholarship, Workshop, Conference, an Event or any other information that is Disability Education or Employment related and you wish to promote it here please e-mail me at thart@med.usyd.edu.au
For information on subscribing, please go to the end of the newsletter.
New Resources on the National RDLO/DCO Website
Calls for Expressions of Interest and Input
Education News:
Students' finances surveyed
Dorothy Illing
March 22, 2006
THE effect of escalating HECS charges and a rise in full-fee-paying students in the past five years will be assessed in a study of student finances.
The Australian Vice-Chancellors Committee last week signed off on a national survey to look at the income, expenditure and debt profiles of university students.
It follows a similar study, Paying Their Way, commissioned by the AVCC in 2000, which found students' financial circumstances were having a significant effect on their study.
The 2000 survey also found a sharp increase in the proportion of full-time students who were working: from 1984 to 2000 this rose from 50 per cent to more than 70 per cent. And the number of hours they worked each week trebled during the same period.
"We've been arguing since that report was done back in 2000 that the Government needs to re-look at the whole youth support arrangements," AVCC chief executive John Mullarvey said.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18554665%255E12332,00.html
State threatens training black list
Justine Ferrari
March 22, 2006
THE NSW Government is considering drawing up a black list of teaching courses and will refuse to hire graduates from those universities that fail to meet its standards.
NSW Department of Education and Training director-general Andrew Cappie-Wood told a federal parliamentary inquiry into teacher education that the Government was prepared to use its power as an employer to lift the standard of teaching degrees.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18553201%255E12332,00.html
Students vote with their feet
Catherine Armitage
HIGHER EDUCATION EDITOR
March 22, 2006
IT is surely no coincidence that Education Minister Julie Bishop's first policy moves in higher education, on fee-paying places and research, are meant to ease the pain of two of the more controversial aspects of the reforms of her predecessor Brendan Nelson.
But consider our revelations that James Cook and Edith Cowan universities now join
It may just be, as the universities hope, that 2003 and 2004 were good years for enrolments, and what we are seeing is a correction to a more realistic pattern, made more painful by the difficulty of forecasting course demand three years in advance.
There may be welcome reasons for the downturn in enrolments: a booming economy that prompts students to choose work over study or a greater take-up in TAFE positions.
But what if the darker speculation is right: that would-be students are shunning universities because they read the figures about the $7 billion blow-out in the HECS debt since 1996 and don't want any part of that burden. What if the pro-HECS mantra - that it is not a disincentive to study as long as repayments are contingent on attaining some future income level - is being proven wrong?
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18555208%255E12332,00.html
Missing students blow uni budgets
Brendan O'Keefe
March 22, 2006
A DROP-OFF in undergraduate demand has pitched another two regional universities into multimillion-dollar budget black holes. Stringent belt-tightening measures, including job cuts, are almost certain to follow.
Edith Cowan and James Cook this week are the latest universities to concede they cannot fill their student quotas and will have to hand back commonwealth-funded places.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18555214%255E12332,00.html
Minister wants
By Jewel Topsfield and David Rood
March 22, 2006
FEDERAL Education Minister Julie Bishop has backed a Commonwealth takeover of universities from the states, saying the current system is dysfunctional and bogged in red tape.
Ms Bishop's comments have reignited debate over control of universities, which receive almost all their public funding from the Federal Government while the states retain legislative power.
"I think that makes for a dysfunctional system, because the Commonwealth has the fiscal power and the states have the legislative power," Ms Bishop told The Age.
She said it was nonsensical that
For the rest of the article go to
Vouchers to fund private education
Samantha Maiden
Political correspondent
March 21, 2006
THE parents of children who struggle to make the grade in maths and English could soon be able to send them to private schools under a taxpayer-funded voucher scheme.
Education Minister Julie Bishop has flagged her support for an expansion of voucher programs, to also include disabled children.
And as part of the push to improve literacy and numeracy, universities would be encouraged to establish centres of excellence for teacher training.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18543529%255E2702,00.html
Minister supports tutoring for disabled
March 21, 2006 - 6:19AM
Parents whose children struggle in literacy and numeracy could soon be eligible for a taxpayer-funded voucher system for private tuition.
Education Minister Julie Bishop said she would also support an expansion of the voucher programs to include children with disabilities.
For the rest of the article go to
Loans for TAFE fees on the cards
March 20, 2006 - 5:39AM
Students at TAFE and other vocational colleges could be offered loans to pay fees under a plan to tackle skills shortages.
A special meeting will consider whether income-linked loans such as HECS and FEE-HELP, available to students since 1989, should also be offered to students in vocational training, The Australian Financial Review reports.
The proposal is being considered during a review of the resourcing of vocational education and training (VET) after the Council of Australian Governments pledged to make skills a priority.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Loans-for-TAFE-fees-on-the-cards/2006/03/20/1142703244197.html
Sunday, March 12
The Tertiary Education Union says budget problems at one of
The ABC has been told Edith Cowan University (ECU) is facing a $20 million budget shortfall and about 100 staff are set to lose their jobs.
Enrolments at ECU have fallen significantly this year and the university is facing large budget cuts, with Commonwealth funding linked to sponsored places.
Union spokesman Mick Campion says funding has not kept pace with the increasing cost of running
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200603/s1589573.htm
Priority one: universities must teach free thought
March 16, 2006
If we learn only work skills we risk becoming a nation of means without ends, writes Steven Schwartz.
IN A recent report, the Business Council of Australia chastises educators for turning out graduates who are not ready for work. "Courses", it argues, "need to be practice-based, relevant and appropriate for business innovation needs."
While not denying that graduates must work, many academics believe that their job is to educate students for a lifetime of learning and self-fulfilment. This tension between vocational training and education, between the practical and the theoretical, between teaching skills and opening minds, has long divided academics, business people and students themselves.
Although universities have existed in
For the rest of the article go to
Places for fee-paying students
Dorothy Illing, Higher education writer
March 16, 2006
UNIVERSITIES will be allowed to enrol more fee-paying students in popular courses to address plunging student demand in some disciplines.
In her first policy move since becoming Education Minister last month, Julie Bishop will relax "nonsensical" rules for the enrolment of domestic fee-paying undergraduates. She also signalled a desire for further cuts to bureaucratic red tape.
Under the Higher Education Support Act 2003, universities are required to fill government-funded student places before enrolling Australian undergraduates on full fees or face severe financial penalties.
Under Ms Bishop's proposal, universities will have to fill only their government places in each discipline or "funding cluster" before they start admitting fee-paying students in that area.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18482623%255E2702,00.html
TAFE revamp to revive trades
Rosemary Odgers and Stephen Wardill
09mar06
The plan comes amid Federal Government warnings that southeast
Under the plan, a Brisbane-based Trade and Technical Skills Institute will take control of the development of training in the traditional trades of building and construction, automotive, electrical, manufacturing and engineering.
As reported in The Courier-Mail yesterday, the centrepiece of the Queensland Skills Plan involves fast-tracking competent apprentices into their chosen field by shortening the duration of three-quarters of apprenticeships by up to one year.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,18398795%255E3102,00.html
http://www.supplychainreview.com.au/index.cfm?li=displaystory&StoryID=26277
Employment News:
I'll break laws if I have to: ACTU boss
By Nick O'Malley Workplace Reporter
March 21, 2006
EMPLOYEES in NSW could lose protection from covert surveillance at work and state laws outlining how apprentices may be treated will be overridden, the release of regulations reveal.
Responding to the changes, the deputy director of
"One of the real reasons for skills shortages has been the collapse of quality on-the-job training," he said.
"These changes are going to strip even more quality out of the training system. They go in the complete opposite direction to what is required."
For the rest of the article go to
http://smh.com.au/news/national/ill-break-laws-if-i-have-to-actu-boss/2006/03/20/1142703287934.html
Message from the Prime Minister
THE Prime Minister's Employer of the Year Awards for people with a disability provide an opportunity to formally recognise the efforts of employers, large and small, in breaking down employment barriers for people with disabilities.
Having a disability should not be a barrier to working. As the employers and employees in this lift-out show, having the right attitude and a willingness to participate in the workforce is beneficial to both individuals and businesses. Australian employers are leading the way in recognising the potential of people with disabilities to participate and contribute in the workplace.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/sectionindex2/0,5746,s2-sp545%5E%5ETEXT,00.html
Download the full report at http://mp3.news.com.au/aus/PM-awards.pdf (17mb pdf)
Take-up of apprenticeships continues to grow
The number of people starting an apprenticeship or traineeship has grown for the sixth successive quarter, based on seasonally adjusted data. In the 12 months to 30 September 2005, the number of commencements increased 5% over the previous year to 267 600. There was considerable growth (up 13%) in commencements for older people (aged 45 years and over), and in 'traditional apprenticeships', which recorded an increase of 14% over the previous year.
The trend of increased commencements in apprenticeships and traineeships in higher-level qualifications continued in the year to 30 September 2005, as more people commenced training contracts at the Australian Qualifications Framework qualification level three or higher (up 8%). Further information about apprentice and trainee activity is available from 'Australian vocational education and training statistics: Apprentices and trainees – September quarter 2005, Summary'.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1668.html
Have school vocational education and training programs been successful?
_Alison Anlezark, Tom Karmel, Koon Ong_
School vocational education and training (VET) programs were introduced to provide more diverse pathways to work and further study for young people. This report investigates whether these programs provide successful outcomes for participants, in terms of retention to Year 12 (or its vocational equivalent) and full-time engagement with employment or learning. The report finds that participation in school VET programs has a small negative impact on retention from Year 10 to Year 12 overall but that there is a positive impact on Year 10 to Year 11 retention. There is a clear positive impact on post-school outcomes for students who participate in school VET programs in Year 11 but do not go on to complete Year 12. Finally, the report looks at whether school VET programs have been successful in establishing post-school VET pathways. The results show that these programs provide a clear pathway for some students, particularly for boys studying in the areas of building and engineering. For most students, however, the pathway is not so direct.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1654.html
Mix or match? New Apprentices' learning styles and trainers' preferences for training in workplaces
_Roger Harris, Michele Simons, John Bone_
The research investigated the learning preferences of New Apprentices and training preferences of their trainers in the manufacturing, community and retail services sectors, and outlines how this data can be used to inform trainers. The study showed that the preferred workplace features of trainers and New Apprentices in manufacturing were quite different from those in retail and community services. The nature of work and industry shapes what is expected to support learning in any particular workplace. The practicalities
of industry workplaces mean that preferences cannot always be met, and hence the expectations of both trainers and New Apprentices need to be clarified early in their working relationship.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1664.html
Welfare News:
Mental crisis to receive $1.5 billion
Steve Lewis and Patricia Karvelas
March 22, 2006
MEDICARE will be dramatically expanded to allow more mentally ill people to see psychologists on referral from the family doctor as part of a $1.5 billion plan to tackle the nation's mental health crisis.
In a concerted effort to address the disorders that touch as many as one in five Australians a year, "safe houses" for mental patients could also be established to provide short-term accommodation for those left destitute.
Welfare and community agencies will also be given increased financial support as part of the four-year funding proposal to better deal with the effects of drug abuse on the mentally ill.
Signalling a major shift in the Government's health priorities, John Howard will unveil the mental health blueprint for tackling disorders such as depression and schizophrenia.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18558742%255E601,00.html
$546m welfare proposal
22mar06
CURBING the use of trusts and companies as tax shelters and clamping down on golden handshakes for high income earners would pay for increased spending on vital social services.
That is the federal Budget proposal by the nation's peak welfare organisation.
Better services - and not tax cuts - should be the focus of the next financial year's spending, the Australian Council of Social Services has recommended ahead of the Budget.
Solutions to service shortfalls in areas such as childcare, health care, assistance for jobless people, education and addressing indigenous disadvantage would be the focus of Budget spending under 30 recommendations by ACOSS.
The funding required to cover the recommendations would be $546 million
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,18556668%255E911,00.html
Budget should back services: ACOSS
By Melissa Polimeni
21mar06
THE nation's peak welfare group is calling for more spending on dental health care, childcare and education rather than tax cuts in the upcoming Federal Budget.
Launching its wish list for the Budget today, the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) said most Australians would prefer extra spending on basic services to a tax cut.
"Instead of tax cuts, the focus of new spending should be helping disadvantaged Australians so that no-one is left behind by economic growth," ACOSS president Lin Hatfield Dodds said.
For the rest of the article go to
http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,18549332%255E462,00.html
Single mums prone to serious depression
March 19, 2006 - 12:45PM
Young single mothers are more likely than other women in
Sole mothers with children aged under 16 also are more likely to take medication for depression, anxiety or to help them sleep than their married counterparts and women without children, researchers say.
Results of the survey, involving 9,690 Australian women aged 22 to 27 and 12,338 women aged 47 to 52, are published in the latest Medical Journal of Australia.
For the rest of the article go to
Wage judge tips cuts in welfare
By Meaghan Shaw
March 18, 2006
WELFARE payments may have to be cut under the Federal Government's new workplace regime, otherwise lower minimum wages would provide no incentive to work,
Australian Industrial Relations Commission president Geoffrey Giudice said the Government's new wage-setting body, the Fair Pay Commission, would undoubtedly slow the rate of growth of minimum wages, which would combine with other income-cutting elements of the new WorkChoices laws.
"People with low skills, low bargaining power, are heading for (the five minimum conditions that comprise) the Fair Pay and Conditions Standard, which will have an effect on their incomes," he said. "This will be accompanied by a slowdown in the rate of growth of minimum wages — that's what the Fair Pay Commission is for … If those things are going to occur, they'll probably have to be accompanied by a reduction in social welfare, otherwise the incentive to work will reduce."
For the rest of the article go to
http://theage.com.au/news/national/wage-judge-tips-cuts-in-welfare/2006/03/17/1142582526951.html
High cost of freedom
March 18, 2006
Matthew Moore discovers that Freedom of Information means little of both.
WHEN the Federal Government unveiled its welfare-to-work policy last year it sparked the sort of debate you'd expect from the biggest shake-up of the welfare system in half a century.
With about 1.5 million unemployed, sole parents and disabled people directly affected by the changes, it might seem beyond argument there is considerable public interest in knowing what effect the Government has calculated the policy will have.
Wrong, according to the Government's Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, which crafted the new policy and has now ruled that disclosure of documents explaining its effect "would not, on balance, be in the public interest".
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/high-cost-of-freedom/2006/03/17/1142582521030.html
International News:
Attitude, Not Cost, Barrier to Disabled Workers
by Catherine Komp
Recent data shows employers who make an effort to accommodate employees with disabilities can do so at little cost and great benefit, exposing deeper discrimination behind dismal employment numbers.
Mar. 9 – Impressing a potential employer during an interview and getting a good job offer is difficult for many. But for those with disabilities – who must prove they are as qualified as non-disabled candidates – finding any job has its own challenges.
Sign up to receive NewStandard headlines and extras by e-mail weekday mornings!
Your privacy is strictly respected. When Congress enacted the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) fifteen years ago, supporters hoped the equity legislation would increase disabled peoples’ opportunities for employment. But, according to researchers at
For the article go to
http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/2909
Study: Social outcasts score lower on tests
Children from the ages of 5 to 11 who were routinely rejected by their peers tended to withdraw from school activities and do worse than their popular classmates on standardized tests, found a University of Nebraska-Lincoln study. Experts say parents who fear their children are being ostracized at school should consider pursuing social skills training for them and enrolling them in off-campus activities.
For the article go to
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/13/AR2006031301318.html
Charity Leaders' Pay Soars Under Federal Jobs Program
BY JEFFREY KOSSEFF, BRYAN DENSON And LES ZAITZ
c.2006 Newhouse News Service
When Congress created the nation's most ambitious jobs program for Americans with severe disabilities, the idea was straightforward and rich with compassion.
Federal agencies would reserve contracts for small nonprofit workshops that hired epileptics, paraplegics and the mentally retarded to make simple products such as mousetraps, blackboards and first-aid kits. The disabled would gain a decent paycheck, some self-esteem and a chance to learn skills that someday might land them a better job.
More than three decades later, the nonprofits increasingly are hiring workers who are mildly disabled, if at all, with aching backs, substance-abuse problems and other maladies common in the American workplace. This new class of federally subsidized worker is getting the highest-paid jobs, while many of the most severely disabled toil for pennies an hour.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.newhousenews.com/archive/Kosseff030706.html
Conferences and Workshops:
International Conferences
Summer will arrive before we know it... and this year, it brings the national APSE conference, "Employment for All-- Start a Revolution," to
The conference will emphasize nine themes: best practices; job development; transition from school to employment; public and economic policy trends; program management; placement support; family and consumer issues; and research to practice. Audiences include service providers, people with disabilities, educators, and employers.
Conference Call for Presentations
http://www.apse2006.org/index.php?page=cfp
AHEAD 2006
AHEAD 2006 in
http://www.ahead.org/training/conference/2006_conf/cfp.htm
For further information do not hesitate to contact Erin Evans, Program Co-Chair, AHEAD 2006 E-mail eevans@babson.edu
National Conferences
Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Inc.
2006 National Conference,
Realizing the Vision for Accessible Information: The Way Forward
Venue: Pacific International,
The aim of Round Table is to facilitate and influence the production and use of quality alternative formats for people with print disabilities. The Round Table Conference 2006 will highlight and celebrate achievements to date and pave the way for the future to ensure the momentum is maintained in a changing and innovative environment.
A full conference programme and registration pack is now available on the Round Table Web site at http://e-bility.com/roundtable
All enquiries should be directed to:
Tammy Axelsen, Administrative Assistant
Ph: 0417 101 418
Email: roundtableadmn@bigpond.com
Spectronics Assisted
Inclusive Learning Technologies®
Surfers
The program can be found at http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/winterschool/
ACROD's Inaugural National Conference on Social Participation
30 - 31 May 2006 -
For more information go to http://www.acrod.org.au/conferences/SP2006/home.htm
Contact Information:
Phone 02 9503 1603 gabe@acrodnsw.net
Brain Injury
Brain Injury Australia's (BIA) will be hosting its inaugural National Conference in Gold Coast
For further information about the Conference or the final date for submission of abstracts please contact ACQ Conference & Event Management on:
Ph: (07) 3725 5588 Email: bia2006@acqi.org.au
"Doing it Better" - Learning Disabilities in Education and Employment Forum
September 24 - 27 2006 - Rydges Hotel Melbourne,
A working forum Doing it Better - learning disability in education and employment, is sponsored by
The Forum aims to meet some of the ground swell of concern that is currently evident in the wider community about the unmet educational and learning requirements of students who are assessed as having a learning disability. The forum aims to address:
· increasing understanding of the human impact of having a learning disability
· psychometric assessment issues
· issues that are presented in the education sectors including curriculum, teaching strategies, support
· access to information
· assistive technology solutions, and
· preparation for and transition to employment
Further information can be found at http://www.deakin.edu.au/events/ldc2006/
3rd International Forum On Disability Management
You can view the website at http://www.ifdm.com.au/
Australian Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology Association National Conference 2006
The conference will provide a forum for exploring issues in technology for people with disabilities.
Contact details: A.M. Meetings Plus
Phone: 03 9372 7182 (International: +61 3 9372 7182)
Email: arata@ammp.com.au
Web site: http://www.e-bility.com/arata/conf.php
“The Right to the Right Health Care” - Evidence, ethics and health in people with developmental disability
An Annual National Health Conference jointly organised by Centre for Developmental Disability Studies Australian and Association of Developmental Disability Medicine
15th-17th November, 2006 SMC Conference Centre (
For further information or to place your name on a mailing list to receive the conference registration brochure, please email tonyharman@med.usyd.edu.au
PATHWAYS 8 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2006-Hobart
On behalf of the Australian Tertiary Education Network on Disability and the Pathways 8 Organising Committee, it is my pleasure to invite you to
For more information go to http://www.leishman-associates.com.au/pathways8/
Call for Presenters
The Pathways 8 organising committee are seeking Presenters for the conference; the deadline for the submitting of abstracts is 5.00PM on Friday 26TH May 2006. For more information on the Call for Presenters and how to submit abstracts go to http://www.leishman-associates.com.au/pathways8/abstract1.php
NSW EVENTS
DEAN Professional Development Day
Date and Location: Wednesday 12 April, Registration from 9:30 a.m.
Topic: Emerging Trends and Issues in Disability & Aspergers/Autistic Spectrum Disorders within Post Secondary Education.
The PD Day will focus on 'Emerging Trends and Issues in Disability' which will be addressed by Graeme Innes, Human Rights Commissioner and Acting Disability Discrimination Commissioner. This is a great opportunity to hear Graeme talk about this topic as well as hear about his new role as Human Rights Commissioner.
The PD day will also focus on Aspergers/Autistic Spectrum Disorders within post secondary education. This is an emerging trend/issue for post secondary education providers as the numbers of students with Aspergers/Autistic Spectrum Disorders tends to be increasing every year and the level of support can tend to be very high and complex.
Program:
9.30 am Registration
10.00 am Graeme Innes: Human Rights Commissioner and Acting Disability Discrimination Commissioner.
11.10 am Noel Boycott, Psychologist and Counsellor
Noel has extensive experience in working with students with Autism/Aspergers and runs social groups for people with Aspergers. Noel will provide practical information about communication methods and social relationships with students with Aspergers within the post secondary education environment.
12.00 pm Morning tea
12.10pm Anthony Warren, Director Outreach and Consultancy Services, Autism Spectrum
Anthony is a Psychologist and Special Educator has extensive experience in working with people with Autism/Aspergers and has worked in various educational, developmental and clinical psychology roles in government and non-government agencies in
Anthony will provide an overview of Autism and Aspergers and associated features, learning supports, practical strategies in the learning environment and associated anxiety issues.
1.30pm lunch
2.00pm Group discussion and Q&A's
2.30pm DEAN Update including an update of the Accreditation Project.
Members $20.00 Non-Members$30.00
Further information including RSVP information, refer to the website:
http://www.anu.edu.au/disabilities/DEAN/news/
Please RSVP your registration form to:
Margaret Butler
Fax: 9715 8549
Email: margaret.m.butler@tafensw.edu.au
Telephone: 9715 8610
RSVP Closing Date: 5th April, 2006
SETTING DIRECTIONS SEMINAR 2006 - University education options for people with disabilities
A FREE SEMINAR
Come to this seminar and find out about: • alternative entry schemes • choosing careers • disability services • assistive technology • talks by current students and graduates • financial issues • and it’s not all study!
Date • Saturday 27 May 2006
Times • Registration 9.30am
Seminar 10.00am – 4.00pm
Venue •
For registration & further details
Contact Liz Claridge
Tel • (02) 9385 6768
Mob • 0418 981 199
Fax • (02) 9385 6262
Email • e.claridge@unsw.edu.au
For further venue information contact
(02) 9514 1183 or visit www.ssu.uts.edu.au/sneeds/
• RSVP • Friday 19 May 2006
New Resources:
“STEPPING INTO…” WORK EXPERIENCE SERIES
The “Stepping into…” work experience series has been developed by The Australian Employers’ Network on Disability and its member organisations to assist students with disability to enter their chosen profession. Work placements are completed during the mid-year semester break (mid-July to mid-August).
The inaugural program, “Stepping into Law”, held in
The 2005 students chose to participate in Stepping into Law to gain practical work experience. Some students were unsure about what area of law they wanted to go into and the work placement provided an opportunity to get hands-on experience and talk to more people in the profession to help them clarify their preferences. Stepping into Law also demonstrated the legal profession’s willingness and commitment to make a difference.
Many students with a disability, despite their ability, enthusiasm and talent, struggle to find employment after graduation.
Research from the Graduate Destination Survey shows that in 2001, 93% of all graduates obtained employment. This was the highest figure since 1990. However, only 68.3% of graduates with a disability obtained employment.
The “Stepping into…” series offers practical work experience for students with disability who may face significant obstacles in gaining employment.
The program is equally beneficial to the organisations involved, as it enhances disability awareness in the workplace, and encourages an inclusive and productive working environment.
Prior to commencement of the placements, firms have their workplace reviewed for access requirements and also participate in disability awareness sessions. Firms actively participate in the development of the 4-week work experience program and an evaluation is undertaken by the firms and the students on completion of the program.
The “Stepping into…” program offers a model for many organisations to follow within their profession to assist students by providing valuable work experience whilst assisting their organisation to gain increased understanding and appreciation of talented people with disability.
“Stepping into Law” is a four-week paid work placement program available to students in the 4th or 5th year of a Law degree, or 2nd or 3rd year of a graduate Law degree, who have a disability.
“Stepping into Law” achieved great success in 2005, and we hope to continue that success in 2006. The program is being offered by prestigious law firms throughout
Applications for the program close on 31st March 2006.
The Eligibility Criteria for “Stepping into Law”, along with the 2006 Application Form, and a brief outline of the program can be found at http://www.emad.asn.au/projects.asp?id=7
For further information, please contact The Australian Employers’ Network on Disability on (02) 9261 3922.
For further information about any of the “Stepping into…” programs, please contact Rachel Butler at The Australian Employers’ Network on Disability on 1300 363 645 or Rachel.Butler@emad.asn.au Web: www.emad.asn.au
The
The Winter '06 Newsletter is available here: http://www.beachcenter.org/news/default.asp?Type=Newsletter&act=&id=73
Accessible Design of Distance Learning (Web Page)
This Web page from The National Center on Accessible Distance Learning (AccessDL) provides links to resources on making Web-based distance learning courses accessible to students and instructors with disabilities, including discussion lists, accessibility indicators, publications, streaming video presentations, trainings, resource centers, promising practices, course management software, Web editors, and research.
http://www.washington.edu/doit/Resources/accessdl.html
The Fast Facts for Faculty information briefs from the ADA Coordinator’s Office at the
http://ada.osu.edu/resources/fastfacts/
Parents Help With Careers—future directions
How parents can help their children with career choices can be found at:
http://www.dest.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/63B60C0F-ED1D-41EF-A983-A81C51E07FC1/670/ParentsHelp.pdf
Also TAFE Qld have developed a booklet, Anything’s Possible that targets parents as career counsellors
It can be found at http://www.tafe.qld.gov.au/resources/pdf/Parents_brochure.pdf
Or visit the Qld TAFE website www.tafe.qld.gov.au and search for Anything's Possible.
Customized Employment—Practical Solutions for Employment Success
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) of the U.S. Department of Labor established a Customized Employment initiative to build the capacity of workforce systems to serve all customers, including individuals with disabilities. This collection of Web pages from ODEP includes Customized Employment: A New Competitive Edge, Customized Employment: Principles and Indicators, Job Seeker Exploration, Creating a Blueprint for Job Development, and Negotiating with Employers.
http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/custom/
New Resources on the National RDLO-DCO Website 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 .......
Axistive - Assistive Technology News Portal http://www.axistive.com/
Axistive Assistive Technology News Portal offers free news, articles, product reviews and all product and vendor information of assistive technology devices. Here you will find objective information on how to use and find devices that make the use of, and access to the digital world easier. http://www.adcet.edu.au/rdco/ViewWebItemDetail.aspx?itemid=1131
Disability Awareness Training
http://www.waikato.ac.nz/sasd/health/disability/awareness/
The
TECHASSIST - NSW TRIAL - YOUR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS ANSWERED!
TechAssist is for people who use assistive computer technology at work, at their educational institution or at home. Specialised help can be hard to find, costly and delayed. TechAssist aims to provide immediate online support and training, eg. technical support when a device or program is not working properly; expert advice about new options, demonstrated to you on your own computer.
The TechAssist pilot project is funded by the Department of Education, Science and Training. It is being implemented by Ability Technology, a not-for-profit organisation with extensive experience in assisting people in using assistive computer technology.
The project aims to give educators, employers, disability services and people with a disability access to a range of professional advice. They will also be gathering data to argue for the establishment of a permanent support service in this area. The "TechAssist" pilot project for NSW will run to mid-2006.
For more information contact Kay Dean, Regional Disability Liaison Officer, Hunter/Central Coast Region, NSW on Tel: (02) 4921 8844 or Mobile: 0438 218848 or email: kay.dean@newcastle.edu.au
http://www.adcet.edu.au/rdco/ViewNewsDetail.aspx?itemid=411
Learning Experiences of Students with a Learning Disability
http://www.adcet.edu.au/Uploads/Documents/disability-project-report.pdf [pdf: 295 kilobytes, opens in new window]
This study aims to increase awareness and understanding of the needs of The University of Nottingham students who have a disability. The project is a qualitative investigation using in-depth interviews, work 'shadowing', and video recordings of a 'day in the life of' a number of selected students. Interview and video data will be used (with student consent) to develop high quality, training materials for a variety of contexts.
‘Academic Accommodations for Students with a Psychiatric Disability’
Students with psychiatric disabilities are entitled to reasonable academic accommodations under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) and Disability Standards for Education 2005. Providing effective accommodations allows students equal access to academic courses and activities. Their presence also contributes to the diversity of the student population. This resource is concerned with the impact of mental illness on academic pursuits, and the development of strategies to study successfully.
‘The Road Ahead… A
The workbook was produced for people with a disability (which includes a chronic medical condition) who are considering their post-secondary education and training, for example, secondary school students, VTE (Vocational and Technical Education) students, potential New Apprentices and people looking to change their career direction. We hope it will be used by secondary school students in Year 11 or earlier. Teachers and trainers facilitating group work on career planning with people with a disability could also use it. This project was a joint Initiative and can be accessed on the following websites.
http://www.disabilitycentral.com.au
http://www.cdu.edu.au/rdlo/The-Road-Ahead.pdf The Road Ahead: a NT Self-Help Planning Guide [pdf 6.18 mb]
Hot Topic - Inclusive Teaching Strategies -
http://www.adcet.edu.au/rdco/ViewFAQDetail.aspx?itemID=74
Calls for Expressions of Interest and Input:
Ability Not Disability
Australian industries are experiencing the impact of skills shortage. Employers cannot afford to miss any opportunity to look at and consider all possible sources for their workforce and increase their competitive advantage.
ABL/State Chamber is at the forefront of issues affecting business, one of the main issues being matching the most appropriate candidate to a job is the single most important outcome for recruitment.
People with a disability represent a relatively untapped resource for employers. There are approximately 700,000 people receiving a Disability Support Pension. This represents a large proportion of the population that is not being utilised as a resource with skills and knowledge.
Understanding, developing and effectively managing the diversity of their employee’s and target markets is a factor in a businesses future success.
To support the individual employers engage people with a disability. ABL/State Chamber can provide assistance through a Disability Project Officer who is available to give advice on assistance services, support and the incentives that are available to employers looking to employ people with a disability. Information is also available at www.australianbusiness.com.au under Training and apprenticeships.
ABL/State Chamber is currently looking for case studies of employers who have employed a person with a disability to be used to assist employers engage people with a disability into employment.
If you would like to participate or need information on support and incentives available please contact George Maitland, Disability Project Officer at george.maitland@australianbusiness.com.au or on 9458 7623, 0402 467753
Profiling people with a disability in employment
TAFE NSW Disability Programs are developing a resource of several DVDs to showcase the full range of opportunities for people with disabilities across the workplace.
This resource will have three aims:
It is proposed that there will be one DVD for each of the following six areas of disability: Hearing, Intellectual, Learning/Neurological, Physical, Psychiatric and Vision.
TAFE Disability Programs need assistance in finding a large number of people with disabilities willing to be take part in this project. They are collecting expressions of interest from around the country.
To request an information/nomination form please email toby.prentice@tafensw.edu.au or phone Toby on 9244 5098 or Mark Kelly on 9244 5101.
Please note that nominating for the project does not guarantee involvement.
Request for Input from Mature Age Students with a Disability
Liz Horrock from the University of South Australia and Leonie Challans the Regional Disability Liaison Officer for Adelaide are putting together a resource that encourages and informs mature aged students with a disability/medical condition of the benefits of studying at university or TAFE. The resource will also support employers, agencies and people with a disability in their mid-years to train or re-train in the higher education or vocational education and training sector with a focus on moving into employment. With the advent of the Welfare to Work program they want this resource to particularly encourage and support people with a disability in their mid-years (40-55+).
They would like to hear from any mature age students (approximately in the 40-55+ but not necessarily restricted to that bracket regarding
What was helpful in your move to study as a mature age student - any publications/group/resources/counselling/resource?
What were the barriers? - funds, housing, scholarships, child care, lack of information about actual study, access to special entry avenues and the like
What would have been very useful but wasn't available?
What information did your employment or other service provider have to assist you?
What did they need but couldn't find?
Anything else that was helpful in deciding to move into further study and then into employment?
Anything that has been a barrier?
Any and all information is welcome
Would you please respond to Leonie Challans leonie.challans@unisa.edu.au or on (08) 8302 1756
Spotlight on Useful Resources:
Low Cost Internet
A low cost Internet service is now available to people on a Disability Services Pension, a DVA Entitlement Pension or an Aged Pension Card thanks to a partnership arrangement negotiated by Technical Aid to the Disabled Australia (TADAust) with wholesales communications provider, ispOne.
At the rate of only $5.50 a month, including no set-up fee, unlimited downloads and flexible contract arrangements, this is the cheapest dialup service on the market today.
TADAust is a national organisation that together with health care professionals assesses the needs of the frail aged and people with disabilities in order to design aids that will improve their independence.
For more information contact: TADACT on 02 6287 4290 or go to http://www.tadaustconnect.org.au/ to register.
Cheap PCs
GreenPC computers and eligibility - GreenPC asks for verification of low-income status via a Health Care Card, Pension Card, or some other form of low-income status. Therefore, students with disabilities from low-income backgrounds certainly qualify and can purchase systems through us by calling us directly on (03) 9486 9355 or visiting our website at www.greenpc.com.au . Our website lists all our available systems together with pricing information. Please feel free to circulate and/or direct any interested people to our website.
Australasian Network of Students with Disabilities (ANSWD)
ANSWD is a student organisation, advocating, promoting, lobbying and campaigning on disability issues. We seek to achieve equality, access, and representation of students with disabilities in the tertiary education sector.
FACSIA has published a research paper: Income support customers
This paper provides a snapshot of the number and demographic characteristics of income support recipients in June 2002. Income support payments cater for different circumstances, such as disability, sickness, unemployment, caring and parenting responsibilities. The publication is expected to provide a ready source of payment information data for government, university and research institutions, community organisations and international welfare agencies. It is available in HTML and PDF format and can be downloaded at:
http://www.facs.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/research/stps-stps_1.htm
HREOC - Complaint handling report
The Commission has recently produced a paper - Five years on: An update on the complaint handling work of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission -which outlines the findings of two research projects undertaken in the 2004-05 reporting year. See the paper online at: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/complaints_information/publications/five_years_on.html
Report of National Inquiry into Disability and Employment tabled
Release of the Final Report for the National Inquiry into Employment and Disability The final report – WORKability II: Solutions – makes a series of recommendations to address the myriad of barriers identified in the Inquiry's interim report – WORKability I: Barriers. A full copy of the report can be downloaded from
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/employment_inquiry/index.htm
Scholarships:
http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/dco/Scholarships.htm
Media Releases:
The Hon Joe Hockey MP
MINISTER FOR HUMAN SERVICES, MEDIA RELEASE
Friday 10th March 2006
$320 MILLION FOR THE JOBLESS
The Minister for Human Services, the Hon Joe Hockey, MP today launched a new $320 million programme over three years to assist over a million Australians to connect to support services as part of the Government’s welfare to work package.
“It is about helping people get ready for work by quickly connecting them to a range of services, like the Personal Support Programme, rehabilitation or Job Network. The key is linking people to the right service quickly,” said Minister Hockey. “We know from the experience of rehabilitation specialists like CRS Australia, that early intervention increases a person’s opportunity to find work that suits their abilities,” he said. “Most people want to work or contribute to their community but some have genuine barriers,” said Minister Hockey. “The Job Capacity Assessment is designed to help people with those barriers improve their opportunities in finding work.”
“From the 1st of July 2006, people who apply for a Disability Support Pension, or receive a Centrelink payment with activity test requirements and have reasons preventing them from working, such as illness or injury, or with those with other barriers to work, will now have their work capacity assessed by the Job Capacity Assessment.”
For the rest of this Media Release go to
http://www.joehockey.com/mediahub/mprDetail.aspx?prID=105
Research critical of mutual obligation ‘franchise’
Date: 14 March 2006
Contact: VIC – Tim Martyn (03) 9427 7388
NSW – Minh Nguyen (02) 9356 3888
The Ignatius Centre for Social Policy and Research at Jesuit Social Services and Uniya Jesuit Social Justice Centre, have released today two papers investigating the widening application of mutual obligation within Australian public policy.
The papers examine the application of the ‘mutual obligation’ concept of individual responsibility to
In both cases, the research found that shifting blame to the individual or individual nation ignores the structural barriers that cause poverty.
For the rest of this Media Release go to
http://www.uniya.org/news/media_14mar06.html
For the Report go to
http://www.uniya.org/research/mutual_obligation.html
Full-fee proposal worrying
Senator Natasha Stott Despoja
Democrats Senator for
Australian Democrats spokesperson for Higher Education
The new Education Ministers proposal to relax university enrolment rules to allow more full-fee paying places will make university education less accessible to many Australians, according to the Australian Democrats.
"This plan would mean universities would not be required to fill all government subsidised places in all courses before enrolling full-fee paying students. In effect, it would open up universities to allowing more people to enrol in courses such as medicine and law as full-fee paying students," Democrats Spokesperson for Higher Education, Senator Natasha Stott Despoja said.
"Any relaxation of the rules for enrolment of domestic fee paying undergraduates will only serve to increase the number of full-fee paying places, further deregulating the undergraduate higher education sector.
"The rules are a critical safeguard in the Higher Education Support Act 2003, preventing the higher education sector from charging full-fees for more than 35% of domestic undergraduate places.
"More students paying for full-fee courses will result in increased demand for FEE-HELP loans, leading to more student debt.
"The undermining of the safeguards would be a worrying indication of what the Minister has in mind for higher education," Senator Stott Despoja said.
To view this Press Release, follow this Link
http://www.democrats.org.au/news/index.htm?press_id=5042&display=1
New IR Regulations will hurt Australia
Senator Andrew Murray
Democrats Senator for
Australian Democrats spokesperson for Workplace Relations
The Australian Democrats said today that the detailed IR Regulations issued this weekend are highly interventionist and one sided, and in the end will hurt Australian society and the economy.
"Our society will be the worse for the erosion of the real wages and conditions of our worst off, and for a meaner approach to employees, Australian Democrats Workplace Relations Spokesperson Senator Andrew Murray, said.
To view this Press Release, follow this Link
http://www.democrats.org.au/news/index.htm?press_id=5048&display=1
CAPA calls for clarity on VSU commitment
CAPA calls on the Minister for Education to clarify the funding available for student organisations and universities to cope with the VSU disaster.
Last December Minister Nelson promised a transition fund of $80 million over 3 years, access to financial advice, and an assessment of the consequences of VSU.
This commitment was blatantly inadequate and yet Minister Bishop now appears to be reducing the offer by rolling some of these provisions into the Workplace Productivity Program.
A competitive funding program to facilitate some universities to take over student services is hardly the answer to the erosion of many years of student representation and independent advocacy. In addition it is unclear how the WPP can fund the anticipated comprehensive assessment of the impact of VSU.
With daily reports of services cut, staff redundancies, and closures of student organisations, the Minister has a responsibility to Australia’s students and institutions to clarify immediately the funding issues and the scope of the promised impact assessment.
For further media enquiries please contact
CAPA President Jason Hart on 0425 823 144
CAPA is the national peak body representing
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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 4 Vol 2
Compiled by Timothy Hart the DCO for Northern, Central and
In this Disability Education and Employment News there is information on the "Doing it Better" - Learning Disabilities in Education and Employment Forum to be held in Melbourne in September, DEAN is holding a Professional Development Day on “Aspergers/Autistic Spectrum Disorders & Emerging Trends and Issues in Disability” and there is the SETTING DIRECTIONS SEMINAR 2006 on University education options for people with disabilities a free seminar for those thinking of going to university in NSW.
Under New Resources we have “Stepping into Law” a four-week paid work placement program available to students doing a Law degree, who have a disability and the “Stepping Into…” Work Experience Series, Techassist - NSW trial - your assistive technology questions answered! The Regional Disability Liaison Officer for NT website now has resources on ‘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’ and ‘Academic Accommodations for Students with a Psychiatric Disability’. Plus other News articles, Conferences and Workshops, Resources and other information for the disability education and employment sectors.
Please distribute the Newsletter to those that you think would be interested in it.
If you have a Resource, a Scholarship, Workshop, Conference, an Event or any other information that is Disability Education or Employment related and you wish to promote it here please e-mail me at thart@med.usyd.edu.au
For information on subscribing, please go to the end of the newsletter.
New Resources on the National RDLO/DCO Website
Calls for Expressions of Interest and Input
Education News:
Students' finances surveyed
Dorothy Illing
March 22, 2006
THE effect of escalating HECS charges and a rise in full-fee-paying students in the past five years will be assessed in a study of student finances.
The Australian Vice-Chancellors Committee last week signed off on a national survey to look at the income, expenditure and debt profiles of university students.
It follows a similar study, Paying Their Way, commissioned by the AVCC in 2000, which found students' financial circumstances were having a significant effect on their study.
The 2000 survey also found a sharp increase in the proportion of full-time students who were working: from 1984 to 2000 this rose from 50 per cent to more than 70 per cent. And the number of hours they worked each week trebled during the same period.
"We've been arguing since that report was done back in 2000 that the Government needs to re-look at the whole youth support arrangements," AVCC chief executive John Mullarvey said.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18554665%255E12332,00.html
State threatens training black list
Justine Ferrari
March 22, 2006
THE NSW Government is considering drawing up a black list of teaching courses and will refuse to hire graduates from those universities that fail to meet its standards.
NSW Department of Education and Training director-general Andrew Cappie-Wood told a federal parliamentary inquiry into teacher education that the Government was prepared to use its power as an employer to lift the standard of teaching degrees.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18553201%255E12332,00.html
Students vote with their feet
Catherine Armitage
HIGHER EDUCATION EDITOR
March 22, 2006
IT is surely no coincidence that Education Minister Julie Bishop's first policy moves in higher education, on fee-paying places and research, are meant to ease the pain of two of the more controversial aspects of the reforms of her predecessor Brendan Nelson.
But consider our revelations that James Cook and Edith Cowan universities now join
It may just be, as the universities hope, that 2003 and 2004 were good years for enrolments, and what we are seeing is a correction to a more realistic pattern, made more painful by the difficulty of forecasting course demand three years in advance.
There may be welcome reasons for the downturn in enrolments: a booming economy that prompts students to choose work over study or a greater take-up in TAFE positions.
But what if the darker speculation is right: that would-be students are shunning universities because they read the figures about the $7 billion blow-out in the HECS debt since 1996 and don't want any part of that burden. What if the pro-HECS mantra - that it is not a disincentive to study as long as repayments are contingent on attaining some future income level - is being proven wrong?
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18555208%255E12332,00.html
Missing students blow uni budgets
Brendan O'Keefe
March 22, 2006
A DROP-OFF in undergraduate demand has pitched another two regional universities into multimillion-dollar budget black holes. Stringent belt-tightening measures, including job cuts, are almost certain to follow.
Edith Cowan and James Cook this week are the latest universities to concede they cannot fill their student quotas and will have to hand back commonwealth-funded places.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18555214%255E12332,00.html
Minister wants
By Jewel Topsfield and David Rood
March 22, 2006
FEDERAL Education Minister Julie Bishop has backed a Commonwealth takeover of universities from the states, saying the current system is dysfunctional and bogged in red tape.
Ms Bishop's comments have reignited debate over control of universities, which receive almost all their public funding from the Federal Government while the states retain legislative power.
"I think that makes for a dysfunctional system, because the Commonwealth has the fiscal power and the states have the legislative power," Ms Bishop told The Age.
She said it was nonsensical that
For the rest of the article go to
Vouchers to fund private education
Samantha Maiden
Political correspondent
March 21, 2006
THE parents of children who struggle to make the grade in maths and English could soon be able to send them to private schools under a taxpayer-funded voucher scheme.
Education Minister Julie Bishop has flagged her support for an expansion of voucher programs, to also include disabled children.
And as part of the push to improve literacy and numeracy, universities would be encouraged to establish centres of excellence for teacher training.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18543529%255E2702,00.html
Minister supports tutoring for disabled
March 21, 2006 - 6:19AM
Parents whose children struggle in literacy and numeracy could soon be eligible for a taxpayer-funded voucher system for private tuition.
Education Minister Julie Bishop said she would also support an expansion of the voucher programs to include children with disabilities.
For the rest of the article go to
Loans for TAFE fees on the cards
March 20, 2006 - 5:39AM
Students at TAFE and other vocational colleges could be offered loans to pay fees under a plan to tackle skills shortages.
A special meeting will consider whether income-linked loans such as HECS and FEE-HELP, available to students since 1989, should also be offered to students in vocational training, The Australian Financial Review reports.
The proposal is being considered during a review of the resourcing of vocational education and training (VET) after the Council of Australian Governments pledged to make skills a priority.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Loans-for-TAFE-fees-on-the-cards/2006/03/20/1142703244197.html
Sunday, March 12
The Tertiary Education Union says budget problems at one of
The ABC has been told Edith Cowan University (ECU) is facing a $20 million budget shortfall and about 100 staff are set to lose their jobs.
Enrolments at ECU have fallen significantly this year and the university is facing large budget cuts, with Commonwealth funding linked to sponsored places.
Union spokesman Mick Campion says funding has not kept pace with the increasing cost of running
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200603/s1589573.htm
Priority one: universities must teach free thought
March 16, 2006
If we learn only work skills we risk becoming a nation of means without ends, writes Steven Schwartz.
IN A recent report, the Business Council of Australia chastises educators for turning out graduates who are not ready for work. "Courses", it argues, "need to be practice-based, relevant and appropriate for business innovation needs."
While not denying that graduates must work, many academics believe that their job is to educate students for a lifetime of learning and self-fulfilment. This tension between vocational training and education, between the practical and the theoretical, between teaching skills and opening minds, has long divided academics, business people and students themselves.
Although universities have existed in
For the rest of the article go to
Places for fee-paying students
Dorothy Illing, Higher education writer
March 16, 2006
UNIVERSITIES will be allowed to enrol more fee-paying students in popular courses to address plunging student demand in some disciplines.
In her first policy move since becoming Education Minister last month, Julie Bishop will relax "nonsensical" rules for the enrolment of domestic fee-paying undergraduates. She also signalled a desire for further cuts to bureaucratic red tape.
Under the Higher Education Support Act 2003, universities are required to fill government-funded student places before enrolling Australian undergraduates on full fees or face severe financial penalties.
Under Ms Bishop's proposal, universities will have to fill only their government places in each discipline or "funding cluster" before they start admitting fee-paying students in that area.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18482623%255E2702,00.html
TAFE revamp to revive trades
Rosemary Odgers and Stephen Wardill
09mar06
The plan comes amid Federal Government warnings that southeast
Under the plan, a Brisbane-based Trade and Technical Skills Institute will take control of the development of training in the traditional trades of building and construction, automotive, electrical, manufacturing and engineering.
As reported in The Courier-Mail yesterday, the centrepiece of the Queensland Skills Plan involves fast-tracking competent apprentices into their chosen field by shortening the duration of three-quarters of apprenticeships by up to one year.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,18398795%255E3102,00.html
http://www.supplychainreview.com.au/index.cfm?li=displaystory&StoryID=26277
Employment News:
I'll break laws if I have to: ACTU boss
By Nick O'Malley Workplace Reporter
March 21, 2006
EMPLOYEES in NSW could lose protection from covert surveillance at work and state laws outlining how apprentices may be treated will be overridden, the release of regulations reveal.
Responding to the changes, the deputy director of
"One of the real reasons for skills shortages has been the collapse of quality on-the-job training," he said.
"These changes are going to strip even more quality out of the training system. They go in the complete opposite direction to what is required."
For the rest of the article go to
http://smh.com.au/news/national/ill-break-laws-if-i-have-to-actu-boss/2006/03/20/1142703287934.html
Message from the Prime Minister
THE Prime Minister's Employer of the Year Awards for people with a disability provide an opportunity to formally recognise the efforts of employers, large and small, in breaking down employment barriers for people with disabilities.
Having a disability should not be a barrier to working. As the employers and employees in this lift-out show, having the right attitude and a willingness to participate in the workforce is beneficial to both individuals and businesses. Australian employers are leading the way in recognising the potential of people with disabilities to participate and contribute in the workplace.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/sectionindex2/0,5746,s2-sp545%5E%5ETEXT,00.html
Download the full report at http://mp3.news.com.au/aus/PM-awards.pdf (17mb pdf)
Take-up of apprenticeships continues to grow
The number of people starting an apprenticeship or traineeship has grown for the sixth successive quarter, based on seasonally adjusted data. In the 12 months to 30 September 2005, the number of commencements increased 5% over the previous year to 267 600. There was considerable growth (up 13%) in commencements for older people (aged 45 years and over), and in 'traditional apprenticeships', which recorded an increase of 14% over the previous year.
The trend of increased commencements in apprenticeships and traineeships in higher-level qualifications continued in the year to 30 September 2005, as more people commenced training contracts at the Australian Qualifications Framework qualification level three or higher (up 8%). Further information about apprentice and trainee activity is available from 'Australian vocational education and training statistics: Apprentices and trainees – September quarter 2005, Summary'.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1668.html
Have school vocational education and training programs been successful?
_Alison Anlezark, Tom Karmel, Koon Ong_
School vocational education and training (VET) programs were introduced to provide more diverse pathways to work and further study for young people. This report investigates whether these programs provide successful outcomes for participants, in terms of retention to Year 12 (or its vocational equivalent) and full-time engagement with employment or learning. The report finds that participation in school VET programs has a small negative impact on retention from Year 10 to Year 12 overall but that there is a positive impact on Year 10 to Year 11 retention. There is a clear positive impact on post-school outcomes for students who participate in school VET programs in Year 11 but do not go on to complete Year 12. Finally, the report looks at whether school VET programs have been successful in establishing post-school VET pathways. The results show that these programs provide a clear pathway for some students, particularly for boys studying in the areas of building and engineering. For most students, however, the pathway is not so direct.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1654.html
Mix or match? New Apprentices' learning styles and trainers' preferences for training in workplaces
_Roger Harris, Michele Simons, John Bone_
The research investigated the learning preferences of New Apprentices and training preferences of their trainers in the manufacturing, community and retail services sectors, and outlines how this data can be used to inform trainers. The study showed that the preferred workplace features of trainers and New Apprentices in manufacturing were quite different from those in retail and community services. The nature of work and industry shapes what is expected to support learning in any particular workplace. The practicalities
of industry workplaces mean that preferences cannot always be met, and hence the expectations of both trainers and New Apprentices need to be clarified early in their working relationship.
http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1664.html
Welfare News:
Mental crisis to receive $1.5 billion
Steve Lewis and Patricia Karvelas
March 22, 2006
MEDICARE will be dramatically expanded to allow more mentally ill people to see psychologists on referral from the family doctor as part of a $1.5 billion plan to tackle the nation's mental health crisis.
In a concerted effort to address the disorders that touch as many as one in five Australians a year, "safe houses" for mental patients could also be established to provide short-term accommodation for those left destitute.
Welfare and community agencies will also be given increased financial support as part of the four-year funding proposal to better deal with the effects of drug abuse on the mentally ill.
Signalling a major shift in the Government's health priorities, John Howard will unveil the mental health blueprint for tackling disorders such as depression and schizophrenia.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18558742%255E601,00.html
$546m welfare proposal
22mar06
CURBING the use of trusts and companies as tax shelters and clamping down on golden handshakes for high income earners would pay for increased spending on vital social services.
That is the federal Budget proposal by the nation's peak welfare organisation.
Better services - and not tax cuts - should be the focus of the next financial year's spending, the Australian Council of Social Services has recommended ahead of the Budget.
Solutions to service shortfalls in areas such as childcare, health care, assistance for jobless people, education and addressing indigenous disadvantage would be the focus of Budget spending under 30 recommendations by ACOSS.
The funding required to cover the recommendations would be $546 million
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,18556668%255E911,00.html
Budget should back services: ACOSS
By Melissa Polimeni
21mar06
THE nation's peak welfare group is calling for more spending on dental health care, childcare and education rather than tax cuts in the upcoming Federal Budget.
Launching its wish list for the Budget today, the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) said most Australians would prefer extra spending on basic services to a tax cut.
"Instead of tax cuts, the focus of new spending should be helping disadvantaged Australians so that no-one is left behind by economic growth," ACOSS president Lin Hatfield Dodds said.
For the rest of the article go to
http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,18549332%255E462,00.html
Single mums prone to serious depression
March 19, 2006 - 12:45PM
Young single mothers are more likely than other women in
Sole mothers with children aged under 16 also are more likely to take medication for depression, anxiety or to help them sleep than their married counterparts and women without children, researchers say.
Results of the survey, involving 9,690 Australian women aged 22 to 27 and 12,338 women aged 47 to 52, are published in the latest Medical Journal of Australia.
For the rest of the article go to
Wage judge tips cuts in welfare
By Meaghan Shaw
March 18, 2006
WELFARE payments may have to be cut under the Federal Government's new workplace regime, otherwise lower minimum wages would provide no incentive to work,
Australian Industrial Relations Commission president Geoffrey Giudice said the Government's new wage-setting body, the Fair Pay Commission, would undoubtedly slow the rate of growth of minimum wages, which would combine with other income-cutting elements of the new WorkChoices laws.
"People with low skills, low bargaining power, are heading for (the five minimum conditions that comprise) the Fair Pay and Conditions Standard, which will have an effect on their incomes," he said. "This will be accompanied by a slowdown in the rate of growth of minimum wages — that's what the Fair Pay Commission is for … If those things are going to occur, they'll probably have to be accompanied by a reduction in social welfare, otherwise the incentive to work will reduce."
For the rest of the article go to
http://theage.com.au/news/national/wage-judge-tips-cuts-in-welfare/2006/03/17/1142582526951.html
High cost of freedom
March 18, 2006
Matthew Moore discovers that Freedom of Information means little of both.
WHEN the Federal Government unveiled its welfare-to-work policy last year it sparked the sort of debate you'd expect from the biggest shake-up of the welfare system in half a century.
With about 1.5 million unemployed, sole parents and disabled people directly affected by the changes, it might seem beyond argument there is considerable public interest in knowing what effect the Government has calculated the policy will have.
Wrong, according to the Government's Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, which crafted the new policy and has now ruled that disclosure of documents explaining its effect "would not, on balance, be in the public interest".
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/high-cost-of-freedom/2006/03/17/1142582521030.html
International News:
Attitude, Not Cost, Barrier to Disabled Workers
by Catherine Komp
Recent data shows employers who make an effort to accommodate employees with disabilities can do so at little cost and great benefit, exposing deeper discrimination behind dismal employment numbers.
Mar. 9 – Impressing a potential employer during an interview and getting a good job offer is difficult for many. But for those with disabilities – who must prove they are as qualified as non-disabled candidates – finding any job has its own challenges.
Sign up to receive NewStandard headlines and extras by e-mail weekday mornings!
Your privacy is strictly respected. When Congress enacted the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) fifteen years ago, supporters hoped the equity legislation would increase disabled peoples’ opportunities for employment. But, according to researchers at
For the article go to
http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/2909
Study: Social outcasts score lower on tests
Children from the ages of 5 to 11 who were routinely rejected by their peers tended to withdraw from school activities and do worse than their popular classmates on standardized tests, found a University of Nebraska-Lincoln study. Experts say parents who fear their children are being ostracized at school should consider pursuing social skills training for them and enrolling them in off-campus activities.
For the article go to
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/13/AR2006031301318.html
Charity Leaders' Pay Soars Under Federal Jobs Program
BY JEFFREY KOSSEFF, BRYAN DENSON And LES ZAITZ
c.2006 Newhouse News Service
When Congress created the nation's most ambitious jobs program for Americans with severe disabilities, the idea was straightforward and rich with compassion.
Federal agencies would reserve contracts for small nonprofit workshops that hired epileptics, paraplegics and the mentally retarded to make simple products such as mousetraps, blackboards and first-aid kits. The disabled would gain a decent paycheck, some self-esteem and a chance to learn skills that someday might land them a better job.
More than three decades later, the nonprofits increasingly are hiring workers who are mildly disabled, if at all, with aching backs, substance-abuse problems and other maladies common in the American workplace. This new class of federally subsidized worker is getting the highest-paid jobs, while many of the most severely disabled toil for pennies an hour.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.newhousenews.com/archive/Kosseff030706.html
Conferences and Workshops:
International Conferences
Summer will arrive before we know it... and this year, it brings the national APSE conference, "Employment for All-- Start a Revolution," to
The conference will emphasize nine themes: best practices; job development; transition from school to employment; public and economic policy trends; program management; placement support; family and consumer issues; and research to practice. Audiences include service providers, people with disabilities, educators, and employers.
Conference Call for Presentations
http://www.apse2006.org/index.php?page=cfp
AHEAD 2006
AHEAD 2006 in
http://www.ahead.org/training/conference/2006_conf/cfp.htm
For further information do not hesitate to contact Erin Evans, Program Co-Chair, AHEAD 2006 E-mail eevans@babson.edu
National Conferences
Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Inc.
2006 National Conference,
Realizing the Vision for Accessible Information: The Way Forward
Venue: Pacific International,
The aim of Round Table is to facilitate and influence the production and use of quality alternative formats for people with print disabilities. The Round Table Conference 2006 will highlight and celebrate achievements to date and pave the way for the future to ensure the momentum is maintained in a changing and innovative environment.
A full conference programme and registration pack is now available on the Round Table Web site at http://e-bility.com/roundtable
All enquiries should be directed to:
Tammy Axelsen, Administrative Assistant
Ph: 0417 101 418
Email: roundtableadmn@bigpond.com
Spectronics Assisted
Inclusive Learning Technologies®
Surfers
The program can be found at http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/winterschool/
ACROD's Inaugural National Conference on Social Participation
30 - 31 May 2006 -
For more information go to http://www.acrod.org.au/conferences/SP2006/home.htm
Contact Information:
Phone 02 9503 1603 gabe@acrodnsw.net
Brain Injury
Brain Injury Australia's (BIA) will be hosting its inaugural National Conference in Gold Coast
For further information about the Conference or the final date for submission of abstracts please contact ACQ Conference & Event Management on:
Ph: (07) 3725 5588 Email: bia2006@acqi.org.au
"Doing it Better" - Learning Disabilities in Education and Employment Forum
September 24 - 27 2006 - Rydges Hotel Melbourne,
A working forum Doing it Better - learning disability in education and employment, is sponsored by
The Forum aims to meet some of the ground swell of concern that is currently evident in the wider community about the unmet educational and learning requirements of students who are assessed as having a learning disability. The forum aims to address:
· increasing understanding of the human impact of having a learning disability
· psychometric assessment issues
· issues that are presented in the education sectors including curriculum, teaching strategies, support
· access to information
· assistive technology solutions, and
· preparation for and transition to employment
Further information can be found at http://www.deakin.edu.au/events/ldc2006/
3rd International Forum On Disability Management
You can view the website at http://www.ifdm.com.au/
Australian Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology Association National Conference 2006
The conference will provide a forum for exploring issues in technology for people with disabilities.
Contact details: A.M. Meetings Plus
Phone: 03 9372 7182 (International: +61 3 9372 7182)
Email: arata@ammp.com.au
Web site: http://www.e-bility.com/arata/conf.php
“The Right to the Right Health Care” - Evidence, ethics and health in people with developmental disability
An Annual National Health Conference jointly organised by Centre for Developmental Disability Studies Australian and Association of Developmental Disability Medicine
15th-17th November, 2006 SMC Conference Centre (
For further information or to place your name on a mailing list to receive the conference registration brochure, please email tonyharman@med.usyd.edu.au
PATHWAYS 8 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2006-Hobart
On behalf of the Australian Tertiary Education Network on Disability and the Pathways 8 Organising Committee, it is my pleasure to invite you to
For more information go to http://www.leishman-associates.com.au/pathways8/
Call for Presenters
The Pathways 8 organising committee are seeking Presenters for the conference; the deadline for the submitting of abstracts is 5.00PM on Friday 26TH May 2006. For more information on the Call for Presenters and how to submit abstracts go to http://www.leishman-associates.com.au/pathways8/abstract1.php
NSW EVENTS
DEAN Professional Development Day
Date and Location: Wednesday 12 April, Registration from 9:30 a.m.
Topic: Emerging Trends and Issues in Disability & Aspergers/Autistic Spectrum Disorders within Post Secondary Education.
The PD Day will focus on 'Emerging Trends and Issues in Disability' which will be addressed by Graeme Innes, Human Rights Commissioner and Acting Disability Discrimination Commissioner. This is a great opportunity to hear Graeme talk about this topic as well as hear about his new role as Human Rights Commissioner.
The PD day will also focus on Aspergers/Autistic Spectrum Disorders within post secondary education. This is an emerging trend/issue for post secondary education providers as the numbers of students with Aspergers/Autistic Spectrum Disorders tends to be increasing every year and the level of support can tend to be very high and complex.
Program:
9.30 am Registration
10.00 am Graeme Innes: Human Rights Commissioner and Acting Disability Discrimination Commissioner.
11.10 am Noel Boycott, Psychologist and Counsellor
Noel has extensive experience in working with students with Autism/Aspergers and runs social groups for people with Aspergers. Noel will provide practical information about communication methods and social relationships with students with Aspergers within the post secondary education environment.
12.00 pm Morning tea
12.10pm Anthony Warren, Director Outreach and Consultancy Services, Autism Spectrum
Anthony is a Psychologist and Special Educator has extensive experience in working with people with Autism/Aspergers and has worked in various educational, developmental and clinical psychology roles in government and non-government agencies in
Anthony will provide an overview of Autism and Aspergers and associated features, learning supports, practical strategies in the learning environment and associated anxiety issues.
1.30pm lunch
2.00pm Group discussion and Q&A's
2.30pm DEAN Update including an update of the Accreditation Project.
Members $20.00 Non-Members$30.00
Further information including RSVP information, refer to the website:
http://www.anu.edu.au/disabilities/DEAN/news/
Please RSVP your registration form to:
Margaret Butler
Fax: 9715 8549
Email: margaret.m.butler@tafensw.edu.au
Telephone: 9715 8610
RSVP Closing Date: 5th April, 2006
SETTING DIRECTIONS SEMINAR 2006 - University education options for people with disabilities
A FREE SEMINAR
Come to this seminar and find out about: • alternative entry schemes • choosing careers • disability services • assistive technology • talks by current students and graduates • financial issues • and it’s not all study!
Date • Saturday 27 May 2006
Times • Registration 9.30am
Seminar 10.00am – 4.00pm
Venue •
For registration & further details
Contact Liz Claridge
Tel • (02) 9385 6768
Mob • 0418 981 199
Fax • (02) 9385 6262
Email • e.claridge@unsw.edu.au
For further venue information contact
(02) 9514 1183 or visit www.ssu.uts.edu.au/sneeds/
• RSVP • Friday 19 May 2006
New Resources:
“STEPPING INTO…” WORK EXPERIENCE SERIES
The “Stepping into…” work experience series has been developed by The Australian Employers’ Network on Disability and its member organisations to assist students with disability to enter their chosen profession. Work placements are completed during the mid-year semester break (mid-July to mid-August).
The inaugural program, “Stepping into Law”, held in
The 2005 students chose to participate in Stepping into Law to gain practical work experience. Some students were unsure about what area of law they wanted to go into and the work placement provided an opportunity to get hands-on experience and talk to more people in the profession to help them clarify their preferences. Stepping into Law also demonstrated the legal profession’s willingness and commitment to make a difference.
Many students with a disability, despite their ability, enthusiasm and talent, struggle to find employment after graduation.
Research from the Graduate Destination Survey shows that in 2001, 93% of all graduates obtained employment. This was the highest figure since 1990. However, only 68.3% of graduates with a disability obtained employment.
The “Stepping into…” series offers practical work experience for students with disability who may face significant obstacles in gaining employment.
The program is equally beneficial to the organisations involved, as it enhances disability awareness in the workplace, and encourages an inclusive and productive working environment.
Prior to commencement of the placements, firms have their workplace reviewed for access requirements and also participate in disability awareness sessions. Firms actively participate in the development of the 4-week work experience program and an evaluation is undertaken by the firms and the students on completion of the program.
The “Stepping into…” program offers a model for many organisations to follow within their profession to assist students by providing valuable work experience whilst assisting their organisation to gain increased understanding and appreciation of talented people with disability.
“Stepping into Law” is a four-week paid work placement program available to students in the 4th or 5th year of a Law degree, or 2nd or 3rd year of a graduate Law degree, who have a disability.
“Stepping into Law” achieved great success in 2005, and we hope to continue that success in 2006. The program is being offered by prestigious law firms throughout
Applications for the program close on 31st March 2006.
The Eligibility Criteria for “Stepping into Law”, along with the 2006 Application Form, and a brief outline of the program can be found at http://www.emad.asn.au/projects.asp?id=7
For further information, please contact The Australian Employers’ Network on Disability on (02) 9261 3922.
For further information about any of the “Stepping into…” programs, please contact Rachel Butler at The Australian Employers’ Network on Disability on 1300 363 645 or Rachel.Butler@emad.asn.au Web: www.emad.asn.au
The
The Winter '06 Newsletter is available here: http://www.beachcenter.org/news/default.asp?Type=Newsletter&act=&id=73
Accessible Design of Distance Learning (Web Page)
This Web page from The National Center on Accessible Distance Learning (AccessDL) provides links to resources on making Web-based distance learning courses accessible to students and instructors with disabilities, including discussion lists, accessibility indicators, publications, streaming video presentations, trainings, resource centers, promising practices, course management software, Web editors, and research.
http://www.washington.edu/doit/Resources/accessdl.html
The Fast Facts for Faculty information briefs from the ADA Coordinator’s Office at the
http://ada.osu.edu/resources/fastfacts/
Parents Help With Careers—future directions
How parents can help their children with career choices can be found at:
http://www.dest.gov.au/NR/rdonlyres/63B60C0F-ED1D-41EF-A983-A81C51E07FC1/670/ParentsHelp.pdf
Also TAFE Qld have developed a booklet, Anything’s Possible that targets parents as career counsellors
It can be found at http://www.tafe.qld.gov.au/resources/pdf/Parents_brochure.pdf
Or visit the Qld TAFE website www.tafe.qld.gov.au and search for Anything's Possible.
Customized Employment—Practical Solutions for Employment Success
The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) of the U.S. Department of Labor established a Customized Employment initiative to build the capacity of workforce systems to serve all customers, including individuals with disabilities. This collection of Web pages from ODEP includes Customized Employment: A New Competitive Edge, Customized Employment: Principles and Indicators, Job Seeker Exploration, Creating a Blueprint for Job Development, and Negotiating with Employers.
http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/custom/
New Resources on the National RDLO-DCO Website 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 .......
Axistive - Assistive Technology News Portal http://www.axistive.com/
Axistive Assistive Technology News Portal offers free news, articles, product reviews and all product and vendor information of assistive technology devices. Here you will find objective information on how to use and find devices that make the use of, and access to the digital world easier. http://www.adcet.edu.au/rdco/ViewWebItemDetail.aspx?itemid=1131
Disability Awareness Training
http://www.waikato.ac.nz/sasd/health/disability/awareness/
The
TECHASSIST - NSW TRIAL - YOUR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY QUESTIONS ANSWERED!
TechAssist is for people who use assistive computer technology at work, at their educational institution or at home. Specialised help can be hard to find, costly and delayed. TechAssist aims to provide immediate online support and training, eg. technical support when a device or program is not working properly; expert advice about new options, demonstrated to you on your own computer.
The TechAssist pilot project is funded by the Department of Education, Science and Training. It is being implemented by Ability Technology, a not-for-profit organisation with extensive experience in assisting people in using assistive computer technology.
The project aims to give educators, employers, disability services and people with a disability access to a range of professional advice. They will also be gathering data to argue for the establishment of a permanent support service in this area. The "TechAssist" pilot project for NSW will run to mid-2006.
For more information contact Kay Dean, Regional Disability Liaison Officer, Hunter/Central Coast Region, NSW on Tel: (02) 4921 8844 or Mobile: 0438 218848 or email: kay.dean@newcastle.edu.au
http://www.adcet.edu.au/rdco/ViewNewsDetail.aspx?itemid=411
Learning Experiences of Students with a Learning Disability
http://www.adcet.edu.au/Uploads/Documents/disability-project-report.pdf [pdf: 295 kilobytes, opens in new window]
This study aims to increase awareness and understanding of the needs of The University of Nottingham students who have a disability. The project is a qualitative investigation using in-depth interviews, work 'shadowing', and video recordings of a 'day in the life of' a number of selected students. Interview and video data will be used (with student consent) to develop high quality, training materials for a variety of contexts.
‘Academic Accommodations for Students with a Psychiatric Disability’
Students with psychiatric disabilities are entitled to reasonable academic accommodations under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) and Disability Standards for Education 2005. Providing effective accommodations allows students equal access to academic courses and activities. Their presence also contributes to the diversity of the student population. This resource is concerned with the impact of mental illness on academic pursuits, and the development of strategies to study successfully.
‘The Road Ahead… A
The workbook was produced for people with a disability (which includes a chronic medical condition) who are considering their post-secondary education and training, for example, secondary school students, VTE (Vocational and Technical Education) students, potential New Apprentices and people looking to change their career direction. We hope it will be used by secondary school students in Year 11 or earlier. Teachers and trainers facilitating group work on career planning with people with a disability could also use it. This project was a joint Initiative and can be accessed on the following websites.
http://www.disabilitycentral.com.au
http://www.cdu.edu.au/rdlo/The-Road-Ahead.pdf The Road Ahead: a NT Self-Help Planning Guide [pdf 6.18 mb]
Hot Topic - Inclusive Teaching Strategies -
http://www.adcet.edu.au/rdco/ViewFAQDetail.aspx?itemID=74
Calls for Expressions of Interest and Input:
Ability Not Disability
Australian industries are experiencing the impact of skills shortage. Employers cannot afford to miss any opportunity to look at and consider all possible sources for their workforce and increase their competitive advantage.
ABL/State Chamber is at the forefront of issues affecting business, one of the main issues being matching the most appropriate candidate to a job is the single most important outcome for recruitment.
People with a disability represent a relatively untapped resource for employers. There are approximately 700,000 people receiving a Disability Support Pension. This represents a large proportion of the population that is not being utilised as a resource with skills and knowledge.
Understanding, developing and effectively managing the diversity of their employee’s and target markets is a factor in a businesses future success.
To support the individual employers engage people with a disability. ABL/State Chamber can provide assistance through a Disability Project Officer who is available to give advice on assistance services, support and the incentives that are available to employers looking to employ people with a disability. Information is also available at www.australianbusiness.com.au under Training and apprenticeships.
ABL/State Chamber is currently looking for case studies of employers who have employed a person with a disability to be used to assist employers engage people with a disability into employment.
If you would like to participate or need information on support and incentives available please contact George Maitland, Disability Project Officer at george.maitland@australianbusiness.com.au or on 9458 7623, 0402 467753
Profiling people with a disability in employment
TAFE NSW Disability Programs are developing a resource of several DVDs to showcase the full range of opportunities for people with disabilities across the workplace.
This resource will have three aims:
It is proposed that there will be one DVD for each of the following six areas of disability: Hearing, Intellectual, Learning/Neurological, Physical, Psychiatric and Vision.
TAFE Disability Programs need assistance in finding a large number of people with disabilities willing to be take part in this project. They are collecting expressions of interest from around the country.
To request an information/nomination form please email toby.prentice@tafensw.edu.au or phone Toby on 9244 5098 or Mark Kelly on 9244 5101.
Please note that nominating for the project does not guarantee involvement.
Request for Input from Mature Age Students with a Disability
Liz Horrock from the University of South Australia and Leonie Challans the Regional Disability Liaison Officer for Adelaide are putting together a resource that encourages and informs mature aged students with a disability/medical condition of the benefits of studying at university or TAFE. The resource will also support employers, agencies and people with a disability in their mid-years to train or re-train in the higher education or vocational education and training sector with a focus on moving into employment. With the advent of the Welfare to Work program they want this resource to particularly encourage and support people with a disability in their mid-years (40-55+).
They would like to hear from any mature age students (approximately in the 40-55+ but not necessarily restricted to that bracket regarding
What was helpful in your move to study as a mature age student - any publications/group/resources/counselling/resource?
What were the barriers? - funds, housing, scholarships, child care, lack of information about actual study, access to special entry avenues and the like
What would have been very useful but wasn't available?
What information did your employment or other service provider have to assist you?
What did they need but couldn't find?
Anything else that was helpful in deciding to move into further study and then into employment?
Anything that has been a barrier?
Any and all information is welcome
Would you please respond to Leonie Challans leonie.challans@unisa.edu.au or on (08) 8302 1756
Spotlight on Useful Resources:
Low Cost Internet
A low cost Internet service is now available to people on a Disability Services Pension, a DVA Entitlement Pension or an Aged Pension Card thanks to a partnership arrangement negotiated by Technical Aid to the Disabled Australia (TADAust) with wholesales communications provider, ispOne.
At the rate of only $5.50 a month, including no set-up fee, unlimited downloads and flexible contract arrangements, this is the cheapest dialup service on the market today.
TADAust is a national organisation that together with health care professionals assesses the needs of the frail aged and people with disabilities in order to design aids that will improve their independence.
For more information contact: TADACT on 02 6287 4290 or go to http://www.tadaustconnect.org.au/ to register.
Cheap PCs
GreenPC computers and eligibility - GreenPC asks for verification of low-income status via a Health Care Card, Pension Card, or some other form of low-income status. Therefore, students with disabilities from low-income backgrounds certainly qualify and can purchase systems through us by calling us directly on (03) 9486 9355 or visiting our website at www.greenpc.com.au . Our website lists all our available systems together with pricing information. Please feel free to circulate and/or direct any interested people to our website.
Australasian Network of Students with Disabilities (ANSWD)
ANSWD is a student organisation, advocating, promoting, lobbying and campaigning on disability issues. We seek to achieve equality, access, and representation of students with disabilities in the tertiary education sector.
FACSIA has published a research paper: Income support customers
This paper provides a snapshot of the number and demographic characteristics of income support recipients in June 2002. Income support payments cater for different circumstances, such as disability, sickness, unemployment, caring and parenting responsibilities. The publication is expected to provide a ready source of payment information data for government, university and research institutions, community organisations and international welfare agencies. It is available in HTML and PDF format and can be downloaded at:
http://www.facs.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/research/stps-stps_1.htm
HREOC - Complaint handling report
The Commission has recently produced a paper - Five years on: An update on the complaint handling work of the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission -which outlines the findings of two research projects undertaken in the 2004-05 reporting year. See the paper online at: http://www.humanrights.gov.au/complaints_information/publications/five_years_on.html
Report of National Inquiry into Disability and Employment tabled
Release of the Final Report for the National Inquiry into Employment and Disability The final report – WORKability II: Solutions – makes a series of recommendations to address the myriad of barriers identified in the Inquiry's interim report – WORKability I: Barriers. A full copy of the report can be downloaded from
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/disability_rights/employment_inquiry/index.htm
Scholarships:
http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/dco/Scholarships.htm
Media Releases:
The Hon Joe Hockey MP
MINISTER FOR HUMAN SERVICES, MEDIA RELEASE
Friday 10th March 2006
$320 MILLION FOR THE JOBLESS
The Minister for Human Services, the Hon Joe Hockey, MP today launched a new $320 million programme over three years to assist over a million Australians to connect to support services as part of the Government’s welfare to work package.
“It is about helping people get ready for work by quickly connecting them to a range of services, like the Personal Support Programme, rehabilitation or Job Network. The key is linking people to the right service quickly,” said Minister Hockey. “We know from the experience of rehabilitation specialists like CRS Australia, that early intervention increases a person’s opportunity to find work that suits their abilities,” he said. “Most people want to work or contribute to their community but some have genuine barriers,” said Minister Hockey. “The Job Capacity Assessment is designed to help people with those barriers improve their opportunities in finding work.”
“From the 1st of July 2006, people who apply for a Disability Support Pension, or receive a Centrelink payment with activity test requirements and have reasons preventing them from working, such as illness or injury, or with those with other barriers to work, will now have their work capacity assessed by the Job Capacity Assessment.”
For the rest of this Media Release go to
http://www.joehockey.com/mediahub/mprDetail.aspx?prID=105
Research critical of mutual obligation ‘franchise’
Date: 14 March 2006
Contact: VIC – Tim Martyn (03) 9427 7388
NSW – Minh Nguyen (02) 9356 3888
The Ignatius Centre for Social Policy and Research at Jesuit Social Services and Uniya Jesuit Social Justice Centre, have released today two papers investigating the widening application of mutual obligation within Australian public policy.
The papers examine the application of the ‘mutual obligation’ concept of individual responsibility to
In both cases, the research found that shifting blame to the individual or individual nation ignores the structural barriers that cause poverty.
For the rest of this Media Release go to
http://www.uniya.org/news/media_14mar06.html
For the Report go to
http://www.uniya.org/research/mutual_obligation.html
Full-fee proposal worrying
Senator Natasha Stott Despoja
Democrats Senator for
Australian Democrats spokesperson for Higher Education
The new Education Ministers proposal to relax university enrolment rules to allow more full-fee paying places will make university education less accessible to many Australians, according to the Australian Democrats.
"This plan would mean universities would not be required to fill all government subsidised places in all courses before enrolling full-fee paying students. In effect, it would open up universities to allowing more people to enrol in courses such as medicine and law as full-fee paying students," Democrats Spokesperson for Higher Education, Senator Natasha Stott Despoja said.
"Any relaxation of the rules for enrolment of domestic fee paying undergraduates will only serve to increase the number of full-fee paying places, further deregulating the undergraduate higher education sector.
"The rules are a critical safeguard in the Higher Education Support Act 2003, preventing the higher education sector from charging full-fees for more than 35% of domestic undergraduate places.
"More students paying for full-fee courses will result in increased demand for FEE-HELP loans, leading to more student debt.
"The undermining of the safeguards would be a worrying indication of what the Minister has in mind for higher education," Senator Stott Despoja said.
To view this Press Release, follow this Link
http://www.democrats.org.au/news/index.htm?press_id=5042&display=1
New IR Regulations will hurt Australia
Senator Andrew Murray
Democrats Senator for
Australian Democrats spokesperson for Workplace Relations
The Australian Democrats said today that the detailed IR Regulations issued this weekend are highly interventionist and one sided, and in the end will hurt Australian society and the economy.
"Our society will be the worse for the erosion of the real wages and conditions of our worst off, and for a meaner approach to employees, Australian Democrats Workplace Relations Spokesperson Senator Andrew Murray, said.
To view this Press Release, follow this Link
http://www.democrats.org.au/news/index.htm?press_id=5048&display=1
CAPA calls for clarity on VSU commitment
CAPA calls on the Minister for Education to clarify the funding available for student organisations and universities to cope with the VSU disaster.
Last December Minister Nelson promised a transition fund of $80 million over 3 years, access to financial advice, and an assessment of the consequences of VSU.
This commitment was blatantly inadequate and yet Minister Bishop now appears to be reducing the offer by rolling some of these provisions into the Workplace Productivity Program.
A competitive funding program to facilitate some universities to take over student services is hardly the answer to the erosion of many years of student representation and independent advocacy. In addition it is unclear how the WPP can fund the anticipated comprehensive assessment of the impact of VSU.
With daily reports of services cut, staff redundancies, and closures of student organisations, the Minister has a responsibility to Australia’s students and institutions to clarify immediately the funding issues and the scope of the promised impact assessment.
For further media enquiries please contact
CAPA President Jason Hart on 0425 823 144
CAPA is the national peak body representing
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No 4 Vol 2
Compiled by Timothy Hart the DCO for Northern, Central and
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