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Disability Education and Employment News: Vol 2 No 5 - Monday, 11th April 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
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Stop Press
Due to an overwhelming response to Wednesday's 12 April DEAN PD Day on Emerging Trends and Issues in Disability' & Autism/Aspergers in Post Secondary Education we have had to change the location at UTS, City Campus.
The new venue is Building 6 (Peter Johnson Building), Level 3, Room 20 UTS, City Campus
There is access from Harris st (stairs and ramp) or via an overpass bridge to the right of the Tower building (over Harris St)
Link to Map: http://www.uts.edu.au/about/mapsdirections/bway.html
There will be signs to help direct you.
Anyone who requires accessible parking please contact Liz Penny
Email: Liz.Penny@uts.edu.au
Ph - 9514 1202
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In this Disability Education and Employment News there is information on the SETTING DIRECTIONS SEMINAR 2006, University education options for people with disabilities a free seminar for those thinking of going to university in NSW and the “STEPPING INTO EMPLOYMENT ADVISOR 2006” a paid work placement program for psychology, rehabilitation & social science students with a 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.
Calls for Expressions of Interest and Input
Education News:
Beazley faces uni fee push
By Jewel Topsfield
April 7, 2006
OPPOSITION Leader Kim Beazley will face pressure from his own party to abandon Labor's long-standing opposition to full-fee-paying places for Australian undergraduate students.
The push comes as Mr Beazley confirmed yesterday that Labor was likely to dump its notorious private school "hit list", which would have seen 67 of the nation's wealthiest private schools lose federal funding.
"We are looking in totality at our education policies," he said. "I don't want to be bogged down in argument about taking away from people."
Opposition education spokeswoman Jenny Macklin yesterday stressed that Labor continued to oppose full-fee degrees for Australian undergraduates at public universities, which can cost up to $200,000. But The Age has learned of a behind-the-scenes push within the party to review the policy, which universities claim would cost them millions of dollars.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/beazley-faces-uni-fee-push/2006/04/06/1143916656777.html
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,18737708-601,00.html
Unis declare war on red tape
Catherine Armitage, Higher education editor
April 05, 2006
UNIVERSITIES desperate to shore up their income in the face of falling student demand are calling on Education, Science and Training Minister Julie Bishop for more freedom to move government-funded places to where the need is greatest.
They say Ms Bishop's first policy move in higher education last month, to relax "nonsensical" rules restricting the enrolment of domestic fee-paying students, did not go far enough.
They want the new minister to further unravel the legacy of predecessor Brendan Nelson by freeing them to switch unfilled government-funded university places from subject disciplines, where demand is low, into different disciplines where there is unmet student demand. . . .
Several vice-chancellors contacted by the HES this week expressed concern that students from low socio-economic backgrounds, who are by nature debt-averse, are those most likely to be passing up the chance of a HECS-funded university education in the present climate. They said the sector needed to work harder to convince the population of the benefits of a university education.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18713333%255E12332,00.html
Specialist degrees no longer in vogue
Brendan O'Keefe
March 29, 2006
UNIVERSITIES are shifting from niche programs towards more generic degrees to cut costs and offer flexibility to students.
The University of Melbourne is switching to a system of generalist undergraduate degrees followed by specialist graduate school. The University of Queensland plans to axe up to 14 majors in a shake-out of its bachelor of arts program, while the University of Newcastle has abandoned niche degrees and dropped 1000 courses as part of a cost-cutting exercise.
Higher education researcher Richard James said specialist degrees had been "unhelpful".
"They purport to offer a vocational outcome that they can't necessarily guarantee and they align the degree all too closely with the labour market," said Dr James, director of the University of Melbourne's Centre for the Study of Higher Education.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18636247%255E12332,00.html
Fee degrees fail to deter Bond students
Fears that only the super-rich can afford full-fee medical degrees are proving unfounded. Health editor Adam Cresswell reports
March 25, 2006
AT the relatively tender age of 22, Lucas Wheatley has taken on a financial commitment that would make many others of his age blanche. As a full-fee-paying medical student, he's embarked on a degree course that will end up costing him over $200,000, and leave him in debt for years to come.
That doesn't seem to trouble him too much, and it's not because he already has the cash in a suitcase under his bed – he doesn't.
The son of an engineer father and housewife mother, he has already been working and saving for years. He still weaves work for a telecommunications company in with his studies, and plans to pay his way by supplementing this with tens of thousands of dollars' worth of loans from the federal Government, and commercial lenders later if necessary.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18588943%255E12332,00.html
Education is key to productivity
By Ross Gittins
March 25, 2006
OUR miracle economy is running out of spark. The rapid productivity improvement of the 1990s has not continued into the noughties.
Between 1998 and 2004, growth in multi-factor productivity dropped to a below-trend 1 per cent a year, compared with 2.1 per cent during the 1993 to 1998 growth cycle.
When people look back on this period, they will judge us to have been far too complacent. The Howard Government has sat back and enjoyed the spoils of past reforms without putting in enough effort to keep the good times rolling.
But don't the latest reforms of the labour market fill the bill? I doubt it.
The Government keeps asserting that its efforts to stitch up the unions will lead to higher productivity, higher wages and lower unemployment, but it's offered little explanation of the mechanisms by which these things are supposed to come about.
The lack of enthusiasm, and in some notable cases, outright scepticism, with which the nation's economists have greeted the changes tells its own mute story.
So if there was one big thing we could do to improve our future, what would it be? There's not much doubt about it: turn us into the long-promised Knowledge Economy.
For the rest of the article go to
Student shares proposal alarms union
Saturday, March 25
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has criticised a proposal for students to sell shares in their future income, in exchange for money while they go to university.
The Centre for Independent Studies has published an article in its quarterly magazine suggesting investors carry the risk of students earning low-incomes but do well out of high-earning students.
The union's president, Carolyn Allport, says the proposal could see financiers take advantage of students.
"Or could put the student in a particularly invidious position, with the person who ... stakes their investment in this particular person," she said.
"What would happen if they defaulted?
"You know it's a mixture of all these market and financial mechanisms but we're talking about a person."
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200603/s1600631.htm
Universities eye the perilous path of two-tier schooling
March 24, 2006
University of Melbourne vice-chancellor Glyn Davis replaced federal Education Minister Julie Bishop as a speaker at a higher education conference this week. His confronting message may have caused the minister to regret her withdrawal as he spelt out the stark options confronting Australia's chronically underfunded public universities. His call for radical changes, which would give institutions much greater freedom to determine their course offerings and fees, drew this response from Ms Bishop: "In order to deregulate, the sector needs to demonstrate to government and the community that they can deliver excellence, equity and access, and maintain the national interest in fields of study." The problem with that response is that Professor Davis drew attention to just how incompatible these goals are with falling Commonwealth spending on universities over three decades.
For the rest of the article go to
Student equity loans to pay for degrees
Samantha Maiden
March 24, 2006
LABOR MP Craig Emerson has challenged the ALP to embrace private investment in the nation's universities under a radical loans scheme that would help students pay for degrees.
As Melbourne University vice-chancellor Glyn Davis warned yesterday that universities could no longer "wait for governments to rescue them", Dr Emerson unveiled a plan to invite banks and superannuation funds to help students through university by offering equity loans.
Unlike a HECS debt or loan, the education stocks, or "human capital contracts" as Dr Emerson calls them, would embrace equity financing and require students to pay a percentage of their future income to super funds and banks.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18583204%255E12332,00.html
Craig Emerson: No productivity in a poor education
Australia's investment in children is falling, even as pensioner numbers rise
March 23, 2006
AUSTRALIA in 40 years' time is projected to have an extra 4.3 million people over the age of 65, but only 0.5 million more children. Education is by far the most potent source of modern productivity growth - tomorrow's prosperity.
And it lifts lifetime workforce participation rates and improves health outcomes, further helping to combat the adverse effects of an ageing population.
Yet in a shocking indictment of our education system, one in five Australians is functionally illiterate, and there has been no improvement in literacy among children in the past quarter of a century.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18566829%255E7583,00.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200603/s1598541.htm
School system failing the poor
Justine Ferrari, Education writer
March 23, 2006
PARENTAL income is a bigger factor in a child's academic achievement than the school the child attends.
Former OECD education director Barry McGaw found the reading ability of the nation's poorest students lagged behind the richest students by three years by the age of 15.
Professor McGaw said the Australian ethos of a fair go was not present in the education system, which tended to entrench social differences rather than allow students to overcome them.
In his first interview since returning to Australia from his OECD post, Professor McGaw said the most socially disadvantaged children in Australia lagged about 1 1/2 years behind the reading ability of the poorest students in Canada, Japan, Finland and South Korea.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18571007%255E2702,00.html
Govt denies trying to take control of universities
Federal Education Minister Julie Bishop has rejected claims the Government is trying to take control of universities from its state counterparts.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200603/s1600282.htm
Uni chief argues for higher degree of fees
By David Rood
March 23, 2006
MELBOURNE University vice-chancellor Glyn Davis has opened the way for universities to charge students more for degrees, calling for radical reforms allowing institutions to set their own prices and choose which courses to teach.
In a speech yesterday, Professor Davis said universities needed to tap into private income to make up for the continuing decline in federal funding and to compete against the growing private education sector.
The proposals would see universities travel further down the path to a free-market system.
In the absence of public funding, Professor Davis argued, if universities wanted to improve facilities and the education they provided, they had to be able to charge for the real cost of teaching.
"This is not an argument that all universities should charge more," he said. "It is, rather, a case that public universities should be able to operate with freedom enjoyed by the private sector to set their own prices, to decide their own course profile."
For the rest of the article go to
Student debts cost $36.3 million
EMMA SWAIN
Wednesday, 22 March 2006
University students from Maitland, Cessnock, Singleton and Muswellbrook have racked up a staggering $36.3 million in HECS debts, new figures have revealed.
According to the Department of Education, Science and Training, university students in the Hunter electorate will graduate with a HECS debt of $36,361,101.
The total HECS debt across the five electorates of Newcastle, Charlton, Hunter, Shortland and aterson is $248,801,736 - or nearly a quarter of a billion dollars.
The students have accumulated the debts since the introduction of HECS in 1989.
Australian university students now owe $13,292 billion in HECS fees compared with $216 million in 1989, according to the Australian Taxation Office.
For the rest of the article go to
Govt wants four-year-olds at preschool
March 23, 2006 - 6:34AM
All four-year-olds could be sent to preschool under a plan by the federal government to better prepare youngsters for school.
Education Minister Julie Bishop wants all Australian children to receive education through a preschool or an accredited childcare centre with trained staff, according to The Australian newspaper.
The plan is being drawn up by the Prime Minister's Department and will be taken to the next Council of Australian governments meeting in June, the paper said.
Ms Bishop acknowledged that the short hours of formal preschool were often a pain for parents, but said an early childhood education was "necessary".
For the rest of the article go to
Labor MP seeks unified public-private school funding
A Federal Labor backbencher is proposing a radically new approach to education funding.
Opposition backbencher Dr Craig Emerson wants to abandon distinctions between government and private schools by providing funding based on the needs of the students.
Dr Emerson says he would like to see Commonwealth and state education funding pooled and a base amount issued for every student.
Dr Emerson says students with learning or physical difficulties would receive extra funding as would those attending poorer remote schools.
He acknowledges it is an expensive proposal, costing more than $2 billion extra a year, but says it is an investment in the talents of young people.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200603/s1598541.htm
Employment News:
IR laws cause confusion over apprenticeships
The World Today - Thursday, 6 April , 2006 12:14:00
Reporter: David Weber
ELEANOR HALL: The Western Australian Government says it wants the Federal Employment Minister to clear up what it says is confusion about how the federal industrial relations laws apply to apprenticeships.
The Minister Kevin Andrews has said that state laws on apprenticeships are not overridden by the Workplace Relations legislation.
But he's now being contradicted by the country's largest employment organisation for apprentices and trainees.
Group Training Australia says its reading of the law is that state training regulations are no longer valid.
In erth, David Weber reports.
DAVID WEBER: The advice from Group Training Australia is that the WorkChoices system takes precedence.
It says state laws covering training agreements are all overriden by awards and agreements in the federal jurisdiction.
But the information sheet, called 'WorkChoices Update' also says there are matters that are yet to be resolved.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2006/s1610133.htm
Beazley vows to address skills shortage
April 5, 2006 - 3:49PM
Opposition Leader Kim Beazley says he will invest more in training to address the skills shortage in Australia if he wins the next election.
Mr Beazley said the Howard government had increased skilled migration at the expense of training Australians and therefore had created a skills shortage.
"While the economy's need for skilled workers has grown, the Howard government has clamped down on public investment in tertiary education," he said in a speech to business leaders.
"To make up for its reduced investment in training Australian workers, the Howard government has turned on the tap of skilled migration.
"Since 1996, the Howard government has denied opportunities for hundreds of thousands of Australians to study at TAFE or university."
He said the federal government had brought in an additional 270,000 skilled migrants, while 300,000 people had been turned away from TAFE institutions since 1998.
For the rest of the article go to
20pc on welfare, but most want to work
By CRAIG BILDSTIEN 06apr06
TWENTY per cent of South Australia's working-age population is now on welfare.
More than 100,000 of them are not required to look for jobs.
But Federal Workplace Participation Minister Sharman Stone believes many single parents and disabled pensioners want to work regardless.
And she warned businesses in Adelaide yesterday they needed to develop strategies to recruit them.
Dr Stone predicted that Australia would face a shortfall of 195,000 workers over the next five years.
As labour dried up, she believed employers would need to turn to "non-traditional" sources, such as single parents, the mature aged and the disabled.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,18724339%255E2682,00.html
'Aussies first' in Beazley jobs plan
Samantha Maiden, Political correspondent
April 05, 2006
KIM Beazley wants business to sign on to a "mutual obligation" policy to train more Australian workers as it imports skilled migrants from overseas.
Outlining his "Aussies first" policy to tackle skills shortages, the Opposition Leader will today float proposals to boost taxpayer-funded incentives for employers to recruit and train apprentices.
However, he is also to raise the issue of forcing employers to pay market-rate wages to migrant workers on temporary visas and force companies to advertise more widely before they are allowed to source staff from overseas.
He will also accuse John Howard of contributing to the "national shame" of turning students away from university and TAFE while importing foreign workers.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18715447%255E601,00.html
Market cure for offshoring fears
The spectre of foreigners willing to work for subsistence wages looms large in developed countries, writes Gerard Baker
April 05, 2006
THEIR governments may not be able to agree on the next threat and what to do about it, but the peoples of the US and Europe are oddly united in their assessments of the challenge that really undermines their long-term security and their way of life.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18711827%255E28737,00.html
Work as you learn
Wednesday, 29 March 2006
HIGH school students and businesses across the region are set to benefit from a new program aimed at easing the transition between school and the workforce.
The Federally-funded Australian Network of Industry Careers Advisers program hopes to foster a greater connection between businesses, training providers and school students.
The program seeks to develop a three-pronged approach, including structured workplace learning, career transition support and encouraging businesses to "adopt a school" to offer students increased career opportunities.
Businesses across the region are encouraged to offer support through a business mentoring program, helping to conduct mock job interviews and granting students a better understanding of workplace expectations.
Plans for students to undertake industry training at TAFE and in real workplaces are also being developed to enhance the existing State-run Vocational Education and Training scheme.
For the rest of the article go to
Hidden jobless figure may reach 17%
By John Garnaut
March 24, 2006
THE real unemployment rate could be as high as 17 per cent because 2 million people would like to work or take on more hours, new figures show.
As some experts say the economy has reached full employment, the Bureau of Statistics figures revealed as many as 1.5 million "hidden unemployed" are not counted in the official jobless ranks.
Underemployment figures showed 612,000 part-time workers would like more hours. Most want full-time work.
A separate survey showed 840,000 jobless people would work if they could. This pool of 1.5 million under-used workers is not counted among the 545,000 people officially unemployed.
"There are about 2 million people who typically would have got jobs in the 1960s who can't get work now," said John Quiggin, professor of economics at the University of Queensland.
Professor Quiggin's calculations mean about 17.5 per cent of the labour force wants more work than it can get - more than triple the official 5.2 per cent jobless rate. Acceptable real unemployment estimates ranged between 10 and 20 per cent.
For the rest of the article go to
http://smh.com.au/news/national/hidden-jobless-figure-may-reach-17/2006/03/23/1143083906352.html
After IR law, we still lag US
David Uren, Economics correspondent
March 24, 2006
INDUSTRIAL relations reform is not going to help Australia catch up with the world's productivity leaders, according to an analysis by Peter Costello's Treasury Department.
The analysis, which flies in the face of Mr Costello's view that industrial relations reform will be the main source of productivity growth, shows there will be bigger pay-offs from investment in education and by business investing more in capital equipment.
The public admission follows secret treasury analysis, first revealed in The Australian last year and rejected by Mr Costello, that workplace reforms would deliver smaller wager rises for low income earners and cut productivity growth.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18583150%255E2702,00.html
IR reforms fuel fears - life to get tougher, say worried welfare groups
Greg Dundas
Thursday, 23 March 2006
BENDIGO'S most vulnerable people will suffer because of impending Federal Government changes, the city's leading welfare organisations claimed yesterday.
They say low-paid workers and welfare recipients will be hit hardest by the Government's industrial relations reforms and welfare to work changes.
Research by the Victorian Council of Social Service suggests the welfare to work reforms will leave disability pensioners and parenting payment recipients out of pocket.
The council says disability pensioners could lose between $46 and $101 a week, if they are deemed fit for 15 hours work each week.
Meanwhile, parents will lose $29 a week when their youngest child turns eight and they are moved on to Newstart Allowance and forced to search for a job, VCOSS says.
For the rest of the article go to
Welfare News:
Last year the Australian Government announced a range of welfare reform measures known as Welfare to Work.
For further information go to
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/services/welfare_work.htm
Govt faces mixed response to mental health funding promise
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2006/s1609490.htm
Transport plans missing the bus
By Royce Millar
April 6, 2006
AUSTRALIA'S poor rates of preschool attendance — it is 24th among the 30 OECD countries — is partly the fault of poor access to transport in outer suburbs and rural areas, the Brotherhood of St Laurence says.
Brotherhood research and policy manager Dr Janet Stanley told a conference on Transport, Social Disadvantage and Wellbeing yesterday that for too long transport planners and politicians had been preoccupied with getting commuters to work in the city.
She said little attention had been given to helping get people to the many other social, health, education and job destinations that require more localised and responsive transport services.
Speaker after speaker told the conference that whether it was parents with preschool children, elderly people trying to do their shopping or people with disabilities, people without cars and licences were excluded from much of life. The Australian transport system was not meeting a vast array of social needs
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/transport-plans-missing-the-bus/2006/04/05/1143916593314.html
Mentally ill get a Medicare lifeline
By Ruth Pollard and Mark Metherell
April 6, 2006
PATIENTS with mental illness will be able to get care from psychologists at a much lower cost than the current $120 per hour under a big expansion of Medicare aimed at turning around decades of neglect in mental health care.
For the rest of the article go to
Mentally ill 'miss out on housing'
Simon Kearney
April 06, 2006
THE architect of the policy that released thousands of people from asylums says the Howard Government is still failing to answer the need for accommodation for the mentally ill left on the street.
David Richmond - who wrote the seminal 1983 report that set out how the mentally ill should be deinstitutionalised, or cared for in the community - said yesterday the Government had passed the buck on the supply of supported accommodation.
While providing $1.8billion yesterday for much-needed mental health services, John Howard said accommodation was up to the states, who, he said, should follow his lead.
But Professor Richmond told The Australian that leaving supported accommodation funding to the states would "only get us back into more difficulty".
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18726043%255E2702,00.html
Study finds more working poor
Research funded by unions and the Brotherhood of Saint Laurence charity has found more working Australians are facing poverty.
The research was conducted by several social scientists at the University of South Australia, Adelaide University, The University of Sydney and RMIT University.
The paper found low paid workers earning less than $500 a week could not afford to see a dentist, pay rent or cover the cost of a child's school excursion.
University of South Australia researcher Professor Barbara Pocock says there is real concern the Federal Government's new work place changes will make the situation worse.
"I think what the research tells us more broadly is that the proportion of Australians who are working but also poor is increasing - 1.2 million 10 years ago, now 1.8 million round about who are working poor in Australia, and many of them with more than one job," she said.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200604/s1608711.htm
$1.8bn federal assault on mental health crisis
By BRONWYN HURRELL and LAURA ANDERSON 06apr06
MORE mental health workers and clinical services - and respite for people with mental illness and their families - will underpin a five-year $1.8 billion Federal Government assault on the national mental health crisis.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,18724336%255E2682,00.html
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story/0,20281,18717799-5001022,00.html
Costello flags business tax changes
By Saffron Howden
April 03, 2006
TREASURER Peter Costello has ruled out using the May Budget to give relief to low-income earners from high effective marginal tax rates, but signalled some changes to business taxes may be on the way.
Mr Costello was today handed a report by business leaders Dick Warburton and Peter Hendy into how Australia's tax system compares with other developed nations.
Although he won't set an exact date for the release of the paper, Mr Costello said he wanted it in the public domain before he hands down his 11th Budget in five weeks' time.
He is coy about the details of the report and its recommendations, but leaks to the media suggest the industry leaders want to scrap some business taxes and lower the top income tax rate.
For the rest of the article go to
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story/0,20281,18693546-5001028,00.html
ID card plan for health, welfare
Samantha Maiden and James Riley
March 27, 2006
AUSTRALIANS could be issued with a health and welfare smart card to save on postage and prevent billions of dollars being lost to fraud and identity theft, under a plan to be debated by federal cabinet this week.
Families and individuals could be contacted via SMS and email by government agencies about their payments and have Medicare and Centrelink funds automatically credited to the card.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18614599%255E601,00.html
Spend Budget surplus on poor
By SUE DUNLEVY
March 22, 2006
TAX breaks for the rich should be axed in the May Budget to pay for dental care, education and housing for two million Australians living in poverty, the peak welfare group claims.
The Australian Council of Social Services said in its federal Budget submission that one in 10 Australians has been left behind by the nation's good economic times.
And it has asked Treasurer Peter Costello to postpone tax cuts in this year's Budget and spend $2.7 billion on boosting services to the disadvantaged.
Mr Costello has an $11 billion surplus to spend and is under pressure from his own back bench to deliver tax cuts.
But ACOSS said now is the time to help the disadvantaged.
"Currently around 10 per cent of Australians have an unacceptable standard of living and a lack of opportunities for work, good health, education and secure housing," ACOSS president Lin Hatfield Dodds said.
"Meanwhile, some organisations are advocating people on the top tax rate, representing only 3 per cent of the population, get a tax cut."
For the rest of the article go to
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story/0,20281,18553711-5001021,00.html
Political shift over mental health crisis: Innes
Part of a Transcript from PM. The program is broadcast around Australia at 5:10pm on Radio National and 6:10pm on ABC Local Radio.
PM - Wednesday, 22 March , 2006 17:34:13
Reporter: Jean Kennedy
MARK COLVIN: The Federal Government has confirmed it's considering a proposal to expand Medicare so that GPs can refer patients to psychologists, not just psychiatrists.
The Government is refusing to reveal the cost of the mental health package to be presented to the next Council of Australian Governments meeting in June, but it's made it clear it needs to be matched by support from the states and territories.
The Human Rights and Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes says he believes there has been a genuine shift at the political level to address properly what he refers to as the mental health crisis.
After three months in the job, Mr Innes has been speaking to Jean Kennedy about the changes needed to fix the gaps in the system.
GRAEME INNES: As the Prime Minister said this morning; deinstitutionalisation was the correct approach with regard to people with mental health issues, the problem has been resourcing and focusing of programs to support people coming into the community. And it's a problem faced by federal and state governments. And the report which we released last year indicates that they need to tackle it together.
For the rest of this Transcript go to
http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2006/s1598369.htm
International News:
Barriers Still Exist for Disabled Workers
Staff and agencies
05 April, 2006
By ELLEN SIMON, AP Business Writer Tue Apr 4, 2:30 PM ET
NEW YORK - Bruce Morgan knew he was in for a long job search. Morgan has a strong resume and a Masters of Business Administration, but he also has cerebral palsy, which affects his speech. After his company, Nabisco, was bought by Kraft Foods Inc., his 25-person department was laid off on the same day in 2004.
Over the next 19 months, he had 125 in-person meetings and sent a monthly e-mail update to 1,600 people. Sometimes he was merely discouraged, once he was felt he was discriminated against so blatantly, he filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Near the end of his search, Morgan, who lives ompton Plains, N.J. was so disheartened, he started his own computer repair business.
Only 34 percent of working-age people with disabilities had full time or part time jobs in 1986. In 2004, the figure was 35 percent, according to surveys done by the National Organization on Disability in conjunction with the Harris Survey. People without disabilities have an employment rate of 78 percent.
"Employers still have fears and misconceptions about people with disabilities," said Nancy Starnes, vice president and chief of staff at the National Organization on Disability, a nonprofit focusing on the participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.leadingthecharge.com/stories/news-00171070.html
Schools offer tools for success
South Florida colleges and universities are providing students with disabilities the necessary support and technology to help them learn.
BY JENNIFER LEBOVICH
Debra Schoenwetter sits in class, her attention split between the professor lecturing in the front of the room and the instant messenger on her computer screen.
But for Schoenwetter, who is deaf in her left ear and wears a hearing aid in her right, the messaging technology is an invaluable learning tool.
As her professor speaks, a person halfway across the country transcribes the lecture and sends the notes back to Schoenwetter's computer -- in real time.
''It makes a tremendous amount of difference,'' said Schoenwetter, a Florida International University student working toward a bachelor's degree in dietetics and nutrition.
The 34-year-old began losing her hearing about 12 years ago but only became completely deaf within the last few years. ''Without captioning, I'm at a huge deficit in classes,'' she said. ``I hate missing what people are saying.''
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/living/education/14175166.htm
Survey finds uptick in college students seeking counseling
A survey sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh has found that 9% of college students sought psychiatric or psychological help in 2005. Respondents said they've also seen an increase in the number of students seeking help for severe problems. For the survey go to http://www.iacsinc.org/2005%20National%20Survey.pdf
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06093/679069-298.stm
Study points out flaws in autism data
A new study by a University of Wisconsin-Madison scientist casts doubt on data showing a dramatic increase in autism. According to the study, federal statistics on the growth of autism are inaccurate, in large part because methods used to count students are faulty. It also points out the definition of what constitutes autism has changed, and that not all states use the same diagnostic guidelines.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=412874
Study suggests rise in autism cases may not be real
http://www.leadingthecharge.com/stories/news-00169548.html
Special education data provide misleading trends of changing autism prevalence
Medical Research News
Published: Monday, 3-Apr-2006
If statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Education are to be believed, in 1992 the state of Illinois had only 322 diagnosed cases of autism among school children. In 2003, according to the same statistical source, Illinois had more than 6,000 children diagnosed as autistic.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=17004
Conferences and Workshops:
International Conferences
USA - National employment conference seeks presenters
Summer will arrive before we know it... and this year, it brings the national APSE conference, "Employment for All-- Start a Revolution," to Boston from June 28-30. Co-hosts Massachusetts APSE and ICI are excited to invite proposals for presentations.
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 San Diego (July 18-22, 2006)
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, Brisbane, Queensland, 20th to 23rd May 2006
Realizing the Vision for Accessible Information: The Way Forward
Venue: Pacific International, 570 Queen Street, Brisbane, Queensland
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
PO Box 229, North Hobart 7002
Ph: 0417 101 418
Email: roundtableadmn@bigpond.com
Spectronics Assisted Technology Winter School
Inclusive Learning Technologies® Winter School from 23rd to 25th May 2006
Surfers Paradise, Queensland
The program can be found at http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/winterschool/
ACROD's Inaugural National Conference on Social Participation
30 - 31 May 2006 - Star City, Sydney
For more information go to http://www.acrod.org.au/conferences/SP2006/home.htm
Contact Information: Gabrielle Jones, Planning Coordinator ACROD NSW
Phone 02 9503 1603 gabe@acrodnsw.net
Brain Injury Australia's (BIA): Inaugural National Conference 2006
Brain Injury Australia's (BIA) will be hosting its inaugural National Conference in Gold Coast Queensland 31 May - 2 June 2006. The conference theme of the of 'Insights and Solutions' will offer the opportunity to increase understanding of the problems faced by individuals living with brain injury, to strengthen partnerships, and to increase awareness of services, programs and new approaches in brain injury research.
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, Exhibition St, Melbourne
A working forum Doing it Better - learning disability in education and employment, is sponsored by Deakin University, LaTrobe University, RMIT and Freedom Scientific. Gavin Reid from the University of Edinburgh is the keynote speaker. Check out the website and book in early as participation will be limited to 200 registrants. This interactive forum will address the issues around learning disabilities as it affects students in the latter years of their secondary schooling, their transition into and experiences within the postsecondary education sector and then in the workplace.
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:
Further information can be found at http://www.deakin.edu.au/events/ldc2006/
3rd International Forum On Disability Management
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia - 8 to 11 October 2006
You can view the website at http://www.ifdm.com.au/
Australian Rehabilitation & Assistive Technology Association National Conference 2006
Fremantle, Western Australia from the 17 -20 October 2006.
The conference will provide a forum for exploring issues in technology for people with disabilities.
Contact details: A.M. Meetings Plus
Phone: 03 9372 7182 (International: +61 3 9372 7182)
Email: arata@ammp.com.au
Web site: http://www.e-bility.com/arata/conf.php
“The Right to the Right Health Care” - Evidence, ethics and health in people with developmental disability
An Annual National Health Conference jointly organised by Centre for Developmental Disability Studies Australian and Association of Developmental Disability Medicine
15th-17th November, 2006 SMC Conference Centre (Sydney Masonic Centre) 66 Goulburn Street Sydney 2000
For further information or to place your name on a mailing list to receive the conference registration brochure, please email tonyharman@med.usyd.edu.au
PATHWAYS 8 NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2006-Hobart
On behalf of the Australian Tertiary Education Network on Disability and the Pathways 8 Organising Committee, it is my pleasure to invite you to Hobart, Tasmania to attend “Toward 2020” the Pathways 8 National Conference. Hosted by The University of Tasmania, the Conference will be held at Wrest Point Convention Centre from 28th November to 1st December 2006.
For more information go to http://www.leishman-associates.com.au/pathways8/
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
Engaging 15 – 19 Year Olds
15 –19 Year Olds: Engage, Connect, Create - A Conference for TAFE NSW and School staff and teachers
When 26-27 April 2006
Where The Novotel, Brighton-Le-Sands (Sydney)
This is an important event for those within TAFE NSW interested in the education and training needs of 15 – 19 year olds, particularly teachers and Institute managers. It will provide some practical suggestions for engaging with the increasing cohort of 15 – 19 years olds in TAFE.
For Further information go to http://www.icvet.tafensw.edu.au/ezine/year_2006/feb_apr/event_engaging.htm
Or contact
Scott Thomson
Email scott.thomson@det.nsw.edu.au
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 • University of Technology, Sydney, City Campus, Broadway
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:
Employers’ use and views of the VET system 2005 – Summary
This publication presents a summary of results from a national survey of employers conducted in 2005. The survey collects information about employers' use and views of the vocational education and training (VET) system and the various ways employers use the VET system to meet their skill needs. It is available at http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1667.html
Creating Accessible Teaching and Support (CATS) an online resource for teaching and supporting university students with disabilities.
The CATS resource http://www.adcet.edu.au/cats has established a framework for good practice that provides information and resources to assist universities to create equitable access for students with disabilities and to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and the Disability Standards for Education. The project that developed this resource and a series of accompanying booklets has been funded by the Carrick Institute for Learning and Teaching.
Workplace Modifications Scheme (WMS)
There have been some recent and important changes to the Workplace Modifications Scheme (WMS) resulting from the Australian Governments Welfare to Work policy and consultations with industry and disability groups.
These changes are outlined below. This information has been taken from the Australian governments Job Able website - www.jobable.gov.au By John Power
Changes to the WMS:
All workers with disabilities, including the self-employed, are now potentially eligible for workplace modifications funding. They don't need to be a client of an employment service such as Job Network or DOES, nor do they have to be in receipt of the Disability Support Pension (DSP).
However, WMS applicants not in receipt of the DSP must be able to prove through Centrelink that they meet the impairment criteria for receipt of the DSP. Workers with disabilities whose jobs may be at risk are also eligible for assistance under the scheme.
The employer co-contribution can now be non-financial and can include things such as training or providing flexible working conditions. There is no longer a notional limit to the funding each eligible worker can receive. This means that the amount of funding can be adjusted to provide the type of assistance that the worker with disabilities needs. Some requirements are required when building modifications are being considered.
Reimbursement of items that have been purchased without prior approval will not be reimbursed unless previously approved by the Department.
Changes to the Administration of the WMS include:
Claims totalling less than $10 000 from DEWR-funded service providers may no longer need a workplace assessment. This means that claims can be processed faster.
Quotes won't be required for items under $2 500. Items between $2 500 and $5 000 will require one quote. Items over $5 000 will require three quotes.
This will make the application process simpler and faster for the applicant.
There is only one application form. The application form can be submitted by the employer or DEWR funded service provider. The form can be submitted by fax, email or post.
Notification of approval can be sent by email with read receipt. This allows faster approval notification.
Disability Open Employment Services (DOES) and Job Network (JN) providers will be able to have their reimbursements processed online using the EA3000 system (JN from 3 July 2006). This means that costs can be reimbursed faster. It will also mean processing arrangements are more responsive.
Also,
A 13 week Outcome Survey has been introduced so that the department can evaluate the quality of assistance being provided. Information from this survey will be used to help decide future policy for the WMS.
For the latest version of the Workplace Modifications Scheme (WMS) Guidelines go to
http://www.jobable.gov.au/openemploymentproviders/WMS.asp
“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 Sydney in 2005, was highly successful, and subsequently, The Australian Employers’ Network on Disability has expanded the program for 2006 to include:
“Stepping into Accounting” for Accounting students, in Brisbane only;
“Stepping into Employment Advisor” for Psychology and Rehabilitation students, in both Sydney and Brisbane;
and “Stepping into Law” in Sydney and launching in Brisbane.
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.
For more information http://www.emad.asn.au/
“STEPPING INTO EMPLOYMENT ADVISOR 2006”
A paid work placement program for psychology, rehabilitation & social science students with disability
The Australian Employers' Network on Disability would like to announce the launch of "Stepping into Employment Advisor", a fantastic work experience opportunity for final year students with a disability.
Stepping into Employment Advisor is targeted at psychology, rehabilitation and social science students, but students from other disciplines will be considered on a case-by-case basis. The main element of the program will be individual case management, so experience or relevant study of case management will be highly regarded.
Stepping into Employment Advisor provides successful students with four weeks paid work experience with one of Australia's leading employment service providers. Students will gain experience in interviewing and counselling techniques, and will gain valuable insight into the employment services field.
For more information:
National Disability Conference Funding Program 2006-2007
The National Disability Conference Funding Program round for 2006-07 was announced in major national newspapers on 18 March 2006.
Grants are administered to conference organisers to support the inclusion of people with disability at disability focused conferences. Funding is available to support national and international conferences held within Australia between 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2007.
These funds may be provided to conference organisers to:
assist people with disabilities, their families and/or carers with costs such as conference fees, accommodation or travel facilitate access to the conference for people with disabilities, their families and/or carers by, for example, funding Auslan interpreters and hearing loops for people who are Deaf or hearing impaired provide material in alternative formats and/or note-takers.
Conference organisers interested in applying for conference funding are required to read the Guidelines governing the use of funding under the program and submit an Application Form. These documents are available on the FaCSIA website
http://www.facs.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/disabilities/access-conference_funding.htm
Applications close at 2.00pm EST, Friday 28 April 2006.
Disability Awareness Training
http://www.waikato.ac.nz/sasd/health/disability/awareness/
The University of Waikato (New Zealand) has created an interactive Disability Awareness Training resource to assist educators, students and the community become more aware of the options available to people with disability.
New RDLO-DCO Resources http://www.adcet.edu.au/rdco
School to Post-School Transition Resources
http://www.adcet.edu.au/rdco/ViewFAQDetail.aspx?itemID=567 (Opens up a Word document with hyperlinks to resources).
Features information about a range of transition related resources currently in use in Australia. The majority of the resources listed here have been developed or are used by members of the national network of Regional Disability Liaison Officers and Disability Coordination Officers throughout Australia.
Transition: Supporting Students into Post-Secondary Education
http://www.adcet.edu.au/rdco/ViewFAQDetail.aspx?itemID=62
Students with disabilities in transition require everything that other students in transition need including .......
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
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 Northern Territory self-help planning guide to post-secondary education, employment and training for people with a disability and chronic medical conditions’
The workbook was produced for people with a disability (which includes a chronic medical condition) who are considering their post-secondary education and training, for example, secondary school students, VTE (Vocational and Technical Education) students, potential New Apprentices and people looking to change their career direction. We hope it will be used by secondary school students in Year 11 or earlier. Teachers and trainers facilitating group work on career planning with people with a disability could also use it. This project was a joint Initiative and can be accessed on the following websites.
http://www.disabilitycentral.com.au
http://www.cdu.edu.au/rdlo/The-Road-Ahead.pdf The Road Ahead: a NT Self-Help Planning Guide [pdf 6.18 mb]
Hot Topic - Inclusive Teaching Strategies -
http://www.adcet.edu.au/rdco/ViewFAQDetail.aspx?itemID=74
Calls for Expressions of Interest and Input:
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:
Technical Aid to the Disabled (TAD)
TAD is a charity organisation that uses volunteers dedicated to the design, construction and provision of aids for people with disabilities. TAD delivers over a thousand custom-designed aids each year, supplies and maintains more than twelve hundred computers and provides information about its services to a wide range of people. TAD makes and supplies custom-designed aids, where commercial equipment is not suitable or available, provides computers on loan to people with disabilities, and provides information on assistive devices for people with disabilities, rehabilitation, health, engineering and other professionals, government, and the community.
For more information about TAD, visit the Web site www.tadnsw.org.au
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
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:
HREOC welcomes mental health funding announcement
Mental health funding of $1.8 billion over 5 years is a welcome start to addressing the mental health crisis in the Australian community, Human Rights Commissioner Graeme Innes said today.
Mr Innes said that the funding appeared to be aimed at moving away from the containment and care model of previous decades and would assist people with a mental illness to live with dignity in the community.
He called on the Federal Government to take the lead role in coordinating the long-term efforts to address the deficits in mental health care and for States and Territories to match the Commonwealth commitment.
“This funding acknowledges deficits in key areas of mental health services,” said Mr Innes. “It addresses the need for the provision of support services to enable people with mental illness to live in the community, provides support for families and will help to expand the mental health workforce. However, without State and Territories matching the Commonwealth funding, the $1.8 billion will be nowhere near enough.”
Mr Innes said that he looked forward to further detail from the Commonwealth as well as substantial commitments from the States and Territories. He also said he looked forward to more detail on programs for Indigenous mental health, which was highlighted in both the Senate Select Committee on Mental Health's First Report A national approach to mental health - from crisis to community and the report Not for service: Experiences of injustice and despair in mental health care in Australia.
Mr Innes pointed out that Not for service recommended an increase in funding on mental health care services by 1% per annum for each of the next five years so that by 2010 expenditure will be equivalent to 12% of total health care funding.
Working Poor to Enter a Poverty Blackhole
Senator Andrew Bartlett, Deputy Parliamentary Leader and Democrats Senator for Queensland Australian Democrats spokesperson for Family & Community Services
Australian Democrats Senator, Andrew Bartlett said that research released today by Dr Barbara Pocock revealing that Australia's working poor can expect to stay entrenched in poverty their whole lives is set to become a reality for even more working Australians as the Government's welfare and IR changes kick in.
To view this Press Release, follow this Link
http://www.democrats.org.au/news/index.htm?press_id=5084&display=1
New IR laws, same HREOC protections against dismissal on grounds of race, sex, disability and age
Monday, 27 March 2006
With the federal Government’s new laws governing workplace relations coming into effect today, the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) would like to remind employers that federal and state equal opportunity laws still prohibit employers from dismissing people based on grounds covered under the race, sex, disability and age discrimination Acts.
With the introduction of the government’s Work Choices reforms, companies with fewer than 100 employees are exempt from unfair dismissal laws. However, all businesses, regardless of their size, must still adhere to equal opportunity laws and affected employees (including casuals, contract workers, part-time and/or full-time) can still use unlawful termination legislation and make a complaint to HREOC.
The Commission is an independent, national organisation which is responsible for investigating and conciliating complaints under the Racial Discrimination Act 1975, Sex Discrimination Act 1984, Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and Age Discrimination Act 2004.
Grounds for complaint under these Acts may include discrimination based on: sex, pregnancy, marital status or family responsibilities; race, colour, national origin, ethnic origin or descent; actual or imputed disability, medical condition, and; mature aged or youth discrimination.
Complaints can also be made under the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission Act 1986 (HREOCA). One area of complaint under this Act is unfair treatment in employment and occupation on the grounds of religion, political opinion, social origin, criminal record, sexual preference or trade union activity.
HREOC is prepared for any potential increase in complaints received under its laws and will investigate and conciliate complaints in an impartial manner. It does not act as an advocate or legal representative for either party to a complaint. The complaint information and complaint handling service is free.
To assist parties to complaints, HREOC has produced a video/DVD titled 'Pathways to Resolution', which can be ordered online at www.humanrights.gov.au/pathways_to_resolution/
For more information, contact the Commission’s complaints infoline on 1300 656 419, email us at complaintsinfo@humanrights.gov.au or log on to the complaints help page at www.humanrights.gov.au/complaints_information/
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Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the DCO for Northern, Central and Southern Sydney or The Centre for Developmental Disability Studies or The Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training.
The information contained in this newsletter is accurate to the best of our knowledge and No responsibility is taken for its accuracy.
The Disability News Archive can be found at http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/dco/newsletter/
The Regional Disability Liaison Officer and Disability Coordination Officer programmes are funded by the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training
No 5 Vol 2
Compiled by Timothy Hart the DCO for Northern, Central and Southern Sydney
To return to the DCO Disability Newsletter Archive Page go to http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/dco/newsletter or click here