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Disability Education and Employment News:Vol 2 No 6 - Friday, 21st 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
In this Disability Education and Employment News there is under New Resources information on the New Apprenticeships Job Pathways Website, a new website to help people needing New Apprenticeships job and training information, Welfare to Work fact sheets from the National Welfare Rights Network and information on the changes to the Workplace Modifications Scheme (WMS).
For those planning to attend Tertiary education next year, under Scholarships there is information on eight new Freedom Scientific and Quantum Technology scholarships for copies of JAWS Professional screen reading program. Plus other News articles, Conferences and Workshops, Resources and other information for the disability education and employment sectors.
Apologies to those who receive multiple copies of the previous Disability Education and Employment News this was due to a problem with my e-mail account.
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:
For poorer, not for richer
By MARALYN PARKER
April 19, 2006
THERE is a fine line between stirring up political action to get things fixed and just stirring up bad publicity.
Public school principals know the feeling well.
It is the leaky roof syndrome – make a fuss and get the roof fixed at the expense of letting everyone (not just those who can fix it) know you have a leaky roof.
Public school principals are treading this line with their latest argument for revamping school funding policies.
Principals are saying the present funding arrangements are not sustainable.
If state and federal governments continue to give millions to rich, high-fee schools, continue to fund new faith-based schools and not expect any obligations in exchange, then the public system in
Local public schools will be for children no other school wants – for whatever reason.
For the rest of the article go to
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story/0,20281,18855164-5002380,00.html
VSU relief blasted as narrow
Brendan O'Keefe
April 19, 2006
THE Australian Vice-Chancellors Committee has attacked a discussion paper on the allocation of $80 million to help universities cope with voluntary student unionism, saying its focus on sport and recreation clubs is too narrow.
AVCC chief executive John Mullarvey said the discussion paper, announced yesterday by federal Education, Science and Training Minister Julie Bishop, should be broader.
Ms Bishop said the $80 million fund "would support university sport and recreational facilities during the transition to voluntary student unionism".
But Mr Mullarvey protested that sport and recreation were not the only essential services on university campuses that would be affected by VSU.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,18853626-12332,00.html
City universities passed over in $80m transition
For the rest of the article go to
Govt releases paper on VSU funding
April 18, 2006 - 7:59PM
The federal government has released a discussion paper on how it will distribute an $80 million fund for university sporting and recreational facilities when voluntary student unionism (VSU) is introduced.
But Labor and the Australian Democrats say the fund does not include vital services such as childcare, welfare, counselling, legal advice and subsidised food.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Govt-releases-paper-on-VSU-funding/2006/04/18/1145344080236.html
Full-fee places not necessarily a gift
April 18, 2006
Neither party has a solution to the uni access problem.
Should universities be able to charge local undergraduates full fees? Should students with entry scores too low to win a place in their chosen course be able to buy one? Under Coalition policy, yes. Under ALP policy, no.
At the last federal election, the Labor Party pledged to ban full-fee places for Australian undergraduates, a position reaffirmed recently by Opposition Leader Kim Beazley. The policy has two problems. Many institutions rely in part on full-fee students to finance their programs, typically earning more from a full-fee place than from an equivalent Commonwealth-supported place. And preventing a university from creating extra places in courses with high demand but a fixed quota of supported places does nothing to expand student access.
For the rest of the article go to
Cash delay threatens student services
By Stephanie Peatling
April 17, 2006
STUDENT activities and services such as drama and sports clubs, medical facilities and child care face being axed because universities will have to wait for several months before being paid Federal Government funds to help them to adjust to the end of compulsory student unionism.
From July 1 universities will no longer be allowed to charge students up-front service fees and will have to raise money elsewhere to keep student associations and campus facilities open.
However, the $80 million in funds the Government promised to universities to help them cope with the new system will not be available until January 1, and the Government will choose which university programs are worthy of funding.
For the rest of the article go to
Year 12 students 'at risk of stress'
April 16, 2006 - 5:44AM
Nearly one in five year 12 students have thought about killing or hurting themselves because of exam and homework pressures.
Psychologist Karen McGraw, who carried out a new
"The pressure of year 12 can topple these kids into feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, with thoughts of self-harm," Dr McGraw told
Of the 941 Victorian final-year high school students surveyed, 181 students or 19 per cent had thought of suicide or self-harm.
About a third were severely depressed and 41 per cent suffered anxiety.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Year-12-students-at-risk-of-stress/2006/04/16/1145125991572.html
Inequality rules as public purse props up old hierarchies
April 13, 2006
Things must change in a system where choice of schools means schools choosing their students, writes Chris Bonnor.
RECENT initiatives by school principals have created a new twist in an old debate about public and private schooling. Increasing concern about the structure and funding of schools comes as the Federal Government moves to review the funding regime. It also coincides with an apparent policy shift in the Labor Party over the funding of high-fee schools.
School principals have driven many of the changes and improvements to public education in NSW. However, many observers, including principals, are increasingly seeing the agenda to constantly improve schools as masking fundamental social and community realities that are harder to change and which are creating long-term damage to
For the rest of the article go to
Students arrested after sit-in
April 12, 2006
STUDENTS who staged a sit-in at one of
Several demonstrators were arrested after a group of about 50 students sat down in the middle of the intersection at
One female student fell to the ground and hit her head on the road during a scuffle with police.
A heavy police presence is surrounding the protest which numbers about 400 and has caused traffic chaos in the city.
Students from several
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,18793484-1702,00.html
A share in their earnings
Instead of financing their education by debt, students could sell equities in their future prosperity, writes Joseph Clark
April 12, 2006
MOST students at Australian universities finance their education by borrowing money through the HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP systems. In doing so they effectively issue a bond to the Government: the accumulated debt, plus interest payments, is paid back in agreed instalments. An interesting question is this: if a student can finance education with bonds, why not shares? If debt, why not equity?
Instead of borrowing money, a prospective student could sell some fraction of their future income for a fixed number of years after graduation. Let us first be clear on what this would mean.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18785283%255E12332,00.html
Universities report 80 per cent surge in new full-fee students
By Adam Morton
April 11, 2006
FULL-fee-paying places for domestic first-year undergraduates at Victorian universities have surged by up to 80 per cent in the past year, an Age survey has found.
A study of seven universities found an overall rise in Victorian students willing to pay full fees for their degrees, led by a marked upswing at
The Victorian members of the elite Group of Eight universities, Melbourne and Monash, grew their new domestic fee-paying places by about a quarter and a third respectively.
The results came as university leaders warned Opposition Leader Kim Beazley his pledge to scrap full fees for Australian students would cut student places and strip the sector of up to $200 million revenue.
For the rest of the article go to
Let's share: state heads woo private schools
By Anna Patty Education Editor
April 11, 2006
PUBLIC principals want greater integration of private and public schools - and have won the qualified support of Catholic and some independent schools.
The campaign, headed by the NSW Secondary Principals' Council and the NSW Primary Principals' Association, says
The principals say sharing responsibilities and resources, such as libraries, sports grounds and special needs facilities, would improve education on both sides and make private schools more accountable.
For the rest of the article go to
Universities suffer after 10 years of Howard
Trent Hawkins
Since 1996, the Howard government has presided over the cutting of 20,000 government-funded places for students at universities as a result of funding not being properly indexed to inflation, the reduction of untied government funding by 18.6%, and the introduction of domestic undergraduate fully funded places. Average staff-student ratios have increased from 15.6 in 1996 to 20.7 in 2004.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.greenleft.org.au/back/2006/664/664p12.htm
Third degree
http://www.theage.com.au/news/education-news/third-degree/2006/04/07/1143916710866.html
Beazley half-right on uni fees
Andrew Norton, former higher eduction adviser to David Kemp and higher education analyst with The Centre for Independent Studies, writes:
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.crikey.com.au/articles/2006/04/10-1527-5148.html
Beazley vows to junk full uni fees
By Samantha Maiden
10apr06
KIM Beazley faces a billion-dollar black hole to compensate universities for lost revenue if he sticks to his pledge to dump reforms allowing students to pay for a place if they miss out on marks.
University chiefs warned that Mr Beazley would have to offer more than 15,000 additional publicly funded university places to compensate for the abolition of full-fee degrees.
As Mr Beazley pledged yesterday that he would maintain his position regardless, he faces a backlash from state premiers who have embraced full-fee medicine degrees to tackle the shortage of doctors.
The lost income for higher education institutions, which rely on revenue from fees and charges to top-up public funding, would reach billions of dollars in the first term of a Beazley government.
After pledging to dump the "politics of envy" and protect private school funding, Mr Beazley said he was not prepared to walk away from his opposition to students who buy a place at university.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.thesundaymail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,18764509%255E421,00.html
Employment News:
Decision puts jobs on the line
For the rest of the article go to
Training jobs gone
By ELLEN VAZ
Thursday, 13 April 2006
PEOPLE who have spent up to eight years finding work for thousands of apprentices and trainees have been told this week they will lose their own jobs.
Staff at Department of Education and Training New Apprenticeships Centres (DETNAC) across the State were told on Tuesday that the Federal Government had not renewed the contract for their service.
As many as 13 staff in
DETNAC Director Phillip Moore said the loss of the contract would affect hundreds of thousands of people.
"The real issue is the impact this will have on the training system in NSW. The skills shortage is a major national issue. We have over 100,000 apprentices and trainees and 37,000 employers and their files will simply be transferred across to the new contractor," he said.
For the rest of the article go to
We've failed the jobless
By Tim Colebatch
April 18, 2006
Tax reform is not just about cuts, it's about spending revenue wisely.
Let's start with a simple proposition: no country grew rich on tax avoidance. Tax lawyers and accountants can be of great value to us as individuals, but for society as a whole, they are a net drag, reducing our output.
When avoiding tax becomes a preoccupation, it consumes time and brainpower that we could use more productively to develop new markets, products, processes and efficiencies. It leads to investments and spending going where they will yield tax benefits, not economic returns.
For the rest of the article go to
Labor plea for low paid
April 17, 2006 - 11:39AM
More than one in four Australian workers is earning less than two-thirds of the generally accepted low-pay threshold, and the number is growing, research shows.
Opposition treasury spokesman Wayne Swan said a number of recent research projects pointed to the need for an overhaul of the tax and welfare systems.
Mr Swan said researchers with the Adelaide-based Low Paid Project had found the number of low-paid workers had reached 1.8 million in 2003.
By 2005, 27.6 per cent of workers were earning less than two-thirds of median weekly earnings (the most common definition of low pay), up from 24.4 per cent in 1990.
For the rest of the article go to
http://theage.com.au/news/national/labor-plea-for-low-paid/2006/04/17/1145126039523.html
Revealed: a nation of drop-outs
By Tim Colebatch,
April 17, 2006
LINK Labour force data
A growing underclass of jobless males is becoming entrenched in Australian society, according to Bureau of Statistics figures.
Almost 250,000 men aged 25 to 44 are no longer looking for work, more than three times as many as a generation ago.
Figures reveal that while female employment has boomed in the past 25 years, the number of men without a job in the prime of their lives has soared.
In 1978, more than 90 per cent of men aged 25 to 44 had a full-time job. In the 12 months to March, that proportion dropped to 81 per cent. The number in part-time jobs jumped from 2 to 7 per cent, while those with no job at all jumped from 7 to 12 per cent.
The sharpest growth has been in those not looking for work. From just under 4 per cent of prime-aged males in 1978, they jumped to 7 per cent in 1995-96, and have kept rising to almost 9 per cent now — a quarter of a million men on the sidelines.
Other Government figures suggest almost half are living on disability pensions, which pay a higher rate than the jobless benefit, do not require recipients to look for work and offer more security against being thrown off benefits.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/revealed-a-nation-of-dropouts/2006/04/16/1145126008815.html
Disabled jobs promise broken
Patricia Karvelas
April 13, 2006
THE Howard Government has reneged on one of its core welfare reform promises, to provide a guaranteed 4000 places for disabled people in its Welfare to Work programs.
The places were allocated exclusively for people on the disability support pension in the last budget to help them voluntarily look for work.
But now these places will be shared among not only people receiving a pension but also those who have been forced off the DSP under the Government's reforms.
Disabled people who are able to work a minimum of 15 hours a week no longer receive the more lucrative pension.
Michael Raper, president of the National Welfare Rights Network, said the decision was outrageous. "It seems that the small scraps that were provided to current disability support pensioners have been taken off the table," he said.
Workforce Participation Minister Sharman Stone said the Government had opted to focus on those being taken off the disability support pension.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,18801698-2702,00.html
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
Vinnies spokesman says welfare to work threatens vulnerable
St Vincent de Paul spokesman John Falzon has said that that the entire welfare to work legislation takes away dignity from disability pensioners and single mothers in the workforce and that new workplace laws will exacerbate the problem.
From July, disability pensioners and single mothers who fail to comply with welfare rules could lose their benefits for up to eight weeks. Those considered "extremely vulnerable" will be referred to charities for payments up to $650.
Speaking to Channel 10's Meet The Press on Sunday, Mr Falzon, whose charity will not participate in the Government's new scheme, said the welfare to work regime strips away human dignity and "does not offer hope to the people who really need the opportunities to be able to engage in the workforce and in society."
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.cathnews.com/news/604/78.php
Flexibility, not ideology, offers the best care
By Tanya Plibersek
April 19, 2006
EVERY now and again an idea captures the public imagination and becomes an irrefutable truth. "De-institutionalisation" is such an idea. Some years ago it became conventional wisdom that all institutions are bad. The only proper response to mental illness, physical or intellectual disability was to support people in the community. This trend has now gone too far, and it is the mentally ill and people with a disability who are suffering.
The Federal Government has just announced a much-needed boost to funding for mental illness services. No one could argue that this funding is not needed and many will welcome the emphasis on early intervention and treatment. But treatment has to be evidence-based, and there are circumstances when the best place for treatment is in a psychiatric hospital. Unfortunately there are shortages in acute care for psychiatric patients. In the mid-1960s there were 30,000 psychiatric beds around
This means people who should be in hospital are told there are no beds for them. Many end up homeless, in jail, or living with family members who can barely cope. In some cases patients are admitted to hospital but made to leave too soon, quickly relapsing.
For the rest of the article go to
132,000 turned away from services: ACOSS
April 17, 2006 - 1:19PM
Over-stretched social service groups are having to turn away increasing numbers of people,
Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) director Andrew Johnson said that last year there were 132,000 people eligible for services who could not get assistance.
Among those seeking services are a high proportion of indigenous people and migrants, a survey by ACOSS has found.
The survey recording responses from 1,182 community services found nine per cent more people were helped in 2004-05 compared with the year earlier.
For the rest of the article go to
Lift social services spending: ACOSS
April 13, 2006
The Government-commissioned Warburton-Hendy report on international comparisons of taxation said as much, ACOSS director Andrew Johnson said.
The report showed
"Contrary to arguments that cutting taxes would increase
"On the other hand,
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,18803683-29277,00.html
Dems call for more student income aid
April 12, 2006 - 12:49PM
The Australian Democrats have called on the federal government to help students battling for survival below the poverty line.
Democrats Senator Natasha Stott Despoja said many students were suffering because of the government's unfair student income support measures.
She called on the government to increase the Youth Allowance to above the poverty line, extend eligibility for rent assistance for Austudy recipients and remove the GST on textbooks.
For the rest of the article go to
Portal to cut welfare queues
James Riley
APRIL 11, 2006
CENTRELINK will launch a revamped self-service internet portal for client transactions in September to relieve pressure on front-office staff who are facing an increased case load generated by the Welfare to Work scheme.
The MyServices portal will eventually allow single sign-on access to all agencies within the Department of Human Services, including Medicare, Centrelink and the Child Support Agency.
The portal represents one of the biggest back-end technology integration projects undertaken by government.
For the rest of the article go to
http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,18775043%5E15306%5E%5Enbv%5E,00.html
Charity into the breach
By Christopher Pearson
The Australian, 8 April 2006
BREACHING is the financial penalty
Through the years the Christian charitable organisations, led by the
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,18742874-7583,00.html
St Vincents puts 'morals over money'
By Barney Zwartz
April 7, 2006
THE St Vincent de Paul Society will refuse federal funding for the new welfare-to-work regime because the law is "immoral and unjust".
For the rest of the article go to
Sign language becomes official in NZ
April 7, 2006 - 2:14PM
New
The nation joins several European countries and North American states and provinces in giving official status to signing - predominantly used by the deaf and hearing impaired.
For the rest of the article go to
http://smh.com.au/news/World/Sign-language-becomes-official-in-NZ/2006/04/07/1143916702562.html
International News:
Special Education Data Provide Misleading Trends Of Changing Autism Prevalence
Autism News
Article Date: 07 Apr 2006 - 14:00pm (PDT/PST)
If statistics compiled by the U.S. Department of Education are to be believed, in 1992 the state of
National special education statistics, which showed a 657 percent increase in autism over the decade from 1993 to 2003, are routinely used to suggest the country is experiencing an epidemic of autism, a developmental disorder of children characterized by impaired social and communication skills as well as repetitive behaviors and obsessive interests.
For the rest of the article go to
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=40949
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
"Creating Our Future: On Campus and Beyond"
Call for Speakers
Deadline for receipt of material is Friday, June 2, 2006
11th Biannual NEADS National Conference
November 10-12, 2006
Delta Ottawa Hotel and Suites
Come be part of the 20th anniversary celebration of the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)! The 2006 Conference Planning Committee invites expressions of interest by individuals interested in speaking on one of the four workshop panels at our biannual national conference, taking place November 10 - 12, 2006 at the Delta Ottawa Hotel and Suites. The theme for this year's conference is Creating Our Future: On Campus and Beyond.
Frank Smith, National Coordinator
National Educational Association of Disabled Students Rm. 426 Unicentre, Carleton University Ottawa, Ontario, K1S 5B6 tel. (613) 526-8008 www.neads.ca http://www.neads.ca/conference2006/en/
National Conferences
2006 National Conference,
Realizing the Vision for Accessible Information: The Way Forward
Venue: Pacific International,
The aim of
A full conference programme and registration pack is now available on the
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: Gabrielle Jones, Planning Coordinator ACROD NSW
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:
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/
The Call for Presenters has been released!
“Toward 2020: what WE do NOW will make the difference”
…. promises to be a Pathways Conference with a difference!
This theme reflects our desire to engage a broad range of stakeholders in interactive discussion focusing on what we in education and training environments can collectively do now to enhance successful education and ultimately career outcomes for students with disability.
The Call for Presenters has been released and the closing date for abstracts is 26 May 2006! This is an opportunity for you to be involved in a landmark program for the Pathways network.
For some presentation topic suggestions, guidance on how to submit your abstract, as well as a range of other information about the conference including the excellent keynote speaker program, please see the website at www.leishman-associates.com.au/pathways8
If you have any questions about this event please contact the conference organisers, Leishman Associates, on telephone (03) 6234 7844
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 (
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 •
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
DEAN Professional Development Day
Date and Location: Wednesday 28th June,
Topic: Welfare to Work.
Further information will be posted closer to the date.
http://www.anu.edu.au/disabilities/DEAN/news/
New Resources:
Summaries of the New Workplace Laws
For information, check the following websites (or phone the office):
http://www.workplace.gov.au the Australian Workplace portal;
http://www.oea.gov.au, or the Office of the Employment Advocate on 1300 366 632;
http://www.hreoc.gov.au, or Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission on 1300 369 711
http://www.workchoices.gov.au or the WorkChoices Infoline on 1300 363 264.
http://www.workingcares.org.au/workplace-tool-box The Workplace Tool Box has practical information on understanding and dealing with main components of the legislation.
Though created for the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), the summary of the federal government’s new workplace laws includes many links for more details and further assistance. Find the information at http://alia.org.au/employment/workplace.html.
From DISABILITY “DID YOU KNOW?…”
Daily PowerPoints for visual learners and students with special needs
by Cheryl Hagerty, Special Needs Teacher
Sharing ideas: A great teaching tool for visual learners
e-Bility disABILITY information resources
http://www.e-bility.com/articles/visual_learners.php
New Apprenticeships Job Pathways Website
A new website has been launched to help people needing New Apprenticeships job and training information. From staff in New Apprenticeships Centres to employers, job candidates, students, parents and careers advisors in schools, all are able to quickly find potential New Apprenticeships job outcomes that include a sample of the training that could apply to the occupation.
The New Apprenticeships Job Pathways website (http://www.najobpathways.com.au/ ) is a DEST funded resource that has been developed from the popular New Apprenticeships Training Information Service website. Feedback from a variety of Vocational and Technical Education stakeholders has been part of this development.
Disability Initiatives information can be found at
For more information go to www.najobpathways.com.au , www.natinfo.com.au , or call the New Apprenticeships Training Information Service on 1800 338 022.
Welfare to Work package - basic training material, from the National Welfare Rights Network
The introduction of Welfare to Work from 1 July 2006 will see major changes to the social security system. The information is designed to give an overview of the most substantial of these changes. The website will be updated as additional information becomes available.
http://www.welfarerights.org.au/wrtraining/introduction.htm
There are fact sheets on-
· Changes to Disability Support Pension
http://www.welfarerights.org.au/wrtraining/changes%20to%20disability%20support%20pension.htm
· Newstart Allowance
http://www.welfarerights.org.au/wrtraining/Newstart.htm
· The new compliance regime – moving from breaches to suspension of payment
http://www.welfarerights.org.au/wrtraining/the%20new%20compliance.htm
· What happens if I am receiving a payment now?
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
“Stepping into Accounting” for Accounting students, in
“Stepping into Employment Advisor” for Psychology and Rehabilitation students, in both Sydney and Brisbane;
and “Stepping into Law” 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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
Freedom Scientific and Quantum Technology has pledged to make life a little easier for eight lucky students who will make the move into tertiary study in 2007!!!
A total of eight scholarships for a free copy of JAWS Professional screen reading program are up for grabs.
Applications for this year's scholarship are now open, so it's time to get behind this worthy initiative.
If you an Australian or
To enter please, tell us in 500 words or less why you need a Freedom Scholarship and how it will assist you in your tertiary studies. Applications must be made in writing by email to info@quantumtechnology.com.au or via mail to Quantum Technology PO Box 390, Rydalmere NSW 2116
Applications must be received by Friday 29 September 2006, and winners will be notified by e-mail and announced in LiveWire. Good Luck!
For further enquiries please call or e-mail your local Quantum Technology office:
Head Office (02) 8844 9888
lkumutat@quantumtechnology.com.au
Southern Office (03) 9545 4100
Media Releases:
John Howard’s 1.8 Million-Person Army of Working Poor
Wayne Swan MP
Federal Labor Shadow Treasurer
18/04/2006
Research recently released has confirmed that this Easter 1.8 million hard working Australians have been conscripted into John Howard’s army of working poor.
This research paints a grim picture of life among the low-paid in
For the rest of this media release go to
http://www.alp.org.au/media/0406/mstre170.php
Challenge for Howard on Welfare
Senator Chris Evans
Shadow Minister for Family and Community Services
17 April 2006
The challenge for John Howard tomorrow in his Menzies Research Centre speech is to explain why he won't fix the inequities in his welfare system.
Is he so out of touch that he thinks the current system is fair?
John Howard must explain why he won't reform a system that:
• Pays millionaires welfare.
• Makes ordinary families lose 70 cents of every extra dollar they earn.
• Reduces the payments to disability pensioners and single parents from July.
• Pays charities to feed those people it cuts off income support.
For the rest of this media release go to
http://www.alp.org.au/media/0406/msfcsia170.php
VSU "bribes" neglect crucial services
Senator Natasha Stott Despoja
Democrats Senator for
Australian Democrats spokesperson for Higher Education
The VSU Transition Fund Discussion Paper which was released today will do nothing for crucial student services such as advocacy and counselling, according to the Australian Democrats.
"The Fund is an attempt to rescue university sporting clubs and facilities from the ravages of VSU but fails to address the fact that sport is just one of many university services," Democrats Higher Education Spokesperson Senator Natasha Stott Despoja said.
"This Fund, announced by the Government to gain the vote of Family First Senator Stephen Fielding, will do little to ameliorate the impact of VSU on university life.
For the rest of this media release go to
http://www.democrats.org.au/news/index.htm?press_id=5105&display=1
Hon Dr Sharman Stone MP
Minister for Workforce Participation
13 April, 2006
Media Release
Quicker and easier referral the key for job seekers with disabilities
A recent pilot project funded by the Australian Government, has highlighted the benefits of quick and streamlined referrals to employment, training or rehabilitation programs for people claiming the disability support pension, the Minister for Workforce Participation Dr Sharman Stone said today.
The ‘Early Intervention and Engagement Pilot’ showed the value of providing people with disabilities with information about their work potential and options early in the process by achieving a 38% increase (from 10% pre-pilot to 48% post-pilot) in immediate referrals to employment and training programs.
For the rest of this media release go to
Early Intervention and Engagement Pilot: Evaluation Report
This evaluation examines the results of the Early Intervention and Engagement Pilot which was conducted between 11 April and 30 June, 2005 to look at ways of improving the early engagement of people with a disability and inform the implementation of /Comprehensive Work Capacity Assessments/ (CWCAs), since renamed /Job Capacity Assessments/ (JCAs).
The Pilot tested combining and streamlining existing medical and work capacity assessments with direct referrals to assistance to improve timeliness and efficiency of the assessment process. Over 1800 comprehensive assessments were conducted during the course of the Pilot.
Go to:
http://www.workplace.gov.au/workplace/Category/Publications/ProgrammeEvaluation/
WORKING POOR TO ENTER A POVERTY BLACKHOLE
Australian Democrats Senator, Andrew Bartlett said that research released 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.
"The Senate inquiry into the Work Choices legislation clearly showed that in those states where Liberal State Governments had introduced similar legislation, the wages and living standards of certain groups of workers decreased over time," Senator Bartlett said.
"Additional pressure will be placed on Indigenous Australians, sole parents and people with disabilities in the context of changes to Welfare to Work arrangements and CDEP changes because their ability to bargain effectively and achieve fair conditions of employment will be further limited."
For the rest of this media release go to
http://www.democrats.org.au/news/index.htm?press_id=5084&display=1
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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 6 Vol 2
Compiled by Timothy Hart the DCO for Northern, Central and
To return to the DCO Disability Newsletter Archive Page go to http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/dco/newsletter or click here