RDLO & DCOs National Website

Disability Education and Employment News:

Vol 2 No 9 - Tuesday, 30th May 2006

Enhancing post secondary education, training and employment opportunities for people with a disability RDLO & DCOs National Website
http://www.adcet.edu.au/rdco/

Compiled by Timothy Hart DCO for Northern, Central and Southern Sydney

To return to the DCO Disability Newsletter Archive Page go to http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/dco/newsletter or click here

 

In this Edition of the Disability Education and Employment News we have the Road to Where?  ‘The Politics and Practice of Implementing Welfare-to-Work’ conference and an Adaptive Technology Expo held by the Disability Coordination Officers for South East Melbourne and East Victoria.  Information on the next DEAN Professional Development Day ‘Welfare to Work Reforms: What are the Changes and how will they Impact on People with Disabilities in Education, Training and Employment?’ and the ‘Employment Summit - Pathways to Employment’ held by NSW Council for Intellectual Disability (NSW CID) and Council for Social Services NSW (NCOSS).

 

Plus other News articles, Conferences and Workshops, New 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.

 

Education News

Employment News

Welfare News

Internationals News

Conferences and Workshops

New Resources

New RDLO/DCO Resources

Calls for Expressions of Interest and Input

Scholarships

Media Releases

To Subscribe

 

 

Education News:

$500m uni debt a year

By LAURA ANDERSON

30may06

AUSTRALIAN full-fee-paying university students will be incurring $500 million in debt a year by 2008, figures obtained by the Opposition show.

The Federal Government's FEE HELP scheme provides $50,000 loans to eligible full-fee-paying students to pay for education.

However, the Opposition has cited figures, provided in Parliament, that show the estimated FEE HELP debt incurred each year will rise from $434 million in 2006-07 to $537 million by 2009-10.

Debt is expected to rise by a further $78.5 million over the next four years as a result of the threshold for loans rising to $100,000 for medicine, veterinary or dentistry and to $80,000 for other disciplines.

For the rest of the article go to

http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,19302483%255E911,00.html

 

Leaving age debate starts to hot up

By MICHAEL OWEN

23may06

A WAR of words has erupted over the State Government's decision to raise the school leaving age to 17 from January 1, 2009.

As reported by The Advertiser yesterday, all South Australian teenagers must remain in school, traineeship or TAFE until they are aged 17, under a move which requires legislative change.

For the rest of the article go to

http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,19226828%255E2682,00.html

 

School-based apprenticeships offered

May 22, 2006

YEAR 12 students in NSW will be offered school-based apprenticeships one day a week to tackle the state's acute skills shortage as a major initiative in the education budget.

The stand-alone trade schools will be set up in major high schools to launch students into the workforce, The Daily Telegraph reports today.

The "schools within schools" policy will provide industry-standard training and a new pathway for hospitality, health care, construction, automotive and engineering careers - allowing students to gain part of a trade qualification while doing the HSC, NSW Premier Morris Iemma said.

For the rest of the article go to

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19215421-1702,00.html

 

HSC's new revolution

For the rest of the article go to

http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story/0,20281,19210376-5001021,00.html

 

Graduates finish in time

Dorothy Illing

May 17, 2006

FEW students stay long enough at university to use up their new government learning entitlement, raising questions about why it was introduced in the Howard Government's higher education reforms.

Research by the University of Western Australia reveals fewer than 1 per cent of undergraduates in degree programs spend more than seven years full time at university.

That's the amount of time the federal Government will subsidise their study under the new voucher-style entitlement scheme introduced in former education minister Brendan Nelson's reform package, Backing Australia's Future.

For the rest of the article go to

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19159587-12332,00.html

 

Nation improves qualifications

15may06

AUSTRALIA'S working-age population has experienced a significant increase in its education level in the past few decades, a report to be released today says.

Author Greg Tunny, from the Australian Treasury, compared the educational achievements of Australians with their peers worldwide.

Young Australians had now "surpassed their peers" in the UK in upper secondary and tertiary attainment, he said.

"Australians have increased their educational attainment over the past few decades, essentially catching up with their peers in the rest of the OECD," the report says.

"Proportionately, Australia has more tertiary qualified people than the rest of the OECD.

For the rest of the article go to

http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,19134355%255E911,00.html

 

Learn or earn to boost skills

By Samantha Peters

Monday, 15 May 2006

HIGH school students will be better skilled and better equipped to face the workforce thanks to new legislation and programs in force this year.

The Queensland Government introduced legislation two months ago which makes it compulsory for students to "learn or earn" until they are 17 years old.

Students must stay in school until they complete Year 10 or turn 16, whichever comes first; and then they must complete either their Senior Certificate, a Certificate III course with TAFE, an education program provided by their school, a course of higher education provided by a university or other provider, an apprenticeship or traineeship or work for at least 25 hours a week.

There are also a range of Federal-funded programs for students at risk of disengaging from school and designed to boost their interest in education.

For the rest of the article go to

http://redland.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=local&story_id=480349&category=General%20News&m=5&y=2006

 

Education union wants TAFE inquiry

The Australian Education Union is calling for a national inquiry into the TAFE system.

The union's federal president, Pat Byrne, says governments are grossly underfunding campuses and there is a lack of direction for the future of TAFE.

Ms Byrne says courses are not meeting student demands and are failing to address the skilled worker shortage.

"Over the last 10 years or so we've seen massive underfunding to the TAFE system and that's meant casualisation of employment," she said.

"It's meant significant fee increases. It's meant a huge unmet demand where students seeking to be enrolled are being turned away in increasing numbers.

"What's really lacking is any broad sort of consistent national plan that actually maps out the direction of TAFE."

From http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200605/s1638230.htm

 

Helping the elite unis grow richer

By Bruce Chapman

May 12, 2006

ALTHOUGH the federal budget appears to maintain the status quo for higher education, hidden beneath its surface are three issues of importance. They can be categorised as good news, bad news and no news is bad news.

The good news is that the Government has decided to lift the loan cap on Fee-Help from its present level of about $50,000, to $80,000 for most courses and to $100,000 for medicine, veterinary science and dentistry. Fee-Help is the provision of HECS-style loans for domestic students enrolling in universities and paying so-called full fees.

When Fee-Help was introduced at the beginning of 2005, it was designed to facilitate the access of those denied a normal place in the system. A major problem with Fee-Help, recognised by many at the time, was the loan limit of $50,000.

For the rest of the article go to

http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/helping-the-elite-unis-grow-richer/2006/05/11/1146940671687.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1

 

Labor focus on training

Email Print Normal font Large font By Michelle Grattan

May 12, 2006

OPPOSITION Leader Kim Beazley last night made a "pact with middle Australia" guaranteeing that under his government "what you put in, you get out".

In a budget reply vital to shore up his leadership, Mr Beazley said Tuesday's tax cuts couldn't make up for lost penalty rates, unfair dismissal, or forfeiting jobs to Chinese workers. Nor could they give people extra family time.

"I support those tax cuts. But I'll also deliver job security, education and training, child care and nation building," he said, as Labor turned its attack on the budget's failure to deal with Australia's skills and child-care shortages.

Mr Beazley promised Labor would spend $200 million to establish 260 new child-care centres on school grounds and other community land. To meet the shortage of child-care workers, it would scrap TAFE fees for trainee child carers.

For the rest of the article go to

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/labor-focus-on-training/2006/05/11/1146940676780.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1

 

Students to pile on debt as loans rise

Lisa Macnamara

May 12, 2006

MORE students are expected to take on massive debts to cover expensive degree courses after increases to the Howard Government's university loans scheme.

Increases to the FEE-HELP loans scheme announced in the budget have been welcomed by vice-chancellors and universities, which lobbied to have the loans increased to enable more students to enrol in high-fee-paying places, but slammed by the students' union.

Under the budget changes, the loans will increase from $50,950 to $80,000 to cover all full-fee courses except the more expensive medicine, vet science and dentistry degrees, which will have loans of up to $100,000 - an increase of $20,000 for the students.

For 22-year-old Melbourne University arts student Eleanor Kennedy, the budget is a move in the wrong direction.

"Ultimately the people who feel they can take on such a large loan are always going to be from much higher-income families," she said.

"University education is so important it shouldn't be based on what your family has - it should be more of a system where anyone bright enough can go to uni."

For the rest of the article go to

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19107831-12332,00.html

 

New technical college has one student: Opposition

By MARK KENNY

12may06

THE Federal Government's commitment to addressing the skills crisis has been called into question after revelations one of its new technical colleges has just one student.

For the rest of the article go to

http://www.theadvertiser.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,19109209%255E911,00.html

 

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Employment News

Disabled could 'pay to work'

By Annabel Stafford, Canberra

May 30, 2006

HOMELESS people could go without financial support for up to eight weeks and the disabled be forced to take work that leaves them worse off, a parliamentary committee was told yesterday.

From July 1, thousands of people who have previously received a single-parent or disability pension will be forced onto the lower jobseeker's allowance if they are assessed as being able to work 15 hours a week or more.

For the rest of the article go to

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/disabled-could-pay-to-work/2006/05/29/1148754937917.html

 

Disabled 'need help to keep jobs'

May 25, 2006

THE Federal Government's welfare-to-work reforms could add to the misery of people on disability benefits unless there is targeted support for them, a new report has found.

The Productivity Commission research report into non full-time work arrangements said even once a person on disability benefits got a job they might need continuing government support to keep it.

The report found that in most cases, a person taking on casual employment had a much better chance of either going on to full-time work or at least finding other casual work.

However, in three groups, it found getting casual work was no guarantee of certainty.

It found people who had a poor command of English had a 20 per cent lower chance of getting full-time work than those who could speak English.

People who had been out of the workforce for a long time also had a 20 per cent lower chance of going on to full-time work.

And, people with disabilities had a 30 per cent chance of actually leaving the workforce altogether inside a year of getting casual work.

For the rest of the article go to

http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story/0,20281,19250283-5001028,00.html

 

Second-worst for skills

Samantha Maiden, Political correspondent

May 16, 2006

KIM Beazley has accused Peter Costello of a do-nothing approach to the skills crisis as a survey found the problem in Australia was second only to the African nation of Botswana.

Warning that the Government was wasting the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of the resources boom, the Opposition Leader called yesterday for economic policies to lift productivity and workforce participation.

The Grant Thornton international business owners survey of more than 7000 firms found half of Australian businesses believed they were constrained because of the lack of skilled staff.

In Botswana, 52 per cent of firms complained about a lack of skills. In only four other countries - South Africa, Thailand, Turkey and Canada - were more than 40 per cent of businesses concerned about the issue.

For the rest of the article go to

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19149756-601,00.html

 

Retirement quiz in welfare blitz

Patricia Karvelas

May 16, 2006

THOUSANDS of businesses will be asked to find out how many of their staff are about to retire as the Government moves to tackle the looming retirement crisis.

Workforce Participation Minister Sharman Stone will write to the companies next week to offer them information about people they could hire who are being forced off welfare on July 1.

The letters will be supported by an $8.5million advertising campaign on television and radio and in newspapers, which will start next month. It will urge employers to hire previously welfare-dependent workers.

For the rest of the article go to

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19149768-2702,00.html

 

Skills shortage to get a lot worse

Friday, 12 May 2006

Janine Perrett - Editor of The Business Network

OBVIOUSLY it would be churlish to criticise the "super" federal budget handed down this week given that even the Opposition is struggling to find fault.

But heck, let's give it a go. What more could have been done for small business, for example?

Perhaps something to tackle the skills shortage would have been a start. After all, it is probably one of the biggest dilemmas for all businesses but particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

What is worse is without any move to seriously address the problem now, it is only going to worsen in the coming years.

There is no doubt companies have to wear much of the blame for failing to invest in training the next generation of workers but the Government has also been at fault with its overall education emphasis.

For the rest of the article go to

http://businessnetwork.smh.com.au/articles/2006/05/11/4628.html

 

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Welfare News:

A public rip-off comes from being 'debt-free'

May 16, 2006

Our failure to borrow to create infrastructure for the future is an act of economic vandalism, writes Martin Feil.

INFRASTRUCTURE is a strong candidate for the most misused and overworked word in Australian speech. It is also a word that has been cleverly used to mask and deflect the extent of the vandalism towards the operating assets of Australia's economy and people over the past 30 years.

Australia's operating assets include our road and rail systems, electricity, gas, telecommunications, education, hospitals, homes for the aged, water, public amenities, bridges and ports. There is also a multitude of intangible assets including our system of government and law and order, and the commercial intangibles of computer systems, logos and brand names. Infrastructure means all of the capital and operating equipment that makes our society and economy work.

It is convenient to use a single word to embrace such a diverse portfolio. Yet this trivialises the importance of the assets to all of us and dulls our response to daily government decisions to privatise what we already collectively own. State and federal governments have neglected the maintenance of many of our operating assets and failed to create new assets, despite the growth in our population and economy.

For the rest of the article go to

http://www.theage.com.au/news/business/a-public-ripoff-comes-from-being-debtfree/2006/05/15/1147545263158.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1

 

Cut in welfare claims to deliver $1bn

By Annabel Stafford, Canberra

May 12, 2006

THE Federal Government will save close to $1 billion next financial year after apparently overestimating the number of people who will claim welfare payments.

The Government says the number of people expected to claim welfare is lower because a strong labour market will boost the number entering the workforce. But the rationale clashes with the Government's prediction that overall workforce participation is expected to drop slightly next financial year.

The Opposition has accused the Government of trying to stage the release of bad news about the number of people to be hit by its Welfare to Work changes.

According to this week's budget, the Government has decreased the forecast cost of the parenting payment in 2006-07 by $287 million. It also decreased the forecast expenses of the age pension by $260 million, the disability support pension by $186 million and the youth allowance by $178 million.

For the rest of the article go to

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/cut-in-welfare-claims-to-deliver-1bn/2006/05/11/1146940676834.html

 

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Internationals News:

Teachers union calls for end of inclusion in Britain

Reversing its long-standing position of supporting inclusion, the National Union of Teachers on Tuesday called for the government to suspend the closing of special schools and to immediately review its policy of inclusion. The union released a Cambridge University study that found inclusion caused the needs of children with disabilities to go unmet, exhausted teachers and disrupted the education of other students.

For the article go to

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2184133,00.html

 

Special education in England plagued with problems

A House of Commons education select committee will release a report next month that will likely blast the current education system for children with special needs. As some experts debate which is better -- mainstreaming or sending disabled children to special schools -- others believe every local authority should be equipped to offer both approaches.  

For the article go to

http://education.guardian.co.uk/schools/story/0,,1774500,00.html

 

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Conferences and Workshops:

International Conferences

USA - Employment for All: Start a Revolution!

The 17th Annual APSE National Conference on Supported Employment

June 28-30, 2006

Marriott Copley Place • Boston

A conference for service providers, professionals, people with disabilities, educators, and employers.

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

 

"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

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Come be part of the 20th anniversary celebration of the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS)! The 2006 Conference Planning Committee invites expressions of interest by individuals interested in speaking on one of the four workshop panels at our biannual national conference, 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

Road to Where? ‘The Politics and Practice of Implementing Welfare-to-Work’

Presented by the Social Policy Unit School of Social Work and Applied Human Sciences

17-18 July 2006, The Carlton Crest, Hotel Brisbane Australia

Forum Description

The aim of the two day forum is to critically examine the politics and practice of ‘welfare reform’ and in particular the new welfare-to-work policies that will take effect in Australia from July 1, 2006.  The new sets of polices will bring sole parents and people with disabilities into the ‘activation and participation’ policy regime. The implementation of this controversial policy package raises important questions about the individual costs and benefits of welfare-to-work, the impact on organisations implementing the policies and more broadly what these reforms mean for social citizenship and the welfare state in the 21st Century.

Details of the draft program, abstract submission and registration are available on the conference website www.uq.edu.au/swahs/welfaretowork

Registration Enquiries

School of Social Work and Applied Human Sciences

Telephone: + 61 7 3365 1250

Facsimile: + 61 7 3365 1788

Email: welfaretowork@social.uq.edu.au

Internet: www.uq.edu.au/swahs/welfaretowork

 

Doing It Better Learning Disabilities Forum

September 24 - 27, 2006

Rydges Hotel, Exhibition St, Melbourne

A working forum on learning disabilities in education and employment

A working forum Doing it Better - learning disabilities in education and employment, is sponsored by Deakin University, LaTrobe University, RMIT University 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 post secondary 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 and registration form available at: http://www.deakin.edu.au/events/ldc2006/

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 will be for 2  1/2 days with an evening Cocktail  Party at the National Gallery with a private viewing of the Picaso Exhibition.

Please note all prices are quoted in Australian Dollars including GST. Registration includes morning and afternoon teas, lunch and a ticket to the Conference Cocktail Party. Additional tickets for the Cocktail Party may be purchased.

Early Bird Conference Registration: $445 incl. GST (before 2 June 2006)

 

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/

“Toward 2020:  what WE do NOW will make the difference”

           …. promises to be a Pathways Conference with a difference! 

The program applies to teachers, lecturers, researchers, policy developers, students as well as disability practitioners in any industry.  This is THE conference to attend in relation to enhancing successful education and career opportunities for people with disability.

If you choose to submit an abstract, and are selected for the program, your presentation will precede workshops on particular topics and streams, and will provide an important platform for discussion.  In addition international and local experts have been confirmed and will give keynote presentations on a range of topics.

For some presentation topic suggestions, guidance on how to submit your abstract, as well as a range of other information about the conference including the excellent keynote speaker program, please see the website at www.leishman-associates.com.au/pathways8  

If you have any questions about this event please contact the conference organisers, Leishman Associates, on telephone (03) 6234 7844

PRE CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

The Pathways8 Organising Committee are also calling for expressions of interest from people who would like to conduct a 2-3 hour Pre-Conference Workshop on a topic relevant to the conference theme.  Pre-conference workshops will be conducted at Wrest Point Convention Centre on Tuesday 28 November 2006.

 

Autism Spectrum Disorders

When & Where

Royal Pines Resort - Gold Coast - 14th to 16th March 2007

The website can be found at

http://www.astmanagement.com.au/autism7/Details.htm

 

VICTORIAN EVENTS

Practice Forum

The State of Equity in TAFE – What Works?

What is this forum about? This forum focuses on the ways in which current TAFE practice works to include the wide diversity of TAFE students. It will explore the variety of disadvantages experienced by many students and, in particular, equity issues relating to enrolment, participation, curriculum development & accreditation and course delivery as well as the role of student support services.

Who should go?      TAFE practitioners including managers, coordinators, teachers, student support staff, equity and liaison officers, adult educators

When?           Thursday 1 June, 9:00am – 4.00 pm (lunch provided)

Where?          Thomas Carr Centre, Level 2, 278 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne

Cost:               $65.00

EMAIL  admin@equityresearch.org.au

WEB: www.equityresearchcentre.org.au

 

Policy Forum

What Policy? The State of Equity in TAFE

What is this forum about?  This forum will update you about current policy as it relates to equity in VET and about innovative research into the state of equity in TAFE.  It will provide opportunity to contribute critical information and insight into how current VET policy relates to access and opportunity in vocational education and training. 

Who should go?      Policy makers, equity specialists, senior management, researchers

When?           Wednesday 7 June, 8:45am – 1:30pm (lunch provided)

Where?          Thomas Carr Centre, Level 2, 278 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne

Cost?              $55.00

EMAIL  admin@equityresearch.org.au

WEB: www.equityresearchcentre.org.au

 

Adaptive Technology Expo
Cardinia Cultural Centre Lakeside Boulevard - Pakenham
EXPO funded by the Office of Training and Tertiary Education (OTTE)
This adaptive technology expo is free for anyone to attend and it is designed for:
· Disability Practitioners
· VET and Higher Educators
· LLEN staff
· People with a disability
· Students training in education or disability discipline
· Employers
· Government and non Government Education and Employment Departments
· Parents of students with a disability
· Anyone else interested in Adaptive Technology
Mark this date in your diaries now, so that you don't miss out!
Wednesday 14th June 10am - 5pm
Lakeview Room - Cardinia Cultural Centre, Pakenham
On the day you will find:
· The major Australian adaptive technology providers
· A variety of adaptive technology that assists all disability types including: physical, sensory, intellectual and learning disabilities
· Information on where to find low-cost, no-cost technology options
· Tea/Coffee and fresh-baked cookies served all day
Brought to you by the National Network of Regional Disability Liaison Officers and Disability Coordination Officers
Enhancing post-secondary education, training and employment opportunities for people with a disability
For more information and to register your intention to attend please contact:
Sally Bailey
Disability Co ordination Officer
Outer South East Melbourne

Email: sally@skillsplus.com.au
PH: 03 9784 0400
FAX: 03 9781 1998
Mobile: 0439 897 027
Or
Julie Hillier
Disability Coordination officer
East Victoria

Email: Julieh@gippstafe.vic.edu.au
PH: 5134 6377
FAX: 51342 463
Mobile 0429 949 792

 

NSW EVENTS

DEAN Professional Development Day

The next DEAN Professional Development  Day is on Tuesday 27 June 2006, UTS, City Campus, Jones Street - Building 10, Level 2, Room 460
Topic:  Welfare to Work Reforms: What are the Changes and how will they Impact on People with Disabilities in Education, Training and Employment?

The new Federal Welfare to Work reforms will come into effect on 1 July 2006.  These changes will have a dramatic effect on income support and employment assistance for many people, including people with disabilities.  The changes will also have a ripple effect on people with disabilities accessing education opportunities.  As a practitioner, it is important to have an understanding of these changes.

DEAN has organised some excellent speakers who have an in-depth knowledge about the new reforms. 

Michael Raper, President, National Welfare Rights Network (NWRN) and Maryanne Diamond, CEO  Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO), we will also have a representative from Department of Workplace Relations and Centrelink who will be available to answer all your questions.

This is a unique opportunity to gain an understanding of these substantial changes prior to July 1 so come along for the day.

Summary of Program:

9.15 am Registration and networking (tea and coffee available)

10.00 am Michael Raper: President, National Welfare Rights Network (NWRN) : Broad outline of the Welfare to Work Reforms

11.00 Morning Tea

11.30 am Maryanne Diamond, CEO  Australian Federation of Disability Organsiations (AFDO) : Welfare to Work Reforms: How will it Impact on People with Disabilities?  What will be the Ripple Effect on Education and Training for People with Disabilities?

12.30 pm Lunch

1.30 pm Michael Raper, Maryanne Diamond, DEWR Representative, Centrelink Representative: Panel discussion and issues raised from the floor

3.00 pm Finish

Members: $20 Non-members $30

Further information including RSVP information, refer to the website: http://www.anu.edu.au/disabilities/DEAN/news/

RSVP Details: Margaret Butler
Fax: 9715 8549
Email: margaret.m.butler@tafensw.edu.au
Telephone: 9715 8610  

Please refer to the RSVP details below. Please note that priority will be given to DEAN members due to increased demands and limited places for DEAN Professional Development days.  However DEAN members will not receive priority placement after the RSVP date.

RSVP Closing Date: 20 June, 2006

 

Employment Summit - Pathways to Employment

NSW Council for Intellectual Disability (NSW CID) and Council for Social Services NSW (NCOSS) are hosting “Toward meaningful employment for people with intellectual disability” to better assist them in finding and retaining employment and training programs.

When:   Monday 18 September.

Info:      Lee-Anne Whitten, NSW Council for Intellectual Disability, on phone 9211 1611, email lee-anne@nswcid.org.au, or fax 9211 2606.

 

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New Resources:

Career Advice Australia

The new Career Advice Australia initiative will for the first time provide a comprehensive national career and transition support network for all young Australians from 13 to 19 years of age.

More information available at:

http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/career_development/programmes_funding/programme_categories/key_career_priorities/career_advice_australia.htm

 

Choosing VET: Evaluation of Career Development Services

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the range of careers development services available to and utilised by young people, up to 24 years, at the transition point of post-compulsory schooling and in the early years of their careers, with a particular focus on outcomes relating to VET. It will evaluate the effectiveness of these services a) in relation to a career development model; b) from the viewpoint of these young people and key influencers, especially parents; c) from a comparison of data relating to careers advice and destinations, where this is available.

More information available at: www.ncver.edu.au/workinprogress/projects/10326.html

 

INNER WEST COMMONWEALTH CARELINK and CARER RESPITE CENTRE

Commonwealth Carelink Centres, freecall 1800 052 222, will link you to community services in your area, or anywhere in Australia. Call us to find out about the range of services and respite programs which can support you in your own home. We understand the importance of providing information which meets your needs; is confidential, efficient and up-to-date.

Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres, freecall 1800 059 059, can help carers to arrange temporary relief of their caring responsibilities during an emergency.

Or go to http://www.commcarelink.health.gov.au

Carers may be caring for older people or people with a disability who may be parents or siblings, other family members, friends and neighbours. Respite gives the carer a break from their caring responsibilities especially in the following situations.

Care may be provided in the home, as an outing, in a centre based group environment or in a residential facility.

A freecall to 1800 059 059, will link you to your local Carer Respite Centre in your area, or anywhere in Australia. To reach us directly or from a mobile phone please dial (02) 9799 6440. (Normal call charges will apply).

 

A USA Tool Kit on Teaching and Assessing Students With Disabilities

The U.S. Department of Education strives to expand educational opportunities and to improve instruction for all students. To achieve excellence in education for students with disabilities, Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings launched an initiative focused on improving teaching, learning, and assessing by increasing states’ capacity to provide rigorous assessment, instruction, and accountability for these students. The keys to this effort are instruction and assessment, relying on the most current and accurate information on how students with disabilities learn while also measuring student performance to ensure continuous growth and progress.

For more information go to

http://www.osepideasthatwork.org/toolkit/

 

Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA)

Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) have just released a new online Referral Directory to help find information about services and organisations across Australia. The directory contains an extensive amount of information and links to a broad range of services. WWDA is a national voice for the needs and rights of women with disabilities and a national force to improve the lives and life chances of women with disabilities. For a direct link to the Directory http://www.wwda.org.au/portmain.htm

For Education and Training

http://www.wwda.org.au/portedu.htm

For Employment

http://www.wwda.org.au/portemp.htm

For further information contact Women With Disabilities (WWDA) on (03) 6244 8288. Email: wwda@ozemail.com.au

 

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?…”

 

New Apprenticeships Job Pathways Website

A new website has been launched to help people needing New Apprenticeships job and training information.  From staff in New Apprenticeships Centres to employers, job candidates, students, parents and careers advisors in schools, all are able to quickly find potential New Apprenticeships job outcomes that include a sample of the training that could apply to the occupation. 

The New Apprenticeships Job Pathways website (http://www.najobpathways.com.au/) is a DEST funded resource that has been developed from the popular New Apprenticeships Training Information Service website.  Feedback from a variety of Vocational and Technical Education stakeholders has been part of this development.

Disability Initiatives information can be found at

http://www.najobpathways.com.au/help_11.cfm?cfid=195688&cftoken=1bda896-d48e637f-c754-4ff9-91e0-264024d82484 

For more information go to www.najobpathways.com.au, www.natinfo.com.au, or call the New Apprenticeships Training Information Service on 1800 338 022.

 

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?

http://www.welfarerights.org.au/wrtraining/what%20happens%20if%20i%20am%20receiving%20a%20payment%20now.htm 

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.

http://www.adcet.edu.au/cats

 

DEWR Workplace Modifications Scheme (WMS)

The DEWR Workplace Modifications Scheme provides practical assistance to employers and workers with disabilities by reimbursing the cost of special equipment or adjustments to the work environment needed to accommodate someone with a disability. Funding through the scheme can be for a range of workplace solutions, from simple equipment purchases to more complex solutions like building modifications. Solutions are always focused on improving the tenure, work conditions and employment opportunities of job seekers and workers with disabilities.

The scheme has been improved as a result of consultations with employer representatives, disability employment providers and people with disabilities in 2005, and is now simpler and easier to access.

FaCSIA-funded Business Services should note that their Business Service clients are still eligible to apply for assistance under the DEWR Workplace Modifications Scheme.

For the latest version of the Workplace Modifications Scheme (WMS) Guidelines go to

http://www.jobable.gov.au/openemploymentproviders/WMS.asp

For more information contact the DEWR Workplace Modifications Scheme:

Telephone: 1800 814 838

Fax: 1800 032 216

http://www.jobable.gov.au/openemploymentproviders/WMS_faqs.asp

Email: workmods@dewr.gov.au

Mail: GPO Box 9879, Sydney NSW 2001

 

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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....... 

 

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.

http://www.cdu.edu.au/rdlo

 

‘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.cdu.edu.au/rdlo

http://www.disabilitycentral.com.au

http://www.hstac.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]

 

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Calls for Expressions of Interest and Input:

Client and Student Voice Action Group

The Client and Student Voice Action Group is progressing the development of recommendations for Ministers on national client and student advisory arrangements. The advisory arrangements will provide ongoing high level advice on the needs of all learners, particularly disadvantaged learners. The Action Group is also currently considering national priorities, strategies and performance measures to improve outcomes for Indigenous Australians and people with a disability.

In April 2006, the Action Group completed a formal stakeholder consultation process on future advisory arrangements. The Action Group received over forty written submissions in response to public consultation papers; and held consultation forums in Sydney, Cairns, Darwin, Perth and Adelaide, which were attended by more than 240 stakeholders. The National Senior Officials Committee has agreed to the Action Group providing its recommendations in late June 2006. The consultation report is available at:  www.dest.gov.au/sectors/training_skills/policy_issues_reviews/key_issues/nts/action/csvag_consult.htm

 

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. 

Stop Press

The project is still short of people with a neurological disability, especially ABI.

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.

 

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Scholarships:

http://www.cdds.med.usyd.edu.au/dco/Scholarships.htm   

 

Freedom Scientific/Quantum Technology 2007 WYNN Scholarship

Freedom Scientific and Quantum Technology have pledged to make life a little easier for eight lucky students who are planning to make the move into tertiary study in 2007!!!

Quantum Technology are excited to announce the inaugural WYNN (What you Need Now) Scholarship, which is intended to assist students who have been assessed as having a learning disability.

If you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen and have been assessed as having a learning disability and are planning on entering tertiary studies in 2007 you are eligible to apply.  

To enter just tell us in 500 words or less how the WYNN program will assist you with your studies. Applications must include a name for reference of an educator or person involved in Learning Disability, and demonstrate an understanding of how WYNN can help improve educational outcomes.

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 Australia, and be received by Friday 11 August 2006.

The eight lucky winners will be announced at the "Doing it Better" - Learning Disabilities in Education and Employment Forum” which will be held in Melbourne, September 24-27, 2006.

To assist with your application you may request a WYNN demo CD to evaluate.  For further enquiries please call or e-mail Quantum Technology:

Contact: Bronwyn Davies

Head Office       (02) 8844 9888 

International + 61 2 8844 9888

Melbourne Office: (03) 9545 4100

Queensland Office: (07) 3395 5776

info@quantumtechnology.com.au

www.quantumtechnology.com.au 

 

Freedom Scientific and Quantum Technology has pledged to make life a little easier for eight lucky students who will make the move into tertiary study in 2007!!!

A total of eight scholarships for a free copy of JAWS Professional screen reading program are up for grabs.

Applications for this year's scholarship are now open, so it's time to get behind this worthy initiative. 

If you an Australian or New Zealand citizen who is blind or vision impaired and are planning on entering tertiary studies in 2007 you are eligible to apply.

To enter please, tell us in 500 words or less why you need a Freedom Scholarship and how it will assist you in your tertiary studies. Applications must be made in writing by email to info@quantumtechnology.com.au or via mail to Quantum Technology PO Box 390, Rydalmere NSW 2116 Australia.

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

vic@quantumtechnology.com.au

Queensland Office (07) 3393 5776

qld@quantumtechnology.com.au

 

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Media Releases:

Media Release - Penny Wong, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workforce

Monday 29 May 2006

PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY WILL PAY TO WORK

At Senate Estimates today, the Howard Government refused to guarantee people with a disability who move into work won't be paying to work under the welfare changes which start in July this year.  The revelation follows the Government's announcement late Thursday that parents will have to accept a job which offers a net return of $1.66 an hour (or $25 a week).  People with a disability have not been given any such threshold and will have to accept jobs with an even lower return – potentially a 'negative return'.

"The Howard Government has comprehensively botched welfare reform," Shadow Employment Minister Penny Wong said.  "Australia needs more people working, but the Howard Government's changes actually make work less financially rewarding. "The Howard Government is reducing the benefits of work.  "There is no guarantee that once all the costs of work have been covered, a person with a disability will not end up effectively paying to work, instead of getting paid to work.

"Australia needs real welfare reform that tackles the reasons why people are not working and delivers practical solutions."

For further information:

• John Olenich - 0408 841 850

 

Copyright Changes Will Reduce Barriers

Graeme Innes AM, Human Rights Commissioner and Commissioner responsible for Disability Discrimination

15 May 2006

Extension of the 'fair dealing' provisions in the Copyright Act to allow greater access for people with print disabilities, announced by the federal Government yesterday, will reduce major disadvantage according to Human Rights Commissioner and Commissioner responsible for Disability Discrimination, Graeme Innes AM.

"People with print disabilities have access to 3% of the information available to the general population.  These changes will mean that this minuscule percentage can be increased," Mr Innes said.

"Copyright restrictions, and related waiting times, are just one of the reasons that people with print disabilities cannot access most print material, and wait unduly long times for the material which they do access. 

"I congratulate the government for making these changes - which will benefit students, employees and the general public."

For the rest of this media release go to

http://www.hreoc.gov.au/media_releases/2006/27_06.htm

see also Attorney-General's press release at

http://www.ag.gov.au/agd/WWW/ministerruddockhome.nsf/Page/Media_Releases_2006_Second_Quarter_14_May_2006_-_Major_Copyright_Reforms_Strike_Balace_-_0882006

 

Budget 2006-07

11/05/2006 - http://www.dest.gov.au/portfolio_department/dest_information/publications_resources/resources/budget_information/

The 2006-07 Budget provides funding of $21.7 billion in 2006-07 for the Education, Science and Training portfolio to support a range of initiatives that will help secure Australia's future economic strength and social wellbeing.

 

Students to major in debt: FEE-HELP rise

Senator Natasha Stott Despoja

Democrats Senator for South Australia

Australian Democrats spokesperson for Higher Education

The Budget's increase on the cap of the FEE-HELP loan scheme will result in more widespread, crippling student debt, according to the Australian Democrats.

"In the absence of sufficient HECS-funded university places and sustained university funding, the Government has resigned students to massive levels of debt with its cap increases," Democrats Higher Education Spokesperson, Senator Natasha Stott Despoja said.

The loan cap has been increased from $50,950 for all courses to $80,000 for all courses, bar the cap for medicine, veterinary science and dentistry which soars to $100,000.

"This scheme punishes students by imposing on them a loan fee of 20% of the amount borrowed, ensuring they graduate with suffocating debt," Senator Stott Despoja said.

For the rest of this media release go to

http://www.democrats.org.au/news/index.htm?press_id=5161&display=1

 

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To Subscribe:

If you wish to have the Disability Education and Employment News e-mail to you please e-mail me at thart@med.usyd.edu.au with “Subscribe Disability Education and Employment News” in the subject line.                                  

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of the DCO for Northern, Central and Southern Sydney 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 9 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