Minister Gives Thanks to Valued Disability Advocate

DARU Update 13 June 2011

 IN THE NEWS

 EVENTS

 PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES

 TRAINING

 SUBMISSIONS, CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS

 PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS

IN THE NEWS Minister Gives Thanks to Valued Disability Advocate Media Release, Minister for Community Services, Mary Wooldridge, 9 June 2011

Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge has today thanked Dr Rhonda Galbally, the outgoing Chair of the Victorian Disability Advisory Council (VDAC), for her 25 years of outstanding leadership and contribution to the disability sector.

"Dr Galbally has served the VDAC for eight years, including four years as Chair, dedicating her time to promoting the rights of people with a disability and improving the choices available to people with a disability, carers and their families," Ms Wooldridge said.

"During her time as Chair, the VDAC has built important relationships with local councils and disability organisations to ensure the experiences of people with a disability throughout Victoria are heard and represented in the advice given to government.

"Dr Galbally has championed mainstream education for children with a disability, improvements to the built environment and greater employment opportunities for people with a disability.

"Dr Galbally has been a driving force behind a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and has worked tirelessly with people living with a disability and their families to endorse this initiative," Ms Wooldridge said. "As Chair of the National People with Disabilities and Carers Council, Dr Galbally was instrumental in the production of the Shut In report, which made clear the need for such a scheme.

"Her pioneering work in this area was further recognised when she was appointed to the Independent Advisory Panel assisting the Productivity Commission inquiry into the NDIS," Ms Wooldridge said.

Dr Galbally has been appointed as the transitional CEO of the newly created Australian National Preventive Health Agency and will continue as the Chair of the International Evaluation Committee for the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, the Chair of the National People with Disability and Carer's Council and the Royal Women's Hospital.

Current member of the council Ms Tricia Malowney will act in the role as VDAC Chair until a permanent appointment is made.

To read the full story, visit: http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/1149- minister-gives-thanks-to-valued-disability-advocate.html

Disability Advocacy: Why Does it Elude those Most in Need? Peter Gibilisco, 6 June 2011

When looking to the National Disability Advocacy Program (NDAP), many people with high support needs will believe there is plenty left to be achieved in disability advocacy. Still, Advocates in the disability sector are in general unaware of what is holding up the implementation of processes that would advance such inclusion.

The NDAP has as its main objective the provision of assistance to people with disabilities in order that communities become inclusive of people with such human differences in an ongoing recognition of their rights.

These aspirations have been stated under its aims and objectives:  Provide appropriate and timely advocacy to people with disability that addresses instances of abuse, discrimination and neglect;  Inform people with disability about their rights and responsibilities, and support them where possible in making informed decisions about issues that impact on their lives;  Contribute to raising community awareness of disability issues;  Contribute to government policy, service and program development.

To read more or add a comment, visit: http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=12135

To find out more about the National Disability Advocacy Program, visit: http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/sa/disability/progserv/providers/NationalDis abilityAdvocacyProgram/Pages/NationalDisabilityAdvocacyProgram.a spx

Fewer on Disability Pension Try Work The Australian, Sue Dunlevy, 6 June 2011

The number of people suspended from the disability pension because they got a job has slumped 34 per cent, to its lowest level in seven years, raising concerns that policies to get people off welfare into employment are not working.

Figures provided to a Senate estimates committee show that, in 2009-10, just 7725 people took advantage of a rule allowing them to suspend the disability pension while they worked for up to 15 hours a week.

This compares with the 11,751 who had their pension suspended in 2003-04 because they got a job, the Department of Families and Community Services figures show.

The revelation comes as the government moves to enhance the suspension measure from next month, allowing disability pensioners to work for up to 30 hours a week without losing their right to return to the disability pension.

The new 30-hour work rule is one of the key reforms announced in last month's budget to underpin Julia Gillard's plan to "entrench a new culture of work" in Australia and combat the growing number of people on the disability pension, which stood at 792,581 in June last year. To read the full story, visit: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/fewer-on-disability- pension-try-work/story-fn59niix-1226069775836

Students with Disabilities Can Use School Buses – When They’re 40! VCOSS Media Release, 6 June 2011

A new Federal Government report recommends that school buses be made to fully comply with disability access standards, but that the proposal should not be fully operational until 2044. Under the bizarre proposal, a 7 year-old child with a disability who wants to board the school bus today would not be able to get on until they were 40 years old.

‘Children with disabilities are among the most vulnerable people in our society, and ensuring they have the best-possible access to education is essential for them to be able to lead meaningful lives and reach their potential,’ said Cath Smith, VCOSS Chief Executive Officer.

‘Refusing to ensure that children can get on the school bus for 33 years is cruel and bizarre, and fails to recognise the pressing need to improve access to education for children with disabilities.’

‘The lack of accessible school buses particularly disadvantages students in rural and regional Victoria, where school buses are often the only public transport available.’

The recommendation was made in the Review of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport, released last Friday. The Government response to the review suggested that further investigation be undertaken to ascertain whether the proposal could be implemented more quickly.

‘School bus upgrades should be rolled into the current public transport upgrades under which buses would be made 100 per cent accessible by 2022,’ said Ms Smith. Making Local Communities More Accessible for People with Disability Senator the Hon Jan McLucas Media release, 6 June 2011

Local governments across Australia will share in $5 million from the Gillard Government to improve the accessibility of public facilities for people with disability in their communities.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Disability and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, today announced 67 local councils will receive grants of up to $100,000 under the Australian Government’s Accessible Communities initiative.

Senator McLucas said the Government was delivering on its election commitment to provide more support for people within their community.

“We are working hard to break down the obstacles faced by people with a disability,” Senator McLucas said.

“The Accessible Communities program delivers practical support for local councils to ensure local people with disability, their families, friends and carers can get involved in community life.

“I expect to see a lot of new access ramps and paths to community buildings, fully accessible playgrounds with specialised equipment for children with disability to enjoy, better access and specialised mobility equipment at public swimming pools and fully accessible public toilets across the country."

Senator McLucas congratulated all of the successful local councils. “It’s great to see local councils putting their hands up and wanting to do more to support people with disability in their communities,” Senator McLucas said.

“Local councils will match the Government dollar for dollar to deliver these projects over the next year.”

The Gillard Government wants to ensure people with disability have the same opportunities as other Australians.

We’ve introduced new building access standards to ensure all new and upgraded public buildings in Australia are accessible to people with a disability. In addition, the Gillard Government is providing digital playback devices in public libraries around the country, improving cinema access for people with hearing and vision impairment and encouraging the adoption of Universal Housing Design principles. Accessible Communities is part of an $11 million accessibility package to support the National Disability Strategy.

This story is available at: http://www.janmclucas.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2011/Pages/jmc _m_localcomms_6june2011.aspx

EVENTS Girls and Women with Asperger's Syndrome

When: Saturday 18th June 9 am – 4:30 pm Where: Karstens Conference Centre, 123 Queen Street Mall, Melbourne Register: Go online to: http://www.mindsandhearts.net/index.php? option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=258 Cost: $100 parents and family members, this includes welcome tea/coffee, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

The female presentation of Asperger’s syndrome has largely been ignored in research and in definitions of Asperger’s syndrome. The sad result is that many girls and women with Asperger’s syndrome go undetected by health professionals or are misdiagnosed, which can lead to years of misdirected treatment.

This 1 day presentation will focus on and celebrate the unique presentation of girls and women on the autism spectrum. The seminar is designed to increase awareness and knowledge of the female presentation of Asperger’s syndrome. The presentations will cover:  strategies and ideas found to be useful in clinical practice  explore the difficulties associated with accurately diagnosing a female with an autism spectrum disorder due to females commonly presenting with a unique profile  key areas of difficulty commonly reported by females with an ASD including self-understanding, adolescent issues, relationships, and expressing and managing emotions Speakers include Prof Tony Attwood is a world expert and leading authority on Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) and autism and Dr Michelle Garnett devised the world’s first screening tool for AS and is the Founder of Minds & Hearts, a specialist clinic in Brisbane for children and adults who have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

For more information, phone (07) 3844 9466 or email [email protected]

DAGER Guest Speakers

The Disability Action Group Eastern Region (DAGER) is a community based advocacy group for people with disabilities. The group meets on a monthly basis to discuss accessibility issues and focuses on the needs of Maroondah and the outer eastern suburbs.

Anyone with an interest in disability advocacy is invited to come along to hear presentations from guest speakers. The program includes:

Jodie Willmer, CEO, Travellers' Aid When: Monday 25 July, Where: Nunawading Civic Centre (Council Offices), 397 Whitehorse Rd Nunawading

Terry Mulder, Minister for Public Transport and Roads: When: Wednesday 10 August Where: TBA

Open Night – Discuss Disability Issues: When: Monday 5 September, 6:00pm Where: Maroondah Federation Estate, 32 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood

A panel including Andrea Coote MP, Member for Southern Metropolitan Region, David Hodgett, Parliamentary Secretary for Families & Community Services, Ryan Smith and Heidi Victoria.

SANE, working for a better life for people affected by mental illness When: Monday 12 September, 2:00pm Where: Yarra Ranges Shire Offices, 15 Anderson Street, Lilydale Peter Gibilisco, Academic & Author When: Monday 10 October Where: TBA

RSVP required as there are limited places. Email [email protected] or phone 9720 9800.

VCOSS Congress & Community Sector Dinner – Earlybird Registrations Now Open

When: Community Sector Dinner, Thursday 4 August When: Congress 2011 State of the State, Friday 5 August 2011, 8:00am – 4:00pm Where: RACV Club, 501 Bourke St. Melbourne Register: For both events, go online to: http://www.vcoss.org.au/community- notices/congress2011.htm

State of the State: What’s happening, what’s different, what’s possible?

The social and political landscape is changing in Victoria and beyond. What does this mean for disadvantaged people and communities, and for the community sector itself?

The VCOSS Congress 2011 will explore the opportunities and risks that political change presents to long-term social challenges, and ways to achieve real structural change.

The Victorian Premier, the Hon Ted Baillieu will present the opening address. The keynote speaker is Naomi Eisenstadt, former Director of the UK’s Social Exclusion Task Force, now Senior Research Fellow at Oxford University.

VCOSS Congress Community Sector Leaders Dinner precedes Congress where the guest speaker will be Dr Cindy Blastock, Executive Director, First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada.

VCOSS Congress 2011 and the Community Sector Leaders’ Dinner are accessible events. Please indicate your needs in the registration process if you require additional assistance. For more information, or for over the phone registration, contact Michelle Lane on 03 9654 5050 or email [email protected]

PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES Victorian Community Transport Association Conference Presentations

The 2011 VCTA Conference, “How are we Travelling?” was held in Bendigo on May 23/24. It was very well attended by people and organisations from across the community transport sector, including local government, state government, non-government organizations and academia. There was also a good representation of private sector sponsors.

All conference proceedings are now available on the VCTA website at: http://www.vcta.org.au/conference.html

TRAINING DARU Workshop: Cross Cultural Awareness and Communication

When: Wednesday, 20 July 2011, 9:45am for a 10:00am start to 4:00pm Where: VCOSS Boardroom, Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street Melbourne Register: Complete a registration form available for download at: http://www.daru.org.au/training/items/2010/12/357714- upload-00001.doc

This workshop will provide an excellent overview for Disability Advocates to understand the cultural barriers that impact on service provision and enhance communication with people of linguistically diverse CALD backgrounds.

This session will provide participants with the knowledge and skills to deliver culturally appropriate services.  Identification of barriers that prevent people from CALD backgrounds accessing services and support  Understanding regional CALD demographic profiles and statistics  Examples of culturally appropriate practice  Service promotion to CALD communities (including use of ethnic media)  Developing reviewing and evaluating effectiveness of culturally appropriate planning

For more information, contact DARU on phone (03) 9639 5807 or email [email protected]

SUBMISSIONS, CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS Moonee Valley City Council Mobility Survey

If you use mobility aids including prams, walking sticks, crutches and wheelchairs and live or travel through the City of Moonee Valley, then share your knowledge by completing a short survey.

Moonee Valley Council wants to make it easier for everyone to get around. The survey will seek to find out any barriers and what factors might improve your experience. Some issues, such as public transport routes, cannot be changed by council however, it is hoped that the data collected can be used to influence the relevant authority.

The survey is anonymous and will be open until Monday 27 June 2011. To participate in the survey, visit: http://www.mvcc.vic.gov.au/have-your-say/mobility-survey.aspx

For more information, phone Kathleen Kemp, Sustainable Transport Officer, on 9243 8888.

Banking Accessibility Survey for Customers with Disability

The Australian Network on Disability (AND) is a member based not for profit organisation that assists its members in developing better employment and customer services practices for people with disability.

Most of the major Australian banks are members of AND, and we are helping one bank review the objectives set out in their Disability Action Plan (DAP). The DAP is effectively a strategy for improving business practices which might currently result in discrimination against people with disabilities. Development of such a plan is encouraged by the Australian Human Rights Commission. The bank's DAP includes actions aimed at improving the customer service needs of people with disability. The review by AND includes a survey of bank customers with disability to assess the current accessibility of all of the major Australian banks.

The focus of this survey is on banks as service providers rather than their employment practices (which are being analysed separately). The survey can be answered anonymously and all questions are optional. No personal financial details are asked for.

The survey is open via the link below until 17 June 2011: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/557738/AND-Banking-Customer- Service-Survey-June-2011

If you have any issues with the accessibility of the survey, email [email protected] for assistance.

For more information about the Australian Network on Disability, visit: http://www.and.org.au/

Review of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport

The purpose of the review is to inform the Australian Government's consideration of the future direction, structure and operation of the Transport Standards. These standards are reviewed every five years and the latest response has been released.

Papers available include:  Terms of Reference  Issues Paper released in 2007  Final Report  Government Response

To download these documents in a variety of formats, visit: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/transport/disabilities/review/

PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS Dementia Advocacy Officer

 Hawthorn location  Part Time – 3 days per week

Alzheimer’s Australia Vic is the peak body for people with dementia and their families and carers. We provide innovative leadership in terms of policy direction, information, education and services to support people with dementia, their families and carers, and in promoting dementia risk reduction.

This position includes the leadership of systemic advocacy initiatives relating to issues of concern for people with dementia and their families and the project management of our national Resources program.

You will need to be a highly motivated individual who can work independently and in a supportive team environment as part of our Strategic Initiative team.

You will have the ability to:  Lead advocacy initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders  Make representations on key issues  Develop strong relationships and be experienced in working with consumers  Track and manage projects

A position description can be downloaded at: http://www.alzheimers.org.au/victoria/career-opportunities---vic- 1.aspx

Applications close Friday 17 June.

For more information, contact Shane Brown on 9816 5771 or email [email protected]

Disability Advisor (GA) – Disaster Management

Australian Red Cross is pleased to be one of three implementing partners of the Australian government’s Australian Volunteers for International Development program. International volunteers make a commitment to working side-by-side with local people in order to support individuals, organisations and communities in fulfilling their goals and achieving their full potential. Volunteering internationally will inspire you and challenge you to gain new and diverse skills while you develop both personally and professionally.

Fiji Red Cross has identified a need to integrate disability more effectively into disaster management. The Disability Adviser will work across a number of programs on this integration. You will be a regional resource for disability and disaster management and may be expected to travel within the Pacific to work with National Society Disaster Management staff from other National Societies.

A major element of the work plan will be to ensure that all activities are designed and conducted in ways that ensure the local sustainability beyond the time of the volunteer assignment.

Successful applicants will demonstrate:  At least 2 years experience in the not-for-profit sector  Previous work experience in the Pacific, if possible with Red Cross  Experience working with volunteers  Demonstrated experience in program planning and implementation and especially in disability related programming  Proven experience in organisational development and enhancing institutional capacity in a disaster management and preparedness context  BA (Hons) or MA or equivalent in humanities and/or relevant work experience

An assignment description can be downloaded at: http://www.redcross.org.au/media/FJ_DM_FY12_03_NS_Disability_A dvisor.pdf

For more information, contact the International Volunteers People Team by email [email protected] or phone (03) 9345 1834.

Welcome to the weekly Update from the Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU). If you would like to be removed from this list or kept up to date another way, please reply to this email and let us know.

DARU has been funded by the state government. It is run by a governance group, including members of the Victorian Disability Advocacy Network (VDAN), and the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS). DARU’s staff currently includes a Co- ordinator, Sharon Granek, and an Administration Officer, Natasha Brake. We are always happy to hear from people who are interested in what we do. If you have a question, an idea, some news you’d like to see in the next update, or even if you just want to tell us something we’re doing is good or bad, get in touch! Call us on 03 9639 5807 or email [email protected].

Please note that material contained in the DARU Update copy does not necessarily reflect the policy of DARU or the views of any staff members. Statements in the DARU Update do not comprise advice and readers should avail themselves of professional advice where appropriate.