Submissions, Consultations and Forums s2

DARU Update 28 March 2011

 IN THE NEWS

 PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES

 TRAINING

 SUBMISSIONS, CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS

 PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS

IN THE NEWS

Disabled Respite at Crisis Point Michelle Griffin, The Age, March 28, 2011

It’s a vicious circle. Parents who can no longer care for their disabled children are leaving them in respite homes for months while they wait for permanent homes. This in turn makes it harder for other parents to get respite care.

Widespread use of respite care as ''semi-permanent accommodation'' was identified as a problem back in December 2009 by the Victorian parliamentary inquiry into supported accommodation.

Now, at a time when 1239 disabled Victorians are on the waiting list for supported housing, there is a regular two-to-four year wait in some regions to get overnight respite care.

Single mother Naomi O'Byrne gets a break from caring for her intellectually disabled, epileptic 12-year-old daughter Sarah Taylor only ''every three months or so'', she estimates. At present, she's two years into a four-year waiting list for regular overnight respite.

Karen Biasin, single mother of two intellectually disabled children, understands all too well. Her 17-year-old severely autistic daughter Amber has been in respite accommodation since last September, when Ms Biasin relinquished care of her daughter to the state because she couldn't get weekend respite. ''I'm well aware [it's creating a shortage],'' says Ms Biasin. ''That's how I got into this situation. I needed respite. I couldn't cope.''

While approximately 40 children with disabilities in Victoria have been relinquished into state care, there are anecdotal reports of parents simply leaving their children in respite.

The Association for Children with a Disability has reported a dramatic rise in the number of parents calling in ''at the end of their tether'', says chief executive officer Elizabeth McGarry. Community Services Minister Mary Wooldridge, who regularly campaigned against the lack of respite care when in opposition, says the Baillieu government has ''set aside funding to develop new and innovative supported accommodation and respite care that meets the range of carer and care-recipient needs''

To read the full article go to http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/disabled-respite-at-crisis- point-20110327-1cbyg.html

'No Discrimination' of Asperger's Boy Selma Milovanovic, The Age, Legal Affairs Reporter, 25 March 2011

A teenage boy with multiple disabilities who was sent home during lunch and banned from school excursions has lost his discrimination claim against the Education Department.

The Victorian boy, has Asperger's syndrome (an autism spectrum disorder), dyslexia and attention deficit disorder. Lawyers for the boy, now 16, told the Federal Court his IQ dropped due to the alleged discrimination. The court heard he was not allowed to travel on the school bus, forcing his mother to drive 400 kilometres each week to take him to school.

The school claimed the boy had exhibited sexually inappropriate and violent behaviour. The court heard he hit other students, once hit a principal, and swore at teachers.

Federal Court judge Richard Tracey ruled it could not be said the department would have treated another student without disabilities any differently than it had treated the boy.

Speaking about the schools' decision to ban the boy from the playground during recess and lunch breaks, he said principals had no option but to devise strategies designed to help the boy and protect other students.

To read the full article, visit http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/no- discrimination-of-aspergers-boy-20110324-1c8kc.html

Holiday Lockout for Disabled Boy Paul Tatnell, Herald Sun, 23 March 2011

Mentone mother-of-three Caroline Livanos said she was stunned when Kingston Council workers said they would not accept her son at a recent school holiday program because workers could not cope with his disability.

Her son, Michael, has autism and requires a high level of care. But Mrs Livanos claims Michael's special needs should not mean he is excluded from services other children enjoy.

Lawyers have told her the move was discriminatory and she has launched legal action, with her claim due to be heard at the Human Rights Commission.

"I have been told it's a blatant breach of the discrimination (Act)," Mrs Livanos told the Herald Sun. "It is just the same old story . . . basically everyone just saying they can't help and passing the buck.

Kingston Council CEO John Nevins said the council was sympathetic, but it didn't have the money or amenities to provide proper care for high-needs children.

To read the full article, visit http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/holiday-lockout-for- disabled-boy/story-e6frf7kx-1226026306605

Special Schools for Children with Disabilities should be Closed, a Liberal Senator has Told Parliament. AAP, 23 March, 2011

Sue Boyce criticised the existing practice of separating people with impairments from the rest of society. To combat this "silo-isation", the former journalist suggested integrating youngsters with disabilities into mainstream education.

"I am a very, very strong advocate of closing down all our special schools and moving all the resources of the special schools into the mainstream," she told the Senate today.

"This is the only way that we will, long term, push ... real inclusion into the education system."

Senator Boyce used her matter of public importance speech to refute suggestions that children with disabilities faced bullying if they studied at a mainstream school.

To read the full article, visit http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/breaking-news/special-schools- should-be-closed-senator-sue-boyce-says/story-e6frea73- 1226026795977

Wheelchair Despair in Footscray Anthea Cannon, Maribyrnong Leader, 22 Mar 2011

For commuters, missing a train can be one of the most frustrating aspects of using public transport. But for wheelchair-bound Shane Lacchiana, it is a situation he faces three or four times a week at Footscray station.

Mr Lacchiana, from Werribee, said he waited in the special wheelchair zone, but drivers did not always get out to help him. And when the first carriage was full, he said drivers refused to ask able- bodied passengers to make room or move to another carriage.

He said he had received no answer to repeated complaints to Metro. “I spoke to the transport ombudsman and I was shocked - they told me to speak to Metro again,” he said.

Mr Lacchiana said Metro told him there was no policy on allowing someone with a disability on board and assistance was at the drivers’ discretion. Public Transport Users Association president Daniel Bowen said a lack of co-operation on transport added to the challenges facing people in wheelchairs.

Victorian Council of Social Service chief executive Cath Smith said drivers who failed to help were in breach of Metro’s contract with the State and Federal discrimination laws.

The Transport Minister did not respond to requests for comment.

Independent A uditor to Oversee Captioning Services for Nine Network’s TCN and NBN ACME Media Release, 24 March 2011

After finding that Nine Network stations TCN and NBN breached their licence conditions by failing to provide a captioning service, Nine has agreed to put in place an independent audit system to prevent future breaches. It is the first time an investigation by the Australian Communications and Media Authority has received this voluntary undertaking for a captions-related breach.

Under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act), it is a condition that commercial television licensees provide a captioning service for all news and current affairs programs.

‘Given Nine’s patchy track record in providing this essential service, the ACMA considers that the introduction of outside auditors reflects an appropriate measure of independence and oversight,’ said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman. ‘We welcome Nine’s initiative in resolving this matter, however, the ACMA will naturally continue to closely monitor any complaints received about caption delivery in the broadcasting sector.

In addition, the ACMA is working with industry, consumers and government in the development of indicators for the assessment of caption quality. Quality is a primary concern of consumers and the captioning working committee is aiming to develop meaningful, measureable and deliverable quality indicators that are acceptable to all stakeholders.

To this end, the committee has met regularly following the ACMA captioning forum in September 2010 with the most recent meeting taking place on 21 March 2011. To read the full article, visit http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_312489

Trend of Young People on Support has Welfare Groups Concerned Peter Mickelburough, Herald Sun, 21 March 2011

Almost 200,000 Victorians now survive on disability support pensions. And almost half of those are aged in their 40s or younger - and the number is growing.

It's a trend that has economists and welfare groups concerned. VCOSS chief executive Cath Smith said the figures - along with those showing teens getting career benefits or pensioners receiving baby bonuses - hide some very tough human stories.

Centre for Independent Studies policy analyst Jessica Brown said these numbers had risen consistently over the past few decades."What's really worrying is the number of young Victorians in their 20s, 30s and 40s going on to DSP," she said."We know that once someone is on a disability pension, there is very little chance they will return to the workforce. "Around 1 per cent of disability pensioners return to work each year.”We need to do a lot more to help young people with disabilities into the workforce."

The Centrelink data shows more than 60,000 Victorian teens now receive federal government welfare payments.

To read the full article, visit http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/save-kids-from-life-of- poverty/story-e6frf7kx-1226025101776

Baillieu Breaks Second Pay Pledge Ben Schneiders, The Age, 22 March, 2011

The Baillieu government has moved to dump another costly election promise, warning of possible job cuts and reduced services if it had to fund a large pay rise as part of a landmark women's pay case for community workers. Before the state election, Coalition spokeswoman Mary Wooldridge had committed to funding the women's pay case even if it cost more than the $200 million over four years for which they had budgeted.

But, in a submission to Fair Work Australia last night, the government said if the case cost more than $50 million a year and it was not funded by the federal government, there might be a ''gap'' between the pay rise awarded by the tribunal and ''funding of the sector''. ''This may result in a reduction in services. This, in turn, may have an impact on the numbers of positions in the sector, and/or on the hours of work available to workers employed in the sector,'' the submission said.

The nationwide union case before Fair Work Australia is seeking large pay rises for tens of thousands of people in the community sector, such as social and youth workers. It is based on a 2009 Queensland decision that awarded pay rises of up to 37 per cent over three years.

A Baillieu government spokeswoman defended the controversial submission to Fair Work Australia and said it made it ''absolutely clear'' the government supported gender pay equity and its election policy to ''deliver $200 million over four years for community sector workers''. But she would not say why the submission differed from Ms Wooldridge's open-ended commitment before the election

To read the full article, visit http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/baillieu- breaks-second-pay-pledge-20110321-1c3v2.html

The Day the Penny Dropped for Me on Disability John Della Bosca, The Australian, 23 March 2011

I (have) always been interested in social policy and social justice issues but like many people disability was not on my radar. (_) Disability to me was just another political and policy challenge. The system had been making a lot of unwelcome noise on talkback radio and generating unflattering portrayals of the government on tabloid TV and I saw my assignment as fixing those perception problems while expending as little political capital and as few budget dollars as possible.

Immediately upon being sworn in I was confronted with the usual round of briefings and meetings suggested and recommended by the department or my personal staff. This is an absolutely standard part of life for a minister taking on a new portfolio. One particular meeting was suggested to me a couple of times, a meeting with a Central Coast Disability Parents group. I was at the time also the minister for the Central Coast and I live there. After about the third suggestion I agreed to a meeting.

I arranged the meeting with Central Coast parents at three o'clock on a Friday afternoon. I assumed they would mostly be younger than me and in some cases a lot younger. I thought they will be interested in accessibility issues at railway stations, buses and school, and aides in the classroom, Auslan interpreters, special packages for students on the autism spectrum and so on.

I was taken aback to find a room full of people in their 70s and 80s. The first gentleman to speak spoke on behalf of the group. He explained without histrionics that he and his wife had been caring for their severely disabled daughter for 50 years. In that time they had received no respite care as they had always been assessed as able to cope and his daughter had been on the waiting list for supported accommodation for decades. The strain of this lifestyle had contributed to his wife's premature death and as a widower over 80 his only request from me was to know what would happen to his daughter when he passed away. This did not seem to me to be an outrageous demand and yet there was no answer. Indeed it was an outrage that there was no answer.

This man's talk was like a thunderbolt. It was the day I got disability. In the decades post deinstitutionalisation governments and the community had underfunded disability. Not by a little bit but by half.

To read the full article, visit http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society- and-culture/the-day-the-penny-dropped-for-me-on-disability- 20110322-1c4uv.html

PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES No Limits Season 10 Now Available

No Limits is an award winning community television project that aims to bring the world of disability into people's living rooms in an informative and entertaining way. The purpose of the show is to build awareness and acceptance of people with disabilities and support the development of understanding of difference among audience members. No Limits aims to increase the participation of people with a disability in broadcast television production and the development of other media, both in front of the camera and behind the camera.

You can order season10 box set by downloading and completing the order form available at http://www.daru.org.au/publications/items/2011/03/366739-upload- 00001.odt

For more information, visit the Grit Media website at http://www.gritmedia.org.au/index.html

Aids and Equipment Redevelopment Newsletter Issue No.17 March 2011

This is the last newsletter to be issued by DHS on the redevelopment of the Aids and Equipment Program. To download a copy, visit http://www.daru.org.au/publications/items/2011/03/366741-upload- 00001.doc

In future, the State-wide equipment program (SWEP) will issue newsletters pertaining to their business. To subscribe, email [email protected] and request to be added to their mailing list.

SARU E-memo March 2011

In this issue:  SARU Update  The Self Advocacy Networking Day  Human Rights Training  New SARU Resource  SARU crossword

A PDF version is available at http://www.daru.org.au/publications/items/2011/03/366742-upload- 00001.pdf

For alternate formats or to subscribe, contact Jan at SARU on phone 9639-6856 or mail [email protected]

TRAINING Anti-discrimination Law Seminar Series: Choosing your Jurisdiction

When: Wednesday 30 March & 13 April 2011, Where: Lionel Murphy Centre, 360 Queen Street (between La Trobe and A’Beckett Streets) Melbourne Register: RSVP by phoning 03) 9269 0353 or email [email protected]

The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and Victoria Legal Aid are presenting a series of anti-discrimination seminars.

The third and fourth seminars in the 2011 series will look at how to choose the best jurisdiction for clients with complaints of discrimination. The seminars will focus on employment-related discrimination – the area in which most complaints tend to be made.

For more information, visit http://www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/index.php? option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=1207&Itemid=717

Self Advocacy Training for People with Disability

When: 2 consecutive Tuesdays 12 & 19 April 2011, 10:30am – 3:00pm Where; Dandenong (to be advised) Register: Contact Katrina Newman on 9791 4870 or email [email protected]. Places are strictly limited.

The Disability Resources Centre is running a self - advocacy training course for people with disabilities living in the outer southeast of Melbourne. The course will be facilitated by people with expertise in advocacy & legal training.

The topics will include:  Learn to be more assertive;  Understanding your rights;  How to write an effective self - advocacy letter; and  How to make a complaint using the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

This is a great opportunity to gain skills to make positive changes for your life.

Ageing and Disability Training

When: Wednesday 6 April, 2011, 1:00pm - 4:00pm Where: Northcote Library Meeting Room Cost: $110.00 per person (incl. GST)

Register: Go online to http://prioletticonsultants.com.au/trainings/4- ageing-and-disability

The disability sector is now facing an ageing population, yet many services and staff are not equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide appropriate support to people with disabilities in the long term. This short course provides participants with an overall understanding of the ageing process and how this will impact on people with a range of disabilities.

Key Content Areas Include:  The differences facing people with disability who are ageing  Understanding the ageing process and impact on people with disabilities  How to access aged care services ; advantages and disadvantages  How to support people with disabilities who are ageing  Cross Cultural expectations regarding ageing  Resources available

For more information, contact Prioletti Consultants on phone (03) 9038 9292 or email [email protected].

SUBMISSIONS, CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS Guardianship Law Reform Consultation

When: Wednesday 13 April 2011, 10.30 am – 12.30 pm Where: Victorian Law Reform Commission, Level 3, 333 Queen Street, Melbourne Register: RSVP by 4 April by contacting DARU on 9639 5807 or email [email protected]. Places are limited.

As part of the review process, consultations were held in 2010 throughout Victoria. Advocates who support people with disabilities in relation to guardianship and administration issues, or other matters related to people’s decision-making rights and needs were able to provide valuable information.

The Commission has now published their findings and will be calling for response to this paper through submissions and consultation sessions.

A light lunch will be provided

The Consultation Paper is available on the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s website at http://www.lawreform.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/justlib/Law+Refor m/Home/Current+Projects/Guardianship/ or a copy can be requested by phoning 1300 666 555. Summary and easy English versions are available from DARU.

Inquiry into Disability Care and Support

When: Tuesday 5 April 2011, 9:00am – 5:00pm Where: Amora Hotel, Bridge Room, 649 Bridge Road, Richmond Register: Go online to http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/disability-support or advise Roberta Bausch on phone (02) 6240 3221 or email [email protected]

The Australian Government has asked the Productivity Commission to undertake a public inquiry into a long-term disability care and support scheme. Public hearings provide an opportunity for people to present submissions and discuss the Draft report with the Commissioners in person.

The hearing may run for more than one day.

What Does the NDS Mean for Women with Disabilities?

When: Monday 11 April 2011, 1:00pm – 4:00pm Where: Level 8/255 Bourke Street, Melbourne Register: RSVP by Thursday 7 April 2011 by contacting Shirley or Carolyn on phone 03 6244 8288 or email [email protected].

Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) and Women With Disabilities Victoria are inviting women with disabilities to a forum in Melbourne to hear their thoughts on the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme.

For more information, download a flyer at http://www.dircsa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/NDIS- Forum.pdf

Search for Outstanding Volunteers Working in Victorian Public Health Care Services

The Minister for Health Volunteer Awards celebrate and honour the remarkable work performed by volunteers across Victoria’s public health care sector.

The Minister for Health is calling for nominations from Victorian hospitals, community health services, mental health services, aged care services, integrated care centres, ambulance services, and volunteer, charity and non-government organisations for individual and team achievements.

Nominees will be recognised in light of their volunteer commitment and achievements. Up to three outstanding volunteers will be presented with Volunteer Awards in each category.

Volunteer Awards will be presented by the Minister for Health at a special reception during National Volunteers Week 9-15 May 2011.

Nominations close 6 April 2011.

For more information, or to nominate a volunteer, visit http://www.health.vic.gov.au/volunteerawards/

Would You Like to Host a Local or Regional Multi Purpose Taxi Program Information Session? The Victorian Taxi Directorate (VTD) is looking to hold information sessions to educate local communities about the Multi Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP), a government funded program which aims to improve accessibility to transport services for people with a disability.

The VTD seeks feedback on whether your local community would benefit from an MPTP information session and for expressions of interest from people and/or organisations who would be interested in hosting and promoting these sessions.

The interactive information sessions will include a PowerPoint presentation and opportunities for people to ask questions about the program and provide feedback about their taxi experience.

The duration of the sessions is expected to be about 60-90 minutes but can be tailored to fit the needs of an audience.

The session will provide information on:  how to apply for an MPTP card  eligibility criteria (including the means test)  the trip cap and annual cap  additional subsidies  interstate travel vouchers  taxi travel for people with a disability  wheelchair accessible taxis (WATS)  how to complain and/or provide feedback to the VTD  current VTD initiatives to improve taxi services.

For more information or If you are interested in arranging a presentation in your area, contact Pauline Hayes, WAT Officer at Department of Transport, on phone (03) 86830604 or email [email protected]

Have your Say on Wheelchair Labelling

The ME 067 Standards Committee – Mobility Appliances for People with a Disability are reviewing the AS/NZ 3696 part 19, looking at wheelchairs being used as seats in vehicles.

In America they use labels on the wheelchairs to inform people that these chairs have met the standards and are safe to be used in a vehicle. There is also a draft European Standard EN 12183 that requires labelling for chairs not suitable for use in motor vehicles. This is an opportunity for people who use wheelchairs to contribute to a standards review. Responses are being sought for the following key questions: 1. Would you like to know before you purchase/have provided a wheelchair whether it is suitable to ride in as a seat in a car/taxi? 2. Would a label (12mm x 80mm) indicating whether the chair meets safety standards for such use be OK on all NEW chairs, to help you and those tying down the chair?

Replies and any other comments can be sent to [email protected]

PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS Part-time Coordinator

 An initial 12month contract  18 hours per week over 3 days  Salary: SCS Award CDW IIb.

North East Citizen Advocacy Inc. seeks a Coordinator to recruit and train people with an intellectual disability, support voluntary advocates and work in a team environment. Must have excellent communication skills, be computer literate and hold a current driver’s license.

For more information and the position description, visit http://www.seek.com.au/Job/part-time-coordinator/in/melbourne- northern-suburbs/19372447 or contact n on Kate Bergman, Program Manager on phone 03 8407 3684.

Applications close 5:00pm, 6 April 2011.

Artistic & General Co-ordinator - ArtAbility™ 2011

Expressions of interest sought from suitably qualified artists to co- ordinate and organise ADEC’s flagship, ArtAbility™. This is an annual art exhibition of artworks created by people with a disability from diverse cultural backgrounds. This event will be held at The Atrium, Federation Square from the 5th – 12th December, 2011 If you have strong relationship-building skills as well as artistic co- ordination, this will be a highly rewarding contract position. The successful candidate will co-ordinate artwork creation and build strong relationships with potential artists, sponsors, donors and other stakeholders.

ADEC is an equal opportunity employer. People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Respondents should provide examples of their experience in co-ordinating similar events. The position concludes after the 2011 exhibition.

Applications close 7 April 2011.

For information on how to apply and to download a project brief, visit http://www.adec.org.au/employment.html

Enquiries about the position should be directed to Anastasia on phone (03) 9480 1666 or email [email protected].

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.