Submissions, Consultations and Forums s3

DARU Update 20 June 2011

 IN THE NEWS

 EVENTS

 PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES

 TRAINING

 SUBMISSIONS, CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS

 PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS

IN THE NEWS Only US School Can Help Our Son Herald Sun, Evonne Barry, 18 June, 2011

A Melbourne family is moving to the US for "emergency education" because it believes the Victorian school system has failed their 11- year-old son.

The autistic boy is from one of at least nine families suing the Education Department through the Federal Court for discrimination and what they claim is inadequate education. Some families say they have spent up to $100,000 on therapy, tutoring and legal fees in their bids to get their "left behind" disabled children up to speed.

While experts warn parents their court battles could come with big financial and psychological costs, the desperate mums and dads say legal action has become a last resort. The mother moving her family to the US next month said she sent her "severely autistic" son to three Melbourne schools before researching overseas options.

The family will continue Federal Court action against the Education Department after settling in a US school that specialises in teaching autistic children. Documents lodged with the Federal Court show the family's claims include expenses for "emergency education" in the US. Other students with discrimination cases in the Federal Court include:

A girl 13, with several diagnosed learning disabilities who, according to her mother, has been denied funding for an aide despite "having the reading and writing skills of a grade one (student)".

A boy, 16, allegedly suffering low self-esteem, anxiety, bullying and victimisation because his learning difficulties were not properly addressed by a Melbourne high school.

Bendigo mother Anne Maree Stewart is also considering legal action against the state education system. She claims her son Matthew, 9, who has a form of autism called Asperger's syndrome, has at times been "treated like a piece of dirt" because of his disability.

Children with a Disability Australia executive officer Stephanie Gotlib said education standards were the chief concern for parents of disabled children.

But child psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg urged parents to think carefully about legal action.

"I can certainly understand their frustration. But the psychological impact of having your shortcomings paraded in the public arena may not be in the best interests of these kids."

An Education Department spokeswoman said its $550 million Program for Students with Disabilities supported 20,000 students.

To read the full story, go to http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more- news/only-us-school-can-help-our-son/story-fn7x8me2- 1226077398320

Park Views, From the Top and Bottom The Age, Jason Dowling, 16 June, 2011

There are more than 37,000 people on Victoria's public housing waiting list and more than 100 people were counted sleeping rough in freezing temperatures on Melbourne's streets and parks in the early morning hours last week. Meanwhile, others are spending $5 million on luxury apartments. Yesterday Melbourne City Council released its annual homeless street count figures and Salta Properties announced that all 86 apartments in its 150 Clarendon Street luxury development overlooking the park in East Melbourne had been sold or leased. With an average price of almost $5 million an apartment, the old Mercy Hospital development is edging towards a value of half a billion dollars.

Five apartments sold for well over $10 million and rents of more than $3000 a week are believed to have been paid. Sam Tarascio, managing director of Salta Properties, said: ''We have had five sales well in excess of $10 million in that building - the cheapest sale was $1.1 million for a one-bedder.''

The building has a swimming pool, spa, gymnasium, sauna, steam and massage room, private cinema, conference and meeting rooms and wine cellar.

Cath Smith, Chief Executive of the Victorian Council of Social Service, said the juxtaposition of the two announcements - the luxury apartment sales and the homeless figures - demonstrated the need for more affordable housing.

She said it was a moment for the Victorian government to consider the plight of people sleeping under cardboard.

''It does open up big questions about an affordable housing strategy,'' Ms Smith said.

To read the full story, visit: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/park-views-from-the-top-and- bottom-20110615-1g3tw.html#ixzz1POgEKIso

More Time to Nominate for National Disability Awards Media Release, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, 16 June 2011

Australians now have an extra month to nominate outstanding individuals and organisations that have contributed to the lives of people with disability for the 2011 National Disability Awards. The Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, said nominations for the Awards would now close on 29 July.

"The Awards, now in their fifth year, give recognition to the remarkable achievements of the disability sector and the role models with disability who inspire all Australians," Senator McLucas said.

"The National Disability Awards are a great way to recognise those individuals within the community that are working hard to improve the lives of people with disability."

"I encourage people to nominate someone within their local community for a National Disability Award. It is a wonderful way to recognise an individual or organisation that has inspired you, who has done something remarkable or made a difference in the lives of people with disability."

"Last year’s award winners were a mix of educators, advocates, business people and public speakers who all worked tirelessly to raise awareness of people with disability and make a real difference in the lives of others," Senator McLucas said.

"The Awards are part of the Australian Government's celebration of International Day of People with Disability, which occurs on 3 December each year to build awareness of the important role of people with disability in our community, and showcase their extraordinary achievements," Senator McLucas said.

To read the full article, visit: http://www.janmclucas.fahcsia.gov.au/mediareleases/2011/pages/mor e_time_nominate_nda16062011.aspx

To find out more about the National Disability Award nominations, see the Events section of this Update.

EVENTS DisabiliTEA – A National Morning Tea to Support the NDIS

When: Tuesday 2 August 2011 Register: Host a DisabiliTEA event by contacting James O’Brien, Campaign Co-ordinator, on phone (03) 8341 4316 or email [email protected] The morning tea is an opportunity for the community to get together in cities, towns and suburbs right across the nation and flags the start of the next phase of the Every Australian Counts campaign.

Events such as DisabiliTEA are vital to help raise broader community awareness of the need for an NDIS to ensure that people with disabilities, their families and carers finally get the support and care that they need.

The NDIS isn’t just going to automatically happen. We need to campaign hard across the country to convince the politicians that it is the right thing to do, both for people with disabilities, their families and for the entire nation.

Promotional brochures and information are available on the Every Australian Counts website at: http://everyaustraliancounts.com.au/

National Disability Awards Nominations

The 2011 National Disability Awards are open and calling for nominations in the Social Inclusion Award category.

The 2011 Award categories are:  Minister’s Lifelong Achievement Award recognises people who have advanced the rights of people with disability over a prolonged period of time.  Young Disability Challenge Award recognises young people aged 12-25 years who have advanced the rights of people with disability.  Business Award recognises organisations that have improved access to employment, or created increased employment opportunities for people with disability.  Local Government Award recognises work in a community that provides opportunities for full inclusion of people with disability.  Social Inclusion Award recognises schools, universities, employment and training providers and advocacy services who have enabled equal participation of people with disability in a range of areas in life.  Inclusive and Accessible Communities Award recognises work by developers, builders and others in the building sector to create accessible buildings or facilities for people with disability.  Health and Wellbeing Award recognises health and wellbeing services that are creating equal access for people with disability.

The 2011 National Disability Award categories are aligned with the National Disability Strategy priority areas, a 10 year strategy to improve the lives of people with disability, their families and carers.

The National Disability Awards are part of the Australian Government’s celebration of International Day of People with Disability.

The awards recognise people with disability who have achieved something remarkable or made a significant contribution to their community, and people or groups within the community who have contributed to the disability sector or improved access and inclusion.

To download a nomination form and guidelines or fill in a form online, visit: http://www.idpwd.com.au/index.php/awards/nomination/ or call 1800 440 385 to order hard copies.

Nominations close at 5pm AEST Friday 29 July 2011.

Diversity@work Award Nominations

Have you put your organisation in the running?

Get the national recognition your organisation and staff deserve for working towards creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Your company could be nationally recognised for its achievements in the employment and inclusion of People with a Disability, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse individuals, mature age, youth, Indigenous Australians, gender diversity, GLBTI - or even take home the pinnacle award for the evening . . . the Organisational or Individual Diversity Laureate Award.

In 2011, size does not matter and the distinction between large and small organisations subcategories has been removed. Greater emphasis will be placed on recognising successful organisations based upon their individual capacity and resources that support their diversity and inclusion business case. This means that you can compare your workplace initiatives and policies against similar multi-national companies, academic institutions, government departments, small businesses or community organisations across the Australian landscape.

Here are the five outstanding reasons why you should nominate for the Diversity@Work 2011 Employment & Inclusion Awards  You’ll stand out from the crowd: Winning will gain you a valuable marketing edge against your competitors. Plus ALL winners will receive additional and ongoing national coverage from being associated with the Awards through Diversity@Work’s marketing team. And as nominating is FREE, it won’t even break the budget!  People will be clamouring to work for you: In a time of talent shortages, winning will boost morale allowing for better retention of staff and will position your company as an Employer of Choice; Retaining knowledge, attracting top candidates while saving on recruitment bills.  You will get feedback to further learn and develop: Whether you win or not, all nominees from the 2011 Awards will receive confidential feedback from the Judging Panel on their individual nomination, allowing you to develop action plans to further grow your diversity and inclusion initiatives. It’s a win, win, scenario.  Your clients will love you: Winning will give your clients another reason to do business with you. It’s also a great reason for new clients to do business with you.  Because you deserve it: Your staff have worked hard to put in place diversity and inclusion programs and initiatives that work. What better thank you can they receive?

Nominations close 15 July 2011.

For more information, visit the Diversity@work website at: http://www.diversityatwork.com.au/events/awards/2011/nominations

PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES World Report on Disability

The first ever World report on disability, produced jointly by WHO and the World Bank, suggests that more than a billion people in the world today experience disability. People with disabilities have generally poorer health, lower education achievements, fewer economic opportunities and higher rates of poverty than people without disabilities. This is largely due to the lack of services available to them and the many obstacles they face in their everyday lives. The report provides the best available evidence about what works to overcome barriers to health care, rehabilitation, education, employment, and support services, and to create the environments which will enable people with disabilities to flourish. The report ends with a concrete set of recommended actions for governments and their partners.

This pioneering World report on disability will make a significant contribution to implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. At the intersection of public health, human rights and development, the report is set to become a "must have" resource for policy-makers, service providers, professionals, and advocates for people with disabilities and their families.

To read the full report visit: http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2011/9789240685215_eng.pdf

White Pages Accessibility Guide Now Available Vision Australia, 15 June 2011

Sensis, in conjunction with Vision Australia, has produced a guide for people with print disability on how to access White Pages® information. This is a great resource for people who cannot access the printed guide.

Peter Barclay, White Pages® Group Manager noted "This Accessibility Guide is a one-stop shop for people who are vision impaired and want more information about the different services they can use to access White pages content."

"Vision Australia is excited to have worked on this guide with White Pages®. It is imperative that people who are blind or have low vision have access to the same information as their sighted peers," said Gerard Menses, CEO of Vision Australia.

"This guide will help people who are blind or have low vision find all the channels available to access information from the White Pages® directory," Mr Menses said. This Guide is available in audio CD, Braille or in large print. To order a copy, phone 1300 84 74 66 and ask for Chase Mathews or email [email protected]

Global Accessibility News

The Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES) proudly announces the worldwide launch of the international accessibility news service the Global Accessibility News.

This news service aims to promote and create awareness on accessibility of the built, social and virtual environments; including architectural and infrastructural design, transportation systems, habitat, electronic information, web and communication technologies.

With the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, there is a great demand for up-to-date information on the latest developments in accessibility, Universal Design, Assistive Technologies, and Universally Accessible environments for people with disabilities and older persons.

Headline News stories are made available in a format that is fully accessible to all, on the Global Accessibility News website, presented in geographical sections. Visit the website at: http://globalaccessibilitynews.com/

To subscribe to an e-bulletin of Global Accessibility News arriving directly into your inbox, send an email to [email protected] with “subscribe to GAN” in the subject line.

For more information on the Global Accessibility News, email Aqeel Qureshi, Editor and Manager at [email protected]

Volunteers and the Equal Opportunity Act Information Pack

Volunteering Victoria is working to support volunteers and organisations to understand and meet their responsibilities toward volunteers under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

The Information Pack includes:  A fact sheet and further reading  An adaptable policy and procedures  Tips for getting started  Options for further advice and training

To download the Equal Opportunity Act Information pack, visit: http://www.volunteeringvictoria.org.au/volunteering-victoria/position- papers/524-volunteers-and-the-equal-opportunity-act

TRAINING VCOSS Clearinghouse Training 2011 – Registrations Now Open!

VCOSS Clearinghouse is proud to present the Clearinghouse Training Program for the second half of 2011. The program delivers high quality and targeted training sessions across the state for staff and volunteers from the Victorian community sector.

The program includes Governance, OH&S, Modern Award and Finance training with sessions running from June through to October.

For details of sessions and to register, visit the VCOSS Clearinghouse training webpage: http://www.vcoss.org.au/clearinghouse/training.html

For more information contact Emma Richardson on phone (03) 9654 5050 or email [email protected]

Ageing and Disability

When: Wednesday 22 June, 2011, 1:00pm - 4:00pm Where: Northcote Library Meeting Room Register: Go online to: http://app.streamsend.com/c/14035951/147/YDfm4aG/lrh R?redirect_to=http%3A%2F %2Fprioletticonsultants.com.au%2Ftrainings%2F4- ageing-and-disability Cost: $110.00 per person (incl. GST)

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. 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

Understanding Dementia

When: Thursday 23 June 2011, 1:00pm - 4:00pm Where: Wheelers Hill Library Meeting Room Register: Go online to: http://app.streamsend.com/c/14035951/149/YDfm4aG/lrh R?redirect_to=http%3A%2F %2Fprioletticonsultants.com.au%2Ftrainings%2F3- understanding-dementia Cost: $110.00 per person (incl. GST)

This short course provides participants with a good understanding of Dementia and the physical, emotional and behavioural impact this may have on the person and carer/support person.

Dementia is a general term that describes a range of conditions that effect memory and thinking. In Australia, people over the age of 65 (earlier for some people with disabilities) have a 1 in 15 chance of developing this condition. This short course provides participants with a good understanding of Dementia and the physical, emotional and behavioural impact this may have on the person and carer/support person.

Key content areas include:  Types of Dementia and expected outcomes  Stages of Dementia  Effective communication  Impact on carers/support workers  Tips on how to support a person with Dementia  Resources available

SUBMISSIONS, CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS Streamlining Deductions for the Cost of Disability Insurance through Superannuation

Superannuation funds will be able to streamline the way they claim tax deductions for the cost of total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance provided to members following the passage of legislation by the Senate yesterday.

The legislation, contained in the Tax Laws Amendment (2011 Measures No. 4) Bill 2011, will allow the percentage of certain TPD insurance premiums that can be claimed as deductions by superannuation funds to be specified in regulations. These changes will apply from the 2011-12 income year.

The cost of TPD insurance provided through superannuation is deductible to the extent the policies provide cover that is consistent with the definition of 'disability superannuation benefit' in the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. Where broader insurance cover is provided, superannuation funds must obtain an actuary's certificate to determine the deductible portion of the premium (unless that portion is specified in the insurance policy).

"These changes will give many superannuation funds the option of using a simpler method to determine the deductible portion of TPD insurance premiums without having to engage an actuary," the Assistant Treasurer, Mr Bill Shorten said.

To support these legislative amendments, Mr Shorten today announced the release of a consultation paper containing the deductible percentages for TPD insurance premiums, and descriptions of insurance policies, which would be prescribed in the regulations.

To download or view the consultation paper in a variety of formats and find out how to lodge your submission, visit: http://www.treasury.gov.au/contentitem.asp? NavId=037&ContentID=2072

Comments on the paper are sought by 1 July 2011.

Family Assistance and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011

ACOSS' submission to the Senate Community Affairs Committee on the Family Assistance and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 recommends that:  the delay of access to the Disability Support Pension while applicants participate in a 'program of support be opposed;  the provisions that freeze the Family Tax Benefit supplements be opposed; and  the provisions that freeze various family payment income thresholds be supported.

To read ACOSS’s submission, visit: http://acoss.org.au/images/uploads/ACOSS_family_assistance_bill_s ubmission_2011.pdf

PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS Operations Manager at RIAC

Regional Information and Advocacy Council (RIAC) has created a new position of Operations Manager to be based at its Shepparton office. The position is full-time and the successful applicant must be a qualified Accountant. The pay rate for the position will be in the range of $55- $65,000 negotiable dependent on skills and qualifications, with salary packaging available. The successful applicant will also act as CEO in my absence.

The position will be responsible for the management of RIAC’s Financial Reporting, Budgeting and all financial transactions. It will also be responsible for HR, Work Cover, payroll, fleet management and the administrative support to RIAC’s offices. RIAC’s administrative team currently consists of 3 positions. The Operations Manager will also be responsible for the provision of administrative support services to other agencies on a fee for service basis.

To download a position description and details on how to apply, visit: http://www.riac.org.au/careers.php#ID1308198811 For more information, contact Steve Doran, Chief Executive Officer, on phone (03) 58221944, mobile 0408 597 741 or email [email protected]

Help Us Improve the Way People with A Disability are Portrayed

The Office for Disability wants to add new photographs to our image library and we're looking for people to help us in our efforts.

We are seeking people of different ages and backgrounds with a range of disabilities who are happy to be photographed alone or with friends, family members or colleagues - whatever feels natural and comfortable.

The settings will be as flexible and varied as cafes, shops, cinemas or theatres, at work, people's homes, sporting clubs or festivals.

Thematically the photographs will highlight participation, social inclusion, leadership and human rights.

A representative from the Office for Disability will attend all photography shoots and will make sure people's individual requirements are met and that everything runs smoothly.

The images will be used in publications, presentations and may become part of a new media charter aimed at improving the way people with a disability are depicted in the public domain.

We are also asked from time to time by government departments and disability organisations to help source images but will never do this without seeking approval first.

If you are interested in helping us improve the way people with a disability are represented please contact Vanessa Simpson at the Office for Disability on 9208 3024 or [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.