Hunter Disability eNews

AUGUST 2004

Phone: (02) 4927 0111 or e-mail: infoline@dash.org.au or web: www.dash.org.au

Welcome to the DASH Disability Infoline eNews. We aim to distribute the latest news relevant to the Hunter disability sector. To be added to or removed from our e-mailing list, simply send your name and e-mail address and request to infoline@dash.org.au . For contributions to eNews, e-mail any information to infoline@dash.org.au

WHAT’S IN THIS EDITION:

MONDAY 16^TH – MONDAY 23^RD AUGUST NATIONAL CEREBRAL PALSY AWARENESS WEEK

HAPPENINGS

*COMMUNITY OPEN DAY – ROYAL BLIND SOCIETY

*FAMILY FRIENDLY CONSULTATION SESSIONS

*EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUP OF NEWCASTLE

*HUNTER BRAIN INJURIES RESPITE OPTIONS

*CARERS WEEK 2004 – HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

*MENTAL HEALTH WEEK 2004 - FREE SEMINAR

CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING

*SEXUALITY & DISABILITY WORKSHOP

*IDEAS EXPO 2004 "ON COMMON GROUND"

*OUT OF THE BLUE - NICAN's 5^TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE

RESEARCH

*AUTISM STUDY

*NEW TECHNOLOGICAL OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

*DISABILITY WORLD – ONLINE

*OFFENDERS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

*ADAPTIVE SEATING FOR CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

*ACCESS TO JOURNAL ARTICLES

POLICY & DOCUMENTS

*ATLAS REFORM

*NOMINATION FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE DISABILITY COUNCIL OF NEW SOUTH WALES

*COMMUNITY CARE REFORMS

*PRODUCTION OF MATERIALS IN ALTERNATE FORMATS

NOTICES

*LIKE TO PART OF THE DASH TEAM OF VOLUNTEER ADVOCATES?

*SPASTIC CENTRE OF NSW

*CELEBRATE ABILITY – BALL SPORTS & TENNIS

*NEWCASTLE CITY COUNCIL DISABILITY ACTION PLAN CONSULTATION

*MEN’S HEALTH IN THE HUNTER

*ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

*FLEXIBLE WORK-BASED DISABILITY TRAINING PROGRAMS

*AQUILA BEACH HOUSE FOR CARERS

*EXTRACARE HOME SERVICES

*WEEROONA ASSOCIATION

*Y CONNECTION

*SANE HELPLINE

*AFFORDABLE PERSONAL COMPUTERS NOW AVAILABLE

*SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT TITANIUM WHEELCHAIRS

HAPPENINGS

COMMUNITY OPEN DAY

The Royal Blind Society’s newly completed Hunter Client Service Centre at 7-9 Beaumont Street, Hamilton will be hosting a community open day on Wednesday 18^th August, 10am – 4pm. Come along and attend a special tour of the facilities, talk to staff and see the services we provide. You can learn about tactile markings, use the ‘trail rails’, watch a Braille demonstration, see and hear a talking computer and participate in lots of fun, informative demonstrations and displays. Everyone is welcome! For more information Tel: (02) 4962 2803.

FAMILY FRIENDLY CONSULTATION SESSIONS

Does someone in your family have a mental illness or do you provide care or support for someone with a mental illness? The NSW Health Department has developed a draft statewide plan for family and carer support in mental health services. They would like your comments and suggestions on these new proposals. A forum, hosted by Hunter Mental Health Service, the NSW Health Department’s Centre for Mental Health and the Association for Family and Friends Promoting Mental Health and Wellbeing (ARAFMI NSW), will be held on Monday 23^rd August, 9.00–12.00pm in Conference Room 1, James Fletcher Hospital Campus, Watt St, Newcastle. For more information and RSVP, contact Lorraine Harden on Tel: (02) 4924 6676. Light refreshments will be provided. This is a great opportunity for you to make a difference to mental health service delivery.

EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUP OF NEWCASTLE

The Epilepsy support group will be holding a social night at West Leagues Club, 88 Hobart Road, New Lambton on Tuesday 24^th August. They will be eating in the bistro at 6.30pm, meet by the stairs (Hobart Rd entrance) at 6pm. Come along and join them! Postal address: PO BOX 154, Hamilton 2303 or web-site: www.geocities.com/epilepsy_au or e-mail: epilepsy_au@yahoo.com.au.

HUNTER BRAIN INJURIES RESPITE OPTIONS

The Carers Group for people with an acquired brain injury meets the 2^nd Tuesday of each month from 10.30am – 12.30pm. For more information contact Kay Little on Tel: (02) 4969 2502.

CARERS WEEK 2004 – HEALTH AND WELL-BEING

Carers Week is a national event, established to promote and raise awareness of the valuable role that carers play in our community and to generate discussion about carer issues.  Carers Week also provides an opportunity for carers to come together, support one another and share ideas and information. This year, Carers Week will be held from Sunday 17^th October to Saturday 23^rd October. In NSW, the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care has provided HACC statewide one-off funding ($20,000) to Carers NSW to assist local carer support groups to hold events during Carers Week 2004.  The aim is to reach out to ‘hidden carers’ in their community, including indigenous carers, carers from a culturally and linguistically diverse background and young carers. The theme for Carers Week 2004 is – ‘Health and Well-being’ and the focus will be to raise awareness of the extra role that carers take on, and the health issues they may face and to support carers to take action that positively enhances their own health and well-being. A direct result of raising general awareness is the self-identification of carers - ordinary Australians who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances.  These people are the mums, dads, daughters, sons and other family members and friends who make sure that their loved ones maintain a quality of life despite disability, mental illness, chronic condition or frailty. While we move into a time where community care is the norm, it is becoming increasingly more important to identify carers.  We need to link and encourage families and carers to access the support networks that are available to them. However, this can only happen through the active participation of key agencies like Community Care and health providers, government agencies, including local councils, church groups and carers themselves. Carer support groups need to register with Carers NSW (cost ‑ $20) by 20^th August. For more information contact Joanne Mulligan, Carers NSW, 17/323 Castlereagh St, Sydney 2000 on Tel: (02) 9280 4744.

MENTAL HEALTH WEEK 2004 - FREE SEMINAR

Newcastle Mental Health Service (NMHS) is presenting a free one-day educational seminar on a range of issues surrounding depression across the lifespan. Depression contributes to half a million lost working days every month in Australia. Guest speakers will address a range of issues relating to depression in youth and adolescents, adults and the elderly and seminar participants will be given strategies to assist them in managing and understanding their clients facing a depressive illness. The seminar will be held at Western Suburbs Leagues Club, New Lambton on Thursday, 14^th October. For more information contact Carleen Plowright, Management Secretary NMHS on Tel: (02) 4969 6931 or email: carleen.plowright@hunter.health.nsw.gov.au

CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING

SEXUALITY & DISABILITY WORKSHOP

FPA Newcastle offers a one day workshop on 20 October 2004 called Introduction to Sexuality and Disability. The workshop is aime at care-givers and will identify and discuss sexuality issues for people with disabilities as well as covering intervention strategies and resources. Cost $66. Call FPA Sydney to book 97166099

IDEAS EXPO 2004 "ON COMMON GROUND"

IDEAS Inc are convening a Disability Expo from 18^th – 20^th September at Dubbo Showground. The Expo is of interest to people with disability, the older person, their family, carers and supporters as well as health professionals, disability and mainstream service providers, university students, schools and government personnel. There is something at Expo for everyone! The EXPO will run over 3 days with more than 80 exhibitors. The Exhibitors will range from mobility and other equipment suppliers, government departments, assistive technology suppliers and major peak organisations. Consumer workshops, seminars and product demonstrations will be provided by such organisations as Carers NSW Inc, NSW Ombudsman, the Community Services Commission and the Family Planning Association. A special focus of this Expo will be FARM SAFETY. They are expecting 3000 – 5000 people to attend throughout the duration. Opening times: Saturday 18^{th -} 3-6pm; Sunday 19^{th -} 10am-6pm and Monday 20^{th -} 9am-5pm. Admission is a gold coin. For more information, or to be placed on the mailing list, contact the staff at IDEAS Inc toll-free on Tel: 1800 029 904 or email ideas@ideas.org.au.

OUT OF THE BLUE - NICAN's 5^TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE

NICAN Australia are organising their 5^th National Conference, to be held at Rendezvous Observation City, Perth WA from the 20^th to the 22^nd of September 2004. The Conference will concentrate on making tourism more inclusive for people with disabilities. At the same time it will present an excellent opportunity for tourism and recreation groups to virtually discover an untapped market. The conference is working on the premise that people with disabilities often find themselves as visitors, sitting on the 'perimeter' of the venue they visit, due to difficult access or lack of information and support options. Go to: www.nican.com.au/education/conference.asp. [SOURCE: e‑bility.com News Update Number 28 ‑ June/July 2004.]

RESEARCH

AUTISM STUDY

Kathryn Wakely, a BScPsych (Hons) student at Macquarie University is presently conducting a research project into problem behaviours and quality of life in brothers and sisters of children with autism and chronic illness. She is in great need of participants for the study. One parent is required to fill in a survey about their child's behaviour and quality of life. Families must include at least two children, one of whom has autism and the other must be aged between 6-18 years. The survey can be delivered via mail and is expected to take 30 minutes.  All surveys are confidential and no individual will be identified in any publication of the results. Feedback from the results of the study will be placed on the following website at the end of the study: www.ocs.mq.edu.au/~abaillie/siblings.html. If you would like to participate, or you have any questions contact Kathryn Wakely on Tel: 0421 082 647 or email: kathryn_wakely@hotmail.com or Andrew Baillie (her supervisor) on Tel: (02) 9850 9436 or email: andrew.baillie@mq.edu.au. [SOURCE: IDEAS Inc E- News Issue 15, 2004.]

NEW TECHNOLOGICAL OPTIONS FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

Accessing telecommunication technology has been an ongoing challenge for people with disabilities. With technology continually changing and mobile phones shrinking in size, the gap between people with disabilities and telecommunication technology has grown. Regency Park Rehabilitation Engineering recently trialled and evaluated new configurable 'off-the-shelf' telecommunication options and network features that can improve the lifestyle, independence, security and social interaction of people with physical disabilities. Although mobile phone technologies were the focus of these trials, personal digital assistant (PDA) and a home phone were also trialled. [SOURCE: www.e-bility.com/articles/telecommunications.shtml.]

DISABILITY WORLD – ONLINE

Disability World is the web-zine of the International Disability Exchanges and Studies (IDEAS) project and is supported by the US Department of Education National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. Articles from international organisations across 26 countries, from 2000-2004, on topics such as: employment, access and technology, independent living, women, children and youth and arts and media, can be accessed at: www.disabilityworld.org.

OFFENDERS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

“Offenders with developmental disabilities provides a balanced, comprehensive review of the prevalence, nature and development of offending by those with intellectual disabilities. Not only does this volume include coverage of evidence-based assessment and treatment ideas, strategies and plans, but also places the field in a historical, legal and ethical context.”  Part I: theoretical issues; Part II: legal and service context including ethical concerns; Part III: risk assessment, general assessment and approaches to evaluation; Part IV: sexual offending, anger and aggression, fire raising, dual diagnosis, female offenders and personality disorder: Part V: service development, professional and research issues. (from rear cover) [SOURCE: Lindsay, W., Taylor, J. and Sturmey, P. (eds.) (2004) Offenders with developmental disabilities. Chichester, West Sussex, England: Wiley.] This book can be found in the James Fletcher Library: 365.66 LIND 2004.

ADAPTIVE SEATING FOR CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Children with severe types of cerebral palsy use adaptive seating systems to encourage function and assist in delaying the development of deformity. These systems are often assessed for and provided by occupational therapists. However, there has been no unifying policy or theoretical basis on which these systems are provided and research evidence is lacking, with studies tending to be small and non-controlled. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (World Health Organisation 2001a, b) aims to establish a common language for clinical practice as well as research, while bringing together the opposing social and medical models of health care delivery. This paper suggests that the ICF model is an ideal theoretical basis for adaptive seating system assessment and provision, given that these systems often conflict between the medical model of reducing or delaying impairment of body functions and structures and the social model of children and families accessing life and environmental situations through mobility and seating equipment. The paper considers all the domains of the ICF with regard to the current literature. It concludes that using the model in the context of providing adaptive seating gives occupational therapists both a powerful tool for communicating with children and families as well as managers and a basis for evaluating practice. [SOURCE: Mcdonald, R., Surtees, R. & Wirz, S. (2004) The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health provides a Model for Adaptive Seating Interventions for Children with Cerebral Palsy. The British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 67 (7), 293-302.]     

ACCESS TO JOURNAL ARTICLES

Access to the full-text of the journal articles referenced above is available through the James Fletcher Library, located on the first floor of the Barracks building in the grounds of James Fletcher Hospital, Watt St, Newcastle. For more information contact the library on Tel: (02) 4924 6790 or Fax: (02) 4924 6795 or email: jfhlibrary@hunter.health.nsw.gov.au or website: www.himh.org.au - select “James Fletcher Library” – then scroll down to “click here for more information”.

POLICY & DOCUMENTS

ATLAS REFORM

From 15^th July – 5^th August 2004, DADHC presented fifteen ATLAS Reform information sessions throughout NSW. An ACROD NSW representative attended all sessions to brief the sector on our response and initiatives. This includes three core positions: 1. ACROD NSW welcomes the introduction of the two new service types: Transition to Work and Community Participation. We believe that the system will enable young people to move into employment or to participate in meaningful community activities with a new certainty of service tenure. 2. ACROD NSW understands that the levels of block funding offered within the Community Participation program is completely inadequate to ensure quality service delivery and a viable non-government service system in this important area. 3. ACROD NSW is committed to providing government with evidence that the funding is insufficient, and continuing to offer solutions as the reform implications unroll. This includes ongoing communication with DADHC Director-General and the Ministers office about issues and concerns. Ministerial Commitment Minister Carmel Tebbutt made the following commitment in the media on 23 July: “If they come to us and they say, look, it's not possible to provide what you're seeking for that level of funding, then obviously we have to address that.” Again, on 2 August, a Ministerial press release stated: Ms Tebbutt acknowledged that the reforms announced on 8 July had led to concerns among parents and service providers. “I am happy to look at the concerns about our proposal to introduce the Transition to Work and Community Participation programs. “The reforms are not intended to result in a reduction of hours for clients. Our focus is on improving employment outcomes and providing longer term certainty to young people – not reducing access to programs. However, this can only be assessed effectively through the expression of interest process which concludes on 3 September. If, through this, it becomes clear that service providers cannot deliver what we are asking, we will have to look at that.” On 27 July ACROD NSW sent a survey to all non-government disability organisations to gather credible evidence on the potential impact of the ATLAS Reforms. The ACROD NSW strategy to inform government will focus on:  evidence-based, high level advocacy for revision of proposed funding levels; evidence-based advice to Government of flow-on costs to other services; evidence-based advice of impact on families; evidence of likely service cuts; evidence of impact of the reforms on sector and organisations’ viability and evidence of the costs to the sector of service closures including: redundancies, disposal of infrastructure (leases & equipment), and likely number of jobs lost. All ATLAS and PSO providers should complete the survey and return it via email to ACROD as soon as possible. Copies are available on the web at: www.acrodnsw.net. Please email completed surveys to: damien@acrodnsw.net. ACROD NSW will continue to provide Quick-E information on the latest around the ATLAS reforms. [SOURCE: ACROD NSW Division News – August 2004.]

NOMINATION FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE DISABILITY COUNCIL OF NEW SOUTH WALES

The Minister, the Hon Carmel Tebbutt, is seeking nominations for appointment to Council from proactive, well networked, skilled and experienced individuals wanting to make a positive difference to the way NSW includes, and supports people with disabilities, their families and communities. To be considered for this appointment you will need to demonstrate: thorough understanding of the current issues relevant to people with a disability and their families; capacity to mobilise networks which enable the development and dissemination of sound advice to government; commitment to effective communication, consultation and feedback and understanding of social change processes. The representation on Council includes people with psychiatric, intellectual, physical disability, acquired brain injury, deaf, hearing impairment, blind, vision impairment or other disabilities, as well as family members and people with particular expertise in the area of disability. People from rural or remote communities, Acquired Brain Injury, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds, and young adults are encouraged to apply. You must obtain an information package before nominating. Please contact Andrew Buchanan on Tel: (02) 9211 2866 (voice and TTY), 1800 044 848 (voice and TTY), Fax: (02) 9211 2271, email: info@discoun.nsw.gov.au, internet: www.discoun.nsw.gov.au or write to: A. Buchanan, Chair, Suite 1904, 323 Castlereagh St., SYDNEY NSW 2000. Nominations close – August 31, 2004.

COMMUNITY CARE REFORMS

A national summit on community care has called on State and Federal governments to: substantially boost resources for community care services that enable people to live and participate in their own communities; work together to streamline the community care system; and improve linkages between aged care, health, mental health and disability services. More than 100 representatives of a broad range of organisations from around Australia attended the Summit, which was held at the Old Parliament House Canberra in early August. At the Summit, the Federal Minister for Ageing, Julie Bishop, presented the Government’s new strategy for community care, The Way Forward. It outlines reform directions for programs administered by the Federal Department of Health and Ageing, promising to streamline them (the Department currently administers 17 community care programs) and to make access to services easier. The strategy promises to create common assessment arrangements across programs. Because the largest of the programs, the Health and Community Care (HACC) Program, is jointly funded and administered by Federal and State Governments the success of the reforms will hinge to a large extent on the co-operation of the States and Territories. ACROD will provide input into the review of the eligibility criteria for the HACC Program, which will occur as part of the review of the HACC Agreement. There is a risk that the eligibility criteria could narrow to limit access for younger people with disabilities. As part of its reform strategy, the Federal Government will provide $13.7 M over four years to introduce a quality assurance framework across Community Aged Care Packages, Extended Aged Care Packages in the Home and the National Respite for Carers Program. Shadow Spokesperson on Ageing and Disabilities, Annette Ellis, and Australian Democrat Lynn Allison also spoke at the Summit. Ms Ellis broadly endorsed the Government’s strategy, but was critical of the time the Government has taken to get reforms to this stage. Also speaking at the Summit was ACROD Chief Executive Ken Baker. He argued that the policy principles that should guide community care were clear, but that poor linkages between the aged care and disability service systems and the substantial gap between funding levels and demand impeded progress. The Way Forward can be read at: www.health.gov.au. [SOURCE: ACROD NSW Division News – August 2004.]

PRODUCTION OF MATERIALS IN ALTERNATE FORMATS

The Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities has produced a number of guidelines and standards on the production of materials in various alternate formats. These guidelines should be used by anyone producing alternate formats to ensure quality and usability for those for whom the material is intended. The guidelines are available for a small charge. [SOURCE: www.e-bility.com/roundtable/productionguidelines.php.]

NOTICES

LIKE TO PART OF THE DASH TEAM OF VOLUNTEER ADVOCATES?

The Disability Advocacy Service Hunter (DASH) Advocacy Partners program is now recruiting new volunteers to support people with an intellectual disability living in the community. Details about the Program are below. To find out more call Cathy Broderick or Bronwyne Chapman at DASH  02 4927 0111 or go to our web site www.dash.org.au to download an application form.

* What is Advocacy Partners About? Advocacy Partners is about training, linking and supporting volunteers to be long-term advocates for people with a disability in the Hunter region. Often people with a disability need extra help in day to day living to ensure that they get a fair go. Volunteers Advocates can help the person with a disability they are partnered with by: reading letters from a government department, assisting them to negotiate with creditors if they are in debt, help them to get a fair go at places like Centrelink, Department of Housing, private landlords, DOCS, the electricity or phone company, negotiating a good deal if they wish to purchase something, discuss options when making big decisions, help to understand an individual planning meeting at a group home, help to complain about unfair treatment , or by just being a friendly person they can rely on. The difference between the regular advocacy that DASH provides using paid advocates is that Volunteer Advocates have a long term relationship with the person they are partnered with and can therefore help with problems before they get too serious

* Who are Volunteer Advocates? Volunteer Advocates are just regular community members who are carefully selected, trained and supported by Advocacy Partner’s staff. Many volunteers have some disability experience or may have a family member with a disability, while others are just interested in working in a new area. To apply to be a Volunteer Advocate obtain an application for from DASH or download it from our web site www.dash.org.au. To find out more contact Cathy Broderick (cathy.broderick@dash.org.au) at DASH (49 270111).

SPASTIC CENTRE OF NSW

The Spastic Centre of NSW is a non-profit organisation committed to providing services and facilities for people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. They provide confidential information and support to anyone with questions or concerns. Their Helpline is staffed by experienced and qualified personnel and is available weekdays from 9-5. Tel: 1300 30 29 20 or TTY: 1300 30 29 25 or National Relay Service: 133 677 or email: cphelpline@tscnsw.org.au or web-site: www.thespasticcentre.org.au.

CELEBRATE ABILITY – BALL SPORTS & TENNIS

The Department of Sport and Recreation are offering a sports program, called “Celebrate Ability” for people with disabilities in Newcastle and Singleton. The programs are conducted at: Broadmeadow Basketball Stadium – Ball Sports at 10.30am and Tennis at 1pm and at Singleton Sports Complex – Ball sports every Friday afternoon at 3.30pm. Bookings are essential – Tel: (02) 4926 1633. A small fee is payable direct to the venues.

NEWCASTLE CITY COUNCIL DISABILITY ACTION PLAN CONSULTATION

Newcastle City Council is preparing to develop its second Disability Action Plan with the assistance of Council's Access Advisory Committee and the broader community. A questionnaire has been developed by Council to seek your input, asking what could be improved in a number of different areas. The information provided will highlight areas that Council needs to focus on over the next 5 years. The current Newcastle City Council Disability Action Plan is available on the Council's website: www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/council/plans/action/dap.cfm. A community consultation workshop to further discuss these issues is proposed for mid August. Questionnaires can be obtained from Sandra Feltham, Community Worker, Aged and Disability Services (relieving) on Tel: (02) 4974 2855 or email: sfeltham@ncc.nsw.gov.au. Closing date is 20^th August 2004. Please contact the Aged and Disability Community Worker for all information on Newcastle City Council services and facilities for people with a disability. Please note that the Council’s Access Advisory Committee meets on the 1^st Thursday of the month from 9.30am until 11.30am. Other services provided by Council include: an Access Directory and Mobility maps (for Newcastle West, Newcastle East and Hamilton) and several outreach services are provided by the Newcastle Regional Library, call Tel: (02) 4974 5348.

MEN’S HEALTH IN THE HUNTER

Do you need information or assistance to start a program or project involving Men’s Health? Are you already working on a project but need support? Hunter Area Health Service (HAHS) Men’s Health Committee can help you. This committee has members from Hunter Health, non-government organisations, health councils and the community who share an interest in improving the health of men and boys in the Hunter region. If you are interested contact John Wiggers, Chair of the HAHS Men’s Health Committee on Tel: (02) 4924 6247 or email: john.wiggers@hunter.health.nsw.gov.au.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

The Australian Theatre of the Deaf (ATOD) is looking for a full-time artistic director to commence in early 2005. Applications from Deaf or Hearing-impaired people are strongly encouraged. Duties include: creating a performance program for schools and theatres; directing new productions; auditioning and hiring actors; working with writers, designers and composers; writing grant applications for funding; reporting to the board of directors; consulting the deaf community and providing some training for new actors. Auslan fluency is essential. Submissions close Thursday 16^th September. For a full job information kit please contact ATOD on Tel: (02) 9310 1255 or TTY: (02) 9310 1205 or email: atod@mpx.com.au or visit their web-site: www.ozdeaftheatre.com.

FLEXIBLE WORK-BASED DISABILITY TRAINING PROGRAMS

The following flexible work-based programs are offered by the Cessnock and Glendale campuses of TAFE NSW for people working in the disability sector: Community Services 4474 CIII (Disability Work) & 4475 CIV (Disability Work) Aged & Disability Services. Cost is either full-fee paying or you may be eligible for a traineeship. The student and their management will negotiate a workplace project suited to management’s specific needs. The course will introduce a range of skills and knowledge to assist you in providing quality support to people with disabilities whether you work in support services, respite care, employment support, leisure and day services, information, advocacy or resource services. You choose to specialise in the service provision area that is relevant to your career aspirations. The course will also develop your general skills and knowledge about the community services sector. For further information on courses contact Michael Rayment, Co-ordinator, Aged & Disability Services, Glendale Campus on Tel: (02) 4979 1755 or email: michael.g.rayment@tafe.nsw.edu.au or Nichola Campbell, Head Teacher, Aged & Disability Services, Glendale Campus on Tel: (02) 4979 1646 or email: nichola.campbell@tafe.nsw.edu.au.

AQUILA BEACH HOUSE FOR CARERS

Aquila Beach House provides affordable holiday accommodation for carers, invited family and guests. Just one hours drive north of Newcastle, Aquila is located in leafy Winda Woppa, Hawks Nest. This fully equipped house is situated just off the Myall River and only a short stroll to Jimmy's Beach, a safe beach for kids. Aquila is close to great swimming, surfing, boating and bush walking areas. Dolphins are often sighted from the bay shores and it is only a short drive to the Myall Lakes or ferry ride to Nelson Bay. Aquila sleeps 8 comfortably 10 max. The house is available to carers all year round at $50 a night per group (plus deposit), excluding the Xmas and Easter period. Enquiries by carer organisations are  welcome for retreats or training. Wheelchair access is limited. To be eligible all carers must be 18yrs of age and provided constant care to a child or adult for a period of six months or more. Aquila is a family run program. Conditions apply. For all enquiries contact Will Hamilton on Tel: 0411 478 568, or email: whamilton@pacific.net.au or write to Aquila Beach House for Carers, PO Box 45, Mayfield, NSW 2304.

EXTRACARE HOME SERVICES

The following is a message received from Fred Dear of Extra Care, a new commercial home services organisation: "After more than 10 years of employment with the Home Care Service of NSW I could see no joy in going through yet another restructuring. In mid 2003 I decided it was time to start the new year in a different venture. In November I had a chance meeting with a Care Worker, Storme Moss who I had employed some years previously and it was obvious that she shared my enthusiasm for establishing a care agency. With the support of my wife and children I eventually left the security of well paid employment in February 2004 and Extracare Home Services was born. The business is still in its infancy and growing steadily. The encouragement we have had from Hospitals, Doctors, Community Nurses and numerous other agencies has been overwhelming. Every day presents a new challenge. Storme is now working part time in the business and we have been able to start to build a team of truly dedicated service staff. We see our organisation as being a viable alternative for people seeking immediate response and more flexible services. Fred Dear extracare@bigpond.com.au."

WEEROONA ASSOCIATION

Weeroona, formerly the Newcastle & district association for crippled children, is a self-funded charity which offers assistance to under 21’s who have PHYSICAL disabilities. There is a registration process after which they can assist in funding for mobility aids and some essentials. They receive no government assistance and so are not affiliated with government bodies. They have 2 purpose built villas for holiday accommodation for families at Port Stephens. Contact them on Tel/Fax: (02) 4947 8313 or postal address: PO BOX 182, Belmont NSW 2280.

Y CONNECTION

Y Connection is a new web site set up to develop and strengthen connections between Australians 17‑30 years with a disability, who want to live a life outside the stereotypes sometimes attached to having a disability. It is packed with informative and useful resources on a wide range of topics, written by young people. Go to: www.yconnection.org.au. [SOURCE: e‑bility.com News Update Number 28 ‑ June/July 2004.]

SANE HELPLINE

The SANE Helpline was recently launched. It provides information about mental illness and referral to support services. Freecall Australia‑wide 1800 688 382 (9‑5 EST) or go to: www.sane.org. [SOURCE: e‑bility.com News Update Number 28 ‑ June/July 2004.]

AFFORDABLE PERSONAL COMPUTERS NOW AVAILABLE

WorkVentures Connect IT has found a way to bring affordable refurbished computers to individuals who hold a current Centrelink Benefits or Healthcare Card, not-for-profit organisations and schools that once believed they could never afford a personal computer. WorkVentures is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to build a just, creative and sustainable society by providing quality employment, economic and community development services, giving special priority to unemployed and disadvantaged people. Companies like Westpac donate the hardware and Microsoft donates licensed software so that you can purchase a useful, high quality recycled computer at a price you can afford. The offer includes: Pentium II 300Mhz (min); 128MB RAM; CD ROM; 4GB HDD (min); software: WIN98SE, AVG Antivirus, Open Office suite; 15” monitor; new keyboard and mouse; 56K internal modem; 3 month warranty and free training for new and inexperienced users at several Sydney locations. Individuals pay only $299, including GST and delivery within the Sydney Metropolitan area, and receive 15 hours of free Internet access. Not-for-profit organisations and schools pay only $280, including GST and delivery within the Sydney Metropolitan area and receive a 10/100 Network Card. An additional $15 applies to deliveries in NSW outside the Sydney Metropolitan area. Call their toll free number 1800 112205 to place an order or order online at the web-site: http://wvmascot.dyndns.org/WV/index.php  [SOURCE: IDEAS Inc E- News Issue 15, 2004.]

SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT TITANIUM WHEELCHAIRS

GTK Rehab has launched a new range of TiLITE titanium wheelchairs that are super lightweight and designed for an active lifestyle. The range includes folding and rigid models with features that make them the next generation Ultimate Ride. Titanium is light, strong, absorbs vibration, doesn't rust and its satin or polish finish stays looking new and fresh for longer than enamel. To arrange a demonstration or seating assessment contact GTK Rehab. [SOURCE: www.e-bility.com/gtkrehab/products/invacare_tilite.php.]

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