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HUNTER DISABILITY eNEWS
(September 2004)
Welcome to this edition. Disability Infoline aims to distribute the latest
news relevant to the Hunter disability sector. To subscribe, unsubscribe or
contribute send to infoline@dash.org.au
Summary of what's in this edition:
13th - 19th September BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS WEEK
9th - 16th October DOWN SYNDROME AWARENESS WEEK
10th - 16th October WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY (NSW Theme: Mental Health of
Older People)
HAPPENINGS
*ATLAS DAY OF ACTION - 22ND SEPTEMBER
*FAMILIES SUPPORTING FAMILIES SEPTEMBER FUNDRAISER
*DISABILITY NETWORK HUNTER AGM
*NSW ATTORNEY GENERAL INVITES YOU TO VIDEO LAUNCH
*'OUT OF SIGHT- TACTILE ART 2004'
*MENTAL HEALTH WEEK EVENTS
*2004 PARALYMPIC GAMES
CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING
*LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS TRAINING
*MAKING IT WORK: EMPLOYING PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS
*FREE HIV/AIDS WORKSHOP
*VOLUNTEER TRAINERS ARE NEEDED TO HELP PEOPLE WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS BETTER
MANAGE THEIR ILLNESS
*SUCCESSFUL AGEING AND DISABILITY CONFERENCE
RESEARCH
*PROJECT WILL INVESTIGATE PHILANTHROPY
*OSTEOPOROSIS AND WOMEN WITH DOWN SYNDROME
*MENOPAUSE AND WOMEN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
*AGEING WITH A LIFELONG DISABILITY
*AGEING RESEARCH ONLINE
*ACCESS TO JOURNAL ARTICLES
POLICY & DOCUMENTS
*DADHC ANNOUNCEMENT: FUTURE DIRECTIONS AND REALIGNMENT FINALISED
*ADDITIONAL LOCAL SUPPORT CO-ORDINATORS APPOINTED IN THE HUNTER
*SERVICE SYSTEM MAPPING
*REGIONAL PLANNING & CONSULTATION FRAMEWORK
*GOVERNMENT PARTNERS IN COMMUNITY CARE INTERAGENCY (GPICCI)
*REGIONAL PLACEMENT OPTIONS WORKING GROUP
*ADULT, TRAINING, LEARNING AND SUPPORT (ATLAS) REFORMS
*PSO/ATLAS REFORM - ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE
*CARER'S ALLOWANCE ELIGIBILITY EXTENDED
*PADP: NSW GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO SECTOR CAMPAIGN
*PADP: DELEGATION TO STATE PARLIAMENT
NOTICES
*COMMUNITY CARE WEEK OF ACTION: 13th - 17th SEPTEMBER
*WAY AHEAD JOINERY TOOL SALE
*LAKE MACQUARIE DISABILITY ACCESS AWARD
*2005 DEAFNESS FORUM EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
*POSITION AVAILABLE - COORDINATOR - TOMAREE LINK TO THE COMMUNITY
*DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY CHECKLIST
*SIBLINGS WEB SITE
*GOVERNMENT HOTLINE NUMBERS EASIER TO FIND
*ATO NEWS
*NEW TRANSPORT SERVICE FOR PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY
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HAPPENINGS
ATLAS DAY OF ACTION - 22ND SEPTEMBER
People with disability, families, carers and workers will rally at NSW
Parliament House, Macquarie St. Sydney at 12 Noon on Wednesday 22nd
September against cuts to the Adult Training, Learning and Support (ATLAS)
program for young people with disability. Speakers will cover the latest
news on the cuts, personal stories, differing treatments of PSO and ATLAS,
what providers think and how workers are supporting the cause. On the day a
number of questions will be put to the Minister Carmel Tebbutt and a
statement will be circulated about what is needed to support young people
with disability to access opportunities into the future. After the Rally,
there will be a small delegation in the Jubilee Room, Parliament House at
2pm to discuss future strategies. A very limited number of places will be
available to join the discussion and progress this critical issue. Reports
on the Rally and other news will be posted on the following websites:
www.family-advocacy.com,
www.ncoss.org.au,
www.asuservices.labor.net.au. The
Parliament House Rally will be the centre-piece of a state-wide day of
action. Local actions are also planned across NSW, for local information
contact: Newcastle and Northern NSW - Colin Lynch on Mobile: 0418 439 264;
Wollongong and Southern NSW -Yvette Corrie on Mobile: 0419 119 557; Port
Macquarie Town Green Rally at 12pm - Jenni Steel on Tel: (02) 6583 5545;
Lismore - Perry Libeau on Mobile: 0400 228 397; Armidale - Nicola or Stuart
on Tel: (02) 6772 1799; Bathurst Information Stall - Terisa Ashworth on Tel:
(02) 6332 2100; Gilgandra Postacard Stall - Toni Doran on Mobile: 0439 471
676; Sydney Rally at Parliament House 12pm - contact Jim Piotrowski at the
Australian Services Union (ASU) on Tel: (02) 9310 4000. Contact Jim at the
ASU office for other local actions or assistance and ideas on how to promote
the day of action in your area. The ASU is committed to working for better
quality training and support services for people with disability. The Union
calls on members to send a message to Premier Bob Carr that this can't be
achieved by slashing funding and reducing staffing levels.
FAMILIES SUPPORTING FAMILIES SEPTEMBER FUNDRAISER
Families Supporting Families (FSF) desperately need to fundraise to continue
into 2005! Please drop in your second hand goods to the address below, on
the dates provided. They will be auctioned off and all proceeds will go to
FSF. The money raised will be used to pay the phone bill, stamps, printing,
photocopying, event costs, basic admin costs and the Christmas party. They
are also in need of high profile items to attract a good attendance. The
Tender Centre is willing to promote any businesses that donate goods via
press releases. So if anyone has a signed jersey or special item they can
donate it will be gladly accepted. Contact the Tender Centre Hamilton North,
50 Clyde St Hamilton on Tel: (02) 4962 3800, if you have any questions as to
suitability of items, etc. Delivery is taken on Thursday 16th (9-5pm);
Friday 17th (9-5pm); Saturday 18th (9-12.00pm); Monday 20th (9-5pm) and Tues
22nd (9-5pm). No goods will be accepted on Thursday 23rd before the auction
or on Auction Days (Friday 24th, Saturday 25th or Sunday 26th). Furnishing
needs to be in reasonable condition. Please no junk or rubbish - we are
grateful for the opportunity and we want to be able to approach the Tender
Centre again for a fundraiser - and no clothing or shoes.
DISABILITY NETWORK HUNTER AGM
The next Disability Network Hunter (DNH) meeting is on Wednesday 29th
September at Warabrook Community Centre, 8 Angophora Drive, Warabrook,
starting at 9:30am. This meeting is an important one for the Network as it
is the AGM. Speakers on the day include Asha Ramzan (HCOSS) to discuss the
role of HCOSS within the Hunter region, and Leah D'Souza to discuss the PASH
Project within DADHC. For more information contact the Secretary, Bronwyn
Shields on Tel: (02) 4925 2630.
NSW ATTORNEY GENERAL INVITES YOU TO VIDEO LAUNCH
The Hon Bob Debus MP, Attorney General of NSW invites you to a video launch
on Wednesday 29th September, 2.30pm - 3.30pm at the Jubilee Room, Parliament
House, Macquarie Street, Sydney. The video: "So You Have to Go to Court!" is
aimed at people with cognitive disabilities who have to go to court. Light
refreshments will be served after the ceremony. An AUSLAN interpreter will
be provided. RSVP to Laura Dang by 23rd September, on email:
laura_dang@agd.nsw.gov.au or Tel: (02) 9228 8287 or TTY: (02) 9228 7733 or
Fax: (02) 9228 5775. Please notify of any disability related requirements.
'OUT OF SIGHT- TACTILE ART 2004'
The Royal Blind Society and Object presents 'Out of Sight - Tactile Arts
2004', from 18th September - 31st October at Object, 415 Bourke Street,
Surry Hills. 'Out of Sight- Tactile Art 2004' encourages visitors to get
'hands on' and experience contemporary works of art through their sense of
touch. Artists and designers have been encouraged to re-think their practice
in a provocative and tactile way, exploring new possibilities of form,
surface and material. This is a unique contemporary and fully accessible
exhibition for people who are blind or vision impaired. For further
information call Object on Tel: (02) 9361 4555 or Royal Blind Society on
Tel: (02) 9334 3305.
MENTAL HEALTH WEEK EVENTS
Sunday 10th October (6-7 pm) - ARAFMI is holding a "Families & Friends"
Service at Christchurch Cathedral, Church Street, Newcastle. Cost is Free.
Contact Tel: (02) 4929 5894. Wednesday 13th October (9am-4pm) - Stress Less
Day with NGO's and Hunter Mental Health - Venue TBA. Target Audience:
Consumers, families, friends, staff (No cost). Contact Bronwyn at Life
Without Barriers on Tel: (02) 4925 2630. Friday 15th October (9am-12md) -
Seminar: "How the Pentagons Intersect: Services for Older People with Mental
Health Problems" in Conference Room 1, James Fletcher Hospital, Watt St.
Newcastle. Target Audience: Health care professionals in mental health
services, aged care services, GP practice nurses and NGO's. To RSVP contact
Bryan on Tel: (02) 4924 6755 or Richard on Tel: (02) 4924 6757.
Friday 15th October (5.30-10.30pm) - Friendship Dinner Dance at St Andrews
Church Hall, Church St, Mayfield. Cost approx. $10. Target Audience: NGO
sector & mental health, staff, consumers, carers. Organised by PRA, Kaiyu
Clubhouse, and Life Without Barriers. To RSVP contact Dianne Carson or Tim
Fong on Tel: (02) 4929 3888 or (02) 4929 3088. A complete mental health week
calendar, including posting of details, will be available on the Mental
Health Association NSW website: www.mentalhealth.asn.au.
2004 PARALYMPIC GAMES
Let the games begin! Bookmark the official Paralympic web site:
www.athens2004.com/en/paralympicgames and stay up-to-date with all the news
and competition results.
[SOURCE: e-Bility August - September 2004, Number
29]
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CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING
LIFE WITHOUT BARRIERS TRAINING
Great value 2 for the price of 1 introductory training offer on upcoming
training courses in Canberra and Sydney. Course 1: The Art of Management: 2
days - $495. Enhance your leadership and management skills, reflect on your
current practices and develop a range of practical skills to make you more
effective at developing and implementing systems, communicating, managing
staff or leading a team. Course 2: Enhancing Clinical Practices: 2 Days -
$385. Increase skills and confidence in dealing positively and effectively
with difficult situations. The course explores a wide range of contemporary
topics including Positive Behaviour Support, violence and harm minimization,
prohibited and restricted practices, neglect and abuse, duty of care and
dignity of risk. Both courses are offered on: 21st & 22nd September - at the
Crowne Plaza, Canberra and 28th & 29th September at the Holiday Inn, Darling
Harbour. As an introductory deal we are offering 2 registrations for the
price of 1. (i.e. 2 people attend the Art of Management 2 day course and pay
just $495, - or 2 people attend the Enhancing Clinical Practices course and
pay just $385) For more information or to secure your place contact Life
Without Barriers Training and Development Unit on Tel: (02) 4929 1605.
MAKING IT WORK: EMPLOYING PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS
"Making it work: employing people with mental illness" is a one-day
conference, convened for Mental Health Week. It will be held at Noahs on the
Beach, Newcastle on Tuesday 12th October, 8.45-5pm. Cost is $95 full one day
registration or $50 concession and includes: morning/afternoon tea and lunch
with ocean views. Keynote speakers will include: Craig Hamilton, ABC Sports
Comentator & Journalist; Prof Bill Mitchell, Centre for Full Employment,
University of Newcastle and Prof Brian Kelly, Centre for Rural & Remote
Mental Health, Orange. There will be seven other invited speakers from
Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Canberra and surrounding NSW, plus interactive
audience panel discussion in the afternoon. Registration before 6th October
is recommended to guarantee a seat. For enquiries and registration call Sue
Rowe on Tel: (02) 4924 6525 or email:
sue.rowe@hunter.health.nsw.gov.au. A
Conference brochure may be viewed or downloaded from the following website:
www.hunter.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth.
FREE HIV/AIDS WORKSHOP
"Changing Lives" is a free HIV/AIDS workshop for the community sector
working with positive heterosexuals and people from culturally and
linguistically diverse backgrounds. Presented by the Heterosexual HIV/AIDS
Service and the Multicultural HIV/AIDS Service, speakers will include: David
Barton, Nandini Ray, Michael Dash and Maria Petrohilos. The workshop will be
on Wednesday 13th October, 10.30am - 3pm at the Karumah Positive Living
Centre, 47 Hudson St, Hamilton. Help minimise the personal and social impact
of living with HIV/AIDS for your clients. Gain knowledge to improve health
decision making for both target groups. Develop resources to provide
appropriate health maintenance information. Workshop materials will be
provided. Bookings essential on Tel: 1800 812 404.
VOLUNTEER TRAINERS ARE NEEDED TO HELP PEOPLE WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS BETTER
MANAGE THEIR ILLNESS
People with chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and
respiratory diseases have better health if they learn and practice
self-management techniques. Hunter Health is establishing a program where
trained volunteers help people with chronic conditions to learn things that
they can do to better manage their health. Volunteers will be trained to
teach a very successful self-management program, designed by chronic disease
expert Dr Kate Lorig from Stanford University. Over six, weekly, two-hour
sessions the volunteers will help people with a chronic condition to learn
about managing their symptoms, exercise, emotions, communicating with health
professionals, family and social issues, and managing fatigue and stress. We
are looking for volunteers to teach this program from 2005. There will be
FREE training to teach the program at Newcastle WEA, 62 Union St, Cooks Hill
on the 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th of October. We will help you to start
teaching the program in your area in 2005. You do not need to be a health
professional to teach the program - in fact, it is better if you are not.
You do not have to have a chronic disease, although it may be an advantage.
You must be available to run two programs in 2005. Each program will consist
of a weekly two-hour session over six consecutive weeks. You must be
available to attend monthly volunteer meetings. To book, see the latest WEA
course brochure or call WEA on Tel: (02) 4925 4200. Web address for the fact
sheet is: www.hunter.health.nsw.gov.au/chronicillness. For more information
contact: Jane Murray, Social Worker, Chronic Disease Management Program,
Hunter Area Health on Tel: (02) 4925 7838.
SUCCESSFUL AGEING AND DISABILITY CONFERENCE
More than 350 people converged on the Wrest Point Convention Centre in
Hobart in the last week of August to attend ACROD's Inaugural Ageing and
Disability Conference. Based on responses by participants, the conference
was a great success. Delegates praised many of the speakers, and the
screening of Harvie Krumpet at the start of the conference was a hit. At the
other end of the conference, Playback Theatre elicited some of the funniest
and most poignant moments of the Conference by acting out some of the
conference's stories and themes. In between were two days of stories, ideas
and insight. If you would like to know more about these presentations go to
the web-site: www.acrod.org.au - papers and power point presentations will
be posted on the website in the next couple of weeks. If you are interested
in buying a copy of any or all of the plenary talks contact the Hobart
office on Tel: (03) 6223 6086 or email:
mkennedy@acrod.org.au. ACROD's
Ageing and Disability National Committee met after the conference, in
particular to consider ways of advancing the issues raised at the
conference. It agreed to develop a joint ageing and disability policy with
Aged and Community Services Australia, to collect examples of service and
funding models that successfully linked ageing with disability and to
convene a meeting with key stakeholders, including consumer representatives,
to identify strategic priorities. In addition, ACROD will create a new
policy position at National Office to focus on non-employment issues - in
particular ageing and disability and accommodation. As well as agreeing to
the funding of this new position, ACROD's Board has resolved that ACROD will
run a National Ageing and Disability conference again next year in Hobart.
[SOURCE: ACROD News September 04.]
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RESEARCH
PROJECT WILL INVESTIGATE PHILANTHROPY
A new project, funded by the Australian Government through the Prime
Minister's Community Business Partnership, will research the patterns of and
motivations for, philanthropy in Australia. Its results should help inform
government policy and fundraising strategies by non-profit organisations. A
consortium that includes the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS),
Queensland University of Technology, University of Technology Sydney, McNair
Ingenuity Research, Roy Morgan Research and the Fundraising Institute of
Australia will carry out the research. The project will be known under the
banner "Giving Australia", and should provide valuable information for the
non-profit, business and government sectors and for policy development
regarding philanthropy and giving in Australia. Leading researchers of the
not-for-profit sector Professors Mark Lyons and Myles McGregor-Lowndes are
involved in the project. Quantitative research will be complemented by focus
group research. The Fundraising Institute of Australia will conduct a survey
of fundraisers.
[SOURCE: ACROD News September 04.]
OSTEOPOROSIS AND WOMEN WITH DOWN SYNDROME
This one-year study of 23 women examined osteoporosis in postmenopausal
women with Down syndrome. The participants had their bone mineral density
measured in three sites (lumbar spine, hip and forearm) using dual energy
X-ray absorptiometry. Each participant also completed a medical history
self-report questionnaire. The findings indicate that the women tended to be
inactive and they frequently had coexistent conditions (i.e., thyroid
disease and seizure disorders) whose treatments may contribute to a
reduction in bone mineral density. The results from the bone scans revealed
Z-scores that were strikingly different from what would be expected in women
in the US general population of the same age and ethnicity. Corresponding to
the Z-scores were elevated relative risks for fracture. Eighty-seven per
cent of the participants had osteopenia or osteoporosis in at least one of
the three sites measured. The results highlight the need for intervention
efforts targeted to ageing women with Down syndrome.
[SOURCE: Milberger, S;
LeRoy, B; Lachance, L and Edelson, G. (2002) Osteoporosis and women with
Down syndrome. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 27 (4),
273-280.]
MENOPAUSE AND WOMEN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
This article explores a here-to-fore neglected topic: the perceptions,
experiences and support needs of women with intellectual disability as they
go through the menopause. Findings are presented from semi-structured
interviews with 15 women with mild to moderate intellectual disability aged
43-65 years. Levels of knowledge about what the menopause was, when it
happened, and whether it happened to all women, were found to be generally
low. More significantly, the majority of the women did not understand the
significance of the menopause on a woman's reproductive capacity. The
women's experiences of change and transition were on a predominantly
physical level, with some emotional effects, but little or no psychological
and social impact noted. The findings about menopausal changes are presented
in a broader context of age-related issues and the impact of the women
having relatively low levels of choice and autonomy is explored.
[SOURCE:
McCarthy, M. (2002) Going through the menopause: perceptions and experiences
of women with intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual and
Developmental Disability, 27 (4), 281-295.]
AGEING WITH A LIFELONG DISABILITY
Australia is experiencing a rapid increase in both the absolute numbers and
proportion of people who are ageing with a lifelong disability. Aged care
and disability are the two key social policy sectors that impact most
directly on formal services available to this group. Potentially they may be
included or excluded from either sector. This paper compares and contrasts
Australian policy directions in aged care and disability. Using people with
intellectual disability as an exemplar of those who are ageing with a
lifelong disability, the paper analyses their location within and the
services offered to them by each sector. The paper argues that neither
sector adequately addresses the issues raised by the needs of this group and
suggests why this is so. Directions for policy and service developments
necessary to ensure that the needs of this growing population are met are
suggested. These are broadly categorised as: systematically bridging
existing gaps with specialist services; supporting inclusion and ensuring
older people with lifelong disability are visible within the aged care
system; adapting and resourcing the disability sector to facilitate ageing
in place and developing partnerships and joint planning aimed at the removal
of cross- and intra-sector obstacles to accessing appropriate services.
[SOURCE: Bigby, C. (2002) Ageing people with a lifelong disability:
challenges for the aged care and disability sectors. Journal of Intellectual
and Developmental Disability, 27 (4), 231-241.]
AGEING RESEARCH ONLINE
Ageing Research Online (ARO) is an interactive and collaborative web-based
directory, which provides information on: ageing-related research projects;
courses of study; research grants; research and information tools; a web
forum; a notice board of upcoming events relevant to ageing; access to
additional resources and publications; a newsletter for regular updates on
new research, policy initiatives and study opportunities in Australia. For
more information go to: www.aro.gov.au.
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".
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POLICY & DOCUMENTS
DADHC ANNOUNCEMENT: FUTURE DIRECTIONS AND REALIGNMENT FINALISED
The Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) has recently
launched two new documents that contain important information for all DADHC
staff. The first document is the finalised version of Future Directions,
which was launched at the Minister's second Stakeholder Forum held in Sydney
on 12th August. This document outlines key challenges, immediate priorities
and longer-term strategies that the Department will adopt to achieve a
sustainable and equitable system of services and supports. The second
document is a brochure that explains the Department's recent Central Office
realignment and provides key contact details for areas within the
organisation. It is designed to be an easy reference for stakeholders and
provides information about who we are, what we do, how we operate and how to
contact us. A PDF version of both documents is available through a link on
the DADHC website: www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au. For more information contact Emma
de Voss, Manager Communications on Tel: (02) 9338 5543.
ADDITIONAL LOCAL SUPPORT CO-ORDINATORS APPOINTED IN THE HUNTER
The Local Support Co-ordination (LSC) program has completed its second stage
of expansion. In addition to the existing LSC position based in the Port
Stephens local government area, there are now positions in the local
government areas of Cessnock, Dungog and Singleton. Local Support
Co-ordination is a personal, flexible service that aims to increase the
links between people with disabilities, their families and their local
communities. Local Support Co-ordinators assist people with a disability and
their families to identify their own needs, plan ahead and take action so
they may participate in everyday life and pursue their goals with the
support of their family and friends. The Local Support Co-ordinator works at
the individual, family and community level by providing information and
facilitating community development. Local Support Co-ordination is available
to people who are less than 65 years of age who have an intellectual,
physical, neurological, psychiatric or sensory disability and require
significant help and support. For more information in the CESSNOCK area
contact: Kylie Miller, Shop 15a Kingsway Plaza, Barton Street, Kurri Kurri.
Tel: (02) 4937 5202 or Fax: (02) 4952 4868 or Mobile: 0427 070 588. For more
information in the DUNGOG/PORT STEPHENS area contact: Carolyn Parsons, Shop
3a Terrace Shopping Village, William Street, Raymond Terrace. Tel: (02) 4983
1401 or Fax: (02) 4987 3833 or Mobile: 0408 491 441. For more information in
the PORT STEPHENS area contact: Melissa Perkins, Shop 3a Terrace Shopping
Village, William Street, Raymond Terrace. Tel: (02) 4987 3733 or Fax: (02)
4987 3833 or Mobile: 0421 051 241. For more information in the SINGLETON
area contact: Christine Finch, Shop 2 / 96 John Street, Singleton. Tel: (02)
6571 3517 or Fax: (02) 6571 3472 or Mobile: 0429 989 065.
SERVICE SYSTEM MAPPING
The Service System Development (SSD) team is currently developing 'maps' of
the Hunter and Central Coast DADHC-funded and auspiced service system. These
maps have been designed to assist you to locate current DADHC
funded/provided services by funding stream, service type and area of
coverage. The final draft of the Central Coast map is currently out for
consultation and the Hunter maps are under development. If you would like
more information, or to provide comments about the usefulness or correctness
of the maps, please contact Sharyn Csanki by email:
sharyn.csanki@dadhc.nsw.gov.au or Tel: (02) 4925 4015.
REGIONAL PLANNING & CONSULTATION FRAMEWORK
The Service System Development (SSD) team is currently in the process of
developing a framework for the Region which will seek to articulate the
'who, what, when, how and why' in relation to Hunter DADHC planning
processes and consultation with our regional stakeholders. It is envisaged
that a draft framework will be available for comment by October. If you
would like more information, please contact Kellie Bland by email:
kellie.bland@dadhc.nsw.gov.au or Tel: (02) 4925 4014.
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS IN COMMUNITY CARE INTERAGENCY (GPICCI)
Representatives from SD&P, Community Access & Accommodation & Respite now
meet quarterly with Government partners in community care through the
abovementioned interagency. The interagency group aims to assist in local
area planning to reduce service duplication and identify opportunities for
collaboration and partnership projects; identify ways to improve
intersections of government service boundaries in an effort to promote
seamless service provision from the client perspective; and provide a
vehicle to explore local community care issues/service gaps and develop
innovative local service models and responses. At the first meeting of the
group in May, five priority areas were identified for the interagency work
plan over the coming 12 months. These are: dementia; placement options for
younger people with a disability and people with a disability who are
ageing; local area planning; referrals, entry points & common assessment
tools; and transitional care. If you would like more information, please
contact Kellie Bland by email:
kellie.bland@dadhc.nsw.gov.au or Tel: (02)
4925 4014.
REGIONAL PLACEMENT OPTIONS WORKING GROUP
As a tangible result of the GPICCI, a Regional Placement Options Working
Group has been established to investigate residential placement options in
our Region against the needs of our client group. The working group will
particularly focus on appropriateness of placement and what Health, DADHC &
the NGO sector can do for each other to ensure that we are looking after the
clients we should be. If you would like more information, please contact
Kellie Bland in the first instance by email:
ellie.bland@dadhc.nsw.gov.au or
Tel: (02) 4925 4014.
ADULT, TRAINING, LEARNING AND SUPPORT (ATLAS) REFORMS
The Government has announced two new programs that will operate from 1st
January 2005 to meet the needs of young people with a disability once they
leave school. The programs, which replace the ATLAS Program, are Transition
to Work to assist young people access employment and Community Participation
which will provide community-based support to young people with a disability
who are not able to enter employment. A call for Expressions of Interest to
deliver the new programs closed recently and are now being assessed by
DADHC. Existing arrangements for people accepted into the Post School
Options (PSO) program between 1993 and 1998 are to be maintained. Please
contact the ATLAS Reform Information Line on 1800 761 030 for further
information.
PSO/ATLAS REFORM - ANOTHER PERSPECTIVE
Recently the Minister for Disability, Carmel Tebbutt made a further
announcement retaining the PSO program for people currently in this program,
but reaffirming changes to the ATLAS program and for future school leavers.
Funding will no longer be provided to individuals but to service providers,
depending on the number of people in their service. ATLAS will cease to
operate on 31st December 2004, and PSO will cease on 30th June 2005 (except
for those people currently on PSO). Two new service models will be
introduced on 1st January 2005: Transition to Work (TTW) and Community
Participation (CP). From 2005, except for people who would otherwise have
been in their second year of an ATLAS program, TTW will be available only to
school leavers with disability who are assessed as being work ready, for a
maximum of two years. If at the end of the program a suitable employment
placement has not been found, people will be moved to Commonwealth funded
employment services or into the CP program. People who now receive ATLAS
funding receive an average of $15, 699 per year. This funding level will not
change under the TTW model. From 2005, CP programs will be available for
school leavers assessed as not being work ready and all those currently in
PSO programs will be eligible for CP programs. CP programs are not time
limited and this is the positive trade-off that DADHC is emphasising. The
negative is that the level of funding offered to achieve security of
recurrent funding is very small. People who now receive PSO funding receive
an average of $19, 000 per year. From 1 July 2005 this will reduce to either
$13, 500 or $9,000.
[SOURCE: Disability and NESB - September 2004]
CARER'S ALLOWANCE ELIGIBILITY EXTENDED
In its last sitting, Parliament passed legislation for the Carer's Allowance
to be extended to carers who do not live with the people for whom they
provide daily care. To qualify, the carer must care for an adult with a
disability, severe medical condition or who is frail aged for a minimum of
20 hours a week. The person being cared for will be assessed under the Adult
Disability Assessment Tool. For more information Tel: (02) 132717 or visit:
www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/carer_allow_adult.htm.
[SOURCE: ACROD News September 04.]
PADP: NSW GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO SECTOR CAMPAIGN
The NSW State Government has responded significantly to the disability
sector campaigns calls for substantial enhancement of the PADP (Program of
Appliances for Disabled People) Budget administered by NSW Health. PDCN
(Physical Disability Council of NSW Inc) representatives met with Government
officials in May and they've encouraged Government to move forward.
Following the Parliamentary Delegation held on 24th June, attended by more
than 50 representatives of disability sector organisations, the Minister for
Health announced an immediate increase in the PADP Budget (this financial
year) of $900,000. At the same time, the Minister committed the Government
to an additional $3 Million enhancement over the next three financial years.
Although PDCN believe that the Government needs to go beyond these
enhancements it is clear that not one cent of this new money was 'on the
table' in May. Three months of concerted pressure by a united disability
sector has started to produce positive results. The sector intends to
continue to work together for the Budget enhancement that is required to
meet unmet need for aids and equipment. PDCN will continue to play a leading
role in that joint effort.
[SOURCE: PDCN Bulletin, no 31. August 2004.]
PADP: DELEGATION TO STATE PARLIAMENT
A delegation of disability sector representatives presented the sector's
case for PADP Budget enhancement at a packed meeting in the NSW State
Parliament on Thursday 24th June. All the organisations that support the
campaign were invited to join PDCN inside Parliament as they presented a
dossier on unmet need for PADP to the State's politicians. The PDCN
delegation spoke with: John Ryan, Opposition Disability Spokesperson; Sylvia
Hale, Greens Health Spokesperson and Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans,
Australian Democrats. David Brice (PDCN President) was interviewed by the
Parliamentary press corps. PDCN told the politicians and the media about the
experiences of people with disability with unmet need for aids and
equipment. They made it clear what it means when people with disability
cannot get the equipment that they need. The Health spokespeople attending
the delegation expressed their understanding of the importance of PADP to
individuals, their families and communities. All agreed to work with PDCN to
put continuing pressure on the Government. Photos of the Parliamentary
Delegation are on the PDCN website:
http://www.pdcnsw.org.au/issues/padp/04/delegation.html.
[SOURCE: PDCN
Bulletin, no 31. August 2004.]
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NOTICES
COMMUNITY CARE WEEK OF ACTION: 13th - 17th SEPTEMBER
The Community Care Week of Action is a first step towards raising awareness
and mobilising public opinion at a local level. It has been developed by the
Community Care Coalition, a peak national organisation formed by a
significant number of community care providers throughout Australia.
Activities are funded in part by the generosity of the Myer Foundation. Key
aims are: to raise awareness about the importance of community care to the
diverse range of people who need its services; to highlight the implications
of the current drastic shortage of funding in community care and to
highlight the need for reform of the community care system to reduce
complexity and fragmentation and increase accessibility. More information,
including a media kit, was released on 13th September and is available
online: www.agedservices.asn.au. For more details contact Carrie Hayter,
Policy Officer, Aged and Community Services Association of NSW & ACT on Tel:
(02) 9799 0900.
WAY AHEAD JOINERY TOOL SALE
Way Ahead Joinery is closing down. They are selling general hand tools and
assorted hardware - everything must go! Held on Saturday 25th September, 8am
- 3pm, at the rear of the old Western Suburbs Hospital, Waratah. Enter off
Tinonee Road.
LAKE MACQUARIE DISABILITY ACCESS AWARD
The Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Cr Greg Piper, launched the inaugural Lake
Macquarie Disability Access Award at Lake Macquarie Council's Administration
Centre on Monday 16th August, at 2.00pm. In this International Year of the
Built Environment, the Award aims to promote an awareness of the need to
ensure a more accessible community for everyone. The Lake Macquarie
Disability Access Award has two categories: Category 1 - Refurbished
Buildings and Facilities- work completed within the last 5 years and
Category 2 - New Buildings and Facilities - constructed within the last 5
years. Facilities that would be eligible for an Award include: retail and
commercial centres; hotels, cafes, and restaurants; accommodation services;
education facilities; entertainment and leisure facilities; health, beauty
and hairdressing; and government, charity and voluntary organisations. Lake
Macquarie Disability Access Panel Chairperson, Maryanne Ireland said people
with a disability make up almost 20% of the population and as the population
ages so does the incidence of disability. "If a business ensures that its
premises are accessible, it aids all people, not only people with a
disability," Ms Ireland said. Businesses, community groups, or residents can
nominate premises for the Lake Macquarie Disability Access Award.
Nominations close Friday 29th October. Local celebrity, Su Cruickshank, will
present the Awards at the Lake Macquarie Business Breakfast on Wednesday 1st
December. An information package is available on Tel: (02) 4921 0430 or on
the City's website www.lakemac.com.au.
2005 DEAFNESS FORUM EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
The 2005 Deafness Forum educational scholarships are available to students
planning to take post secondary education in 2005 and are expressly designed
to support students who are deaf or hearing impaired by contributing to
ongoing costs for their tuition. Last year a record number of applications
were received. The Scholarship guidelines and application form can be
downloaded from the Deafness Forum website:
www.deafnessforum.org.au.
Deadline for the applications to be received is Friday 12th November.
Contact the Deafness Forum of Australia on Tel: (02) 6262 7808, TTY: (02)
6262 7809 or Fax: (02) 6262 7810.
POSITION AVAILABLE - COORDINATOR - TOMAREE LINK TO THE COMMUNITY
Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre INC requires a Coordinator for Tomaree Link to
the Community (TLC), a newly funded HAAS project. The position is permanent
part-time, 24 Hours per Week - SACs Award Cat 3. The Coordinator will manage
a Volunteer Project to develop connections between community volunteers and
people with an Intellectual disability residing in local community
residential facilities. The project will operate from Tomaree Lodge and aims
to promote inclusion, break down social isolation and create greater
awareness of PWD. Selection criteria include: Essential - Related tertiary
qualification and or experience; knowledge of Disability Act 1993, OH&S, EEO
and Disability Service Standards; proven experience recruiting, training and
working with volunteers and a current drivers license and First Aid
Certificate. Desirable - knowledge of services within Port Stephens and
experience coordinating a service and working with a Management Committee.
TNC INC is an EEO employer. Appropriate screening will be required. Tel:
(02) 4984 6220 as you will need a comprehensive position information package
to ascertain if you are suitable for this position. Written applications,
addressing all criteria, should be marked "Confidential (TLC Position)" and
addressed to: TNC (Manager) PO Box 68, Salamander Bay NSW 2317. Closing date
is 5th October 2004.
DISABILITY ACCESSIBILITY CHECKLIST
People Outdoors has published a comprehensive Accessibility Checklist: A
Self-assessment Tool, which is available free of charge from the web site:
www.auscamps.asn.au/accessibility/index.html. People Outdoors, a Victorian
community based non-profit organisation established in 1989 by the Camping
Association of Victoria, provides recreation programs to children, teenagers
and adults with a disability.
[SOURCE: ACROD News September 04.]
SIBLINGS WEB SITE
'Your Shout' web site: www.yourshout.org.au has been made by and for
adolescent siblings as part of the Siblings Project conducted by the
Association for Children with a Disability (April 2002-June 2004).
[SOURCE: ACROD News September 04.]
GOVERNMENT HOTLINE NUMBERS EASIER TO FIND
A new service added to the Government Online Directory makes it easier to
find hotline numbers for government departments and agencies, either by
subject or organisation. The new list also details hours of operation,
provides descriptions of the services and directs users to related email and
web site information. To access the directory go to:
www.directory.gov.au
[SOURCE: ACROD News September 04.]
ATO NEWS
The Tax Office and National Information Library Service have produced audio
summaries and electronic versions of TaxPack 2004 and Supplement - available
free of charge to anyone who has difficulty reading standard print. The Tax
Office also provides E-tax 2004 for Vision Impaired for taxpayers with
screen reader software (Jaws 4.0 or later, or Window Eyes 4.5). For more
information phone the National Information Library Service on 1800 644 885
or (02) 9334 3524.
[SOURCE: ACROD News September 04.]
NEW TRANSPORT SERVICE FOR PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY
Carl Newcombe Transport is providing a new transport service for people with
disabilities in the Newcastle and Hunter Region. An air-conditioned Toyota
Commuter van, able to accommodate 3 wheelchairs and 3 seated positions.
Public liability insurance and drivers authority included. Reasonable rates.
Tel: (02) 4950 5849 or Mobile: 0416 342 990 or Fax: (02) 4950 5849.
NB The Disability Infoline eNews passes on information received and does not
guarantee or endorse the services or events publicised in its e-News. The
Disability Infoline is a non-profit organisation staffed by volunteers. Evadne
Lewis (Editor) Mark Hemmings, Bronwyne Chapman & Robert Mackey (Information
Officers), Mark Grierson (Coordinator), Disability Advocacy Service Hunter
(DASH) Inc. Suite 3 Level 1 408 King St, Newcastle West, NSW 2302
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