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[February 2004] [March 2004] [April 2004] [May 2004] [June 2004] [July 2004] [August 2004] [September 2004] [October 2004] [November 2004]
HUNTER DISABILITY eNEWS (October
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:
9th - 16th October DOWN SYNDROME
AWARENESS WEEK
10th - 16th October MENTAL HEALTH WEEK (NSW Theme: Mental Health of Older
People)
17th - 23rd October CARERS WEEK
HAPPENINGS
* EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUP OF NEWCASTLE
* EPILEPSY ASSOCIATION
* ONE OF THE KIDS. PART TWO: UNDERSTANDING THE PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM
* PLEASE NOTE - CHANGE OF DATE - FREE HIV/AIDS WORKSHOP
* INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY
CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND
TRAINING
* STATEMENT OF ATTAINMENT IN DISABILITY WORK
* EPILEPSY ASSOCIATION SEMINAR "EPILEPSY THROUGH ADOLESCENT EYES"
* ADVOCACY TRAINING
* SIBLINGS AUSTRALIA INAUGURAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE
* PRACTICAL FORUM ON DEVELOPING AND MAINTAINING PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS &
NETWORKS
* SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY WORKSHOPS 2005
RESEARCH
* BEHAVIOURAL SUPPORTS FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AN INTELLECTUAL
DISABILITY
* PARENTAL STRESS AND BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS OF CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL
DISABILITY
* EVALUATION OF AN INTERVENTION SYSTEM FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH
INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
* MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES
* ACCESS TO JOURNAL ARTICLES
POLICY & DOCUMENTS
* NEW TENANT BLACKLIST LAWS
* THOUSANDS TURN OUT TO PROTEST AGAINST ATLAS/PSO CUTS
* DISABILITY CAMPAIGN BRINGS TWO THOUSAND TO MACQUARIE STREET
* DISABILITY, AGEING AND CARERS
NOTICES
* COMMONWEALTH CARER RESOURCE CENTRES
* FOR SALE – AS NEW – WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE
* PLAIN ENGLISH VIDEO EXPLAINS COURT PROCESSES
* TELSTRA BILL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
* ADAPTABLE, ACCESSIBLE OR ADJUSTABLE?
* BUILDING ACCESSIBLE HOMES
* ACCESSIBLE TOURISM IN ARGENTINA
HAPPENINGS
EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUP OF
NEWCASTLE
This month’s meeting is Tuesday 19th October at 7pm in the Lifeline
hall at 24A Bryant Street, Tighes Hill. The guest speaker is Dr Levi
who holds the positions of full time Staff Neurologist, John Hunter
Hospital; conjoint Senior Lecturer in Neurology, University of
Newcastle; Director of Acute Stroke Services, John Hunter Hospital
(National Stroke Research Institute Collaborating Center); Chairman,
Division of Medicine, John Hunter Hospital, and member of the
Clinical Neurosciences program, Hunter Medical Research Institute.
If you would like to find out more about Dr Levi’s work go to the
web site:
www.geocities.com/epilepsy_au. Next month’s meeting will be a
Christmas Meal on Tuesday 23rd November at West Leagues Club, 88
Hobart Road, New Lambton. Meet by the stairs (Hobart Rd entrance) at
6pm, for a 6.30pm meal in the bistro. For more information contact
Carol on Tel: (02) 4945 0557 or Kim on Tel: (02) 4967 5905 or email:
epilepsy_au@yahoo.com.au.
EPILEPSY ASSOCIATION
The Epilepsy Association holds several events during the year
including: a camp for children aged 8-12 years with epilepsy, held
in November at
Collaroy Beach and tickets to “Dirty Dancing” – The Classic Story on Stage -
30% off show tickets for members of the Epilepsy Association and a
discounted price for non-members. (All proceeds from tickets sales go to
support services, education and resources to improve health outcomes and
quality of life for individuals, children and families affected by seizure
disorders) If you are interested in any of these events contact the Epilepsy
Association on 1300 366 162 or Tel: (02) 9856 7030 or web:
www.epilepsy.org.au.
ONE OF THE KIDS. PART TWO:
UNDERSTANDING THE PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM
Family Advocacy is holding a one-day workshop about inclusive
education for parents and relatives of children with developmental
disabilities, in Newcastle on Sunday 7th November, 10am – 3.30pm.
Inclusive education is about children with disability being in the
same classes and schools as children without disability. Inclusive
education does not include other ways of educating children such as
support classes or special schools. Topics covered include: how to enrol your child with disability in a regular
school; a parental viewpoint on what funding and supports are available from
the Department of Education and hints and strategies on how to find your way
through the system. Cost: We ask for an amount to help cover catering and
venue hire ($15 per person before 26th October and $20 per person between
27th October and 1st November). Venue: We will let you know the details of
the venue once you call to register, so exact numbers are known for
catering. We can help out with the cost of childcare on the day and other
support needs, such as interpreters and hearing loops - mention at
registration. To register contact Libby King on Tel: (02) 9869 0866 or
Freecall: 1800 620 588 or e-mail:
workshops@family-advocacy.com.
PLEASE NOTE - CHANGE OF DATE -
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 10th
November, 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.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH A
DISABILITY
By taking part in International Day of People With a Disability (IDPWD)
you are helping to promote a culture of inclusion, understanding and
awareness. Join in the action, submit an event and celebrate IDPWD
on 3rd December 2004. See the NSW website: Don't DIS my ABILITY (www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/idpwd)
and QLD: Building Inclusive Communities Grants (www.disability.qld.gov.au/whatsondetail.cfm?wo_id=564).
For more information go to:
www.nican.com.au/int_day [SOURCE: e-Bility
August - September 2004, Number 29].
CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING
STATEMENT OF ATTAINMENT IN DISABILITY WORK
Hunter TAFE is holding an information session on 22nd October, 12.30 in room
AG21, Darwin St Cessnock Campus. The course has been developed to meet the
needs of workers in the Community Services and Health fields for customised
training programs that enable them to respond to new initiatives or changing
job roles. It has also been developed for pre service learners to gain
knowledge and skills relevant to the Community Services industry. For
further information contact Cessnock TAFE on Tel: (02) 4993 0400.
EPILEPSY ASSOCIATION SEMINAR "EPILEPSY
THROUGH ADOLESCENT EYES"
A seminar exploring many issues that teens with epilepsy may experience and
how parents, teachers and health professionals can support and guide them
when faced with any of the challenges that may come their way. The seminar
will be held on 2nd November at Star City Casino, Sydney 9 1pm. Cost: $10
members and $15 non members. The guest speakers will include: Professor
Ingrid Scheffer Epilepsy & Adolescents; Professor Ian Hickie The Mysteries
of Adolescents: Brains, bodies & behaviour and Dr Sunny Lah Unravelling the
Mysteries…: surviving adolescence. For details and booking go to:
mc2.vicnet.net.au/home/headline/web2/teen_seminar.htm. Or contact Julie on
Tel: 1300 36 61 62 or email: jdavis@epilepsy.org.au for bookings or
inquiries. Places are limited. Book early to ensure a place.
ADVOCACY TRAINING
The Chronic Illness Alliance of NSW will be presenting advocacy training at
Red Cross House (Conference Room A, Level 5) 159 Clarence St, Sydney
(between Wynyard and Town Hall Stations) on Thursday 11th November, 9am 5pm
and on Friday 12th November, 9am 4.15pm. All participants who complete the
two full days training will receive a certificate of attendance and will be
able to elect to complete an assessment to gain a unit of competence
"Undertake Systems Advocacy CHCAD3A". The cost for either day is $55 (incl.
GST); book both days and the cost is only $99 (incl. GST). Lunch will be
provided (Please indicate any dietary requirements.) For more information
contact Kim Morley (Tues, Thurs) on Tel: (02) 9922 2382 or Fax: (02) 9922
5715 or email: morleykim@yahoo.com.au. Pre Registration is essential as
numbers are limited to 22 per day. Closing date for registration is October
21st. [SOURCE: IDEAS Inc E News Issue 17, 2004.]
SIBLINGS AUSTRALIA INAUGURAL NATIONAL
CONFERENCE
Siblings Australia Inc is holding its inaugural national conference 17th –
19th November in Adelaide. Siblings Australia's mission acknowledges and
recognises the needs of siblings of children with special needs and connects
them with other siblings and people who can provide support and explores
ways to enhance their resilience. Siblings Australia aims to strengthen
families by enhancing their ability to connect and support each other, as
well as accessing support from outside the family. Sessions are varied
covering issues related to parenting, grief, early intervention, adult
siblings, programs for siblings, strengthening families, education etc. A
draft program and further details are the website:
www.siblingsaustralia.org.au. [SOURCE: IDEAS Inc E News Issue 17, 2004.]
PRACTICAL FORUM ON DEVELOPING AND MAINTAINING
PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS & NETWORKS
The forum will be held on Monday 22nd November, 9.30am - 2.30pm at East
Maitland Bowling Club, Bank St, East Maitland. The forum is free of charge
and lunch will be provided. The program will include: why people join
networks and groups; needs of group members; communication in a group
setting; how to get the best out of your group members; leading and running
a group or network; an example of how a parent support group started and
developed and how to access resources and funding. The forum will be useful
for: parents involved in support networks or groups; parents interested in
developing knowledge and skills in running or supporting networks or groups
and agencies or workers involved in supporting parents through groups and
networks. The forum is a project of Links in the Hunter – a program of the
Spastic Centre. For inquiries contact Don Coles (Links in the Hunter project
worker) on Tel: (02) 9972 8177 or Mobile: 0417 220 673 or Sue Cook (Spastic
Centre Singleton and Raymond Terrace) on Tel: (02) 6572 3812 or Mobile: 0429
312 188. To assist with organisation and catering, bookings are essential.
Numbers will be limited, so please book in early. Childcare will be
available but needs to be booked by 8th November.
SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY WORKSHOPS 2005
Reet Kabi will be presenting her two-day ‘Sexuality and Disability’
workshops in Newcastle on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th February and on
Thursday 26th and Friday 27th May in 2005. Early bookings or venue requests
are essential (only 16 20 participants). An extra THIRD day workshop will
also be held in July 2005 (on Wed, Thurs or Fri, to suit the majority of
participants). This extra day is to extend and consolidate the ideas from
the previous 2 day workshops and to reflect on what worked in the workplace
and what didn't. Bookings are taken on a ‘first come - first accepted’ basis
on a Lifeworks official application (including fees). Attendance at any of
the 2 day workshops is a pre requisite. Numbers are limited to 20 places.
Check the Lifeworks Website: www.lifeworks.net.au for further details. Other
workshops will be available - Central Coast and Muswellbrook/Scone. Contact
email: lifeworks@bravo.net.au or Fax: (02) 4956 4255 or Mobile: 0412 157421.
RESEARCH
BEHAVIOURAL SUPPORTS FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN
WITH AN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
A considerable body of knowledge that allows for the design of effective
interventions with problem behaviour in children with an intellectual
disability is now in existence. The development of behavioural supports for
parents, in particular, has taken momentum in the last few years. The
purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of research on the supports
provided to parents in the assessment of and intervention with the problem
behaviour of their children with an intellectual disability. It is concluded
that while research in the area has made considerable advances, gaps in
research on the development of practical applications of "parent friendly"
programmes are still evident. [SOURCE: Hudson, A. & Gavidia-Payne, S. (2002)
Behavioural supports for parents of children with an intellectual disability
and problem behaviours: an overview of the literature. Journal of
Intellectual & Developmental Disability, 27 (1), 31 – 55.]
PARENTAL STRESS AND BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS OF
CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY
The present paper focuses on the integration of two research foci in the
field of developmental disability: models of the development and maintenance
of children's problem behaviours, and parental stress associated with child
characteristics. I propose a simple model whereby children's behaviour
problems, parental stress, and parenting behaviour are related. Evidence is
found for a central part of this model (that child behaviour problems lead
to parental stress), but other aspects are as yet untested in the
developmental disability field. Future refinement of the model is discussed,
with an emphasis on the role of parental appraisal processes in
understanding the mechanisms by which child behaviour problems affect
parental well being. Finally, the practical implications of integrating
research on children's behaviour problems and parental stress are briefly
considered. [SOURCE: Hastings, R. (2002) Parental stress and behaviour
problems of children with developmental disability. Journal of Intellectual
& Developmental Disability, 27 (3), 149 – 160.]
EVALUATION OF AN INTERVENTION SYSTEM FOR
PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
Signposts is a flexible intervention system for families of children who
have intellectual disability and challenging behaviour. The Signposts
materials include eight information booklets, a workbook and videotape for
parents, and a series of instructional manuals for therapists. The system
was designed so that it can be delivered in several different ways, i.e.
group support, telephone support and self-directed modes. The present study
was an evaluation of these three modes of delivery and involved 115
families. Following the use of the Signposts materials in parent training
programmes, the subjects reported that they were less stressed, felt more
efficacious about managing their children's behaviour, were less hassled
about meeting their own needs and that their children's behaviour had
improved. Additionally, families generally reported high levels of
satisfaction with the content and delivery of the materials. Finally, there
were minimal differences among the three modes of delivery on the measures
used, although families who used the self-directed mode were less likely to
complete the materials. Implications of these results for service delivery
are discussed. [SOURCE: Hudson, A., Matthews, J., Gavidia-Payne, S.,
Cameron, C., Mildon, R., Radler, G. & Nankervis, K. (2003) Evaluation of an
intervention system for parents of children with intellectual disability and
challenging behaviour. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research. 47(4-5)
238-249,]
MENTAL HEALTH CARE FOR PEOPLE WITH LEARNING
DISABILITIES
This book is directed towards parents, family members, nurses, social
workers, psychologists, occupational therapists, students and care staff,
including voluntary workers who are involved in the care of people with
intellectual disabilities. With case studies to illustrate the situations
faced by carers and their clients, the book aims to introduce the reader to
the key issues and concerns surrounding mental health in people with
intellectual disabilities, so that they might have a positive impact on the
care those people receive. (Taken from the back cover.) [SOURCE: Priest, H.
and Gibbs, M. (2004) Mental health care for people with learning
disabilities. Churchill Livingstone: Edinburgh, UK.] Available from the
James Fletcher Library, call no: 616.85889 PRIE 2004.
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
NEW TENANT BLACKLIST LAWS
New laws for the use of tenant databases have commenced, which aim to better
protect the rights of tenants in NSW. Tenant databases are widely used by
real estate agents to list and identify problematic tenants, and it is
estimated that in Australia, these databases hold details on hundreds of
thousands of renters. A major complaint about tenant databases is that
affected tenants encountered difficulty renting properties because they were
'blacklisted' for minor or trivial matters. Fair Trading Minister, Reba
Meagher said that as of 15th September 2004, tenants can only be listed for
specific reasons, including owing money to the landlord for rent and/or
property damage that exceeds the amount of the rental bond, and where the
Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal has issued a termination order for
breaching a residential tenancy agreement. The Office of Fair Trading has
published two brochures to provide information to both tenants and the real
estate industry about the new requirements: Tenant databases, Information
for renters -
www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/pdfs/corporate/publications/ft269.pdf
and Using tenant databases, Information for agents -
www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/pdfs/corporate/publications/ft270.pdf. These
brochures are also available by calling Tel: 13 32 20. Please note: these
new laws do not change anything for people who were listed on a database
prior to the 15th September 2004. Further information can be obtained from
the NSW Office of Fair Trading, 1 Fitzwilliam Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 on
Tel: (02) 9895 0111 or TTY: 9338 4943.
THOUSANDS TURN OUT TO PROTEST AGAINST ATLAS/PSO
CUTS
(From the Desk of John Ryan MLC - Shadow Minister for Disability Services.)
Over the last six weeks there have been dozens of public meetings and
rallies aimed at protesting against the Carr Government's cuts to Adult
Training Programs for school leavers with disabilities ATLAS and PSO.
Parliament House has been a major focus of activity. On Tuesday 30th August
hundreds of clients, service providers, direct care workers, families and
carers booked seats in the public galleries of the Lower House and the Upper
House to confront the Premier and the Minister at Question Time. They wore
distinctive coloured T Shirts so they could not be missed. They saw and
openly applauded Liberal Leader John Brogden when he gave notice of a motion
to condemn the Government for its decision to cut funding to the Adult
Training Learning and Support (ATLAS) program and to reject their recent
reversal on Post School Options because it did not go far enough. The crowds
then moved over to the Legislative Council to make a similar point in the
presence of Disability Services Minister Carmel Tebbutt. On 7th September
large crowds gathered to greet the Premier and Carr Government Ministers as
they arrived for a Cabinet set down for Wollongong. The Premier stunned
crowds by calling the disability sector protestors a "rabble" and claiming
their protest was of "a 1960's mind set" that "would damage the image of the
Illawarra region". On Friday 17th September about fifty people including
clients, service providers, direct care workers, families and cares sat in
the public gallery of the NSW Parliament watching Community Services
Minister Carmel Tebbutt answer questions on cuts to ATLAS and PSO programs.
Undaunted dozens of people again turned out to silently make their point by
filling the public gallery at Parliament House in the Estimates Committee
hearing for Disability Services on Friday 17th September. Finally, last
Wednesday over 2,000 people attended a huge demonstration outside Parliament
House. It was a noisy, colourful and determined demonstration to the Carr
Government that this issue will not be going away. Thanks to all who took
part in these rallies. We have to keep them up until the Carr Government
gets the clear message that they cannot treat people with disabilities in
this way.
DISABILITY CAMPAIGN BRINGS TWO THOUSAND TO
MACQUARIE STREET
The Council of Social Service of NSW (NCOSS) has called upon the Minister
for Disability Services, Ms Carmel Tebbutt to reverse the funding cuts that
brought thousands of people with disabilities and their families to
demonstrate outside NSW Parliament on 22nd September. "Given the outcry over
proposed cuts to the Adult Training Learning and Support (ATLAS) program,
the Minister must act quickly" said NCOSS Deputy Director Michelle Burrell.
Whilst NCOSS appreciates the Minister meeting with a delegation and her
promise of at least three days a week services for people with disability,
the fact of the matter is that people need services for five days." "The
Minister is emphasising certainty for families, but the uncertainty and
distress is largely a result of the announcement of the new funding levels,
which will be significantly lower than present," added Ms Burrell. "No
matter how long the Minister looks at the Expressions of Interest the
funding offered cannot meet the needs of people with disabilities". "NCOSS
is not opposed to reforms that deliver quality and improvements. We welcome
the Minister's commitment that DADHC will not fund services that fail
standards," said Ms Burrell " But the Minister cannot expect non government
organisations to deliver these improvements with fewer dollars. Young people
with disabilities like all others should be able to choose a life path
through employment or community involvement or be assisted to do so. It is
time for the Minister to provide this guarantee". Michelle Burrell can be
contacted on Tel: (02) 9211 2599 or mobile: 0427 951 355. [SOURCE: IDEAS Inc
E News Issue 16, 2004.]
DISABILITY, AGEING AND CARERS
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released a summary of results from
the Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers conducted throughout Australia
from June to November 2003. The primary objective of the survey was to
collect information about three population groups: people with a disability;
older people (ie, those aged 60 years and over) and people who provide
assistance to older people and people with disabilities. The results reveal
that the 2003 survey is largely a repeat of the 1998 survey, with some
additions to content in the areas of cognitive and emotional support,
computer and Internet use. In the 2003 survey, one in five people (3,958,300
or 20.0%) had a reported disability. After removing the effects of different
age structures there was little change in the 1998 disability rate of 20.1%.
The rate of profound or severe core activity limitation also showed little
change between 1998 (6.4%) and 2003 (6.3%). To access the Summary of
Findings, go to:
www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs%40.nsf/mf/4430.0?OpenDocument.
[SOURCE: ACROD News Oct04.]
NOTICES
COMMONWEALTH CARER RESOURCE CENTRES
Commonwealth Carer Resource Centres provide a single point of contact for
carers seeking information and advice about the full range of services, and
other support available. Commonwealth Carer Resource Centres can give you
up-to-date, relevant information about all the government programs that give
support to carers. They can also give you information about publications,
support services, training and education programs for carers. There is also
specific information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander carers, and
carers from diverse cultural backgrounds. A Commonwealth Carer Resource
Centre is located in each state and territory capital city. They can be
contacted on Tel: 1800 242 636 (free call from local phones, mobile calls at
mobile rates). [SOURCE:
www.ageing.health.gov.au/carers/resocent.htm.]
FOR SALE – AS NEW – WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
VEHICLE
Holden Combo – converted by Fleetworks Mobility. First registered November
2003 – travelled only 1600kms. Beautiful vehicle. For further details refer
to: www.wheelchaircar.tk or contact Jim Parish on Tel: (02) 4951 2379.
PLAIN ENGLISH VIDEO EXPLAINS COURT PROCESSES
The NSW Attorney General, Mr Bob Debus has launched a video and resource kit
for people with cognitive disabilities who have to go to court. The resource
is in plain English and will particularly assist clients with cognitive
disabilities who are required to appear as either a defendant or witness.
The Law Reform Commission Report: People With An Intellectual Disability And
The Criminal Justice System, found that more than one third of people
appearing before the Local Courts on criminal charges may have significant
intellectual deficits. This resource kit is intended to provide information
to help people to better understand the court process. The kit will be
distributed free of charge to a variety of legal and advocacy services
throughout NSW. For more information contact: John Sampson on Tel: (02) 9228
7331.
[SOURCE: IDEAS Inc E News Issue 17, 2004.]
TELSTRA BILL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
At a recent meeting of the Telstra Disability Forum, the matter of telephone
service costs was raised. Telstra has developed a number of products that go
some way to assisting people on low incomes to maintain a telephone service
or to maintain telephone contact. One product is Telstra Bill Assistance
Program. This initiative is designed for customers experiencing financial
crisis including: low income families; people from Indigenous communities;
job seekers and farming families. Short term emergency relief is provided to
customers experiencing financial crisis and are unable to pay their Telstra
fixed home phone bill. Welfare agencies have the discretion to issue one or
more certificates that can be applied as a bill adjustment towards your
fixed home phone account. Telstra funds the program and it is administered
by accredited welfare organisations including the Smith Family, Anglicare,
the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul. The whole of the Access For
Everyone Package can be viewed at:
www.telstra.com.au/accessforeveryone/access.htm#1.
[SOURCE: IDEAS Inc E News Issue 16, 2004.]
ADAPTABLE, ACCESSIBLE OR ADJUSTABLE?
Around Australia, many local councils demand that developers include a
certain quota of accessible and adaptable homes within the development site.
However, construction industry personnel sometimes confuse "accessible" and
"adaptable", and when confronted with "adjustable" components within a home,
the three "A" words become further confused. This article explains the
difference. To access the article go to:
www.e-bility.com/articles/adaptablehousing.shtml.
[SOURCE: e-Bility August - September 2004, Number 29]
BUILDING ACCESSIBLE HOMES
The Building Accessible Homes pocket guide is a handy reference for the
minimum and preferred dimensions of fittings and fixtures as well as
facilities such as carparks, pathways, and bathrooms/toilets. For the cost
of an AU$5 donation this publication is a bargain! For more information go
to: www.e-bility.com/books/access_homes.shtml. [SOURCE: e-Bility August -
September 2004, Number 29]
ACCESSIBLE TOURISM IN ARGENTINA
Although Argentina is not fully accessible, there are many places and
activities that can be visited and enjoyed without worrying about
accessibility. Adriana from Latitud Sur Accesible describes three possible
trips: to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital city; to Cataratas del Iguazú, a
national park and to the mountain village of San Martín de los Andes, a
skiing resort in the Andes mountain range. For more information go to:
www.e-bility.com/articles/argentina.shtml. [SOURCE: e-Bility August -
September 2004, Number 29]
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 Grierson (Coordinator), Disability Advocacy
Service Hunter (DASH) Inc. Suite 3 Level 1 408 King St, Newcastle West, NSW
2302, Telephone (02) 4927 0111 or web: www.dash.org.au
.
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