Contact Us
- Phone: 03 9639 5807
- Email: admin@daru.org.au
National Relay Service(NRS)for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment:
- TTY users can phone 133677 then ask for 03 9639 5807
- Speak & Listen (speech-to-speech) users can phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 03 9639 5807
- Internet relay users can connect to NRS on www.relayservice.com.au then ask for 03 9639 5807
- Address: Level 8, 128 Exhibition St Melbourne VIC 3000
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Twenty Most Recent Publications
When: 2n and 4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00pm – 8:00pm.
Where: Geelong Mood Support, 284 La Trobe Tce, Newtown.
Register:
This is a new support group run by sufferers, for sufferers. You are invited to join regular group sessions that have commenced in Geelong.
For more information, email Nicci Wall at forwalls@xi.com.au or phone on mobile 0419 874 350 after 3pm.
Click here to download In the Name of Treatment
Extract of letter by Julie Phillips, 17 October 2011:
As a Disability Advocate, I have been approached over the past 4 years by a number of parents of children with disabilities, particularly those who attend special schools, with reports of:
• physical abuse
• solitary confinement
• chemical restraint
• splinting
Most if not all of these parents have taken their concerns to the senior school level, the Regional Office, and/or human rights commissions in Victoria and Sydney. Others are taking their matters to courts.
They have received little consolation, as the formal position of the DEECD is to justify physical abuse, solitary confinement and chemical restraint in the name of "behaviour management".
As a Disability Advocate, I have been approached over the past 4 years by a number of parents of children with disabilities, particularly those who attend special schools, with reports of:
• physical abuse
• solitary confinement
• chemical restraint
• splinting
Most if not all of these parents have taken their concerns to the senior school level, the Regional Office, and/or human rights commissions in Victoria and Sydney. Others are taking their matters to courts.
They have received little consolation, as the formal position of the DEECD is to justify physical abuse, solitary confinement and chemical restraint in the name of "behaviour management".
Click here to Download the Terms of Reference in Easy English
The Law Reform Committee of Parliament has been asked to conduct an Inquiry into access to and interaction with the justice system by people with an intellectual or cognitive disability and their families and carers.
The Inquiry wants to hear from people with a disability to speak about their experiences with the justice system. The Inquiry also wants to hear from family and carers.
In order to maximise the participation of people with a disability, their families, and carers in the Inquiry, the Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU) via the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) is supporting disability advocacy organisations to host consultations within their region and lodge submissions.
If you are a person with an intellectual or cognitive disability, a family
member or carer and would like to be involved in the consultations, contact Vivienne Topp at VCOSS on 96545050 who will put you in contact with the advocacy organisation which is to host the consultation in your region.
For more information about the Inquiry, visit the Parliament of Victoria website at:
http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/lawreform/article/1463
Note: DARU has received an extension on their submission to allow for consultations to take place.
Click here for more information
In 2012, Vision Australia will award Further Education Bursaries to a select number of students who are blind or have low vision. The Bursaries are awarded to people who for financial reasons may not be able to fully participate in further education, providing adaptive technology to assist their studies.
Students of any age can apply for a Vision Australia Further Education Bursary. Applicants must:
• Be or become, a client of Vision Australia
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Be living or moving to Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory or Tasmania
• Be enrolling to study at an institution in Victoria, ACT, NSW, Queensland, the Northern Territory or Tasmania
• Be enrolling to study in at least Certificate IV at a TAFE or an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at University at the start of the year or be already enrolled in such a course (preference may be given to those beginning or in the early stages of a course).
Applications are treated in the strictest confidence.
The deadline for applications is 31 October 2011.
All applicants are eligible for a 30 minute consultation with the Vision Australia Tertiary Education Consultant, Max Bini. To arrange an appointment or for any other enquiries, phone (03) 8378 1223, toll free on 1300 84 74 66 or emailing bursary@visionaustralia.org
Click here for grant application form and more information
Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, Senator Jan McLucas, announced the opening of the new Capital Fund for Australian Disability Enterprises at the National Disability Services’ Employment Forum in Sydney today.
Australian Disability Enterprises can apply for grants up to $20,000 for capital improvements that enhance their business viability.
"Australian Disability Enterprises give people with disability the chance to participate in work, to experience the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that employment offers including meeting new friends, and to become more financially independent."
“The Capital Fund is an incentive for these organisations to deliver further innovation in employment outcomes and encourage broader skill development and career options for people with disability,” Senator McLucas said.
The Australian Government is working with an Advisory Group of disability sector representatives and employers to develop a ten year vision for supported employment in Australia, which will be released later this year.
Applications must be submitted by 7 October 2011.
Click here for eligibility guidelines and how to apply
In April 2008 Frank Hall-Bentick with his sisters and friends set up the Australian Disability and Indigenous Peoples' Education Fund (ADIPEF) under the auspice of the Melbourne Community Foundation.
They believe the importance of education should not be measured in graduate degrees and diplomas or in salaries people achieve or careers people have undertaken and achieved. The importance of education should be measured by peoples' continual learning of cultures, relationships, history, tolerance and honing the skills to apply this learning.
For many people with disabilities from both indigenous and non-indigenous backgrounds, education can go a long way to not only developing their skills but also their self-esteem and the pride of their family, friends and community.
This Fund assists people with disability gain empowerment through access to formal and informal education programs. For many, a small financial grant will enable them to undertake a course. This education fund is about helping people complete or undertake courses and programs through providing small grants.
Our fund is looking to distribute small six monthly grants of up to $2,500 to assist people with disabilities to continue their learning.
The next round of applications close 30 September 2011
Enquiries should be directed to Frank Hall-Bentick, Chairperson, on phone (03) 9429 4210 or email info@adipef.org.au
Click here for criteria and to apply
Small Grants for Legal Projects in Victoria
The Victoria Law Foundation’s Small Grants are available to organisations for Small Grants are for projects with budgets up to $5,000 (exc GST). Unlike General Grants, Small Grants funds may be used towards events and seminars. Small Grants projects are usually completed within 12 months of being awarded.
Small Grants have a rolling deadline with applications accepted any time throughout the year. The application form is easy to complete and decisions are usually made within two weeks.
If you have an idea for a project, please contact the Grants and Awards Manager on 9604 8100 to discuss.
The Victoria Law Foundation’s Small Grants are available to organisations for Small Grants are for projects with budgets up to $5,000 (exc GST). Unlike General Grants, Small Grants funds may be used towards events and seminars. Small Grants projects are usually completed within 12 months of being awarded.
Small Grants have a rolling deadline with applications accepted any time throughout the year. The application form is easy to complete and decisions are usually made within two weeks.
If you have an idea for a project, please contact the Grants and Awards Manager on 9604 8100 to discuss.
Click here to download Fact Sheets and Application Forms
The Department of Human Services (DHS), Disability Services recognises the contribution that life-long learning and professional development makes towards a fulfilling work life.
As such, DHS encourage people currently working or wanting to work in Disability Services, to apply for Disability Services Professional Development Grants (DSPDGs).
DSPDGs program provide financial support for the development of skills and knowledge in areas of specific need for people with a disability and the development of services for people with a disability.
The DSPDGs program consists of:
• Study grants: for study via tertiary (up to $5,000) or TAFE courses (up to $3,000) that lead to a qualification (funds contribute towards course fees incurred in 2012 & 2013 only)
• Ethel Temby research grants: valued at up to $9,000 (for costs incurred in 2012 & 2013) for undertaking a research project and presentation and/or publication related to the disability field.
Applications close: COB Thursday 25 August 2011
For more information, phone 9096 2627 or email wdl@dhs.vic.gov.au
Click here to go to the what causes mental illness website
There's now a lot of media and public talk here about 'Mental Illness', but still not a lot of common understanding of what that means and what the realities of mental illness, mental health services and the lives of people affected by both.
The site is a collaborative endeavour where evidence and information from multiple sources offer perspectives on a range of topics.
If we as a community decide to 'invest in Mental Health' and fight 'Mental Illness' we need to have a shared and realistic, evidence based, collective view of what those things are, and what works to improve them.
There are articles, research, links, videos, discussion boards, personal stories and more on many aspects of ways of understanding 'Mental Illness.'
Visit the what causes mental illness website at:
Click here to go to the SWEP website
SWEP, based at Ballarat Health Services is now the central point where all applications for funding for the following programs will be processed:
• Aids & Equipment Program (A&EP)
• Supported Accommodation Equipment Assistance Scheme (SAEAS)
• Domiciliary Oxygen Program (DOP)
• Continence Aids Program (CA)
• Vehicle Modification Subsidy Scheme (VMSS)
Registration through SWEP is required to prescribe electronic voice aids with the exception of electronic communication devices needed to access an ECD (such as voice output communication software and related mounts or switches) which are still supplied through the Electronic Communication Devices Scheme at Yooralla. For further information on this scheme, visit the Yooralla website at:
http://www.yooralla.com.au/aep.php
In the past prescribers did not have to declare their qualifications, and did not receive recognition for advanced knowledge in equipment prescription. There has been no central list to notify prescribers if equipment is recalled or to make educational opportunities available.
From 1 September 2011, all allied health and nursing prescribers must be registered with SWEP in order to have prescriptions accepted and acted upon. Prescribers will be registered as individuals, not as organisations.
Registered prescribers will be notified of forums being run in early August to explain the new system.
For more information about SWEP, and to download the registration form,visit their website.
Click here to go to the website
The site has information on what a Human Rights Action Plan is and content on 17 different human rights areas or themes. For each area, information is provided for NGOs about the current issues and the relevant recommendations made to Australia in the Universal Periodic Review. There are also links to submissions, news and events.
The site will be used as a hub for NGOs to discuss the progress of the National Action Plan and Baseline Study (once they are released), to share ideas and to post information on work being done.
Each week we will have a guest commentary or blog on a different theme. The opening blogs are from the expert on human rights action plans, Bill Barker, and the leader of the campaign for a human rights act, Susan Ryan. In the coming weeks we will have blogs on prisoners rights, homelessness and the rights of people with mental illness.
Click here to go to the Commission's website
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission is an independent statutory body with responsibilities under three laws:
•Equal Opportunity Act 1995
•Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001
•Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities
The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities (the Charter) means that government and public bodies must consider human rights when making laws and providing services.
The Commission's role is to educate people about the rights and responsibilities contained in the Charter and to report annually to the government about the operation of the Charter. The Commission does not handle complaints related to the Charter.
Services provided by the Commission include:
•a free telephone Enquiry Line
•a free and impartial complaint resolution service
•information and education about equal opportunity, racial and religious vilification and the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities
•education, training and consultancy services.
Click here for program guidelines:
The City of Melbourne is calling on individuals, groups and organisations to apply for a range of grants and sponsorship opportunities on offer in 2012.
Grants are available in the following categories:
• Active Melbourne: grants to help individuals and community groups with projects relating to physical activity.
• Arts grants: to help individuals, groups and organisations enliven the city with diverse art and cultural activities that challenge and engage the community.
• Community services grants: to help not-for-profit community organisations create a safe, inclusive and engaged society.
Applications close on Friday 24 June. There is an information session on Tuesday 24 May.
Click here to visit the Brain Foundation's website
The primary objective of the Brain Foundation Research Grant Awards is to support individual researchers and research teams to conduct the highest quality research in brain illnesses and neurological disorders as well as brain and spinal injuries.
A subsidiary objective is to provide opportunities for early career researchers to gain initiating funding for projects with potential.
The 2011 Brain Foundation research grant categories are:
• Alzheimer's, Parkinson's & Other Neuro Degenerative Diseases
• Dystonia
• Cerebral Diseases
• Brain Tumours
• Epilepsy
• Neuromuscular Diseases
• Paediatric Neurology
• Neuro-trauma
• Headache and Migraine
• Neural Infections
Grant guidelines and application form can be downloaded from the Brain Foundation's website.
Applications close 30 June 2011.
For more information, contact Brain Foundation by phone on (02) 9437 5967 or email grants@brainaustralia.org.au
Click here to visit the FAHCSIA website
Volunteer Grants 2011 recognises the important role of Australia’s volunteers and is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting volunteers, assisting disadvantaged communities and encouraging social inclusion to assist vulnerable individuals, families and communities.
Volunteer Grants 2011 provides funding of between $1,000 and $5,000 to not-for-profit organisations to:
• Purchase portable, tangible, small equipment items to help volunteers
• Contribute to the reimbursement of fuel costs for their volunteers who use their own car to transport others to activities, deliver food and assist people in need
• Contribute to the reimbursement of transport costs incurred by volunteers with disability who are unable to drive
• Contribute to the costs of training courses and/or undertake background screening checks for volunteers.
Funding is limited and applications will be assessed and prioritised according to how strongly they meet the selection criteria. Applications close 8 June 2011.
To download the guidelines containing eligibility, selection criteria or to find out about the application process, visit the FAHCSIA website.
For more information, contact the Volunteer Grants Hotline on 1800 183 374 or email: vg2011@fahcsia.gov.au
Click here for more information
Computers For All is a simple and affordable way to own a fully refurbished Computer.
This Rent-To-Own program can provide eligible people with a fully refurbished computer with Antivirus, Open Office, Anti Malware and Windows XP Professional SP3 preinstalled.
If you are on the Disability Support Pension, Parenting Payment, Family Tax Benefit, Aged Pension &/or Carer Allowance you may be eligible for this program. Over the term of 12 months, the computer is deducted from your fortnightly Centrelink payments. The payments stop after 12 months and you own your computer outright.
City of Melbourne website
Whether you are a resident, a city worker, a frequent visitor or this is your first time in Melbourne, these publications will make it easier for you to find your way around and to use Melbourne's services and facilities.
Hard copies of all these publications are available from the City of Melbourne. Call (03) 96589658 or TTY (03) 96589461
This is not a comprehensive list but a good resource for starting a complaints process.
Click the title link to view document.