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All Publications By Date
ADDE Newsletter - Spring 2011
ADDE promotes pro-active employment policies and practices for disadvantaged groups including people with disabilities, mature age workers, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds as well as indigenous people. People who fall into more than one of these categories are recognised as being even more disadvantaged. Therefore, we see a greater need for a change of attitude and awareness.
In this edition:
• Quote of the season, A word from the editor
• ADDE President Report
• News: Diversity at Work Awards, ADDE Forum Feedback
• Disability Employment – The Issues: Forum Speakers Summaries
ENABLE Newsletter - October 2011
The Enable Newsletter is prepared by the Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (SCRPD) at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) with input from UN offices, agencies, funds and programmes, as well as from civil society.
In this issue:
• Status of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
• Highlights from the UN system
• Upcoming events
• Other news
Produced by DARU, 2008
A Disability Advocate is placed in a unique relationship. The role carries with it specific responsibilities that arise out of this relationship. This Code of Conduct provides Disability Advocates and Disability Advocacy organisations with a clear framework for understanding their responsibilities for effective advocacy practice.
This document is not prescriptive but provides a framework, allowing organisations to retain their autonomy and diversity.
A Disability Advocate is placed in a unique relationship. The role carries with it specific responsibilities that arise out of this relationship. This Code of Conduct provides Disability Advocates and Disability Advocacy organisations with a clear framework for understanding their responsibilities for effective advocacy practice.
This document is not prescriptive but provides a framework, allowing organisations to retain their autonomy and diversity.
National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children - Easy English version
An Easy English version of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children (the National Plan) has been released.
The National Plan is an agreement by all Australian governments to work together to reduce violence against women and their children so that they can live in safe communities. It recognises that women with a physical or intellectual disability are more likely to experience domestic violence, family violence and sexual assault compared to other women and the violence is likely to be more severe and continue for longer.
The National Plan recognises that women with disability experience higher levels of domestic violence, family violence and sexual assault compared to other women. Women with disability are not only more vulnerable to violence, they also often have difficulty accessing pathways to appropriate support and have fewer options to escape violence.
Women with disability face many challenges in accessing information, support and services. The National Plan aims to improve access to services and enhance service delivery to women with disability through:
• coordinating community based services
• assisting women with disability to access appropriate information, resources and services
• improving services to women with disability through a range of reform projects in the health sector
• increasing community awareness of the issues and barriers for women with disability in accessing domestic violence information and services.
• informing best practice service delivery to improve outcomes for women with disability
• funding a national telephone counselling service 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). An inclusive, free and confidential 24 hours a day, seven days a week professional counselling service that will give women and children access to immediate and ongoing assistance
• implementing The Line, a campaign primarily aimed at young people to encourage and promote respectful relationships
• funding Community Action Grants to support communities to reduce violence against women by working with community organisations and sporting codes to engage community in a range of primary preventions activities.
The Easy English version of the National Plan is available online or to request a hardcopy, phone (02) 6244 7192.
PIECES - practical support for community organisations
Produced by VCOSS Clearing House, October Edition
In this issue:
• VCOSS Clearinghouse Training and Development Opportunities
o Clever Ideas Forum 2011 - what's stopping you from using skilled volunteers?
o VCOSS Clearinghouse Training Calendar 2011 - governance, OHS, strategy, finance
o Bankmecu / VCOSS Finance Network - share ideas with other sector finance workers
o Human Rights Workshops - practical workshops throughout Victoria
o Doing I.T. Better - free workshop for disability advocates
o CSA Governance Support Program - free support for your board
• Other Training and Development Opportunities
o 2011 Not For Profit Summit: Think Resources - ideas, workshops, networking
o Anti-Poverty Week: 16-22 October - register an event now!
o African Think Tank Leadership Seminars - encouraging and supporting leadership
o Volunteering Victoria Workshops - learn about successful volunteer engagement
o Non-profit Masterclass in Advanced Strategy, Risk and Governance - book now
• Resources – Grants, Trainers, Skilled Volunteers, Office Space etc
o Skilled Volunteers: A Guide for Community Organisations - available now
o Human Rights Electronic Mailing Lists - keep up to date
o PilchConnect - legal help for community organisations
• Green Piece
o Moreland Energy Foundation - supporting community sustainability
o Coefficiency Australia - pilot program success!
To view this e-bulletin online, visit:
In this issue:
• VCOSS Clearinghouse Training and Development Opportunities
o Clever Ideas Forum 2011 - what's stopping you from using skilled volunteers?
o VCOSS Clearinghouse Training Calendar 2011 - governance, OHS, strategy, finance
o Bankmecu / VCOSS Finance Network - share ideas with other sector finance workers
o Human Rights Workshops - practical workshops throughout Victoria
o Doing I.T. Better - free workshop for disability advocates
o CSA Governance Support Program - free support for your board
• Other Training and Development Opportunities
o 2011 Not For Profit Summit: Think Resources - ideas, workshops, networking
o Anti-Poverty Week: 16-22 October - register an event now!
o African Think Tank Leadership Seminars - encouraging and supporting leadership
o Volunteering Victoria Workshops - learn about successful volunteer engagement
o Non-profit Masterclass in Advanced Strategy, Risk and Governance - book now
• Resources – Grants, Trainers, Skilled Volunteers, Office Space etc
o Skilled Volunteers: A Guide for Community Organisations - available now
o Human Rights Electronic Mailing Lists - keep up to date
o PilchConnect - legal help for community organisations
• Green Piece
o Moreland Energy Foundation - supporting community sustainability
o Coefficiency Australia - pilot program success!
To view this e-bulletin online, visit:
VCOSS Submission to Taxi Inquiry
The main points of the VCOSS submission to the Taxi Inquiry are:
•Taxis are an essential part of the public transport system, and meet the needs of some people with mobility impairments, as well as filling gaps in public transport in particular places, times, and circumstances;
•We believe that that the regulatory system needs to move from a system that controls the quantity of taxi vehicles to ensures the quality of taxi services
•The taxi system still needs strong regulation for consumer protection and improve service standards;
•We recognise the need for improvements to the MPTP to ensure that people can afford to use the services they need.
To request a hardcopy of the VCOSS reports, or the Inquiry’s responses to submissions, contact Llewellyn Reynders, Transport and Disadvantage Policy Analyst on phone (03) 9654 5050, mobile 0449 553 396 or email llewellyn.reynders@vcoss.org.au
VCOSS Taxi Forum: The Voices of Taxi Users
The main findings of the VCOSS Taxi Forum, held in July, were:
•Significant numbers of people are dependent on taxis for basic mobility, because they cannot use other forms of transport including seniors, people with disabilities, people in rural and regional areas;
•Taxi users see driver attitude and assistance as an integral part of the service – including driver’s conduct, communication and awareness of people’s requirements;
•Reliability is essential to a good service, including confidence that the taxi will turn up, and respond in a timely manner;
•Users require taxis that are affordable and accessible, including good taxi design and appropriate levels of support through the Multi-Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP);
•Taxi users support significant reform, focussed on improving the quality of taxi services, and greater choice and flexibility in the transport options available.
To request a hardcopy of the VCOSS reports, or the Inquiry’s responses to submissions, contact Llewellyn Reynders, Transport and Disadvantage Policy Analyst on phone (03) 9654 5050, mobile 0449 553 396 or email llewellyn.reynders@vcoss.org.au
Individual Advocacy Policy & Guidelines
Produced by VALID, September 2011
VALID, the peak State-funded advocacy organisation for adults with intellectual disability, has released its Individual Advocacy Policy & Guidelines to assist advocates in fulfilling their often complex and challenging role.
The VALID E.O. Kevin Stone says: “One of VALID’s primary aims is to protect the right of people with intellectual disability to be free from domination, manipulation and abuse. Sometimes that means having to question the claims made on a person’s behalf by others, including family members, support staff or professionals. In the midst of claims and counter claims, the advocate must avoid being influenced by wishful thinking or pressure from vested interests.
Advocates must rely on clear and objective evidence presented by credible experts. Unless we can be sure that the views and decisions being expressed are truly coming from the person concerned, we might well become complicit in deception and deceit. Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires that if decisions are made that relate to a person’s capacity to understand, then there must be safeguards against abuse. There should be a regular and independent review of the steps taken to make sure that there is no conflict of interest and that the disabled person’s rights and interests are properly respected.”
The Guidelines state:
• Consistent with its Systemic Position Statement on the Use of FC, VALID considers that:
• The use of occasional physical prompting (or facilitation) may be a legitimate accessing (or teaching) strategy which might lead to the development of independent communication but
• Communication which arises from the use of FC without objective validation should not be regarded as having the same degree of reliability as independent communication.
• The Individual Advocate should therefore not accept, without objective validation, communication produced through the use of FC as an adequate basis for receiving direction or instruction, nor as a reliable basis for supported decision-making.
• There are many other AAC methods that have a sound empirical base and can help a client to independently communicate his/her wishes or opinions. When selecting an AAC method, a thorough assessment of the client should be conducted. This should preferably be conducted by a multidisciplinary team comprising a speech pathologist (for language assessment) and a psychologist (for cognitive assessment).
To download the Facilitated Communication Position Statement, visit:
http://www.valid.org.au/FCPosition/index.htm
VALID, the peak State-funded advocacy organisation for adults with intellectual disability, has released its Individual Advocacy Policy & Guidelines to assist advocates in fulfilling their often complex and challenging role.
The VALID E.O. Kevin Stone says: “One of VALID’s primary aims is to protect the right of people with intellectual disability to be free from domination, manipulation and abuse. Sometimes that means having to question the claims made on a person’s behalf by others, including family members, support staff or professionals. In the midst of claims and counter claims, the advocate must avoid being influenced by wishful thinking or pressure from vested interests.
Advocates must rely on clear and objective evidence presented by credible experts. Unless we can be sure that the views and decisions being expressed are truly coming from the person concerned, we might well become complicit in deception and deceit. Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires that if decisions are made that relate to a person’s capacity to understand, then there must be safeguards against abuse. There should be a regular and independent review of the steps taken to make sure that there is no conflict of interest and that the disabled person’s rights and interests are properly respected.”
The Guidelines state:
• Consistent with its Systemic Position Statement on the Use of FC, VALID considers that:
• The use of occasional physical prompting (or facilitation) may be a legitimate accessing (or teaching) strategy which might lead to the development of independent communication but
• Communication which arises from the use of FC without objective validation should not be regarded as having the same degree of reliability as independent communication.
• The Individual Advocate should therefore not accept, without objective validation, communication produced through the use of FC as an adequate basis for receiving direction or instruction, nor as a reliable basis for supported decision-making.
• There are many other AAC methods that have a sound empirical base and can help a client to independently communicate his/her wishes or opinions. When selecting an AAC method, a thorough assessment of the client should be conducted. This should preferably be conducted by a multidisciplinary team comprising a speech pathologist (for language assessment) and a psychologist (for cognitive assessment).
To download the Facilitated Communication Position Statement, visit:
http://www.valid.org.au/FCPosition/index.htm
Communication Resource Centre Newsletter - August/September 2011
This edition includes
• highlights from the AGOSCI Conference 2011
• resources for behaviours of concern
• ISAAC awards
• Communication Access Symbol regional forums
• iPad, iTouch and iPhone resources
• training calendar
Easy English version of the terms of reference for the Inquiry into Access to and Interaction with the Justice System by People with an Intellectual Disability and Their Families and Carers.
Individualised Funding for Disability Services
Report Tabled 14 September 2011
Disability Services in Victoria have been undergoing major reform since the early 1990s. A significant reform has been the development of Individual Support Packages (ISPs). People with ISPs can manage the funds themselves and choose the services and providers that best suit them. At least 7 800 Victorians have an ISP, accounting for 19 per cent of the Department of Human Services' (DHS) disability funds.
The audit found evidence of good outcomes for recipients and that all stakeholders are enthusiastic about the results of ISPs and their ongoing potential. However, benefits are not consistently delivered.
Application processes are burdensome, allocation decisions can lack consistency and transparency, and DHS needs greater assurance that funds are spent appropriately. DHS also needs to support and develop the new marketplace in the disability services sector. Current departmental activities and forward planning align with these directions.
Prepare for Take-off – Air Travel Tips for People with Disability
Author: Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability (MACD), the Disability Services Commission and People With Disabilities (WA) Inc., August 2011
People with disability now have access to important information about air travel to help them have a smoother and more pleasurable flight experience.
The information contained in the booklet was compiled from the real-life experiences of air travellers with disability, their families, friends, travelling companions and carers.
The booklet assists potential travellers by identifying the various procedures of airports and airline staff that they are likely to encounter.
People with disability now have access to important information about air travel to help them have a smoother and more pleasurable flight experience.
The information contained in the booklet was compiled from the real-life experiences of air travellers with disability, their families, friends, travelling companions and carers.
The booklet assists potential travellers by identifying the various procedures of airports and airline staff that they are likely to encounter.
The Status of the Convention on the Rights of the Child - Secretary General’s 2011 Report
This report focuses on the rights of children with disabilities.
Section IV highlights issues focussing on disabilities, related to ‘discrimination, data collection, the Millennium Development Goals and disability, the right of children with disabilities to be heard, progress in realizing the rights of children with disabilities and the current global situation, education, health, poverty and social protection, child protection, de-institutionalization, emergencies and humanitarian action, and perspectives on ways forward.’
Creating Accessible Journeys
Published by VCOSS
This report seeks to document the concerns of people with diverse access requirements for public transport, and the current methods that transport agencies address them. Broadly, we argue that changes to the way public transport infrastructure and services are delivered are required to provide continuously accessible journeys and improved accessibility outcomes.
For more information, contact Llewellyn Reynders, Transport and Disadvantage Policy Analyst, on phone (03) 9654 5050 or email llewellyn.reynders@vcoss.org.au
This report seeks to document the concerns of people with diverse access requirements for public transport, and the current methods that transport agencies address them. Broadly, we argue that changes to the way public transport infrastructure and services are delivered are required to provide continuously accessible journeys and improved accessibility outcomes.
For more information, contact Llewellyn Reynders, Transport and Disadvantage Policy Analyst, on phone (03) 9654 5050 or email llewellyn.reynders@vcoss.org.au
Towards a Fair Go: Design Challenges for a National Disability Insurance Scheme
by David Hetherington
Executive Summary extract:
This paper examines the barriers to the provision of adequate care and support to people with disabilities in Australia, and proposes a high-level outline for a National Disability Insurance Scheme to be complemented by improved coverage within existing accident insurance programs.
The paper identifies four explanations for the current inadequate levels of care and support:
• partial failure of private insurance markets
• a shortfall in public funding
• disparities in state-based disability services
• the absence of universal no-fault insurance for catastrophic injury
The paper argues that effective coverage for disability care and support requires mandatory social insurance funded through hypothecated taxation revenues.
Executive Summary extract:
This paper examines the barriers to the provision of adequate care and support to people with disabilities in Australia, and proposes a high-level outline for a National Disability Insurance Scheme to be complemented by improved coverage within existing accident insurance programs.
The paper identifies four explanations for the current inadequate levels of care and support:
• partial failure of private insurance markets
• a shortfall in public funding
• disparities in state-based disability services
• the absence of universal no-fault insurance for catastrophic injury
The paper argues that effective coverage for disability care and support requires mandatory social insurance funded through hypothecated taxation revenues.
Glimpses by Nicci Wall - September 2011
This is a compilation of uncensored real life experiences with Mental Illness. Glimpses provides a rare and detailed insight into living with a mental illness.
Glimpses is free and an updated version is distributed electronically quarterly if new stories have been received.
Disability Rights Update - September 2011
This Update from Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes is being re-introduced, in response to user feedback, after a trial where the disability rights blog was the source for regular news.
Most posts to the blog focus on providing news and information on one specific issue. It has been decided however to add to this by reinstituting a regular Disability Rights Update, which seeks to provide a more comprehensive overview of disability rights developments that the Australian Human Rights Commission is involved in.
The blog will continue to be used alongside this update newsletter.
To subscribe to the email list, send a blank message to join-drupdate@list.humanrights.gov.au
Violence and Disability Newsletter - No. 07, August 2011
Contents in this issue:
• Victoria’s new Disability and Family Violence Crisis response
• Women with Disabilities invited to join DVRCV project
• Creating awareness: Family Violence risk assessment training for HACC workers by Karleen Plunkett
• International research into violence against women with disabilities
• by WWDA
• Inquiry on access to justice for people with intellectual disabilities: contributions invited
• Prejudice Motivated Crime Strategy from Victoria Police
• What will the National Disability Insurance Scheme mean for women?
• Would you like more information on family violence?
• Contributions subscriptions and feedback to this newsletter
Contributions, subscriptions and feedback to this newsletter should be directed to Jen Hargrave, Policy Officer on email jen.hargrave@wdv.org.au
Violence and Disability Newsletter - No. 07, August 2011
Contents in this issue:
• Victoria’s new Disability and Family Violence Crisis response
• Women with Disabilities invited to join DVRCV project
• Creating awareness: Family Violence risk assessment training for HACC workers by Karleen Plunkett
• International research into violence against women with disabilities
• by WWDA
• Inquiry on access to justice for people with intellectual disabilities: contributions invited
• Prejudice Motivated Crime Strategy from Victoria Police
• What will the National Disability Insurance Scheme mean for women?
• Would you like more information on family violence?
• Contributions subscriptions and feedback to this newsletter
Contributions, subscriptions and feedback to this newsletter should be directed to Jen Hargrave, Policy Officer on email jen.hargrave@wdv.org.au
Travellers Aid Australia Update - August 2011
In this issue:
• Pathways to Education and the need to get to school
• Tourism & Events Excellence Conference
• Congratulations Infoxchange!
• You should have solid tyres!
• Take a tour
ADDE Newsletter - Winter 2011
Australians for Disability and Diversity Employment (ADDE) is a group working to increase employment opportunities for people with a disability and people from diverse backgrounds.
In this issue:
• Quote of the Season
• Media release: The government’s price on pollution and people with disability
• News:Clean Energy future – Household Assistance Package and Extra Support for Pensioners and Self-Funded Retirees
• Disability Employment: the issues: Wake-up call – Employers need to wise up on their disability strategies
• ADDE Best Practice Disability Employment Workshops: What people are saying
• Members Contributions
What’s the Buzz - CRSN, August 2011
This is the newsletter from the Cerebral Palsy Support Network (CPSN) who provides essential support, information and referral services to people with cerebral palsy and their families.
In this edition you will find:
• upcoming CPSN Support Groups
• Member Trust Fund
• Next information session
• PACTS workshops offered
Mary Wooldridge’ Presentation at VCOSS Congress 2011
VCOSS Congress, State of the State, was held at the RACV Club in Melbourne on 5 August.
The opening address was presented by Mary Wooldridge, Minister for Mental Health, Women’s Affairs and Community Services.
Rreport on technology & deafblindness
Able Australia & ACCAN have released a report calling for better support for deafblind people to access customised telecommunications solutions.
The report, Telecommunications and Deafblind Australians, provides the results of a survey of 71 respondents, the first of its kind to focus specifically on telecommunications access and usage by people experiencing deafblindness.
The report identifies the following broad challenges deafblind people face in accessing telecommunications:
• Insufficient funding assistance to purchase required specialised equipment
• Lack of training or support for deafblind people to learn how to use telecommunication equipment
• Insufficient funding for support staff and Interpreters who can facilitate this training
New! Right Smart Employers Toolkits
Discrimination and sexual harassment can cost businesses time and money, damage morale, reduce productivity and undermine their reputation. Companies with a diverse workforce often perform better and benefit from a more positive image in the marketplace.
Yesterday the Commission launched our new equal opportunity toolkits for employers. This suite of online tools will provide small to medium businesses with the information they need to understand and comply with the new Equal Opportunity Act 2010, and in doing so, promote a diverse workforce.
The toolkits include a range of information, checklists and policy templates. They focus on specific employment issues, including equal opportunity in practice, sexual harassment, disability and work, pregnancy and work, mature-age workers, and returning to work after injury or illness.
A confidential self-audit tool also allows businesses to assess their equal opportunity compliance and find out where they need to do more.
To access the Right Smart Employers Toolkits, visit:
Younger People with Disability in Residential Aged Care
Update from the 2009-10 Minimum Data Set
An estimated 1,141 people have been helped by the Younger People with Disability in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) program during its four years of operation to 2009–10, according to a report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The YPIRAC program is a 5-year initiative agreed to by the Council of Australian Governments in 2006. It aims to reduce the number of younger people (those aged under 65 years) with disability who are living in residential aged care.
‘Since the YPIRAC program began, the number of people under 50—the program’s initial priority group—who have been admitted to residential aged care has fallen by 22%,’ said AIHW spokesperson Nigel Harding.
‘There has also been a 29% reduction in the number of people under 50 living in residential aged care.’
‘Facilities designed for younger people with disability can be difficult to find, and sometimes they end up in accommodation that is not really suitable, such as residential aged care.’
The most common reason YPIRAC service users gave for living in residential aged care was the lack of appropriate alternative accommodation (39%). Nearly 20% of those in residential aged care reported they were satisfied with the accommodation but needed additional services and a further 7% indicated appropriate disability support services were unavailable. However, 23% were satisfied with current accommodation and services.
‘The YPIRAC program is about moving younger people out of residential aged care and into more appropriate accommodation, while also ensuring those who do remain in these facilities receive care that is suitable,’ Mr Harding said.
‘Over the four years to 2009-10, around 139 people under the age of 65 years moved out of residential aged care and into accommodation that better suits their situation.’
‘A further 207 were successfully diverted away from entering residential aged care, and over 400 people received enhanced services while remaining in residential aged care.’
The services provided by the YPIRAC program include accommodation services, provision of assistive products and technology, respite care, therapy support and personal care.
The AIHW is a major national agency set up by the Australian Government to provide reliable, regular and relevant information and statistics on Australia's health and welfare.
An estimated 1,141 people have been helped by the Younger People with Disability in Residential Aged Care (YPIRAC) program during its four years of operation to 2009–10, according to a report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).
The YPIRAC program is a 5-year initiative agreed to by the Council of Australian Governments in 2006. It aims to reduce the number of younger people (those aged under 65 years) with disability who are living in residential aged care.
‘Since the YPIRAC program began, the number of people under 50—the program’s initial priority group—who have been admitted to residential aged care has fallen by 22%,’ said AIHW spokesperson Nigel Harding.
‘There has also been a 29% reduction in the number of people under 50 living in residential aged care.’
‘Facilities designed for younger people with disability can be difficult to find, and sometimes they end up in accommodation that is not really suitable, such as residential aged care.’
The most common reason YPIRAC service users gave for living in residential aged care was the lack of appropriate alternative accommodation (39%). Nearly 20% of those in residential aged care reported they were satisfied with the accommodation but needed additional services and a further 7% indicated appropriate disability support services were unavailable. However, 23% were satisfied with current accommodation and services.
‘The YPIRAC program is about moving younger people out of residential aged care and into more appropriate accommodation, while also ensuring those who do remain in these facilities receive care that is suitable,’ Mr Harding said.
‘Over the four years to 2009-10, around 139 people under the age of 65 years moved out of residential aged care and into accommodation that better suits their situation.’
‘A further 207 were successfully diverted away from entering residential aged care, and over 400 people received enhanced services while remaining in residential aged care.’
The services provided by the YPIRAC program include accommodation services, provision of assistive products and technology, respite care, therapy support and personal care.
The AIHW is a major national agency set up by the Australian Government to provide reliable, regular and relevant information and statistics on Australia's health and welfare.
AAA e-News - July 2011
Arts Access Australia is the peak national body for arts and disability.
In this issue:
• New membership scheme
• Intern program
• Spotlight
• What’s On?
• Opportunities
August 2008
This Disability Advocacy Code of Conduct seeks to identify the ethical principles that underline effective advocacy. It will assist programs to focus on providing effective advocacy and educate members of the wider community about the nature and principles of advocacy and how it works in practice.
This Disability Advocacy Code of Conduct has been developed in the context of a number of important policy and program initiatives related to Disability Advocacy in Victoria. The Code defines the nature of advocacy, advocacy programs and a set of principles underpinning advocacy.
This document is not prescriptive but provides a framework, allowing organisations to retain their autonomy and diversity.
A Disability Advocate is placed in a unique relationship. The role carries with it specific responsibilities that arise out of this relationship. This Code of Conduct provides Disability Advocates and Disability Advocacy organisations with a clear framework for understanding their responsibilities for effective advocacy practice.
To download a copy, click the title link or request a CD version from DARU by phoning (03) 9639 5807 or emailing admin@daru.org.au
This Disability Advocacy Code of Conduct seeks to identify the ethical principles that underline effective advocacy. It will assist programs to focus on providing effective advocacy and educate members of the wider community about the nature and principles of advocacy and how it works in practice.
This Disability Advocacy Code of Conduct has been developed in the context of a number of important policy and program initiatives related to Disability Advocacy in Victoria. The Code defines the nature of advocacy, advocacy programs and a set of principles underpinning advocacy.
This document is not prescriptive but provides a framework, allowing organisations to retain their autonomy and diversity.
A Disability Advocate is placed in a unique relationship. The role carries with it specific responsibilities that arise out of this relationship. This Code of Conduct provides Disability Advocates and Disability Advocacy organisations with a clear framework for understanding their responsibilities for effective advocacy practice.
To download a copy, click the title link or request a CD version from DARU by phoning (03) 9639 5807 or emailing admin@daru.org.au
WWDA News - Issue 2, 2011
This is the quarterly newsletter from Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA).
This issue includes:
• A Word from the WWDA President
• WWDA Submits Communication to the United Nations regarding forced sterilisation in Australia
• India: Proposed law gives disabled people right to fertility and prohibits forcible abortions
• USA: North Carolina Considering Compensating Victims of Forced Sterilization
• WWDA joins global campaign to stop torture in health care
• FIGO releases guidelines on ‘Female Contraceptive Sterilization’
• WWDA Policy Paper: 'Assessing the situation of women with disabilities in Australia: A human rights approach'
• UN Human Rights Council calls for study on violence against women and girls with disabilities
• Joint CEDAW-CRC General Recommendation/Comment on Harmful Practices - Call for Submissions
• WWDA Submission to the Draft Report of the National Disability Care and Support Inquiry
• World Report on Disability Released
• ‘Respite She Wrote’ - a true story by Juliette Maxwell
• Taiwan Workshop – Building Leadership for Women with Disabilities
• WWDA President’s Field Visit to Danshui, Taiwan
• Consumers with Disabilities and the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO)
• US Report finds mammography inequities threaten health and lives of women with disabilities
• Bold new work of art celebrates 30 years of Victoria Legal Aid
• Resources – Books, Reports, Websites, Lists
This newsletter is available for download in Word, text only or PDF versions from the website.
To subscribe or provide feedback or content, contact WDA at:
wwda@wwda.org.au
Disability, Vocation and Education Training, 2009
ABS Report (cat. no. 4438.0) - released 3 June 2011: First Issue
In this publication, examination is made of the educational and vocational experiences of people with disabilities in Australia. The focus is on their participation in education, patterns of learning, levels of attainment and outcomes associated with educational experience.
Examination was also made of barriers that might inhibit their ability to capitalise on educational opportunity. For people with disability, failure to participate adequately in education can lead to a chain of events that ends in disassociation and poorer social and economic outcomes for the future.
The disparity between people with and without disability aged 25 to 44 became more apparent, at each lower level of qualification. So while 81% of people 25 to 44 with specific restrictions who had degrees were employed compared to 86% of those with no disability, for those whose highest educational attainment was Year 12, 55% of people with specific restrictions were employed compared to 81% of people with no disability. People with disability whose highest attainment was lower than Year 12, only 37% were employed compared to 75% of those with no disability.
People with disability tended to leave formal education at a greater rate than people with no disability. For instance, 13% of people with specific restrictions did not complete their certificate courses, compared to 2% of those with no disability.
In this publication, examination is made of the educational and vocational experiences of people with disabilities in Australia. The focus is on their participation in education, patterns of learning, levels of attainment and outcomes associated with educational experience.
Examination was also made of barriers that might inhibit their ability to capitalise on educational opportunity. For people with disability, failure to participate adequately in education can lead to a chain of events that ends in disassociation and poorer social and economic outcomes for the future.
The disparity between people with and without disability aged 25 to 44 became more apparent, at each lower level of qualification. So while 81% of people 25 to 44 with specific restrictions who had degrees were employed compared to 86% of those with no disability, for those whose highest educational attainment was Year 12, 55% of people with specific restrictions were employed compared to 81% of people with no disability. People with disability whose highest attainment was lower than Year 12, only 37% were employed compared to 75% of those with no disability.
People with disability tended to leave formal education at a greater rate than people with no disability. For instance, 13% of people with specific restrictions did not complete their certificate courses, compared to 2% of those with no disability.
Disability, Australia, 2009
ABS Report (cat. no. 4446.0) - released 2 May 2011
This publication contains summary disability information about three population groups:
• people with disabilities
• older people (those aged 60 and over)
• people who provide assistance to older people and people with disabilities
Almost one in five (19%) Australians, approximately 4.0 million people, had a disability in 2009. The main disabling conditions reported in 2009 were back problems and arthritis (16% and 15% of all persons with a disability respectively).
Just over half (52%) of people aged 60 and over had a disability. Most of these (63%) did not need any assistance to manage health conditions or cope with everyday activities. For those who did, the most commonly reported needs were help with property maintenance, household chores and mobility.
There were 2.6 million carers in Australia who provided some assistance to others who needed help because of disability or old age.
This publication contains summary disability information about three population groups:
• people with disabilities
• older people (those aged 60 and over)
• people who provide assistance to older people and people with disabilities
Almost one in five (19%) Australians, approximately 4.0 million people, had a disability in 2009. The main disabling conditions reported in 2009 were back problems and arthritis (16% and 15% of all persons with a disability respectively).
Just over half (52%) of people aged 60 and over had a disability. Most of these (63%) did not need any assistance to manage health conditions or cope with everyday activities. For those who did, the most commonly reported needs were help with property maintenance, household chores and mobility.
There were 2.6 million carers in Australia who provided some assistance to others who needed help because of disability or old age.
Telecommunications for People with Complex Needs
Do you have difficulty using the telephone? Do you know someone else who finds it hard? Do you have information that may help others?
The new website Newell Network is for people with complex communication needs (CCN), who find it hard to use the phone independently, and their supporters and helpers.
This website is a place where you can:
• find out about resources to use telecommunications more easily.
• ask questions, and talk with others who can help you.
• share your experience and knowledge.
• discuss and try to solve problems.
Inside Access Launches Website
Inside Access is a therapeutic justice initiative of the Mental Health Legal Centre, which delivers free legal services and advocacy to imprisoned persons in Victorian adult and forensic correctional facilities. We are pleased to announce the launch of the Inside Access website.
The website provides useful information and resources for people who have experience with the criminal justice system and their families including publications, educational materials and links to other services. We seek submissions of artwork, stories, poetry or other creative responses for the site.
Family Voices is the national publication of Children with Disability Australia (CDA), the national peak body which represents children and young people with disability and their families. The organisation is an advocacy body with a mandate of building respect, recognition and inclusion for children and young people with disability. The organisation works alongside families of children and young people with disability.
In this issue:
• An interview with Jan McLucas, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers
• An update on the National Disability Insurance Scheme
• An update on the advocacy work that CDA has been involved in to ensure that the needs of children and young people with disability are considered in the education system.
To obtain a copy, contact CDA on phone 03 9815 1094 or 1800 222 660 (interstate and regional callers) or email info@cda.org.au
Disability and Ageing: Lifelong Planning for a Better Future - Inquiry Report
This report was produced by the Senate Community Affairs References Committee, Parliament of Australia, 6 July 2011
This report examines the planning options and services available now and in the future to assist people with a disability, and their carers, plan for the long-term. In particular, it seeks to assist carers to find an adequate answer to the question: 'What happens when I / we can no longer care?'
Evidence taken by the committee suggests that the challenges facing the disability sector are substantial and that the existing system is not operating effectively. People with disabilities, carers, service providers and governments all agreed that there are many inadequacies in the choice, funding and support options available for people with a disability.
Beyond this, witnesses have also suggested that the deficiencies in the disability service sector have produced a crisis-driven culture which fosters dependency and which limits innovation. It has produced circumstances where families have become accustomed to receiving low levels of support and where it has become commonplace for family members to care for a person with a disability until they are unable to do so. This suggests that while reform is clearly needed within the disability service sector, cultural change is also required, both within the bureaucracy and service sector, in order to establish planning cultures and behaviours that sustainably support people into the future.
Given that Australia is anticipating significant population ageing, which will be accompanied by a commensurate reduction in the availability of informal care and support, the committee is deeply concerned by evidence suggesting that little sustainable planning is taking place. Many carers are so consumed by their day-to-day caring role that they have not even begun to start thinking about planning. Others find the planning challenge considerable and need support to manage what is a complex and multifaceted task.
In the report the committee focuses on whole-of-life planning, rather than simply service planning. It documents why it is critical that whole-of-life planning take place before proceeding to consider some of the major practical barriers to planning, including: access to information, accommodation support, availability of respite, appropriateness of assessment tools, and the difficulty of navigating the disability / aged care interface.
Policy Paper - Assessing the Situation of Women with Disabilities in Australia: A Human Rights Approach
Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) has recently released a Policy Paper entitled 'Assessing the situation of women with disabilities in Australia: A human rights approach'. This Paper uses a human rights framework to document the range of data, research and information needed in order to give a comprehensive assessment of the situation of women with disabilities in Australia. The need for this work to occur has long been identified by women with disabilities themselves, and most recently, identified by the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) monitoring committee as an area warranting urgent and immediate attention by the Australian Government.
WWDA’s paper provides the context for this work by giving an overview of the intersection of gender and disability, as well as a brief background to the human rights imperative. Using key articles from the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the paper then prescribes the key quantitative and qualitative data and research required under each article, and links this to Australia's international human rights obligations and domestic policy context. WWDA’s Policy Paper urges the Australian Government to act immediately to commission and adequately resource a comprehensive assessment and analysis of the situation of women and girls with disabilities in Australia.
The Paper provides in detail, in an Appendix, the international human rights obligations in relation to each of the issue areas covered in the paper. This section includes for example, information drawn from the international human rights treaties to which Australia is a party, the General Comments supporting each of these treaties, as well as detailed information from a number of other relevant human rights instruments.
Please contact WWDA at wwda@wwda.org.au if you would like a copy of the Paper emailed to you. Alternatively, the Paper can be downloaded from WWDA’s website in a variety of formats.
The Cost of Quality Services Standards: Assessment and Compliance Reporting for the Not for Profit Sector
More than $100 million a year is being lost to cumbersome and repetitive accountability processes in the human services community sector, according to a new breakthrough Australian report.
Research undertaken by BNG NGO Services Online/Bradfield Nyland Group, with the support of Councils of Social Services, has put a dollar value on the service hours being lost to complex multi-tiered Government regulatory and funding environments.
Co-author of the Report Dr Julie Nyland says the dollar outcome, while not surprising is still a conservative calculation of the cost of compliance for the Australian Not for Profit sector. The research found that:
• 85% of organisations in the survey were undertaking duplicate multiple standards assessments and compliance reports against quality or service standards.
• The average of reported staff time spent was 290 hours per organisation annually, or almost two months annually just to assess and report on standards compliance. Many more hours are required to complete the work required to achieve compliance.
• The estimated annual cost across the human services community sector: is between 2.7 – 3.5 million hours or conservatively $87m – $105m. This is the cost for community organisations alone.
For small organisations, the vast majority had multiple standards to assess themselves against and comply with, as well as multiple activity, performance and outcomes reports.
For organisations that have multiple standards, the above costs of standards assessment and compliance reporting are estimated to represent only a fraction of the total cost.
• Over 70% of small organisations surveyed spend more than $5,000 annually to meet standards assessment and compliance reporting requirements
• More than half of all small organisations surveyed were spending over $10,000 annually
• 5% of micro and small organisations spent over $50,000 annually
• Almost all medium, large and very large organisations spent over $10,000 annually
• One organisation reported spending one third of its income on meeting standards assessment and compliance reporting
•
• Almost two thirds of those spending above $50,000 reported spending well over $100,000 with one organisation advising recent standards assessment and compliance reporting changes had cost the organisation over $400,000
The report says that while the Commonwealth Government has taken steps to reduce regulatory impact on community organisations with the proposed establishment of the Registrar for Community and Charitable Purpose Organisations, it has yet to address the even greater cost caused by bureaucratic duplication of quality and service standards.
Who Cares for Carers? Tackling Stigma at Work
In recent decades, Australian workplaces have successfully embraced strategies for employees with childcare responsibilities. At the same time, those who care for the disabled have been substantially overlooked.
Australian School of Business researcher Hugh Bainbridge says different judgements are made about carers based on the type of care they are providing. Expectations, perpetuated by the media, are that disability carers will move into part-time work or take early retirement. Exclusion and loneliness is a pervading theme.
With the number of caregivers in Australia set to keep growing as the population inexorably ages, developing workplace support to ensure their participation will become an increasingly pressing issue.
The full transcript of what Hugh Bainbridge tells Julian Lorkin, of Knowledge@Australian School of Business is available online.
Housing Assistance in Australia 2011
This report provides information on housing assistance in each segment of the housing sector: government, not-for-profit and the private sector. It then focuses on the housing assistance provided to special needs groups including Indigenous Australians, young and older Australians, and people with disability.
Housing assistance provides an essential safety net for those Australians who, due to low income and a variety of other reasons, experience difficulty in securing or sustaining affordable and appropriate housing in the private market. Housing assistance grows in importance as pressure increases on the private rental market, where many low-income households will compete for housing with those on higher incomes.
All governments in Australia provide assistance to alleviate the financial burdens placed on these individuals and families who are purchasing or renting their home.
This publication is available for download in a variety of formats.
Report: Disability and Poverty in Developing Countries
The study "Disability and Poverty in Developing Countries: A Snapshot from the World Health Survey" was recently released by the World Bank Social Protection and Labour Unit - Human Development Network (HDNSP).
The paper investigates socio-economic conditions and poverty among persons with disabilities in developing countries and presents a snapshot of economic and poverty situation of working-age persons with disabilities and their households in 15 developing countries.
The study uses data from the World Health Survey conducted by the World Health Organization. The countries for this study are: Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Zambia, and Zimbabwe in Africa; Bangladesh, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), Pakistan, and the Philippines in Asia; and Brazil, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Paraguay in Latin America and the Caribbean.
This report is available for download in a variety of formats.
Victoria Legal Aid Publications in Alternative Formats
In April, Victorian Legal Aid (VLA) re-printed the popular booklet “Take Control” with minor changes. This publication, created in partnership with the Office of the Public Advocate, is about powers of attorney, with the forms required included at the back.
Take Control is available in accessible formats including:
• Rich Text File (RTF) that can be downloaded and read in Word. It can also be re-sized into a large-size font
• Audio CD which is also compatible with the DAISY formatted players.
Over the coming months, VLA is improving compliance with government web accessibility standards through providing RTF alternatives for all PDF files accessible from the website, making legal education publications accessible to everyone.
For more information about Take Control and its accessible formats, visit the Victorian Legal Aid website.
For more information, contact VLA by phone on 9269 0223 or email publication@vla.vic.gov.au
Family Assistance and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011
ACOSS' submission to the Senate Community Affairs Committee on the Family Assistance and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 recommends that:
• the delay of access to the Disability Support Pension while applicants participate in a 'program of support be opposed;
• the provisions that freeze the Family Tax Benefit supplements be opposed; and
• the provisions that freeze various family payment income thresholds be supported.
Volunteers and the Equal Opportunity Act Information Pack
Volunteering Victoria is working to support volunteers and organisations to understand and meet their responsibilities toward volunteers under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010.
The Information Pack includes:
• A fact sheet and further reading
• An adaptable policy and procedures
• Tips for getting started
• Options for further advice and training
Global Accessibility News
The Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments (GAATES) proudly announces the worldwide launch of the international accessibility news service the Global Accessibility News.
This news service aims to promote and create awareness on accessibility of the built, social and virtual environments; including architectural and infrastructural design, transportation systems, habitat, electronic information, web and communication technologies.
With the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, there is a great demand for up-to-date information on the latest developments in accessibility, Universal Design, Assistive Technologies, and Universally Accessible environments for people with disabilities and older persons.
Headline News stories are made available in a format that is fully accessible to all, on the Global Accessibility News website, presented in geographical sections.
To subscribe to an e-bulletin of Global Accessibility News arriving directly into your inbox, send an email to admin@globalaccessibilitynews.com with “subscribe to GAN” in the subject line.
For more information on the Global Accessibility News, email Aqeel Qureshi, Editor and Manager at aqeelqureshi@globalaccessibilitynews.com
Produced by Vision Australia, 15 June 2011
Sensis, in conjunction with Vision Australia, has produced a guide for people with print disability on how to access White Pages® information. This is a great resource for people who cannot access the printed guide.
Peter Barclay, White Pages® Group Manager noted "This Accessibility Guide is a one-stop shop for people who are vision impaired and want more information about the different services they can use to access White pages content."
"Vision Australia is excited to have worked on this guide with White Pages®. It is imperative that people who are blind or have low vision have access to the same information as their sighted peers," said Gerard Menses, CEO of Vision Australia.
"This guide will help people who are blind or have low vision find all the channels available to access information from the White Pages® directory," Mr Menses said.
This Guide is available in audio CD, Braille or in large print. To order a copy, phone 1300 84 74 66 and ask for Chase Mathews or email whitepages@visionaustralia.org
World Report on Disability
The first ever World report on disability, produced jointly by WHO and the World Bank, suggests that more than a billion people in the world today experience disability.
People with disabilities have generally poorer health, lower education achievements, fewer economic opportunities and higher rates of poverty than people without disabilities. This is largely due to the lack of services available to them and the many obstacles they face in their everyday lives. The report provides the best available evidence about what works to overcome barriers to health care, rehabilitation, education, employment, and support services, and to create the environments which will enable people with disabilities to flourish. The report ends with a concrete set of recommended actions for governments and their partners.
This pioneering World report on disability will make a significant contribution to implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. At the intersection of public health, human rights and development, the report is set to become a "must have" resource for policy-makers, service providers, professionals, and advocates for people with disabilities and their families.
Review of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport
The purpose of the review is to inform the Australian Government's consideration of the future direction, structure and operation of the Transport Standards. These standards are reviewed every five years and the latest response has been released.
Papers available include:
• Terms of Reference
• Issues Paper released in 2007
• Final Report
• Government Response
Victorian Community Transport Association Conference Presentations
The 2011 VCTA Conference, “How are we Travelling?” was held in Bendigo on May 23/24. It was very well attended by people and organisations from across the community transport sector, including local government, state government, non-government organizations and academia. There was also a good representation of private sector sponsors.
All conference proceedings are now available on the VCTA website.
Communication Resource Centre Newsletter - Issue 38 – May 2011
Inside you will find:
• our new training calendar which outlines all our workshops and events for the next 6 months
• highlights from our recent conference
• the launch of two new exciting communication products
• resources available to support people with communication difficulties.
The first edition of the Victoria and Tasmania National Disability Insurance Scheme e-update is now available in PDF formatby clicking on the title link.
To subscribe, or request this newsletter in alternate format, contact James O'Brien, State Campaign Coordinator-NDIS
Victoria & Tasmania by phone on (03) 8341 4316 or email james.obrien@ndis.org.au
National Human Rights Action Plan Online
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.
To visit the National Human Rights Action Plan website, go to:
DANA Communiqué - May 2011
Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) Ltd supports and strengthens independent disability advocacy agencies in their work of advocating for and with people with disabilities.
To read the latest newsletter, visit:
AAA e-News - May 2011
Arts Access Australia is the peak national body for arts and disability. The newsletter highlights the latest information about the vibrant Australian arts and disability sector.
To read the latest issue, visit:
Disability Advocacy Network Australia (DANA) Ltd supports and strengthens independent disability advocacy agencies in their work of advocating for and with people with disabilities.
Click the title link to read the latest newsletter.
'Tell Someone': Family Violence Education Website
The ‘Tell Someone’ Website is aimed at educating people with a mild intellectual disability and their family and community about family violence. It clearly articulates that families come in all shapes, sizes, and types including people living in residential settings with carers. It includes plain English information and a series of videos with very clear messages from people with disability sharing their experiences.
Office of the Senior Practitioner Annual Report 09/10
The Senior Practitioner’s report for the period 1 July 2009 – 30 June 2010 is now available in PDF and plain English versions.
The report highlights another busy and productive year third year with modest gains in the reduction of restrictive interventions. This is a step in the right direction with the support of people with disability and their family carers, departmental regional colleagues and disability service providers.
To request alternative formats or if you have trouble downloading or accessing the information, contact the Office of the Senior Practitioner on phone (03) 9096 8427 or email seniorpractitioner@dhs.vic.gov.au
Disability Services Commissioner Newsletter - Autumn 2011, Issue 11
This is a quarterly newsletter providing regular updates on the work of the Disability Services Commissioner.
In this issue:
• Regional Forums
• Malcolm’s story
• Plain English newsletter
• Having a Say Conference
• Protocol with DHS
• If you have a complaint relating to…
This newsletter is available in PDF or Word format. To download or to subscribe, visit the link above.
Access News - Vol. 1 2011
In this edition:
• New Access to Premises Standards – Certifiers in the Front Line
• Premises Standards – What’s changed?
• Do the Premises Standards apply to public toilets and footpaths?
• What are the main differences between the Premises Standards and existing access provisions?
• Can complaints still be made under the Disability Discrimination Act about premises?
• Disability and Access Terms Crossword
• Students Australia wide to attend IATA Certificate IV in Access Consulting Course
• Japan Haneda Airport Adopts Universal Design
• Did you know?
• IATA Access to the Built Environment Training Calendar 2011
• Access Standards Updates Seminars - 3 hours
This newsletter is available in PDF or Word format. To download or subscribe, visit the link above.
Commission e-Bulletin - April 2011
This is the newsletter from the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission
In this issue:
• News from the Commission
• Recent comment from the Commission
• Jobs at the Commission
• Community news
What's Disability to Me?
The third film in the "What's disability to me?" series, promoting the forthcoming launch of the World report on disability
In the film we meet Mia, a woman with intellectual disability from Lebanon, who talks about discrimination in education, and the importance of self advocacy.
The film was produced by Jazz Shaban, and the production was funded by the Government of Australia and CBM.
The World report on disability will be launched on 9 June 2011 in New York.
The film is currently available with English, French and Spanish subtitles (click the "CC" button). Chinese, Arabic and Russian will be coming soon.
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - Multidisciplinary Perspectives
Table of Contents
• Part 1: UN CRPD- why and what?
• Part 2: 'Traditional' disability rights and the UN CRPD
• Part 3: Participation of persons with disabilities
• Part 4: New trends in disability rights
This book is available online at no cost in both PDF and Word formats.
Office of the Disability Services Commissioner Publications
The ODSC has a number of publications available in multi media formats. See the printed Materials section for other publications.
- It's OK to Complain! DVD
This 7 minute DVD provides an overview of the role of the Commissioner in Auslan and includes a case study. Available by request.
- It's OK to Complain! CD
This CD provides an overview of the role of the Commissioner in audio and includes a case story. Available by request.
- It's OK to Complain Performance
This DVD is a recording of the drama performance by Ants Pantz at the Having a Say Conference in 2009. The stories in the performance are based on cases that the DSC has received. Limited copies are available by request.
Request for products can be made by contacting the Commissioner's Office on phone 1800 677 342 or by visiting the website.
Office of the Disability Services Commissioner Publications
The ODSC has a number of materials available including:
- It's OK to Complain!
A brochure outlining the role of the Commissioner, who can complain and what a complaint to the Commissioner can be about. Available in plain English, Braille, large print and CALD.
- Making a Complaint
A fact sheet outlining the process for making a complaint. Available by request.
- Disability Service providers and the Disability Services Commissioner
An information sheet for service providers outlining their complaints management obligations under the Disability Services Act 2006, the role of the Commissioner, who can complain, what a complaint to the Commissioner can be about and the complaints process.
- Good Practice Guide and Self Audit Tool
Developing a an effective person centred complaints management culture and system. This guide and audit tool has been developed to assist disability service providers to develop and review their complaints management system to ensure that it is responsive and accessible to people with a disability.
- How do I respond to a complaint?
This is a postcard available by request.
- Complaints Culture Surveys
The aim of the Complaints Culture surveys is to provide organisations with feedback on how effectively the message "It's OK to Complain" has been adopted by the people you support, their families, carers and staff at all levels of the organisation.
See also the Multi Media folder for information on DVDs and CDs available.
Request for products can be made by contacting the Office for Disability Services on phone 1800 677 342 or visit the website.
Consumers with Disabilities and the TIO
The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) has developed a fact sheet to provide information about how they can help people with disabilities.
The TIO is a free and independent dispute resolution scheme for consumers and small businesses who have not been able to resolve a complaint with their telephone or internet service provider. They investigate complaints about the supply of disability equipment, particularly where Telstra is not complying with its obligations as the Universal Service Provider; that is, if it is not providing consumers with reasonable access to a standard telephone service, including a rental handset.
While providers other than Telstra are not bound to supply disability equipment under the Universal Service Obligation, it is expected that all service providers who bill a customer for local access should ensure that their customer's disability requirements are met – within reason – in relation to the provision of telecommunications services.
For more information about the fact sheet, contact Phillip Money, Community Relations Manager on phone 03 8600 8738, via an interpreter on 131 450 or TTY 1800 675 692 .
The TIO is a free and independent dispute resolution scheme for consumers and small businesses who have not been able to resolve a complaint with their telephone or internet service provider. They investigate complaints about the supply of disability equipment, particularly where Telstra is not complying with its obligations as the Universal Service Provider; that is, if it is not providing consumers with reasonable access to a standard telephone service, including a rental handset.
While providers other than Telstra are not bound to supply disability equipment under the Universal Service Obligation, it is expected that all service providers who bill a customer for local access should ensure that their customer's disability requirements are met – within reason – in relation to the provision of telecommunications services.
For more information about the fact sheet, contact Phillip Money, Community Relations Manager on phone 03 8600 8738, via an interpreter on 131 450 or TTY 1800 675 692 .
Disability & New Media
- New book by Katie Ellis and Mike Kent
If you think that ‘new media’ and ‘social media’ has improved the lives of people with disability, this book begs to differ. Disability and New Media is a new book that explores the contemporary new media environment and its impact on people with disabilities.
While many studies into disability and digital technology have focused on the early Internet and World Wide Web, this book takes in the scope of the more recent developments in the online environment exploring online platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Second Life, and their sometimes strained relationship with accessibility and universal design.
Decisions made that impact on the accessibility of digital platforms are often portrayed as being merely technical in nature. This book exposes these as decisions as being highly political, with great impacts on the ability of people with disabilities to fully participate in the societies in which they live.
Bringing together the fields of Internet Studies and Critical Disability Studies the book explores how the early promise of the world wide web of access for all people regardless of disability has been hijacked by more recent developments in an increasingly complex web 2.0 environment.
Along with these setbacks the book also explores a number of successes in obtaining access for people with disabilities to previously unavailable digital platforms, and how these outcomes were achieved.
If you think that ‘new media’ and ‘social media’ has improved the lives of people with disability, this book begs to differ. Disability and New Media is a new book that explores the contemporary new media environment and its impact on people with disabilities.
While many studies into disability and digital technology have focused on the early Internet and World Wide Web, this book takes in the scope of the more recent developments in the online environment exploring online platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Second Life, and their sometimes strained relationship with accessibility and universal design.
Decisions made that impact on the accessibility of digital platforms are often portrayed as being merely technical in nature. This book exposes these as decisions as being highly political, with great impacts on the ability of people with disabilities to fully participate in the societies in which they live.
Bringing together the fields of Internet Studies and Critical Disability Studies the book explores how the early promise of the world wide web of access for all people regardless of disability has been hijacked by more recent developments in an increasingly complex web 2.0 environment.
Along with these setbacks the book also explores a number of successes in obtaining access for people with disabilities to previously unavailable digital platforms, and how these outcomes were achieved.
WWDA News - Issue 1, 2011
This is a quarterly newsletter by Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA), the peak organisation for women with all types of disabilities in Australia.
WWDA is run by women with disabilities, for women with disabilities. It is the only organisation of its kind in Australia and one of only a very small number internationally. It represents more than 2 million disabled women in Australia and operates as a national disability organisation; a national women's organisation; and a national human rights organisation.
To download a copy of this newsletter in a variety of formats, visitthe WWDA website.
Guideline on the application of the Premises Standards
The Australian Human Rights Commission has issued a Guideline on the application of the Premises Standards to assist in their application.
As you will be aware the Disability (Access to Premises - buildings) Standards 2010 (Cth) (Premises Standards) commence on 1 May 2011. Any application for a building approval for a new building or upgrade of an existing building on or after that date will trigger the application of the Premises Standards.
The purpose of the Premises Standards is:
• to ensure that dignified, equitable, cost-effective and reasonably achievable access to buildings, and facilities and services within buildings, is provided for people with disability, and
• to give certainty to building certifiers, developers and managers that if the Standards are complied with they cannot be subject to a successful complaint under the DDA in relation to those maters covered by the Premises Standards.
There is no doubt that the introduction of the Premises Standards will lead to widespread and important improvements in the accessibility and safety of all new and upgraded buildings that it covers throughout Australia.
These changes will improve the opportunities for people with disability to participate in and contribute to the economic, cultural, social and political life of our community as equal citizens.
They will also help in creating a more sustainable built environment capable of responding to our changing circumstances and family and community needs.
All of us will benefit from these changes as our individual needs change over time.
The changes will also require the development of new skills, knowledge and approaches from those in the building industry including developers, designers and architects, builders, project managers, certifiers and building operators.
March 2011
In this issue:
• SARU Update
• The Self Advocacy Networking Day
• Human Rights Training
• New SARU Resource
• SARU crossword
Click the title link to view this issue.
For alternate formats or to subscribe, contact Jan at SARU on phone 9639-6856 or mail jcolessaru@hotmail.com
In this issue:
• SARU Update
• The Self Advocacy Networking Day
• Human Rights Training
• New SARU Resource
• SARU crossword
Click the title link to view this issue.
For alternate formats or to subscribe, contact Jan at SARU on phone 9639-6856 or mail jcolessaru@hotmail.com
Issue No.17 March 2011
This is the last newsletter to be issued by DHS on the redevelopment of the Aids and Equipment Program. To download a copy, click the title link.
In future, the State-wide equipment program (SWEP) will issue newsletters pertaining to their business. To subscribe, email swep@bhs.org.au and request to be added to their mailing list.
No Limits is an award winning community television project that aims to bring the world of disability into people's living rooms in an informative and entertaining way.
The purpose of the show is to build awareness and acceptance of people with disabilities and support the development of understanding of difference among audience members. No Limits aims to increase the participation of people with a disability in broadcast television production and the development of other media, both in front of the camera and behind the camera.
You can order series 10 box set by downloading and completing the order form by clicking the title link.
For more information, visit the Grit Media website.
Inclusive Leisure Victoria is proud to present the 14th instalment of the Sector Connector, the newsletter which connects the leisure and disability sectors.
Click the title link to download PDF.
DANA is the Disability Advocacy National Network, working on a variety of federal government processes, with members and the State Disability Advocacy Networks to “advocate for advocacy” and strengthen and support disability advocacy organisations across Australia to advocate for and with people with disabilities.
To view this issue, click the title link. To subscribe, email info@dana.org.au
This powerpoint slideshow offers a domestic perspective on complaints procedures presented by the Australian Human Rights Commission.
This is a powerpoint slide show by the Human Rights Law Reform Commission presenting on the complaints procedure using the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability
A step by step guide on how to lodge a complaint under the UN Convention on the Rights for People with Disability.
Health of Australians with Disability: Health Status and Risk Factors
Compiled by Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) , 25 November 2010
This bulletin is the first in a series about health of Australians with disability. It examines how health problems affect health status of people with disability in Australia with a focus on prevalence and age at onset of some significant long term health conditions and relevant health risk factors and behaviours.
To read the report, visit Australian Policy Online.
Include Me! Website Launched
This new website, a project of the Self Advocacy Resource Unit (SARU), has information and ideas on how to include Self Advocates in conferences. There is information for people organising conferences and for Self Advocates going to conferences. The site is written in easy English.
Resources available include:
• checklists
• guidelines
• training materials
• useful links
Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS) Noticeboard
2 December 2010
VCOSS is the peak body for the social and community services sector in Victoria, with more than 450 members working to address poverty, disadvantage and inequality.
In this issue
• Quick notes from Cath Smith, VCOSS CEO
• VCOSS Board news - new president, board members elected
• VCOSS at work - with a new government, in conversation with the Coalition, the VCOSS Top 20, accessible transport, R&R training
• VCOSS annual general meeting - guest speaker Dr Helen Szoke
• Sector at large - equal pay day of action, community sector survey, disability sports festival, High Court ruling on charitable status
• What's on - good reading on OHS
• VCOSS in the news
• Advertisement - DF Mortimer & Associates
To read Noticeboard or subscribe, visit the Noticeboard website.
Prepared by Susan Inglis, Inglis Consulting
The Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU), Self-Advocacy Resource Unit (SARU) and the Victorian Disability Advocacy Network (VDAN) wanted to understand who is doing what in advocacy in Victoria and how to work better together.
An online survey was developed to gather information from all disability advocacy organisations and findings were discussed at a workshop on 22 June 2010.
The Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU), Self-Advocacy Resource Unit (SARU) and the Victorian Disability Advocacy Network (VDAN) wanted to understand who is doing what in advocacy in Victoria and how to work better together.
An online survey was developed to gather information from all disability advocacy organisations and findings were discussed at a workshop on 22 June 2010.
Prepared by Susan Inglis, Inglis Consulting
The Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU), Self-Advocacy Resource Unit (SARU) and the Victorian Disability Advocacy Network (VDAN) wanted to understand who is doing what in advocacy in Victoria and how to work better together.
It was agreed to hold a workshop in April to bring everyone together. There was a strong response from the self advocacy sector, but not from the disability advocacy sector, so about 18 self-advocates met to discuss the issues anyway. The general workshop was rescheduled for 22 June. An online survey was also developed to gather information from all disability advocacy organisations.
This report is a summary of those three activities:
• the SARU 21 April 2010 Forum (18 participants)
• the June survey (17 respondents)
• the 22 June workshop (24 participants)
The Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU), Self-Advocacy Resource Unit (SARU) and the Victorian Disability Advocacy Network (VDAN) wanted to understand who is doing what in advocacy in Victoria and how to work better together.
It was agreed to hold a workshop in April to bring everyone together. There was a strong response from the self advocacy sector, but not from the disability advocacy sector, so about 18 self-advocates met to discuss the issues anyway. The general workshop was rescheduled for 22 June. An online survey was also developed to gather information from all disability advocacy organisations.
This report is a summary of those three activities:
• the SARU 21 April 2010 Forum (18 participants)
• the June survey (17 respondents)
• the 22 June workshop (24 participants)
This proposal outlines the motion for VDAN beecoming the peak body for the sector and will be tabled at the VDAN AGM on 16 November 2010.
Somewhere to Share the Experience of Disability
The ABC is building a website for people whose lives are touched by disability, a place for their issues and stories. It will be provocative, celebratory, challenging and supportive. Everyday will feature news and views from those who meet disability head-on in their lives, their work, their community and family. Serious insights and sharp humour is expected - a site with plenty of attitude. Close attention will be paid to website ‘accessibility’.
Before the launch, ABC is looking for ideas on content, how the site should work, its function and even what it should be called. You can submit your ideas by visiting the website.
The ABC welcomes all input but retains editorial control. It reserves the right to accept or reject suggestions.
The ABC gratefully acknowledges support from the Federal Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
WWDA News - Issue 3, 2010
This is the quarterly newsletter from Women with Disability Australia (WWDA).
In this issue:
• A Word from the WWDA President
• The Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
• WWDA Submission to the Productivity Commission National Disability Care and Support Inquiry
• WWDA Annual Report 2009-2010 Available
• Feature Article: Women With Disabilities and the Human Right to Health
• United Nations adopts Resolution to accelerate prevention of violence against women
• Resources – Books, Reports, Websites, Lists
• News Wanted For WWDA-NEWS!
• Join WWDA
To download a copy in a variety of formats, visit the WWDA website.
On 14 October 2010, the Department of Justice hosted the Disability Action Plan Stakeholder Forum - Addressing Bushfire Preparedness for People with a Disability. In attendance was a mix of disability service providers and emergency service providers.
Penny Armytage, Secretary, Department of Justice, opened the forum. She spoke about work the Department of Justice has been undertaking in the lead up to, and for the duration of Bushfire Awareness Week (11-15 October). She also spoke of the Fire Ready lift out in the Herald Sun (14 October). Which included information related to vulnerable groups on page 10.
Lisa Stuzenegger, Director of Community Safety, spoke about CFA initiatives for the upcoming summer including making information more accessible. Lisa highlighted an hour long TV special presentation that screened on channel (9) Win on 17 October to help views Prepare. Act. Survive. this fire season. This was followed by an on line forum with Lisa Stuzenegger, Fire Commissioner, Craig Lapsley and CFA Chief Officer Geoff Conway. For more information please visit CFA's website:
http://www.cfaconnect.net.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=2658:&Itemid=42
CFA have now also made it possible to attend an online Fire Ready Victoria meeting for people that may be unable to attended community meetings in their local areas. For more information please visit CFA's website:
https://www.communityprograms.cfa.vic.gov.au/cfa/landing/default.htm
Adam Dent, State Manager Emergency Services, Australian Red Cross, spoke about Australia Red Cross's community preparedness tools. Adam spoke about REDiPlan, a tool to help individuals create personal household emergency plans and the training of volunteer presenters to deliver REDiPlan to community members. REDiPlan has a booklet specific to both people with disabilities and seniors. REDiPlans are also available in large font and audio formats. Please visit Australia Red Cross's website for more information:
http://www.redcross.org.au/ourservices_acrossaustralia_emergencyservices_prepare.htm
Jill Karena, Manager Community Development, Macedon Ranges Shire Council spoke about their Hot Day Out Centre project. The Hot Day Out Centres are staffed by Macedon Ranges Staff and Victorian Council of Churches volunteers and are providing a cool comfortable place for community members to attend on days that rate as 'Extreme' or 'Code Red' fire danger. For more information please visit the Macedon Ranges Shire Council website.
http://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/index.asp?h=-1
Violence Against Women with Disabilities
by International Network of Women with Disabilities (INWWD)
The mission of the INWWD is to enable women with disabilities to share knowledge and experience, enhance capacity to speak out, empowerment to bring about positive change and inclusion in communities and to promote involvement in politics at all levels, towards creating a more just and fair world that acknowledges disability and gender, justice, and human rights.
For more information go to the Yahoo group or contact Myra Kovary at inwwd@yahoo.com.
Change Makers Newsletter - Spring 2010
This is the quarterly newsletter from Change Makers Australia, a growing body of people who want to see far more philanthropic funds directed at projects and other initiatives that bring about effective and long-term social change.
Opportunities for every Victorian child to reach their full potential
Written by David Imber on behalf of the Inclusive Education Working Group
This paper aims to commence a discussion that is well overdue in Victoria. A conversation about how we can provide a better education for every child than we do today. This paper outlines a vision for ensuring opportunity for every child through inclusive education- a simple notion that education should be open to all. It is a vision that is being implemented in other jurisdictions- from Canada to Denmark and even in Queensland. It is a vision that should come to Victoria.
This paper highlights key issues about inclusive education and a call for action for the Victorian Government, and Opposition parties, to move towards implementing a truly inclusive education system for all Victorian children.
DVD Release - ‘Understanding Your Funds in Court – an Introduction to the Senior Master’s Office’
The Senior Master’s Office within the Supreme Court of Victoria has launched a DVD which aims to explain the way in which the court works in an accessible language for people with a disability . The DVD was funded by the Court Innovation Fund and the grant enabled them to explore new and emerging technology to meet the specific needs of their client base; people under 18 and people with a disability, mostly people with an acquired brain injury.
The project was assisted by a group of clients from the Senior Master’s Office who have an Acquired Brain Injury. They provided support and feedback throughout the project to ensure that the material was suitable and in a format that was useful for people with cognitive impairments.
DARU has a copy of this DVD in its Equipment Resource library and is available for borrowing. The film is also available from the Supreme Court website in the Funds in Court section.
If you would like to obtain a copy for your organisation please contact DARU on 9639 5807 or email admin@DARU.org.au.
Enable Newsletter
July-September 2010
The Enable Newsletter is prepared by the Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (SCRPD) at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). Input has been received from UN offices, agencies, funds and programmes, as well as from civil society.
In this issue:
• Status of the Convention
• Highlights
• Upcoming events
• Other news
The Enable Newsletter is prepared by the Secretariat for the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (SCRPD) at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). Input has been received from UN offices, agencies, funds and programmes, as well as from civil society.
In this issue:
• Status of the Convention
• Highlights
• Upcoming events
• Other news
Disability Services Commissioner Newsletter
Special Edition - Spring 2010
This quarterly newsletter provides regular updates of the work of the Disability Services Commissioner.
In this special edition you will find articles on:
• Disability Services Commissioner Annual Report
• It's OK to Complain! in Auslan
• A Case story
• Disability Services Board
• Enabling Justice - Victims' Charter Disability Strategy
• On-line complaints reporting
This newsletter is available to download in either .pdf or .rtf formats via the link to newsletter.
Volume 81 October 2010
This edition contains:
• In Network News
• Long Live Disability Connections(Victoria) Invite
• Conferences
• Forums and Meetings
• Workshops & Training
• Events
• Expressions of Interest
• Reports
• News
To obtain a copy or to subscribe, phone 03 9687 7066 or email dcvteam@annecto.org.au.
This edition contains:
• In Network News
• Long Live Disability Connections(Victoria) Invite
• Conferences
• Forums and Meetings
• Workshops & Training
• Events
• Expressions of Interest
• Reports
• News
To obtain a copy or to subscribe, phone 03 9687 7066 or email dcvteam@annecto.org.au.
Access News 2010 Vol 3
Articles in this edition include:
• Universal Design Appeals to All
• Walt Disney - Coming to a Venue Near You
• Certificate IV in Access Consulting - Update
• iPhone 4 App Enables Deaf to Sign On
• IATA to Review Sport and Recreation Manual
• Grants Available For Access Improvement
• IATA Sponsors Better Hearing Conference
• Cinemas Agree on Accessible Movies
• Universal Housing Aspirations
• IATA Access to the Built Environment Training Calendar 2011
• Access Standards Updates Seminars - 3 hours
• Addressing Access in Parks and Outdoor Spaces - 1 day
• Certificate in Access Appraisal – Buildings – 2 days
Women with Disabilities Victoria - The Fortnightly e-Bulletin
The purpose of this e-Bulletin is to inform members, staff and associates about opportunities to advance Women with Disabilities Victoria’s goals.
Women with Disabilities Victoria works to address priority issues for women with disabilities in Victoria. These issues include violence, access to health services, reproductive rights and parenting.
For more information about Women with Disabilities Victoria please visit their website.
For more information, provide feedback, subscribe or unsubscribe, email wdv@wdv.org.au
Housing Assistance, Social Inclusion and People with Disabilities – Discussion Paper
By Andrew Beer & Selina Tually from Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI)
The election of the Labor Government to office in 2007 heralded a number of changes in the focus of public policy in Australia. Paramount among these changes has been a renewed focus on three key areas: housing, disability and social inclusion, and the interconnectedness of, and interrelationships between, these three, and other policy spheres. Accordingly significant policy innovation has occurred with respect to these areas of public policy, supported by a range of new national policies, as well as reforms to state and Commonwealth financial relations. The research is an important area of investigation at the current time, particularly given the dearth of literature on the role that housing and housing assistance plays in facilitating and supporting the economic and social participation of people with disabilities.
The report is available in a variety of formats at
The election of the Labor Government to office in 2007 heralded a number of changes in the focus of public policy in Australia. Paramount among these changes has been a renewed focus on three key areas: housing, disability and social inclusion, and the interconnectedness of, and interrelationships between, these three, and other policy spheres. Accordingly significant policy innovation has occurred with respect to these areas of public policy, supported by a range of new national policies, as well as reforms to state and Commonwealth financial relations. The research is an important area of investigation at the current time, particularly given the dearth of literature on the role that housing and housing assistance plays in facilitating and supporting the economic and social participation of people with disabilities.
The report is available in a variety of formats at
This edition contains:
• Recent community projects
• Current call for nominations to the Consumer Advisory Panel
• People who have complex communication needs are being sought to be part of an expert panel and be involved in conducting a community project
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) Monitoring Committee has just released its Concluding Observations on Australia’s performance regarding the implementation of CEDAW, one of the core international human rights treaties, ratified by Australia in 1983.
Published by the State Government of Victoria, this is a ten-year plan which contains common sense and practical actions to build age friendly homes, workplaces and communities.
The paper looks at disability in the context of
• people with a disability continuing to live at home ,
• offering respite options to support ageing carers
• effective planning of disability services to a population that is ageing,
• ensuring access to disability services for older people with a disability and support services for older carers of children with a disability.
August 2010 edition
In this edition you will find articles on:
• Independence Australia's independence week
• National Disability Awards-nominations now open
• Election 2010 campaign announcements
• Taxi licence release
• Disability reform conference
• Wheelchair basketball come & try sessions
Palliative Care Australia - National Community Education Initiative
Palliative Care australia has produced three of their most popular resources in 21 different languages. these include:
- What is palliative Care?
- Asking questions can help: An aid for people seeing the palliative care team
- Facts about morphine and other opioid medicines in palliative care.
These, and other resources are available free of charge to download from their website.
- What is palliative Care?
- Asking questions can help: An aid for people seeing the palliative care team
- Facts about morphine and other opioid medicines in palliative care.
These, and other resources are available free of charge to download from their website.
Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission eBulletin
July edition
This is a monthly newsletter providing links to media releases, speeches presented by the Commissioner Dr Helen Szoke, topical community news, upcoming training courses and much more.
This is a monthly newsletter providing links to media releases, speeches presented by the Commissioner Dr Helen Szoke, topical community news, upcoming training courses and much more.
This paper aims to commence a discussion that is well overdue in Victoria. A conversation about how we can provide a better education for every child than we do today. This paper outlines a vision for ensuring opportunity for every child through inclusive education- a simple notion that education should be open to all. It is a vision that is being implemented in other jurisdictions- from Canada to Denmark and even in Queensland. It is a vision that should come to Victoria.
2010-2020 National disability Strategy
The Gillard Labor Government has released its draft National Disability Strategy which outlines a 10-year national plan to improve the lives of people with disability, promote participation, and create a more inclusive society.
Womenn With Disabilities Australia WWDA release therir submission in June 2010. WWDA elected to focus its response to the Consultation Paper on issues canvassed in Section 4 (Family Violence: A Common Interpretive Framework?) and Section 19 (Integrated Responses and Best Practice), covering such themes as definitions, guiding principles, protected persons, training and education, and data collection.
Report - Migration treatment of disability: Enabling Australia. Click here to view.
This report contains:
• Foreword
• Committee Membership
• Terms of Reference
• List of Abbreviations and List of Recommendations
• Introduction
• Australia's current approach to disability
• The Migration Health Requirement
• Decision making process
• Family, humanitarian and refugee migration
• Skilled migration and disability
• Australia's international obligations and domestic exemptions
• Appendix A - Submissions
• Appendix B - List of Public Hearings
• Appendix C - Migration Regulations 1994 - Schedule 4, Part 1
• Additional Comments by Senator Sue Boyce and Senator Sarah Hanson-Young
• Foreword
• Committee Membership
• Terms of Reference
• List of Abbreviations and List of Recommendations
• Introduction
• Australia's current approach to disability
• The Migration Health Requirement
• Decision making process
• Family, humanitarian and refugee migration
• Skilled migration and disability
• Australia's international obligations and domestic exemptions
• Appendix A - Submissions
• Appendix B - List of Public Hearings
• Appendix C - Migration Regulations 1994 - Schedule 4, Part 1
• Additional Comments by Senator Sue Boyce and Senator Sarah Hanson-Young
Resource kit to support the campaign for funding of decent wages for community sector workers. Click to download kit.
ACOSS (Australian Council of Social Services)has been working with the Employer Reference Group to develop a campaign for funding of higher wages. The purpose of the campaign is to support the community sector seeking commitments to fund decent wages from both government and private sources of funding. The campaign for funding needs to build support for decent wages in the community sector, in anticipation of higher wages resulting from the equal remuneration application for social and community sector and disability workers across Australia, currently before Fair Work Australia.
The resource kit contains:
• Information about the campaign and how you can help
• Joint statement in support of equal remuneration for social and community sector and disability workers
• Fast Facts about the campaign for funding
• Template letters for you to send to members of parliament from employers and organisations, from employees, and in relation to private sources of funding
• Contact lists for MPs and suggestions of non-government funders to approach
• Information on how to convene advocacy meetings
• Q&A: how to respond to objections
• Checklist for lobbying activities
The resource kit contains:
• Information about the campaign and how you can help
• Joint statement in support of equal remuneration for social and community sector and disability workers
• Fast Facts about the campaign for funding
• Template letters for you to send to members of parliament from employers and organisations, from employees, and in relation to private sources of funding
• Contact lists for MPs and suggestions of non-government funders to approach
• Information on how to convene advocacy meetings
• Q&A: how to respond to objections
• Checklist for lobbying activities
Disability Services Commissioner Newsletter
This is a quarterly newsletter providing regular updates of the work of the Disability Services Commissioner.
In this issue:
• New Staff at DSC
• Annual Complaints Reporting
• What type of complaints can I contact the DSC about?
• DSC visit to SA
• Who to call if you have a complaint about an aged care service
To view this newsletter, download a copy or to subscribe, please visit website.
In this issue:
• New Staff at DSC
• Annual Complaints Reporting
• What type of complaints can I contact the DSC about?
• DSC visit to SA
• Who to call if you have a complaint about an aged care service
To view this newsletter, download a copy or to subscribe, please visit website.
The Paper highlights the ways in which women and girls with disabilities in Australia are denied the freedoms and entitlements necessary for the realisation of their right to health. It then provides an overview of a range of key policy initiatives required to address the structural, socioeconomic and cultural barriers that currently deny women with disabilities their right to health. The paper includes key strategies for consideration by the Australian Government. Recognising that the right to health is dependent on the realisation of other human rights, and extends to the underlying determinants of health, the key strategies identified in WWDA’s paper address a broad range of themes, that cut across several government portfolios.
Your Own Path to Success, by the National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO) position.
This resource is a short video of about 4 mins duration. It aims to raise awareness of the wide scope of disability, and that you do not need to have an obvious or significant disability in order to seek support and assistance to achieve Your Own Path To Success. It introduces the supports and assistance that may be available to assist people who have a disability to participate actively in their community, particularly in education and employment.
For more information about the objectives of the NDCO and to view the video, visit website.
The memo includes:
• Mapping Self Advocacy in Victoria
• Group Activity
• Kerry-anne Speaks Up
• The SARU crossword
• Mapping Self Advocacy in Victoria
• Group Activity
• Kerry-anne Speaks Up
• The SARU crossword
Australian Human Rights Commission e-Bulletin May 2010
This monthly e-bulletin will keep anyone who has an interest in human rights up to date with the latest programs, projects and news.
In this month’s edition:
• Commission given responsibility and resources for integral part of government’s Human Rights Framework
• New methods needed to challenge problems posed in cyberspace
• New online resources available to help the conciliation process…
• See below for more...
To read the e-Bulletin, visit the Australian Human Rights Commision website.
In this month’s edition:
• Commission given responsibility and resources for integral part of government’s Human Rights Framework
• New methods needed to challenge problems posed in cyberspace
• New online resources available to help the conciliation process…
• See below for more...
To read the e-Bulletin, visit the Australian Human Rights Commision website.
Every Day With ADHD Newsletter Issue 3 now available
Inside this Issue:
• How to get started
• From the Book - Limit Setting
• Discipline
• Stressful "Times of the day"
• A Key - Prioritise
• A Positive - How to create a positive environment
• What People have said
• What is on in 2010
• Workshop Calendar for Term 1 and Term 2 2010
• How to get started
• From the Book - Limit Setting
• Discipline
• Stressful "Times of the day"
• A Key - Prioritise
• A Positive - How to create a positive environment
• What People have said
• What is on in 2010
• Workshop Calendar for Term 1 and Term 2 2010
This document has recently been published by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Australian Employers' Network on Disability
In this edition:
• We are very excited about our National Conference coming up on 27th May.
• This month we also make a final call for Stepping into... applications (extended to Fri 6th May), discuss what the new federal discrimination framework means, and look at the progress of the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme.
• We also profile South Australian MP Kelly Vincent, the youngest person ever elected to Australian Parliament, and the first wheelchair user elected to the SA Parliament.
• We are very excited about our National Conference coming up on 27th May.
• This month we also make a final call for Stepping into... applications (extended to Fri 6th May), discuss what the new federal discrimination framework means, and look at the progress of the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme.
• We also profile South Australian MP Kelly Vincent, the youngest person ever elected to Australian Parliament, and the first wheelchair user elected to the SA Parliament.
Victorian Council Of Social Services (VCOSS) Noticeboard
In this issue:
• Quick notes from Cath Smith, VCOSS CEO
• VCOSS at work - Speed dating, secret shoppers, rights, Indigenous forum
• Sector at large - hate crime survey
• Coming up - stress workshops and Expo news
• VCOSS in the news - rental housing, affordable homes, water price rises
• In the sector - hitting new peaks
• Meet our members - VICSERV
• Advertisement
• Quick notes from Cath Smith, VCOSS CEO
• VCOSS at work - Speed dating, secret shoppers, rights, Indigenous forum
• Sector at large - hate crime survey
• Coming up - stress workshops and Expo news
• VCOSS in the news - rental housing, affordable homes, water price rises
• In the sector - hitting new peaks
• Meet our members - VICSERV
• Advertisement
In the April Edition you will find information regarding a diverse range of topics and events including:
· New standards for General Practice
· Research participants needed-‘time use and spinal cord injury’
· New disability access standards
· Pilot gender analysis workshops with women with disabilities
· Reform of anti-discrimination legislation
Australian Human Rights Commission's - Monthly E-Bulletin
The first Australian Human Rights Commission's monthly e-bulletin has been released. The E-Bulletin aims to keep you up to date with their latest programs, projects and news.
Australian Centre for Human Rights Education (ACHRE) e-Newsletter
Australian Centre for Human Rights Education have released their March e-newsletter
Victorian Women with Disabilities Network Newsletters
Victorian Women with Disabilities Network - A world where all women are respected and can fully experience life
To receive the VWDN ‘Fortnightly’ e-Bulletin email vwdn@vwdn.org.au or contact Sarah via phone (03) 9664 9317.
The purpose of the e-bulletin is to inform members, staff and associates about opportunities to advance VWDN goals.
The VWDN works to address priority issues for women with disabilities in Victoria. These issues include violence, access to health services, reproductive rights and parenting.
To receive the VWDN ‘Fortnightly’ e-Bulletin email vwdn@vwdn.org.au or contact Sarah via phone (03) 9664 9317.
The purpose of the e-bulletin is to inform members, staff and associates about opportunities to advance VWDN goals.
The VWDN works to address priority issues for women with disabilities in Victoria. These issues include violence, access to health services, reproductive rights and parenting.
Circulated by the Office of the Senior Practitioner
disAbility e-news
disAbility e-news is a regular sector update to keep you informed about FaHCSIA disability issues and can be forwarded to any other interested readers.
Disability Services Commissioner Newsletter - Autumn 2010
Please find enclosed the Disability Services Commissioner Newsletter - Autumn 2010 Issue 7.
Enclosed are PDF and RTF format as well as a link to our website
Inside this issue
• Organisational changes to DSC
• It’s OK to complain Darren’s story
• Commissioner opens new DPV and DPA offices
• Do you have a complaint relating to a trader or business?
Welcome Change - Creating Disability Inclusion
Welcome Change Productions have produced award-winning films, that profile self-advocates with a disability who have made enormous impacts on their communities.
One film features Diana Braun and Kathy Conour who met at a sheltered workshop in Illinois three decades ago and vowed to live independent, non-institutionalized lives. Diana has Down Syndrome, and Kathy has Cerebral Palsy and is non-verbal, tirelessly advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. Fearful of being shut away in a nursing home or forced into a state run institution, Diana and Kathy broke the rules, escaped the system, and survived to tell their story. Body & Soul: Diana & Kathy moves beyond disability and activism to a story of a profound, creative friendship.
The second film is a short documentary called The Collector of Bedford Street, which profiles the 63 year-old Larry Selman, a community activist with an intellectual disability who collects money for a variety of charities. When his last surviving relative’s health begins to fail, his community sets up a supplemental trust to ensure his future needs are taken care of because of the inspiration he’s been to the community. Most recently, Larry was the recipient of the 2009 Caring Award, alongside Colin Powell!
People with Disability Australia Incorporated (PWD) is a national disability rights and advocacy organisation. Our membership is people with disability and organisations made up of people with disability. Individuals and organisations committed to the disability rights movement can join PWD as associate members.
If you would like to receive the PWD bulletin online or in an alternative format email pwd@pwd.org.au or phone 02 9319 6622, toll-free 1800 422 015
TTY 02 9318 2138.
If you would like to receive the PWD bulletin online or in an alternative format email pwd@pwd.org.au or phone 02 9319 6622, toll-free 1800 422 015
TTY 02 9318 2138.
The Department of Health has published an information sheet outlining the status of the review of the Mental Health Act 1986.
With the drafting of the new Bill underway, the next step is its introduction into Parliament, the process by which the Bill will become Victoria’s new mental health legislation. The extensive consultations held in 2008 and throughout 2009, and the 219 submissions lodged by individuals and organisations have all informed and enhanced the review process.
Visitable and Adaptable Features in Housing = REGULATORY IMPACT STATEMENT
Prepared by the Department of Planning and Community Development
Prepared by the Department of Planning and Community Development
The Universal Housing Alliance has prepared a guide to preparing a response to the RIS for people with disabilities and their families as well as community organisations.
The Universal Housing Alliance has prepared a guide to preparing a response to the RIS for people with disabilities and their families as well as community organisations.
Department of Human Services Newsletter List
A list of disability related newsletters published in Victoria and throughout Australia
Women With Disabilities Australia (WWDA) is pleased to provide you with a copy of our Annual Report for the 2008-2009 funding year. WWDA’s Annual Report 2008-2009 gives a brief synopsis of WWDA’s performance and key achievements over the 12 month period, and contains a number of tributes and testimonies from around the world.
WWDA’s Annual Report 2008-2009 is also available for download (in both PDF and Word formats) from the WWDA website http://www.wwda.org.au/wwdarepts.htm. Alternatively, if you would like a Word version emailed to you, please contact WWDA at wwda@wwda.org.au
WWDA’s Annual Report 2008-2009 is also available for download (in both PDF and Word formats) from the WWDA website http://www.wwda.org.au/wwdarepts.htm. Alternatively, if you would like a Word version emailed to you, please contact WWDA at wwda@wwda.org.au
Attached is a PDF of the SARU e-memo No 5, circulated in December 2009. The attached PDF file is a plain text version which includes the SARU crossword and pictures of our new resources.
Field held a Self-directed Funding forum on Friday 27th November 2009. Presentations from the forum are now available on website http://www.field.org.au/events/resources/self_directed/index.html
Presentations available include
• Arthur Rogers; Executive Director Disability Services Division, Department of Human Services
• Professor Christine Bigby; School of Social Work & Social Policy, LaTrobe University
• David Glazebrook; CEO Impact Services
• Dr. George Taleporos; Coordinator of Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS)
• Carolyn Gallagher and John Theo; AQA Victoria
Additional information about Self-directed funding can also be found on field’s website http://www.field.org.au/sector/self_directed_funding/index.php
For more information contact Linda via email linda.budd@field.org.au or phone 03 8686 5622.
Presentations available include
• Arthur Rogers; Executive Director Disability Services Division, Department of Human Services
• Professor Christine Bigby; School of Social Work & Social Policy, LaTrobe University
• David Glazebrook; CEO Impact Services
• Dr. George Taleporos; Coordinator of Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS)
• Carolyn Gallagher and John Theo; AQA Victoria
Additional information about Self-directed funding can also be found on field’s website http://www.field.org.au/sector/self_directed_funding/index.php
For more information contact Linda via email linda.budd@field.org.au or phone 03 8686 5622.
Author and Legal Practioner, Dezi George has published a book titled 'How Do I Deal With Centrelink'. To view the front cover of the book click here.
The book has been written to help people who deal with Centrelink. The book sells for $22.95.
The book has been written to help people who deal with Centrelink. The book sells for $22.95.
Launch of e-forum on Human Rights and Cultural Diversity
A partnership between the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Institute for Cultural Diversity has led to the development of a new E-Forum on human rights, which is located on the website http://www.culturaldiversity.net.au.
This site provides a new way of finding out about what is happening in culturally diverse Australia in human rights, the arts, justice, research and among agencies working in government, business and the community.
The site is run by a not-for-profit, non-government company - the Institute for Cultural Diversity.
The site is designed to help generate an informed network of people able to contribute to Australia's development as a creative, democratic and productive society. In this way, it bridges communities, faiths and states.
Human rights is just one theme which the site covers. The site’s other themes include: arts, justice, agencies and research.
The cultural diversity website offers a new, exciting and secure space for informed debate, valued contributions, practical feedback, sustained consultations, formulation of new and creative ideas and canvassing of diverse opinions.
Visit http://www.culturaldiversity.net.au and take a look.
If you have any questions, please email administrator@culturaldiversity.net.au
This site provides a new way of finding out about what is happening in culturally diverse Australia in human rights, the arts, justice, research and among agencies working in government, business and the community.
The site is run by a not-for-profit, non-government company - the Institute for Cultural Diversity.
The site is designed to help generate an informed network of people able to contribute to Australia's development as a creative, democratic and productive society. In this way, it bridges communities, faiths and states.
Human rights is just one theme which the site covers. The site’s other themes include: arts, justice, agencies and research.
The cultural diversity website offers a new, exciting and secure space for informed debate, valued contributions, practical feedback, sustained consultations, formulation of new and creative ideas and canvassing of diverse opinions.
Visit http://www.culturaldiversity.net.au and take a look.
If you have any questions, please email administrator@culturaldiversity.net.au
This publication explains how the new Access Travel Pass will work
<h3>ACCESSIBLE PARKING BAYS 3</h3>
Disabled Persons Parking Permits free of charge to residents for people with significant ambulatory or intellectual difficulties.
There are two types of permit for disabled persons:-
• Category 1 (or blue) permits allow the vehicle to be parked in designated bays for disabled persons and allow twice the specified time in a time limited area.
• Category 2 (or green) permits do not allow the vehicle to be parked in designated bays for disabled persons, however these permits do allow vehicles to be parked in a time limited area for twice the length of time specified.
Permits are only valid for use when the person to whom the permit has been issued is in the vehicle.
Permits must be displayed at all times and all details must be clearly visible to a person standing outside the vehicle.
When parking in a pay/ticket parking area, permit holders must purchase and display a ticket, however twice the length of time purchased will be allowed.
Permit conditions are supplied at the time of issue and renewal of all permits.
Permit holders (or their legal guardians) are responsible for ensuring that they are familiar and comply with these conditions.
It should be noted that infringement notices issued as a result of lack of understanding of permit conditions may not be waived. All applications must be completed by both the applicant and a doctor.
Generally, permits are valid for three years and temporary permits are valid for six months (depending on the disability). A new form must be lodged after a temporary permit has expired
Disabled Persons Parking Permits free of charge to residents for people with significant ambulatory or intellectual difficulties.
There are two types of permit for disabled persons:-
• Category 1 (or blue) permits allow the vehicle to be parked in designated bays for disabled persons and allow twice the specified time in a time limited area.
• Category 2 (or green) permits do not allow the vehicle to be parked in designated bays for disabled persons, however these permits do allow vehicles to be parked in a time limited area for twice the length of time specified.
Permits are only valid for use when the person to whom the permit has been issued is in the vehicle.
Permits must be displayed at all times and all details must be clearly visible to a person standing outside the vehicle.
When parking in a pay/ticket parking area, permit holders must purchase and display a ticket, however twice the length of time purchased will be allowed.
Permit conditions are supplied at the time of issue and renewal of all permits.
Permit holders (or their legal guardians) are responsible for ensuring that they are familiar and comply with these conditions.
It should be noted that infringement notices issued as a result of lack of understanding of permit conditions may not be waived. All applications must be completed by both the applicant and a doctor.
Generally, permits are valid for three years and temporary permits are valid for six months (depending on the disability). A new form must be lodged after a temporary permit has expired
The mobility map helps people with disabilities to use and enjoy what the city has to offer.
Information and facilities on the map include:
wheelchair accessible toilets and telephones;
public TTY phones;
disability designated car parking spots;
accessible off street parking;
train stations;
accessible pathways;
taxi ranks;
public seating; and
street gradients.
The mobility map is updated and produced annually by the City of Melbourne and Melway Publishing. It is included in each edition of the Melway Street Directory.
If information on the map is outdated or incorrect, or if you have suggestions for improvement, contact Community Services on (03) 9658 8679, TTY (03) 9658 9461
Information and facilities on the map include:
wheelchair accessible toilets and telephones;
public TTY phones;
disability designated car parking spots;
accessible off street parking;
train stations;
accessible pathways;
taxi ranks;
public seating; and
street gradients.
The mobility map is updated and produced annually by the City of Melbourne and Melway Publishing. It is included in each edition of the Melway Street Directory.
If information on the map is outdated or incorrect, or if you have suggestions for improvement, contact Community Services on (03) 9658 8679, TTY (03) 9658 9461
Website To Support People With A Disability
A new Australian Disability Enterprises website will help boost employment opportunities for people with disability by linking disability service provides with business wanting to purchase their product or services.
Australian Disability Enterprises are commercial businesses operating across a wide range of industries - from design, printing and packaging, to manufacturing, laundry and landscaping. With over 600 Australian Disability Enterprises Australia-wide, you are sure to find one to suit your needs.
For more information go to
Australian Disability Enterprises are commercial businesses operating across a wide range of industries - from design, printing and packaging, to manufacturing, laundry and landscaping. With over 600 Australian Disability Enterprises Australia-wide, you are sure to find one to suit your needs.
For more information go to