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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.
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
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.
This document has recently been published by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Circulated by the Office of the Senior Practitioner
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!
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.
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
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
ACCESSIBLE PARKING BAYS 3
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
This is a useful tool and outlines key advocacy principles.
DARU have launched a Code of Conduct for Disability Advocates at the Strengthening Disability Advocacy National Conference. This 'living' document provides definitions of advocacy and outlines the key advocacy principles for Advocates, Committees of Management and Board Members to develop their own guidelines.
If you would like a copy of this free resource, either as a hardcopy or CD-Rom please contact the DARU office on 9639 5807 or email admin@daru.org.au
DARU would also like to receive your feedback and any changes including additional material you would like to see if future editions.
DARU have launched a Code of Conduct for Disability Advocates at the Strengthening Disability Advocacy National Conference. This 'living' document provides definitions of advocacy and outlines the key advocacy principles for Advocates, Committees of Management and Board Members to develop their own guidelines.
If you would like a copy of this free resource, either as a hardcopy or CD-Rom please contact the DARU office on 9639 5807 or email admin@daru.org.au
DARU would also like to receive your feedback and any changes including additional material you would like to see if future editions.
This information sheet talks about some of the human rights issues faced by people with disability.
It also highlights how a federal Human Rights Act could help deal with these issues.
It also highlights how a federal Human Rights Act could help deal with these issues.
On 10 December 2008, the Federal Government launched the National Human Rights Consultation. This is an opportunity for all Australians to improve our democracy and to have our say about the protection of fundamental values such as freedom, respect, dignity and a fair go.
National Human Rights Consultation
The Consultation Committee wants to know:
• Which human rights are important to you?
• Are your human rights currently sufficiently protected and promoted?
• How could Australia better protect and promote your human rights?
By answering these questions, you can have your say!
National Human Rights Consultation
The Consultation Committee wants to know:
• Which human rights are important to you?
• Are your human rights currently sufficiently protected and promoted?
• How could Australia better protect and promote your human rights?
By answering these questions, you can have your say!
deafaccess have produced a Hearing Checklist. This is a useful resource if you are running an event and you want to ensure it’s inclusive of people with a hearing impairment.
For more information contact Diane via phone 5272 4120 or email
dthomson@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
For more information contact Diane via phone 5272 4120 or email
dthomson@geelongcity.vic.gov.au
The final report of the National Mental Health and Disability Employment Strategy Update - Setting the Direction National Mental Health and Disability Employment Strategy was released by the Hon Brendan O'Connor MP, Minister for Employment Participation, and the Hon Bill Shorten MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, on Monday 22nd December 2008.
Talking Taxis Communication Boards and Personal Journey Cards
The Victorian Government has launched some new picture-based communication tools to help people with disabilities catch taxis.
A series of three Talking Taxis Communication Boards will ease the confusion that can be caused when there are communication difficulties between taxi drivers and passengers because of either disability or language.
Personal Journey Cards that can be filled out before to a taxi trip are also available. The cards detail payment and destination information to help passengers tell their driver where they are going and how they are going to pay, giving carers and loved ones peace of mind.
These aids are available free of charge, from the Victorian Taxi Directorate (VTD).
For more information and to download copies of these aids visit the VTC website (see link in Green above) or phone 03 9320 4300.
A series of three Talking Taxis Communication Boards will ease the confusion that can be caused when there are communication difficulties between taxi drivers and passengers because of either disability or language.
Personal Journey Cards that can be filled out before to a taxi trip are also available. The cards detail payment and destination information to help passengers tell their driver where they are going and how they are going to pay, giving carers and loved ones peace of mind.
These aids are available free of charge, from the Victorian Taxi Directorate (VTD).
For more information and to download copies of these aids visit the VTC website (see link in Green above) or phone 03 9320 4300.
The Service and Workforce Planning Branch, Department of Human Services has developed a Workforce Innovation Grant Program to explore innovative projects that focus on workforce reform and utilisation.
The program is open to all Victorian health and community services and consumer organisations. There is opportunity for education and training providers and professional associations to partner with these agencies in putting forward a proposal. Agencies are invited to submit an expression of interest to undertake projects in 2008/09. Guidelines and an application form are attached for your reference.
The Workforce Innovation Grant Program has been developed to explore, identify and trial (where appropriate) innovations that improve utility of the workforce while maintaining and improving quality of outcomes, efficiency and worker satisfaction. This may include, but is not limited to, proposals requiring the introduction of new - or the extension of existing - roles, models of care that require workforce redesign and human resource approaches that aim to improve the flexibility of the workforce and the attractiveness of the sector as a place to work or build a career. Specifically the program aims to identify solutions to existing and projected workforce challenges and to identify strategies that could effect positive change.
The program will be offered on an annual basis with two expressions of interest rounds per year, however in 2008/09 there will be one funding round due to time limitations:
Key Dates
Closing date for expressions of interest 5 January 2009
Successful applicants notified by 27 January 2009
Applicants are required to complete an expression of interest form to support the application. Proposals can be submitted via email to workforce@dhs.vic.gov.au or posted to Emma Sartori, Workforce Innovation, Level 20/50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne 3000. Submissions are due by 5 January 2009 by 5pm.
I would encourage your agency to consider submitting an expression of interest to the Workforce Innovation Grant Program. Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Emma Sartori, Policy Adviser, Workforce Innovation at emma.sartori@dhs.vic.gov.au
The program is open to all Victorian health and community services and consumer organisations. There is opportunity for education and training providers and professional associations to partner with these agencies in putting forward a proposal. Agencies are invited to submit an expression of interest to undertake projects in 2008/09. Guidelines and an application form are attached for your reference.
The Workforce Innovation Grant Program has been developed to explore, identify and trial (where appropriate) innovations that improve utility of the workforce while maintaining and improving quality of outcomes, efficiency and worker satisfaction. This may include, but is not limited to, proposals requiring the introduction of new - or the extension of existing - roles, models of care that require workforce redesign and human resource approaches that aim to improve the flexibility of the workforce and the attractiveness of the sector as a place to work or build a career. Specifically the program aims to identify solutions to existing and projected workforce challenges and to identify strategies that could effect positive change.
The program will be offered on an annual basis with two expressions of interest rounds per year, however in 2008/09 there will be one funding round due to time limitations:
Key Dates
Closing date for expressions of interest 5 January 2009
Successful applicants notified by 27 January 2009
Applicants are required to complete an expression of interest form to support the application. Proposals can be submitted via email to workforce@dhs.vic.gov.au or posted to Emma Sartori, Workforce Innovation, Level 20/50 Lonsdale St, Melbourne 3000. Submissions are due by 5 January 2009 by 5pm.
I would encourage your agency to consider submitting an expression of interest to the Workforce Innovation Grant Program. Should you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Emma Sartori, Policy Adviser, Workforce Innovation at emma.sartori@dhs.vic.gov.au
Report released - Impact of global financial crisis on community sector
The impact of the global financial crisis on social services in Australia is an Issues Paper, prepared by Access Economics for Anglicare, Catholic Social Services, the Salvation Army and UnitingCare.
This report that looks at the impact of the global financial crisis on low income households and argues for more investment in community sector services & service infrastructure. It also brings together some useful statistics.
The impact of the global financial crisis on social services in Australia is an Issues Paper, prepared by Access Economics for Anglicare, Catholic Social Services, the Salvation Army and UnitingCare.
This report that looks at the impact of the global financial crisis on low income households and argues for more investment in community sector services & service infrastructure. It also brings together some useful statistics.
Webwatch: Accessibility of government websites
In October 2008, Commissioner Graeme Innes launched Webwatch. A webpage within the Australian Human Right Commission website Web Watch lists the names of Government departments and agencies that are not making information accessible.
Discussion Paper for consultation, October 2008
The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) has released 2 resources to help government and community organisations work more effectively to achieve their goals. These are -
• Working in Partnership - Government and community organisations are increasingly working in partnership to achieve results for local
communities. To assist, the DPCD has developed a webpage that provides advice and resources on running effective partnerships.
• Evaluation Step-by-Step Guide - Evaluation is critical to measuring
the effectiveness, and improving, community projects and programs. The Step-by-Step Guide leads you through a simple process for developing an evaluation plan for your project or program. For more information click here.
• Working in Partnership - Government and community organisations are increasingly working in partnership to achieve results for local
communities. To assist, the DPCD has developed a webpage that provides advice and resources on running effective partnerships.
• Evaluation Step-by-Step Guide - Evaluation is critical to measuring
the effectiveness, and improving, community projects and programs. The Step-by-Step Guide leads you through a simple process for developing an evaluation plan for your project or program. For more information click here.
Are disability organisations leading from the front when it comes to the employment of people with disabilities?
A research report investigating employment practices of the Victorian disability sector commissioned by Australians for Disability and Diversity Employment was launched on Monday 18 August 2008 at the Victorian Equal Opportunities and Human Rights Commission, Melbourne.
The keynote speakers were Suzanne Colbert, CEO of the Australian Employers Network on Disability, who spoke by video link, and Cath Smith, VCOSS CEO.
The report identifies a number of best practice measures that the disability sector could adopt to increase the participation of people with disabilities in employment.
A research report investigating employment practices of the Victorian disability sector commissioned by Australians for Disability and Diversity Employment was launched on Monday 18 August 2008 at the Victorian Equal Opportunities and Human Rights Commission, Melbourne.
The keynote speakers were Suzanne Colbert, CEO of the Australian Employers Network on Disability, who spoke by video link, and Cath Smith, VCOSS CEO.
The report identifies a number of best practice measures that the disability sector could adopt to increase the participation of people with disabilities in employment.
A practical guide or check list to ensure the meetings you are running are inclusive of people with a disability.