Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
DARU Update6 June 2011
ON THE MOVE
IN THE NEWS
EVENTS
PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
TRAINING
SUBMISSIONS, CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS
PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS
ON THE MOVE
Disability Connections Victoria says Goodbye to Helen
After many years involvement with Disability Connections Victoria their Executive Officer, Helen Adams has left to take up the role of Manager of Respite Services at St Laurence Community Services in Geelong. We wish Helen all the best in her new role.
New Advocate at Leadership Plus
Chelsea Huggett has been working in East Timor for the past two years in community health and research with the Fred Hollows Foundation. Her work with vision impaired people in Timor sparked her interest in the disability sector. Prior to Timor she was at Legal Aid Queensland, putting her Bachelor of Law/Journalism into practice. She is new to Victoria and to the disability sector here and is now on board with the Leadership Plus advocacy team to do individual advocacy, data collection and systemic work. Chelsea can be contacted by phone on 9489 2999 or email [email protected]
The Commission Relocates
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission has re- located to Level 3, 204 Lygon Street, Carlton. The move to Carlton will make better dispute resolution facilities available to all Victorians, and help the Commission meet the growing business and organisational demand for its training and information services.
Email addresses and telephone numbers for Commission staff will stay the same and their Enquiry Line remains 1300 292 153. For more information, visit http://www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=56&Itemid=2
New Contact Details for Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS)
YDAS’s old website was hijacked by an overseas company! Their new website is: http://www.ydas.org.au/
Other details should be updated as follows:
Youth Disability Advocacy Servicec/- Youth Affairs Council of Victoria IncLevel 2 180 Flinders Street Melbourne Vic 3000Toll free: 1300 727 176 Manager, George Taleporos, phone: 03 92673755, email:[email protected] Individual Advocate, Martin Healy, phone: 03 92673733 email:[email protected]
YDAS Project Officer, Bec Feldman, phone: 03 9267 3712 email:[email protected]
New Contacts for AMIDA
Action for More Independence & Dignity in Accommodation (AMIDA) has a new website: http://www.amida.org.au/
For general enquiries email: [email protected]
Australian Community Workers Association launched
After more than twenty years as the Australian Institute of Welfare and Community Workers from today is the new name of the peak professional association for workers within Australia’s community sector is Australian Community Workers Association.
The change follows a consultation process with members, who called for a new identity to better reflect the industry and contemporary community workers — the unique work they do, their professionalism and their value to society. National President, Colleen Blunt, said that comments from members, and results of polls on new name and logo options, gave a clear direction for the new identity. “Our sector has changed in the last twenty years and the results of our consultation process show this,” she said. “The results of our polls were overwhelmingly and significantly positive, and lead us to the new name and the creative design of the logo. The concept for the logo came from the idea of a ‘circle of life’. The circle represents the combining of knowledge, skills, experience and areas of expertise in a unified entity. It shows our members getting together in an association to nurture and support the whole, similar to the way they work with individuals, families, groups and communities in practice.”
As a result of careful planning for the future, a number of developments are coming at ACWA. The strategic plan for 2011–2013 is in place, and staff and committees are working hard to achieve the priorities outlined in the plan. The plan will be released on the new website in the next few weeks. Visit the new website at http://www.acwa.org.au/
N ew Chief Executive Officer of the Council to Homeless Persons Announced
Jenny Smith comes to CHP after a long career in the public sector, working at policy, management and service delivery levels, in health, mental health, community health, and in government.
Jenny has a keen understanding of the community sector, both as social worker and as a manager of health services. She brings an acute appreciation of the causes of homelessness from her long history in providing services responding to people experiencing multiple levels of disadvantage. Jenny will commence her role at CHP on Tuesday, 14 June.
IN THE NEWS
Education Reversal Over Funding for Autistic Boy The Age, Goya Dmytryshchak, 1 June 2011
Six-year-old Yarraville boy Oscar French was denied funding for an integration aide at his mainstream school because he knew too many big words, such as ''flexible''. But the Education Department has shown it knows the meaning of the word by reversing its decision and allocating $19,000 for an aide to help the boy, who has autism.
As reported by The Age in April, Oscar was regressing, crying uncontrollably and having daily meltdowns after one term in prep. He was denied an aide because he scored 73 on the department's language test - three marks over the cutoff for funding. He knows many words, such as ''flexible'', which he picked up from Lego's flexible train tracks - but cannot use them in their correct context.
His mother, Emma Stirling, said she was thrilled at the department's change of heart, which would be life-changing for Oscar, his classmates, teacher and family. ''It also allows us now to apply for a place at Western Autistic School and we, in fact, have a meeting to explore this at the Laverton campus,'' Ms Stirling said. ''So from a desperate situation we now have two options.'' However, she said the assessment, monitoring and support for children with autism was in the Dark Ages. ''Our family life has been in chaos and we have definitely exacerbated his autism symptoms during this time,'' Ms Stirling said. ''We feel for other families in our situation. ''We still are dismayed at the process and criteria and that it has taken until June for an outcome and the right support for our son. The current process within the education department is inadequate and flawed.
Oscar's case is similar to that of another Yarraville boy, Matthew Smoljko, whose plight was revealed by The Age in February. Although he self-harmed and could not hold a pencil, Matthew was deemed to have scored too well in the language test to be enrolled at Western Autistic School. Following our report, the department reversed its decision.
Williamstown MP Wade Noonan renewed his calls for a review of assessment criteria.
''This is the second time this year that I've raised a case like Oscar's, which has resulted in a welcome backflip by the department and government. Surely this latest outcome demonstrates a need for change.''
Department spokeswoman Megan McNaught said Ms Stirling's appeal showed the system was working. ''All schools can reapply for additional resources under the Program for Students with Disabilities,'' she said.
To read the full story, visit:http://www.theage.com.au/national/education/education-reversal-over-funding-for-autistic-boy-20110531-1femy.html#ixzz1NycGBXGZ
Withdrawal of Temporary Exemption Application for Victorian Regional Bus Services
We have been advised that the temporary exemption application advised last week regarding Victorian regional bus services has been withdrawn by the applicant.
For further information regarding withdrawal of proposal please contact David Mason, Director Disability Rights Policy, Australian Human Rights Commission by email [email protected]
Disability Funding Runs DryABC News, 27 May 2011
Advocacy Tasmania says the Government needs to provide more disability money in next month's state budget.
The Human Services Minister has admitted that the money to help Tasmanians living with a disability to remain independent has run out. Cassy O'Connor has confirmed about 285 people living with a disability are waiting for "individual support packages" which provide help to allow them remain in their own homes and communities. Ms O'Connor says all the funds within the budget have been spent. She says despite increased funding, demand continues to grow. "We had a finite set of money, that money has all been allocated but I'm trying to what I can to find some money to try and help priority cases," the Minister said. The size of support packages range in cost, depending on an individual's circumstances. Advocacy Tasmania wants the
Government to prioritise the issue in next month's state budget and allocate additional funding to end the current waiting list.
Advocacy's Ken Hardaker says it is crucial more money is found. "We're talking about basic essential services to enable people to live," he said. "It means that those people who are not able to access those packages really have a very poor quality of life. So it's an essential
The story can be found at:http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/05/27/3228841.htm
EVENTS
Accessible Tourism Forum
When: Wednesday 15 June 2011, forum from 4:00pm – 6:00pm then networking from 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Clarendon Room, 2 Clarendon Street, Southbank, Melbourne
Register: Complete the registration form available at: http://www.daru.org.au/events/items/2011/06/371166-upload-00001.pdf Return by Wednesday 8 June 2011 by fax 03 8662 5449 or email [email protected]
Cost: Member $50, Non-member $70
Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) invites you to the quarterly tourism industry forum. The size of our ageing population is set to increase dramatically in the coming years. This cohort will be retiring sooner and living longer, and may be even travelling more frequently. But of course, with age come physical and mental ailments and this presents challenges not only for those affected, but for the communities and businesses around them. 88 % of people with a disability take a holiday each year with the total tourism expenditure attributable to the group being over $8 billion per year, or 11% of overall tourism expenditure; the numbers are staggering. Learn about:
What constitutes inclusive and accessible tourism
Research and data on market trends Cost of compliance with accessibility legislation What the tourism industry is doing to meet the needs and
demands of this market segment
Should you have any special requests please let VTIC know upon registration.
Making Headway - Not-for-profit Law & Regulation Forum
When: Thursday 16 June, 2:00pm – 4:30pmWhere: Multicultural Hub – Blue Room, 506 Elizabeth StreetRegister: Places are limited. Register online at:
http://makingheadway.eventbrite.com
VCOSS is partnering with Changemakers Australia to present a forum about the current initiatives in the non-for-profit law and regulation area.
Making Headway is a forum that will have presentations from the Australian Tax Office (ATO), Tessa Boyd-Caine from the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) and Esther Abram from Changemakers Australia.
The ATO will present on the draft charities Tax Ruling, which has been updated to take account of High Court decisions on Word Investments and Aid/Watch.
Esther Abram from Changemakers will present the results of her research into the legal barriers to charities doing or funding advocacy. She will reflect on whether the draft Tax Ruling resolves the barriers to advocacy and seek input from participants into the ATO’s consultation process.
The ATO and Tessa Boyd-Caine will present on the recent Budget announcements regarding the establishment of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, changes to tax concessions and the introduction of a statutory definition of charity.
One Person at a Time Conference
When: 8 & 9 August 2011Where: Melbourne Park function Centre, Batman Avenue,
MelbourneRegister: Download the registration form from:
http://www.plavic.net.au/
Most people seek a life that is valued, purposeful and contributes to the lives of others. Such opportunities are often denied when a person has a disability. This conference includes a range of inspiring speakers who will share real stories of people with a disability taking up valued roles in our communities, living fulfilling lifestyles and making a huge difference in regard to how the community views disability.
For speaker biographies, program and pricing information, visit:http://www.plavic.net.au/
For more information, contact Sandra Morris on phone 9739 8333 or email [email protected]
PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
VCOSS Notice Board – Special Edition30 May 2011
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.
This special edition contains our state budget analysis and heaps more:
2011-12 State Budget - the VCOSS verdict VCOSS State Budget analysis - children and families, young
people and youth justice, changing climate, emergency management, costs of living, sector sustainability, education and early childhood, housing and homelessness, transport, and health
Review of the state's finances - our response and June 22 event with David Hayward
Register now for the VCOSS Congress 2011 on Friday August 5 - and Community Sector Leaders Dinner on Thursday August 4
VCOSS Congress 2011 Program Congress 2011 keynote speaker Naomi Eisenstadt Congress 2011 Community Sector Leaders Dinner - Guest
speaker Dr Cindy Blackstock
To view this newsletter online and to subscribe, visit:http://email.agentcommunicate.com/t/ViewEmail/r/7A613B214B2AFF4E/8A17A46DC286DFC8EBAD456BEB5F1DD6
National Disability Care and Support Inquiry Submission
Women with Disabilities Australia (WWDA), the peak organisation representing women with disabilities in Australia, and Women with Disabilities Victoria, the peak NGO for women with disabilities in Victoria, recently contributed a joint Submission to the second stage of the Productivity Commission’s National Disability Care and Support Inquiry. The joint submission was developed in response to the Productivity Commission’s Draft Report of the Inquiry, released in February 2011, and was informed by women with disabilities who participated in specific public forums for women with disabilities in Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. Many more women with disabilities provided input to the process via email, telephone, and participation in forums, seminars and Conferences conducted during the term of the Inquiry.
The emphasis of the joint submission is how to ensure lived experiences which arise from gender, with attention to the perspective of women and girls in particular, are considered in the development of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and addressed in its implementation. The submission addresses a number of issues of specific interest to women with disabilities, including for example: Sexuality, Parenting and Reproductive Rights; Health and wellbeing; Employment; and, Safety and violence. The submission includes a number of case studies to highlight and give a context to the issues raised, and contains a number of specific recommendations.
The submission builds on WWDA’s 2010 Submission to the Inquiry, entitled ‘Gendering the National Disability Care and Support Scheme’. To read this report, visit:http://www.wwda.org.au/subs2006.htm
Communication Resource Centre NewsletterIssue 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.
This newsletter can be downloaded at:http://www.scopevic.org.au/index.php/cms/frontend/resource/id/736/name/CRC_Newsletter_May_2011.pdf
NDIS NewsletterFirst Edition
The first edition of the Victoria and Tasmania National Disability Insurance Scheme e-update is now available in PDF format at:http://www.daru.org.au/publications/items/2011/06/371272-upload-00001.pdf
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 [email protected]
TRAINING
Speak Up if You've Got Something to Say … Challenging Behaviour Interactive Workshop
When: Wednesday 27 July 2011, 9.30am to 4.30pmWhere: Ether Conference Centre, Lower Level, 265 Little Bourke
St, MelbourneRegister: Complete the registration form and return to ASID. Form
can be downloaded from:http://www.field.org.au/infocast11/asid/challenging_behaviour.pdf
Cost: ASID member $100, non member $125, group discount of 5 or more $100 each.
This is a one day workshop, hosted by ASID that will encourage practitioners to participate and share their experiences. The day will focus on how we can support those who experience intellectual disability, and or autism who exhibit challenging behaviour.
The workshop will be introduced by Sharon Paley with a ‘humorous’ take on why people may choose to communicate how they feel by
using a range of behaviours. There will be an opportunity for delegates to consider how our own experiences may impact on how we react and interact with behaviour which we find personally challenging.
The workshop will conclude with a discussion on the principle of positive behaviour support and how we can start to implement some of the basic principles on a day to day basis.
Sharon tells stories as part of her presentation style; they are often very personal accounts and reflections of her experiences of supporting people over the past 30 years.
For more information, email:[email protected]
SUBMISSIONS, CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS
Experience of Women’s Health Survey
Equality Rights Alliance are mapping women's experiences of health services in Australia. The project will provide evidence of the current status of services, and identify gaps or inadequacies in women's health services. The project aims to promote policy options to ensure health services respond to women's diverse needs. A survey of women's experience of health services is being conducted now, with the launch of a women's health services map in early July 2011.
To have your say, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/womenshealth2011
The survey is open until Friday 24 June 2011.
Volunteers and the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 – Issues Paper
Organisations working with volunteers need to know that they have responsibilities under the Equal Opportunity Act 2010, and volunteers need to know that they have protection from discrimination and sexual harassment.
In response to requests from volunteers and community organisations, the Commission is developing tools and resources to help organisations comply with their obligations under the new Act and to help volunteers understand their rights under the Act. These resources will be made available later this year.
To understand the issues facing volunteers and organisations the Commission ran an online survey earlier this year, and received over 500 responses. Informed by the survey responses, the Commission has developed an issues paper. Download the Issues paper from:http://www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&task=download&id=655&Itemid=3
Feedback on the issues paper will help to guide and target the development of the resources.
Volunteers and organisations working with volunteers are invited to respond to the questions and issues raised in the paper by 10 June 2011.
For more information and to provide feedback on the paper contact: Rivkah Nissim, Senior Advisor, Strategic Projects on (03) 9032 3405 or [email protected]
Taxi Industry Inquiry
On 28 March 2011, the Victorian State Government announced a major independent inquiry into the Victorian taxi and hire car industry.
Professor Allan Fels AO has been appointed to head the inquiry. Professor Fels will be assisted by Dr David Cousins AM.
The inquiry will undertake a comprehensive investigation into all aspects of the taxi and hire car industry and recommend a set of reforms to the government focused on achieving better outcomes for the travelling public.
One of the focus areas of the Inquiry is the Multi-Purpose Taxi Program (MPTP) and how well services for people with disabilities or mobility impairments are provided.
The first official background paper for the inquiry titled 'Setting the Scene' is available for public interest and comment. To download the paper, visit:http://www.taxiindustryinquiry.vic.gov.au/web36/home.nsf/headingpagesdisplay/publicationsSubmissions based on this paper are due by 24 June 2011.For more information, contact the Inquiry on phone (03) 9655 2000 or email: [email protected]
To assist people with a disability to have their voices and issues heard in the Inquiry, YDAS has put together the following short survey which should only take 10-15 minutes to complete. If you are a person with a disability, who uses taxis, click the link below to begin: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CFVBMHD
Your feedback is really valuable and will help to improve taxi services for you and other people with disabilities in Victoria.
The survey will close on Wednesday, June 15th. If you would prefer to give feedback via phone, please call Bec on 9267 3712.
Melbourne Mobility Centre Would Like to Hear from You!
By completing this survey you have an opportunity to tell us what you think is important, how well we are meeting your needs and how we build our service for the future.
It doesn’t matter if you have visited the Centre yet or not. Why not let us know how you feel, and have a say in services provided to you by the City of Melbourne by taking a few minutes to complete this survey?
The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete and will be open until 6 June.
To participate in the survey, visit: http://survey.theoru.com.au/survey/scyWebDe.dll/pass/L1104b
For more information about this study, contact Canon Varol, Metro Access Project Officer, on phone 9658 9091 or email [email protected]
PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS
Financial Governance Advisor - Leadership Plus
Leadership Plus believes in an inclusive society in which people with disabilities are valued members of the community, have opportunities to achieve their full potential and have ownership of their own destiny. Leadership Plus aims to increase self-determination; developing empowering relationships and networks between people with disabilities and eliminate disabling structures in society.
The Board of Management is comprised of people with disabilities who are responsible for the strategic direction, financial viability, legal compliance and accountability of the organisation. The Board seeks the assistance of a Financial Governance Advisor to assist it in this role. The position is a voluntary one.
Overview
The role of the financial advisor is to attend Board meetings and provide advice to the Board to assist in its responsibility for the financial viability and effectiveness of the organisation including:
Development of the annual budget to the Board for approval
Development and review of financial policies and procedures and
compliance with these
Oversight of financial planning and the production of financial
reports
Knowledge of financial accounting standards and procedures for
non-profit organisations
Review of the monthly Profit and Loss Statements and Balance
sheets
Review of and action related to the Board’s financial
responsibilities
The financial statements for the purpose of the annual audit
Works with the Chief Executive Officer and Accountant or Book
Keeper to ensure that appropriate financial reports are made
available to the Board on a timely basis
Ensuring the annual audit is conducted and any material items are
brought to the attention of the Board together with an action plan to
address these
Ensuring the Board’s financial policies are being followed
Ensuring compliance with Leadership Plus’s governing document,
charity status, company law and any other relevant legislation or
regulations
Protection and the proper investment of Leadership Plus’s funds
Skills, qualifications and characteristics
Registered as a Chartered Practising Accountant
Commitment to the organisation
Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
Strategic vision
Good, independent judgment
Willingness to speak their mind
Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities
and liabilities
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
Skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial
consequences
Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an
ad hoc basis
Note: Leadership Plus currently employs the services of a bookkeeper to prepare monthly profit and loss and balance sheets using MYOB.
For a job description or more information please phone: (03)9489 2999 or email [email protected]
To apply for the role please send current resume and letter detailing interest to;
Steve Peuschel CEOLeadership PlusEmail: [email protected]: 86 Herbert Street Northcote VIC 3070
Applications close: 30 June 2011
Administration and Communications Officer
Level: ACT MEA (SACS Award) Level 4 ($24.64 per hour from 1 July 2011)Hours: 25 - 30 hours per week, negotiable (Some out of hours work may be requested from time to time)
Advocacy for Inclusion, located in Pearce, ACT is seeking a new member for our vibrant and close knit team as the result of an overseas posting. This position is pivotal to the success of our work and provides team support across all areas of the organisation.
The Administration and Communications Officer is accountable to the General Manager and is supervised by her. Advocacy for Inclusion works within a human rights framework. We acknowledge the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and our obligations under the ACT Human Rights Act. All staff are expected to understand these instruments and work to support them. Summary of responsibilities: The Administration & Communications Officer provides executive support to the General Manager, secretariat support to the Board, office management and membership communications services. The successful applicant will be required to undergo a police check for working with people with disabilities.
Advocacy for Inclusion is a registered charity and has generous salary packaging provisions available. We are a family friendly workplace and support our staff to have lives outside t he workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to apply, particularly people with disabilities. Full information about this position is available on the Advocacy for Inclusion website www.advocacyforinclusion.org. Applications must address the selection criteria and be received no later than COB Friday 17 June 2011.
Welcome to the weekly Update from the Disability Advocacy Resource Unit (DARU). If you would like to be removed from this list or kept up to date another way, please reply to this email and let us know.
DARU has been funded by the state government. It is run by a governance group, including members of the Victorian Disability Advocacy Network (VDAN), and the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS). DARU’s staff currently includes a Co-ordinator, Sharon Granek, and an Administration Officer, Natasha Brake.
We are always happy to hear from people who are interested in what we do. If you have a question, an idea, some news you’d like to see in the next update, or even if you just want to tell us something we’re doing is good or bad, get in touch! Call us on 03 9639 5807 or email [email protected].
Please note that material contained in the DARU Update copy does not necessarily reflect the policy of DARU or the views of any staff members. Statements in the DARU Update do not comprise advice and readers should avail themselves of professional advice where appropriate.
