DARU Update
16 August 2010
• AGENCY PROFILE
 IN THE NEWS
 ELECTION 2010
 EVENTS
 PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
 TRAINING
 SUBMISSIONS, CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS
 PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS
AGENCY PROFILE
Meet Disability Advocacy and Information Service (DAIS)
DAIS provides Individual advocacy, systemic advocacy, self advocacy
training, court assistance and outreach across north east Victoria and
southern New South Wales.
Office locations include Benalla and Wodonga. Wodonga has
recently been renovated and now has two meeting rooms that allow
for private and confidential interviews as well as a training room which
will be used to conduct self advocacy training. The newly introduced
logo and corporate image add to the fresh new look.
Funding form the Law Foundation of Victoria has just been received
to provide justice support to people with disabilities attending
Wodonga Court. The Justice Support Network will train volunteers to
support people with a disability who need to attend court either as an
accused, victim or witness. This service will expand the advocacy
effort as staff will have more time for vital follow up once the outcome
of a hearing has been determined.
IN THE NEWS
Disabled Australians Subjected to Hate Crimes
Annie Guest, ABC News Online, 7 August 2010
New research reveals thousands of Australians with disabilities are
increasingly being subjected to hate crimes.
But the researcher making the claims, visiting US academic Dr Mark
Sherry, says the lack of legal recognition of disability hate crime
means it is often characterised as abuse and penalised lightly.
To read full article, visit
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/07/2976378.htm?section
=justin
Scientists Develop Autism Brain Scan
The Australian, correspondents in London, 11 August, 2010
British scientists have developed a 15-minute brain scan they hope
could be used to detect autism in children, cutting both the time and
cost of diagnosing the disorder.
Researchers from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London
today published details of the technique, which has been tested on
adults and shown to have 90 per cent accuracy in detecting autism.
Children are presently assessed through a lengthy process that tests
social interaction, communication and imaginative skills.
A confirmed diagnosis is rare before 18 months, and most often
occurs much later.
Christine Ecker, a member of the institute's research team, said the
new tool's benefits could be "immense". "It could help to alleviate the
need for the emotional, time-consuming and expensive diagnosis
process which ASD (autism spectrum disorder) patients and families
currently have to endure.”
To read the full article, visit
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/breaking-news/scientistsdevelop-autism-brain-scan/story-fn3dxity-1225903810193
Anger as Disabled Pupils Spend up to 4 Hours on Bus
Sunday Age, Natalie Craig, 15 August 2010
Disabled children are spending up to four hours a day on Victorian
school buses, where they are banned from eating and drinking and
cannot take toilet breaks.
Parents say their children have suffered dehydration, toileting
problems and emotional distress on the free bus service that runs
children to and from specialist schools.
The Education Department says it has introduced 89 bus services to
special schools since 2007. But disability advocates say travel times
remain excessive.
Matthew Potocnik said his nine-year-old son, who has Angelman
syndrome and cannot walk unassisted or speak, is picked up from
home in Brunswick at 7.20am and, after several stops to collect other
children, arrives at Glenroy Specialist School about 9am. His round
trip can be close to four hours.
''By the time he gets to school, he is just too tired to participate
Disability discrimination advocate Julie Phillips said she had heard
similar complaints about the bus service from about 30 parents in the
past two years.
''Normal children wouldn't spend 4½ hours a day on the bus mainstream society wouldn't accept it,'' she said. ''But because we're
a minority, they're not prepared to spend the money.''
Stephanie Gotlib, head of Children with Disability Australia, said
conditions on the buses remained ''inhumane''.
For the full story, visit http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/anger-asdisabled-pupils-spend-up-to-four-hours-a-day-on-bus-201008141248a.html
Congratulations Wesa! - Young Victorian of the Year
Last month Wesa Chau was announced the 2010 Young Victorian of
the Year for helping international students confront the issues she
faced. She was given the award in recognition of her work with
young people from CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse)
backgrounds.
Wesa founded the Australian Federation of International Students in
2002. She is also a counselor at ethnic community radio station 3ZZZ
and deputy president of the Chinese Community Council of Australia.
Wesa works for ADEC (Action on Disability in Ethnic Communities)
and is a committee member at Disability Connections Victoria.
ELECTION 2010
Time for Action has Arrived.
The National Roundtable of Nonprofit Organisations Media Release, 9 August
2010
The National Roundtable of Nonprofit Organisations welcomes the
ALP’s new policy on the Not-for-Profit (NFP) sector because it
addresses some of the issues which are holding back the NFP sector
from achieving its enormous potential for the Australian community.
“The NRNO welcomes the ALP’s commitment to strengthening the
NFP sector by creating a dedicated office for the NFP sector, taking
steps towards a ”one-stop shop” sector regulator and the proposed
improvements in contracting arrangements for NFP agencies,” said
NRNO Chair, David Thompson.
“After 15 years of debate and numerous reviews, Australia urgently
needs to move beyond its antiquated and cumbersome regulatory,
taxation and financing arrangements. An example of how far Australia
has fallen behind is that Australia has 40 statutes and 19 government
agencies responsible for NFP taxation,” he said. Mr. Thompson
added that: “The major parties must commit to a decision-making
timeline so that the NFP sector can move into the 21st century. The
NRNO calls upon the Coalition to announce its plan, prior to the
election, for change to the NFP’s regulatory, taxation and financing
arrangements in light of the Productivity Commission report and the
Henry Tax Review.
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact
Jenny Mercer on mobile 0400599339 or email jmercer@ja.com.au
Peacock Faulted for 'Handicapped' Gaffe
ABC News, 9 August, 2010
Disability groups are angered by former Liberal leader Andrew
Peacock's comments that only "handicapped" people could fail to see
what a poor state the Federal Government is in.
The former Opposition leader made the comments while campaigning
in the Melbourne seat of Kooyong for the local Liberal candidate,
Josh Fydenberg.
Mr Peacock told ABC News Breakfast that while he is now living
overseas, what has been happening in the Labor Party is plain to see.
"You'd need to be pretty handicapped not to appreciate this
Government is dissolving before your eyes daily," he said.
David Brant, spokesman for the Australian Federation of Disability
Organisations, says Mr Peacock's remarks are insulting. "I was very
upset by the comments," he said. "They imply that people with
disabilities are people who can't think for themselves, who can't
function. I'm upset by the comments because they certainly don't fit
me and they don't fit the vast majority of people with disabilities."
Labor's parliamentary secretary for disabilities, Bill Shorten, says Mr
Peacock is using nasty language to make cheap political points. "Why
does he have to use someone's impairment to make a point?" he
said. "He doesn't have to attack and use the intellectual disability of
thousands of people and say that that is the distinguishing factor of
whether or not you know what's going on in this country or not."
To read full article, visit
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/08/09/2977284.htm
OZ Advocacy Election E-Postcard to Support Arts and Disability
To participate, copy the statement and dot points below into a new
email message.
I support arts and disability and my vote counts
• People with disability are 20% of Australia’s population yet
significant barriers prevent their participation in arts and cultural
life.
• Over 90% of 812 respondents to a July 2010 survey on the
National Arts and Disability Strategy agreed that access to
career pathways and training opportunities are limited for artists
with a disability and that improving access to the arts should be
supported by dedicated funding in addition to making all funding
programs accessible.
• We are calling on the Australian Government to invest $20
million over the next four years to implement the National Arts
and Disability Strategy, with an additional $4 million for Creative
Ageing, so people with disability can take their place, as artists
and audiences, alongside all Australians.
Then copy and paste these four addresses into the To: field of your
email
peter.garrett.mp@aph.gov.au, bill.shorten.mp@aph.gov.au,
steven.ciobo.mp@aph.gov.au, info@artsaccess.com.au
EVENTS
Nominate Now for the 2010 Diversity@Work Employment &
Inclusion Awards
Join the ranks of Australia’s leading academic institutions,
government departments, multi-national corporations and not for
profit organisations applauded for their leading diversity and inclusion
initiatives and programs by submitting a nomination before Monday
23 August 2010.
Nominations can be accepted under the following categories:
• The Employment & Inclusion of People with a Disability
• The Employment & Inclusion of Culturally and Linguistically
Diverse Australians
• The Employment & Inclusion of Mature Age Workers
• The Employment & Inclusion of Indigenous Australians
• The Employment & Inclusion of Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual,
Transgender and Intersex
• The Equal Advancement of Women within the Workplace
• Today’s Youth - the Future of Tomorrow
For more information, visit the Diversity@Work website at
http://diversityatwork.com.au/events/home
Eastern Recreation and Leisure Services Industry Briefing 2010
When: Wednesday 18th August 2010, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Where: SportLink, 2 Hanover Street, Vermont South
To register: RSVP by phoning Olivia Nam on 9720 5944 or
email aaa3@erls.net
Is your organisation enabling of people with a disability?
Do people with a disability feel comfortable coming into your
organisation or club?
Simon Nette, Leadership Plus, will run an interactive session to look
at enabling environments and workshop ideas on how you can make
your organisation or club a welcoming place for people of all abilities.
For more information, download a flyer from the DARU website at
http://www.daru.org.au/events/items/2010/08/343302-upload00001.pdf
Access to Premises Standards Information Session
When: Tuesday 7 September 2010, 2:30 pm to 4:45 pm
Where: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Training Room 2
250-290 Spring Street, Melbourne
To register: RSVP by 31 August 2010 by phoning 9208 3015 or
email daps@dpcd.vic.gov.au
The National Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards
(Premises Standards) are due to come into force on 1 May 2011.
They will lead to significant improvements in the level of access
required in all new public buildings and existing buildings undergoing
renovation.
The Access to Premises information session will cover:
The objectives behind the Premises Standards
Who is responsible for complying with the Premises Standards
Main features including exceptions and concessions
Areas of buildings and levels of access required.
For more information, download a flyer from the DARU website at
http://www.daru.org.au/events/items/2010/08/343305-upload00001.doc
Rob McNamara Exhibition Aims for an Inclusive Society
When: 27 August – 9 September. Opening Friday 27 August,
5:00pm - 7:00pm.
Where: Collingwood Gallery, Smith Street, Collingwood
Field presents its annual art exhibition showcasing the works of artists
with and without disability. The 2010 Rob McNamara Exhibition,
exploring the theme Beyond First Impressions: What changes if you
get to know me?
Now in its third year, the exhibition is a mixed media presentation,
and includes painting, print-making, jewellery and written works by
established and emerging Australian artists.
For more information, visit
http://www.field.org.au/events/exhibition/index.html
Bar None Employment Exhibition
This week the Office for Disability launched the Bar None
Employment Campaign in Geelong at the TAC. The Campaign
features 15 Victorians with a disability ranging from teachers and
business analysts to artists and opera singers and profiles their
journey to employment.
To see images of the Bar None exhibition, touring council offices
around the state, visit www.officefordisability.vic.gov.au
The Other Film Festival
The Other Film Festival is Australia’s only disability film festival,
screening an outstanding program of Australian and international
films by, with and about people with disabilities. The festival offers
something for everyone, exploring the diverse experiences of
disability and mental illness.
All films are Captioned and Audio Described and all events are Sign
Interpreted in Auslan.
The Other Film Festival screens from 25 25-29 August 2010 at the
Melbourne Museum.
For more information, visit http://www.otherfilmfestival.com/
WESABI Presents Two Films - Not to be Missed!
When: Thursday 26 August, 6-8pm
Where: Ground Floor Ross House, 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Cost: Gold Coin donation. Food and drink available at small cost.
RSVP: Email lbrumtis@hotmail.com
Brain Damaj’d and Disability Culture Rap provoke historical/hysterical
version of people with a disability. A fabulous raffle of original artwork
and photography by WESABI's award winning artists is another
feature of the evening.
For more information, contact Larissa 9687 3231 or SARU on 9639
6856
PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
A Guide to the UN Disability Convention
This guide has been developed by the UK Equality and Human
Rights Commission.
The Convention outlines the rights of people with a disability and is a
valuable resource for both individuals and disability agencies.
Available formats include:
Online in PDF and Word to either view or download
Video format with British Sign Language and subtitles
Easy read version
For more information visit
http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/human-rights/a-guide-to-the-undisability-convention/
TRAINING
People with Disability and How the Victorian Charter Can Help
When: 27 September 2010, 2-5pm
Where: Hayden Raysmith Room, 4th Floor, Ross House, 247 -- 251
Flinders Lane, Melbourne
To register: RSVP by 20 September 2010 to Julie Phillips, Disability
Discrimination Legal Service by phoning 9654 8644, TTY 9654 6817
or e-mail manager@ddls.org.au
Due to popular demand the Disability Discrimination Legal Service,
Federation of Community Legal Centres and Human Rights Law
Resource Centre is running another workshop for disability advocates
on how to use the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act.
Advocates are invited to submit questions or case studies that they
may wish to be discussed in advance.
Auslan interpreters and attendant care available.
For more information, download a workshop flyer from
http://www.daru.org.au/training/items/2010/08/343017-upload00001.doc
Leadership Program 2011
There is only six weeks to go until applications close, so don’t miss
out.
An application kit, containing guidelines on how to apply, application
form and seminar program, may be requested from Suzanne
Thomas, Manager Leadership Programs, by phoning 03 9481 7154
or email sthomas@leadershipplus.com.
Applications close on the 24th September 2010
DARU Workshop – Need to be Media Savvy?
When: Wednesday 1st September, 2010, 10-00am - 4-00pm
Where: VCOSS Boardroom, Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street
Melbourne
To register: Complete the registration form available at
http://www.daru.org.au/training/items/2010/06/329795-upload00001.docx or phone DARU on 9639 5807 or email
admin@daru.org.au or phone DARU on 9639 5807.
This workshop will teach you the four principles to guide your
communications including:
• What Media Wants: know the rules of the game & get the media
coverage you seek.
• Communications Commandments: four principles to guide your
communications.
• Media Releases: writing, distribution and follow up, professional
distribution options
• Preparing the right answers to the right questions
For more information, visit the DARU website at
http://www.daru.org.au/training/list.chtml?folder=DARU%20Workshop
s
SUBMISSIONS, CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS
The 2010 Grief Awareness Week Forum - Loss and Grief:
Pathways to Resilience
When: Thursday 26 August 2010, 9:30am – 4:30pm (register from
9:00am)
Where: Caulfield Hospital 250 Kooyong Road Caulfield, Ashley
Ricketson Centre (Building 22, entre via Gate No2). Melways 67 K3.
To register: Complete the registration form at
http://www.nalagvic.org.au/documents/GWFRegistrationForm2010_0
00.pdf
This forum is presented by The National Association for Loss and
Grief (Vic).
The guest presenters will each examine the theme of the forum as it
relates to their own area of expertise. The presentations will be of
interest to all who work in or have an interest in Loss and Grief
generally and Non-finite issues in particular.
For more information, download a flyer at
http://www.nalagvic.org.au/documents/GWF2010Flyer.pdf
PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS
Publication Manager
• Full time, fixed term until 30 June 2011
• Immediate start
• CBD location
Victoria Law Foundation is currently recruiting for a maternity leave
cover for its Publications Manager.
The successful applicant will enjoy the challenge of working on a wide
range of plain language legal publishing activities. Excellent
publications project management, writing and editing skills essential.
For a full position description and information on how to apply, visit
http://www.victorialawfoundation.org.au/about-us/employment
Advocate/Guardian
 Full time ongoing
 CBD location
 Salary range $74,018-$89,556
The Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) is an independent statutory
office accountable to the Victorian Parliament which has been
established to protect the rights and enhance the position of people
with disabilities in Victoria. Advocate guardians act under delegation
from the Public advocate as guardians of last resort, conduct
investigations and undertake advocacy on behalf of people with a
disability
Key Accountabilities include:
 Under delegation from the Public Advocate, act as guardian for
people with disabilities making complex decisions about lifestyle
and medical treatment issues in situations which may involve
significant conflict, consistent with the requirements and
principles of the Guardianship and Administration Act 1986 (the
Act).
 Provide guardianship decision making in emergencies and after
hours, including assessing the requirement for, making
applications in respect of and exercising the coercive authority
of Sections 26 & 27 of the Act.
 Undertake complex investigations and provide sound advice
and reports concerning disputed financial, medical and lifestyle
matters involving people with disabilities for whom an
application has been made to the Victorian Civil and
Administrative Tribunal.
 Provide individual advocacy for people with disabilities who are
at risk of or who are experiencing exploitation, abuse or neglect.
 Appear before, prepare and present written and/or oral reports
to VCAT and other courts and tribunals as required.
 Participate in the community education program including
undertaking speaking engagements.
 Participate as rostered in the Advice Service, providing advice
or information on disability issues.
The full job description is available at
https://jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/jobtools/b_fileupload.proc_download?i
n_file_id=12990243&in_servicecode=CUSTOMSEARCH&in_organid
=14123&in_sessionid=0&in_hash_key=A384A4A014C34802C0BEE8
C1A4924605
Enquiries about the position should be directed to Lisa Hong on 9032
3466 or email careers@justice.vic.gov.au to request the
advertisement or any accompanying documentation in an alternative
format.
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 Coordinator, 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 admin@daru.org.au.
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.