DARU Update
15th June 2009
WELCOME
Hello, and 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 a Project Administrator, Melissa Yong
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.
IN THE NEWS
EVENTS
TRAINING
PUBLICATIONS & RESOURCES
PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS
IN THE NEWS
National Charter of Rights Will Protect the Disadvantaged
The Age, 8th June 2009 – by Philip Lynch
Australia's two examples of this process have proved critics wrong.
Critics of a National Charter of Rights have recently shifted their line of
attack. Dire predictions of floods of litigation, get-out-of-jail-free cards,
rampant individualism and the end of democracy have been replaced
with attacks on the constitutionality of a human rights act and the role of
the Australian Human Rights Commission.
This tactical change is necessary because, after four years of the ACT
Human Rights Act and three years of the Victorian Charter of Rights and
Responsibilities, their original claims have been proved profoundly
wrong.
To date, the impact of the Victorian charter and the ACT HRA in the
courtroom has been negligible. Far from being a failure, that is how it
should be. Outside the courtroom, however, these laws are used to
address disadvantage and promote dignity; a fact conveniently ignored
by national charter of rights critics.
To read this article in full click here.
EVENTS
Applying Human Rights: Community Practitioners' Forum
When Thursday 18th June 5.30pm – 7.30 pm
Where Researcher's Lounge building 28, level 5. Entrance through
Building 8, Level 5.
Register To RSVP contact Barbara via phone 99252395 or email
Barbara.legg@rmit.edu.au
For the last year the Australian Centre for Human Rights Education
(ACHRE) at RMIT University has been providing a Post Graduate
Diploma and Post Graduate Certificate in Applied Human Rights and
together with DHS we are currently implementing an Applied Human
Rights “Incubator” with Departmental staff. These post graduate
programmes explore what it means and what it takes to build a culture
and practice of human rights and seek to develop useful resources and
tools to do so. Relying on the law is not enough.
Over the past year many people have asked us to provide a regular
forum that would enable practitioners to discuss issues, test proposals
and share resources on applying human rights.
We are therefore very pleased to invite you to the inaugural Community
Practitioners' Forum on Applying Human Rights. The topic for our first
forum is ‘Getting Started with Human Rights’.
For more information contact Barbara via phone 99252395 or email
Barbara.legg@rmit.edu.au
Walk With Wheels Support Group
When Every week, on Monday from 10.30am-2.30pm.
Where Banyule Community Health, 21 Alamein Road, West Heidelberg
Register To register phone 9450 2099. Please leave your name and
contact number on the voicemail.
The ‘Walk With Wheels Support Group’ has been set up has been set up
to provide a safe and informative environment to meet the needs of
people who use a walking frame, a manual or electric wheelchair or
mobility scooter.
The support group plans to meet on Mondays from 10.30am -2.30pm
For more information click here or contact Geoff via phone 9457 3485 or
mobile 0407 277 001.
Melbourne- Disability and Sexuality Forum
When Wednesday 29th July 2009, 1pm - 4pm (Registration starts at
12:15pm)
Where Karralyka Centre, Mines Road, Ringwood East. Parking available
on site (Melways Ref: 50 A6)
Register Cost $55. For more information phone 03 8686 5621 or email
maree.ireland@field.org.au
This Forum will explore research into the needs and wants of people
with disabilities in the area of sexuality.
You get an opportunity to look at resources, network, share ideas and
hear from sex workers.
To download a copy of the Forum Flyer click here. For more information
contact Josie via mobile 0438 846 584
Accessing the Future: Assistive Technology in Education and
Employment Forums
When & Where Sydney on Wednesday 19th August & in Newcastle on
Friday 21st August
Register Registrations close Wednesday 5th August 2009. If you have
any special requirements, please register by 29th July to ensure that
these can be put in place for you.
The Forum Program includes a range of practical information about the
types of assistive technology available for use in the education and
employment sectors. There will be presentations by staff that are using
assistive technology in their sector and by people with a disability using
the technology themselves to participate in education, training and
employment.
For more information visit website www.newcastle.edu.au/ndco/atforums
or contact Kay Dean via email kay.dean@newcastle.edu.au or Timothy
Hart via email thart@med.usyd.edu.au.
Ready4work Professional Development Workshops
These workshops are FREE for all staff who belong to organisations that
receive Department of Human Services (DHS) Disability Services
funding.
The workshop is aimed at staff are or would like to have a role in the
induction of others.
The workshops will cover:
 The design, content and use of the four kit components
 The numerous flexible options that are provided by the learning
resource and strategies that are built into the various resource
components
 Various strategies for on-the-job self paced induction
 How induction can be implemented in your organisation/program
 How to plan, implement and evaluate induction
For more information contact Linda via phone 03 8686 5621or email
linda.budd@field.org.au or visit the field website
TRAINING
DARU Training Workshop 3: Working with People with Behaviours
of Concern
When Thursday 23rd July, 10am – 1pm (Registrations start at 9.45am)
Where VCOSS Boardroom - Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street Melbourne
Register To register by Friday 17th July download a copy of the
registration form or contact DARU via email admin@daru.org.au or
phone 9639 5807 to request a copy of the registration form to be
forwarded to you.
About the Workshop
People with disabilities who also have behaviours of concern (previously
called challenging behaviours) present us with a range of problems in
our role as advocates. Listen, learn and ask questions of our expert
panel to better understand these behaviours and help develop positive
management strategies to work with the person. The presentation will
also use case vignettes to look at some of the issues and, using a
variety of options, highlight ways of overcoming some of these barriers
The Training Panel will include Representatives from Villamanta
Disability Rights Legal Service Inc., Office of the Senior Practitioner and
Brown & Kelly Consulting
DARU Training Workshop 4: Domestic Violence and Women With
Disabilities
When Thursday 23rd July, 2pm – 5pm (Registrations start at 1.45pm)
Where VCOSS Boardroom - Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street Melbourne
Register To register by Friday 17th July download a copy of the
registration form or contact DARU via email admin@daru.org.au or
phone 9639 5807 to request a copy of the registration form to be
forwarded to you.
About the Workshop
Women with disabilities are more likely to experience violence and/or
abuse than any other group. A lack of resources and accessible services
makes escaping abuse or violence extremely difficult. This session will
look at the new Family Violence Act and offer advocates training in what
they can do and what resources are available to assist them
The trainer will be Kate Hood from Victorian Women with Disabilities
Network
PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
DARU Advocacy Resource Map
DARU is proud to announce the launch of the DARU Advocacy
Resource Map, an online tool that allows you to search for Disability
Advocacy Organisations and Networks within Victoria.
You might like to visit the Advocacy Resource Map to search for the
following information
 A specific organisation and network in the disability advocacy sector
 Organisations or networks with an office located in a specific region of
Victoria (eg. Eastern region)
 Organisations or networks that provide a type of advocacy (eg.
individual advocacy)
To go the DARU Advocacy Map, visit www.daru.org.au and click on the
‘Advocacy Map’ tab on the left hand side, or type
http://advocacyagencies.daru.org.au/ into your internet tool bar.
DARU welcomes your feedback. To provide feedback or to request that
DARU change information about your organisation contact Melissa via
email admin@daru.org.au or phone 03 9639 5807.
Livewire: Keeping Young People with a Disability Connected
Livewire is a free, safe and fun online community for young people aged
over 10 and under 21 living with a disability, serious illness, or chronic
health condition.
Chat hosts and moderators trained in adolescent health ensure that
Livewire remains a supportive and fun place 7 days a week. Livewire is
working with the Australian Federal Police to make certain all members
of Livewire remain safe while engaging with the community.
This great online community offers:
 chat rooms where young people can meet people their own age
across Australia
 the chance to enter competitions and win awesome prizes
 online games
 forums and blogs
 the latest news, reviews and interviews
To become a Livewire member:
 Go to www.livewire.org.au and click on the ‘Join Livewire’ button; or
 Contact the Livewire Support Team on (02) 8425 5971.
Livewire.org.au is an initiative of the Starlight Children’s Foundation
PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS
Australian Community Support Organisation - Clinical Coordinator
Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) is a community
based not-for-profit agency that provides a range of supports for people
who are experiencing disadvantage. ACSO has particular expertise in
providing services to people who have been in contact, or who are at
risk of contact, with the Criminal Justice System, but also provides
services to a range of other client groups.
The Clinical Coordinator psychologist position is located within the
Disability Programs. The Clinical Coordinator will be required to perform
the responsibilities of an Authorised Program Officer (APO) in
accordance with the Disability Act 2006.
The Clinical Coordinator will also be involved in providing management,
supervision, training and clinical consultancy to the psychologist
responsible for the Problematic Sexual Behaviour Service (PSBS)
program.
The Clinical Coordinator will be expected to liaise, collaborate and
consult with Service Coordinators on matters pertaining to service
provision, which includes the development, implementation and review
of behaviour support plans (BSPs) and support plans (SPs). They will
also be required to develop treatment plans (TPs) as required.
For more information contact Guy via phone 9413 7011. To request a
position description email cfilip@acso.org.au.
Closing date for applications is Friday 3rd July.
ANZ Abilities Program
ANZ believe it is important to understand their customers, and as over
20% of the Australian population currently have a disability, they are
striving to reflect the makeup of the communities in which they operate.
As part of ANZ’s broader diversity initiatives that centres on an inclusive
workforce, they have put in place some measurable targets to ensure
that hiring people with a disability forms part of the overarching plan.
ANZ plans to recruit 35 people with a disability into their organisation by
30 September 2009 and are well on their way to achieving this target.
ANZ appreciate that there are exceptionally talented people within their
chosen profession who may have experienced barriers to employment
due to accessibility. With a Disability Action Plan in place, Accessibility
Managers who ensure work tools such as technology are accessible to
everyone and a Disability Network that brings people together from all
over Australia, ANZ are well equipped to support the hiring of people
with a disability into their organisation.
ANZ would love to hear from people with a disability who have an
interest in working for their organisation. For a confidential discussion
about the Abilities Program contact Joel Kilgour, The ANZ Abilities
Program Manager via phone 03 8685 5368 or email
Joel.Kilgour@anz.com