Association of Blind Citizens of NSW Inc.
MAY2015Newsletter.
Contact Details.
Telephone: 02 9744 1516
Street Address:
4 Mitchell Street, Enfield NSW 2136
Postal Address:
PO Box 1322, Burwood NSW 1805
Email:
Website:
Note to Readers:
Items from external sources are reprinted as information only. For further details, please contact the sources indicated.
Editorial:
At the time of putting this newsletter together, we are looking forward with great interest to the Association’s General Meeting on 23rd May, which will include the launch of a book containing an account of the Association’s early history. This was written by Jim Campbell, Association Secretary until 1940. Bruce Maguire has edited the book and prepared it for publication. It will shortly be available in several accessible formats. More about this and this special occasion in our next newsletter.
Rowena, our Executive Officer, has assembled information on a wide range of topics for this newsletter. I would particularly like to draw your attention to our next meeting at Chatswood on 20th June, where we will gain up-to-date information about the NDIS and changes to aged care services. There will be ample opportunity for questions. The new provisions are going to affect most of us, directly or indirectly, in the coming months or years. Please make an effort to come along to the meeting if you can.We will do our best to disseminate relevant information as it comes to hand.
We have included a list of audio described theatrical performances in the coming weeks. I think we would all like to commend those who give of their time and expertise to enhance our enjoyment of these performances. If you enjoy the theatre, make an effort to come along to those shows that appeal to you. Our support will encourage the continuation and further development of this service.
Read on and enjoy. We would love to have your feedback and contributions.
Marie Shang, Editor.
IN THIS ISSUE:
Update from the Executive Officer
Outings
- Kokoda Memorial Trail Walk
- Wombarra Sculpture Garden
Our Services
- Sewing Service
- Technology Tuition
Meeting Dates.
- Apple Technology Demonstration – 18 June at 10:30 am.
- June General Meeting- 20 June at 2 pm.
For Your Information
- Telephone Technology for People who are DeafBlind
- Community Care and Information Services
- Research Request for Blind and Vision Impaired Women
- NDIS Funds First Guide Dog
Calendarof Events
- The Save Sight Institute Information Day for Teenagers and Young Adults
- Audio Described Events in Sydney
Bequests
Next Newsletter Deadline
Update from theExecutive Officer, Rowena Dowling:
A warm welcome to our new members since our last newsletter, we hope that new and existing members will make the most of your membership by getting involved in the meetings, activities, outings and services that the Association provides.
Members will notice from our contact details at the beginning of this newsletter, that we have a new domain name for email contact and for our website. Please update your records accordingly.
We would appreciate you taking the time to visit our website, to provide feedback and comments on content and layout of the site.
The Association website is a work in progress, and is currently being professionally redesigned, so your feedback is welcomed.
The Association is currently working towards third party verification, and accreditation, and an audit will be taking place in May and June. This is an important process to ensure ongoing quality improvement, and to ensure that we are eligible for future funding opportunities.
I would like to announce a special presentation for our member’s drop-in day. On Thursday 18 June at 10:30 am, in response to requests from our members, our Technology Trainer Margaret Booth will be providing a demonstration of Apple Technology, including Mac Laptop computer, iPod, iPhone, and the talking and magnification accessibility features which are included in these devices. I encourage all interested members to attend this presentation, as it is an opportunity to have a hands on demonstration of devices, and ask any questions you may have, from a trainer who is familiar with accessibility needs of people who are blind or vision impaired.
We have an enthusiastic volunteer, Louise, coordinating our drop-in days on Thursdays. Louise is a qualified Occupational Therapist, and arranges interesting activities and outings for our members.
We are endeavouring to respond to the feedback of our members, to include a diversity of activities and outings, so please attend our drop in days, and the various planned outings.
Outings:
For members and friends of the Association of Blind Citizens of NSW, the following outings have been planned. If you are interested in attending, please contact the office.
KOKODA MEMORIAL TRAIL WALK:
Date THURSDAY 4th JUNE.
Meet at the Association of Blind Citizens, 4 Mitchell Street, Enfield, transport is arranged by mini bus.
Meet at 9.30 for 9.45 start.
The walkway covers more than 800 metres from Rhodes Station to Concord Hospital, and runs along the mangrove studded shores of Brays Bay. There is a memorial centrepiece, rainforest area, rose garden, stations of significance, mangrove boardwalk.
A volunteer veteran will be there to talk us through the various points of interest.
Admission is free but donations are welcome.
There is also a café which has a very good reputation for lunch at your own expense.
Please contact the office to let Rowena or Linda know as soon as possible of your interest to attend.
WOMBARRA SCULPTURE GARDEN:
Located in Illawarra Rainforest. Sculptures are situated in beautiful bushland walks. Paths meander with steps, bridges and seating for quiet moments.
There are approximately 60 sculptures, abstract to figurative, made of stone, bronze, ceramic, steel and concrete. All hands on. The main sculptor GabbyPorter may be on hand to tell us about some of the works.
Coffee or tea provided on arrival.
There is a beautiful picnic area for lunch.
PROPOSED DATE TUESDAY 21st JULY.
Depart from the Association of Blind Citizens at 4 Mitchell Street, Enfield. Transport arranged by mini bus.
Meet at 9:00 am for 09:30 am departure. Return approx. 3pm.
Cost of entry $10 each.
We need to decide if we are going to take picnic lunches or eat at a local venue at your own expense.
Please contact the office to let Rowena or Linda know if you are interested to attend this outing, as soon as possible.
Also please advise your lunch preference.
Our SERVICES:
Sewing Service:
The sewing service is available on Thursdays. Bring in your garments requiring repair or alterations, and Linda will be able to assist you.
Technology Tuition:
Individualised tuition is available in both Windows and Apple technology as well as assistance with mobile phones. If you are thinking of launching into technology or you would like to learn more, contact our office to discuss.
The cost for tuition for members is $25 per hour.
Meeting Dates:
Apple Technology Demonstration – Thursday 18June, 10:30 am.
Please join us at the Association office for this members special presentation and demonstration of accessibility features of Apple Technology products.
June General Meeting:
Our next general meeting for members, is scheduled for Saturday20 June at 2 pm. Venue is the Chatswood RSL Club, Victoria Avenue, adjacent to the Chatswood Railway Station.
Louise, our volunteer, will be at Chatswood Station to assist people to and from the venue if required. She will be there from 1:30 to 1:50 pm, and after the meeting also.
This is a special event, a forum for members, and any person who is interested in information on disability services for people under 65, under the NDIS, and for people over 65, who will receive disability services from the Aged Care system.
This will be a presentation by a panel of speakers, and there will be an opportunity for questions and answers.
Please join us afterwards for some good company, and a meal and drinks (at your own expense).
For Your Information:
World first telephone technology for people who are deaf and blind.
In parallel with the U.S.A, Conexu has launched a national technology trial for people who are deafblind, to access the telephone using their own voice.
The technology has the potential to give people who are deafblind fast, natural conversation through a CapTel handset and braille display. Working with our partner, Able Australia, we're really excited to work with our participants to explore the possibilities of this new trial service.
We will be keeping you updated as the trial progresses.
For more information about this technology trial, please contact;
Conexu Foundation Limited
Phone: 1300 077 321
Website:
COMMUNITY CAREAND INFORMATION SERVICES:
Homelessness, Mental Health & Disability Services.Supports Program eligibility - people with a permanent functional disability who are under the age of 65 years and require basic maintenance and support services; and are at risk of premature or inappropriate admission to long term residential care. The unpaid carers of people in the above group are also eligible.
Counselling, Advocacy, Information & Support – City of Sydney /South East Sydney
Short term service with a usual duration of 6-8 weeks (or 6-8 sessions); an initial entry point into the community support system providing information, assisted referral and advocacy and initial entry point for short term support/counselling.
Waterloo Day Centre – City of Sydney & South East Sydney.
Eligible HACC clients: Over 65years, dementia, under 65years vulnerable (eg. disability, mental health). Eligible clients need to be able to manage toileting, eating and mobility with minimal assistance. Transport to and from Day Centre available from surrounding area. For registered participants’ lunch $8.
Community Options Case Management – Homeless City of Sydney
History of homelessness, at risk of being or experiencing homelessness, risk to tenancy; complex care needs arising from physical, social and psychological needs; the ability to live in the community with appropriate community supports.
Community Options Case Management – Comprehensive assessment; person centred planning linkage to appropriate and sustainable services in the community.
Home and Community Care;Areas covered - City of Sydney, Eastern & Southern Eastern Sydney incl. St George
Personal Care, Domestic Assistance, Respite. Social Support available in City of Sydney only.
Mental Health; Carer Respite Program –This is a respite service for carers of people with a mental health issue or intellectual disability. The program provides respite for the carer while providing social interaction and community participation for the care recipient.
For more information on these services, please contact;
Mike McWilliam
Coordinator
Homelessness, Mental Health & Disability
Catholic Community Services NSW/ACT
663 Elizabeth St
Waterloo NSW 2017
PO Box 2675
Strawberry Hills NSW 2012
Ph: 02 8306 2914
Fax: 02 8306 2955
E:
RESEARCH REQUEST FORBLIND AND VISION IMPAIRED WOMEN:
“Are you a woman aged 18-50, who is legally blind? If so, you are invited to participate in online research investigating the eating attitudes of woman with a vision impairment. The current research investigates perceptions about gender roles, the influence of the media, and how these impact eating attitudes for 18-50 year old women who are legally blind. The survey will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete, and your contribution will assist in building our understanding of how gender concepts and the media impact vision impaired women’s eating attitudes.
The survey has been adjusted to size 24 font. JAWS screen reader is also compatible with the survey website. Braille or large print surveys are available to be posted to you for completion if you cannot complete the online version. If you require extra assistance in participating in the study, please do not hesitate to email the researcher at so that they may arrange for the required support.
If you would like to participate, Please go to the following link to complete the online survey. “
NDIS Funds First Guide Dog:
Getting a guide dog means the world for Barwon National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participant, Linda Blaik.
Guide Dog’s Victoria is currently looking for the perfect dog. Fifty-six year old Linda has no vision and needs a dog that is highly perceptive and is able to take her anywhere.
“I’m really looking forward to getting my guide dog,” Linda said. “It’s priceless, and it means so much to me. It means total independence. It means I can get out and about more without having to rely on taxis and that’s a great feeling. I might even lose a few kilos,” she said with a laugh. “And it’s great to know all the costs associated with my dog are covered in my plan.”
When Linda’s guide dog arrives she will be the first NDIS participant in Barwon to receive a fully-funded guide dog through her package. She also has other supports in place, including a house cleaner, a gardener, house aids and eight hours of community access each week, which helps to support her to get out in her community and do her much loved volunteer work.
Linda said she feels very grateful to be part of such a supportive, life-long scheme.
Guide Dogs Victoria CEO, Karen Hayes, said she’s delighted Linda will be receiving her guide dog fully funded through her NDIS plan, but it’s important to remember not everyone will be eligible for NDIS funding.
“While Linda’s opportunity is fantastic, Guide Dogs Victoria still relies heavily on the majority of its funding coming through philanthropic channels. We will continue to be extremely dependent on those funds in order to support all those who may not be eligible for the NDIS.”
Karen said Linda has really benefited from the guide dogs she has had in the past, and this next dog will be her fourth.
“Usually a guide dogs working life spans from seven to nine years of age and during that time it’s not unusual for them to walk over 9000 kilometres,” she said.
“And generally when a guide dog retires it stays with the family and it becomes their pet or occasionally some come back to us and we rehome them,” Karen said.
This year, as part of International Guide Dog Day (29 April), Linda and Karen have been hard at work promoting that guide dogs and guide dogs in training can go anywhere with only a couple of exceptions, and both women agree, raising greater access awareness is vitally important.
“By law, guide dogs can go everywhere you or I can with the exception of certain areas of the zoos and operating theatres in hospitals,” Karen said. “This means guide dogs can travel in taxis, buses, trams, trains and airplanes; go into any restaurant, café or food store; go to any theatre or sporting venue and stay at any motel, hotel or caravan park.
“Recently Guide Dogs Victoria surveyed our guide dog handlers and 64 per cent indicated that they still experience some level of discrimination because of their dogs.
“We can’t believe we are still getting incidents where they are being refused entry,” Karen said. “It’s unacceptable and that’s why it’s so important for us to raise greater awareness about access so everyone understands the important role guide dogs play in enabling people who are blind or vision impaired to get around independently and safely.”
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Details of events provided below are for the information of members.
The Save Sight Institute Information Day for Teenagers and Young Adults (parents and teachers welcome)
Saturday 18 July 9:30am-4:30pm
Y Hotel, Hyde Park Sydney
On behalf of the Save Sight Institute, I am pleased to invite you to join us at our free Information Day for blind and low-vision teenagers and young adults.
We understand that for most, the teenage and early adult years can seem as overwhelming and stressful as exciting! The purpose of this day is to help prepare you for your journey ahead, providing a space to exchange ideas about your transition into adulthood.
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into the lives and experiences of influential blind and low-vision Australian professionals, who will offer personal advice on surviving and thriving in tertiary and vocational study and career. A first-class line up of speakers will cover a range of useful and practical topics to help you get off to the very best start possible. You will have the chance to engage with members of the community who have gone before you, ask questions and learn and share ideas about how to become an independent, happy and successful adult. This is not a day to be missed!
-Panel discussion by some of Australia’s most successful professionals who are blind or low vision (facilitated by former Human Rights Commissioner Graeme Innes)
-Surviving and thriving in tertiary or vocational study
-Technology update
-Hints and tips for career planning
-Becoming an independent and successful adult
-Mental health and dealing with setbacks
-Medical research and the future of treating eye disease.
We warmly welcome any parents, teachers and family to join you - we believe that this day will be rewarding for everyone. Lunch and refreshments will be provided throughout the session.