DARU Update
26 October 2010
This is a bumper issue as there will be no Update next week due to the Cup Day holiday.
- STATE ELECTION NEWS
- IN THE NEWS
- EVENTS
- PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
- TRAINING
- SUBMISSIONS, CONSULTATIONS AND FORUMS
- PAID AND VOLUNTARY POSITIONS
STATE ELECTION NEWS
Women with Disabilities Victoria’s 2010 Election Statement
Women with Disabilities Victoria will be seeking meetings with all major political parties prior to the Victorian Election on 27th November. The election statement, along with key health messages and media releases is available on the WDV website at
Invest in theRights of Victoria's Children - Quality Services for All!
Community Child Care Association (CCC) is pleased to offer an exciting opportunity for you and your colleagues to directly communicate via electronic message to the major political parties in support of high quality, affordable and accessible children's services.
Add your voice to call on the next Victorian State Government to deliver on the right of all Victorian children and families to access quality children's services by:
- Fully implementing the NATIONAL QUALITY FRAMEWORK to improve ratios of staff to children, qualifications and number of qualified staff who work with our children
- Funding children's services for SOCIAL INCLUSION so vulnerable and at risk families can benefit from high quality children's services
- Funding incentives to improve qualifications and skill levels to provide A SKILLED WORKFORCE to deliver high quality for our children
This is an important part of the strategy by CCC to ensure the next more information, visit
IN THE NEWS
RIP Advocate Anne McDonald 11.1.1961 – 22.10-2010
Chris and Rosemary
Our darling Annie – memorable author, courageous fighter for the rights of people with disability, and true friend - died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday evening.
Anne had been really well, going out or entertaining every day last week. Thursday was a gorgeous spring day, and she spent a pleasant afternoon with Joyce, her dear friend and personal assistant for 25 years, in the garden at a local pub.
During Thursday evening Anne developed abdominal cramps and had little sleep. Chris stayed home on Friday, and made an appointment for her to see a doctor at 3 o’clock. At 2 o’clock she had a massive heart attack. She was resuscitated with great difficulty by ambulance officers and taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital, where scans showed necrosis of the small bowel that was extensive and un-treatable. Anne died at 8.30 without recovering consciousness, with Joyce and Vicki (another long-term p.a. and friend), her sister Ros and Chris and me by her side.
The underlying cause of the necrosis was unclear, as is apparently not uncommon, but must have involved a loss of blood supply to the bowel hours before the heart attack, possibly because of a blood clot blocking an artery, or a twist in the bowel. Somewhat surprisingly, it appears that Anne’s death was not associated with her disability.
As some of Chris’s family are overseas, we are planning a memorial service to take place in Melbourne on Saturday, November 13.
We are so glad that Anne was able to meet up with many of her dearest overseas friends during her travels in July and August.
We are so sorry to be bringing you such sad news now.
Our thoughts are with you, as yours, we know, are with us.
The Bustle in a House
The Morning after Death
Is solemnest of industries
Enacted upon Earth—
The Sweeping up the Heart
And putting Love away
We shall not want to use again
Until Eternity
National Disability Insurance Scheme a Fair and Equitable Approach
Premier of Victoria, Media Release, 17 October 2010
The Victorian government will push for the creation of a National Disability Insurance Scheme so that we can improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of our community Premier John Brumby announced today.
“Our government understands that a disability can dramatically alter people’s lives – those affected, and their families –whether people are born with one or it is acquired through accident or injury,” Mr Brumby said.
‘People with a disability can have significant, life-long costs for diagnosis, treatment, respite and equipment.
Victoria leads the way with statutory protection mechanisms for people who are injured through a road accident or at work, but we understand that more needs to be done to support those who are injured or disabled in other circumstances.
‘This is why we will urge the Federal government to develop a National Disability Insurance Scheme when the Productivity Commission completes its report on its viability early next year.
To read full article, visit
Providing Better Support for Victorians with a Disability
From the Minister for Community Services, Tuesday 19 October 2010
Victorians with a disability will have better control of their futures, thanks to a $2.55 million Brumby Labor Government investment in day services and programs announced today. Parliamentary Secretary for Human Services Telmo Languiller today announced the new funding at Dog Central, Brunswick, which employs a person with a disability thanks to support from her day service, Milparinka.
Mr Languiller, who announced the funding on behalf of Community Services Minister Lisa Neville, said the new investment was an important part of the Brumby Labor Government’s Victorian State Disability Plan 2002-12, which focuses on giving people with a disability more independence and choice about their futures.
“Thanks to this new investment, Victoria’s day services will have more support to cater for the individual needs of people with a disability who rely on their services,” Mr Languiller said.
Eight of Victoria’s day services will receive the funding to develop a new model to be used by Victoria’s 150 day service providers in delivering support and programs for people with a disability.
To read full article, visit
New Doors to Open for Teachers of the Hearing Impaired
Sarah-Jane Collins, The Age, 19 October 2010
It might seem obvious, but visual learning is the key to deaf education. Hearing-impaired students use visual cues to understand new concepts, and teachers need to be up to date on the best ways to engage them.
Two initiatives from the state government are aimed at advancing deaf education by improving teacher training and student literacy.
A new $9 million Deaf Education Institute is to share a home with the Victorian College of the Deaf, where students yesterday became the first special-needs participants in the government's ''iPads in schools'' pilot program. The institute, the first in Australia, will train deaf educators and collaborate with experts to develop new ways to teach.
To read full article, visit
Changes to GP Standards Improve Health Outcomes for All
Human Rights Commission, e-bulletin October 2010
The Australian Human Rights Commission has congratulated the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) for its decision to ensure that height adjustable examination beds are available in each General Practice.
Disability Discrimination Commissioner Graeme Innes, said the Commission had advocated for this for a number of years and said it was an important decision that would help to improve health outcomes experienced by people with disability compared to those of the broader population.
“One small but important barrier to equitable health outcomes for people with disability has been the lack of availability of height adjustable examination beds in general practices,” Commissioner Innes said.
“The lack of these beds has resulted in missed opportunities for thorough and dignified examinations and screening," he said.
Commissioner Innes acknowledged the original research on this issue undertaken by Sheila King, and congratulated Women with Disabilities Australia, People with Disability Australia, Physical Disability Council NSW and COTA NSW on their advocacy in bringing about this change.
“The availability of height adjustable examination beds will improve the capacity of health professionals to effectively examine and screen all patients,” Mr Innes said.
For more information visit
Coalition to Lead on Disability Funding Reform
Victorian Liberals Media Release, 20 October 2010
A Baillieu Government will make the reform of disability funding and service delivery in Victoria a priority by championing a new National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to provide lifetime support for people with a disability.
An NDIS will overhaul the current system which rations disability services and introduce a no-fault universal insurance safety net – similar to those operated by the Transport Accident Commission and WorkSafe – for people with permanent or severe disabilities.
“Victoria’s most vulnerable people need help and a Baillieu Government will lead the way on an overhaul of disability funding to support them and their families and carers,” Victorian Liberal Nationals Coalition Leader Ted Baillieu said today.
“The Coalition will take a national leadership role to ensure that Victorians with disabilities, their families and carers get the significant support and care they need,” Mr Baillieu said.
To read the full article, visit
EVENTS
International Human Rights Education Conference
When: / 4-6 November 2010Where: / University of Western Sydney
Register: / Online registration form is available at
If you are human rights education expert, practitioner or simply wish to learn more and establish networks, join us at the International Human Rights Education Conference "Educating for Human Rights, Peace and Intercultural Dialogue".
The conference has been organised in response to the UN World Programme for Human Rights Education to advance the human rights education, in particular in Australia and Asia Pacific region.
World class speakers and the conference program will focus on the contribution of human rights culture to the good functioning of the civil society; highlight key trends and achievements in human rights education and in particular, aim to secure greater commitment for future human rights education. It will have a strong development and Indigenous component.
Full details including registration, travel and accommodation can be found at or email Julie Jerbic at .
Inaction for Action - Do Nothing for a Change!
Inaction for Action is a global event that can be anywhere, anytime where you can do nothing for a change to help fundraise for Action for Community Living Inc.
By supporting Action for Community Living, people with a disability will have access to leadership and empowerment programs.
Action for Community Living aims for an inclusive society in which people with disabilities are valued members of the community, having opportunities to achieve their full potential and have ownership of their own destiny.
Action for Community Living has partnered with Everyday Hero to provide an online fundraising webpage for each participant. In just minutes you can build your own page and approach sponsorsfor a donation by emailing around the unique link of your webpage. Each donation is recorded on your page along with any message of support. Become an Everyday Hero online by visiting
You can choose the day of your own Inaction for Action day.
There will be great prizes for the top fundraisers.
For further information or any questions, phone Anita or Marc, Action for Community Living, on (03) 9489 2999.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
Change Makers Newsletter
Spring 2010
This is the quarterly newsletter from Change Makers Australia, a growing body of people who want to see far more philanthropic funds directed at projects and other initiatives that bring about effective and long-term social change.
To download a copy of this newsletter, visit the CMA websi
To find out more about CMA, visit their website at
New Paper: Violence Against Women with Disabilities
International Network of Women with Disabilities (INWWD)
The mission of the INWWD is to enable women with disabilities to share knowledge and experience, enhance capacity to speak out, empowerment to bring about positive change and inclusion in communities and to promote involvement in politics at all levels, towards creating a more just and fair world that acknowledges disability and gender, justice, and human rights.
For more information, or to join INWWD, visit their Yahoogroups webpage at
or email Myra Kovaryat .
VCOSS Clearing House – Special Pieces
Pieces provides practical support for community organisations
This special edition includes I.T Industry Experience Projects for Not-for-Profit Organisations.
Monash University is partnering with VCOSS to provide an exciting opportunity for Victorian not-for-profit organisations looking to develop an I.T system in 2011.
For more information, visit the Clearing House website at
WWDA News
Issue 3 2010
This is the quarterly newsletter from Women with Disability Australia (WWDA).
In this issue:
- A Word from the WWDA President
- The Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)
- WWDA Submission to the Productivity Commission National Disability Care and Support Inquiry
- WWDA Annual Report 2009-2010 Available
- Feature Article: Women With Disabilities and the Human Right to Health
- United Nations adopts Resolution to accelerate prevention of violence against women
- Resources – Books, Reports, Websites, Lists
- News Wanted For WWDA-NEWS!
- Join WWDA
To download a copy in a variety of formats, visit
Summary of the Action Plan Stakeholder Forum - Addressing Bushfire Preparedness for People with a Disability
On 14 October 2010, the Department of Justice hosted the Disability Action Plan Stakeholder Forum - Addressing Bushfire Preparedness for People with a Disability. In attendance was a mix of disability service providers and emergency service providers.
Penny Armytage, Secretary, Department of Justice, opened the forum. She spoke about work the Department of Justice has been undertaking in the lead up to, and for the duration of Bushfire Awareness Week (11-15 October). She also spoke of the Fire Ready lift out in the Herald Sun (14 October). Which included information related to vulnerable groups on page 10.
Lisa Stuzenegger, Director of Community Safety, spoke about CFA initiatives for the upcoming summer including making information more accessible. Lisa highlighted an hour long TV special presentation that screened on channel (9) Win on 17 October to help views Prepare. Act. Survive. this fire season. This was followed by an on line forum with Lisa Stuzenegger, Fire Commissioner, Craig Lapsley and CFA Chief Officer Geoff Conway. For more information please visit CFA's website:
CFA have now also made it possible to attend an online Fire Ready Victoria meeting for people that may be unable to attended community meetings in their local areas. For more information please visit CFA's website:
Adam Dent, State Manager Emergency Services, Australian Red Cross, spoke about Australia Red Cross's community preparedness tools. Adam spoke about REDiPlan, a tool to help individuals create personal household emergency plans and the training of volunteer presenters to deliver REDiPlan to community members. REDiPlan has a booklet specific to both people with disabilities and seniors. REDiPlans are also available in large font and audio formats. Please visit Australia Red Cross's website for more information:
Jill Karena, Manager Community Development, Macedon Ranges Shire Council spoke about their Hot Day Out Centre project. The Hot Day Out Centres are staffed by Macedon Ranges Staff and Victorian Council of Churches volunteers and are providing a cool comfortable place for community members to attend on days that rate as 'Extreme' or 'Code Red' fire danger. For more information please visit the Macedon Ranges Shire Council website.
Think Sport. Think Inclusion. Think Leisure Link Up.
Leisure Link Up, who run AAA in Dandenong, Kingston, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula have launched their new website providing an easy to use resource to search a variety of sport and recreational activities. The website is
TRAINING
Ageing and Disability Training
NORTH WEST REGION
When: / Tuesday 16 November, 10am-1pmWhere: / Oakhill Community hall, CNR Acheron and North Road Reservoir (Melways ref 18K7 next door to child care centre)
SOUTH EAST REGION
When: / Tuesday 23 November, 10am-1pmWhere: / Wheelers Hill Community Room, 860 Ferntree Gully Road, Wheelers Hill (next to Wheelers Hill library-part of Monash Gallery of Art Complex)
Register / Contact Prioletti Consultants on phone 9038 9292 or email .
The disability sector is now facing an ageing population, yet many services and staff are not equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide appropriate support to people with disabilities in the long term. This short course provides participants with an overall understanding of the ageing process and how this will impact on people with a range of disabilities.
Content key areas include:
- Longevity and issues facing people with a disability
- The differences facing people with disability who are ageing
- Understanding the ageing process and impact on people with disabilities
- How to support people with disabilities who are ageing
- Cross Cultural expectations regarding ageing
- Resources available
Volunteers – Protections and Liabilities Seminar