Some of Our Parts

Calling all creatives!

ArtAbility is a unique program that doesn’t just focus on the exhibition itself, but also the skills and confidence it takes to get there.

If you are an artist who is living with a disability, be it physical, intellectual or mental health, and you come from a culturally diverse background, ArtAbility would love to hear from you!

In December of this year they will be holding the annual ArtAbility exhibition at the Atrium at Federation Square. Check out their website for Expressions of Interest forms where you can apply to submit your work, sign up for free art workshops, as well as free supplies!

Footprints III – Eugene Cartwright

Your vote is important, no matter who you are. We here at the DLU are encouraging all registered students to voice their opinion on September 7th.

For those who are blind or have a vision impairment, the Australian Electoral Council has set up telephone voting and assisted voting services.

Registration for these services opens on the 19th of August, and will be open up until election day.

Google votes!

Happy Friday every one!

I hope you’re keeping warm out dry, it sure is blustery out there.

Some disability news from around the interwebs:

• Election 2013 – what matters to you?
• American Able, a series of photos by Holly Norris, featuring model Jes Sachse.
• Is it just a wheelchair? An insight into disability and identity.
• Disability rights history – ‘The League of the Physically Handicapped‘
• Are any of us neurotypcial? A new PBS documentary investigates.
• Team Obama to chair the 14th Special Olympics in Los Angeles 2015.
• Silent comedy? Check out Lost Voice Guy before the Edinburgh Fringe!

Almost the weeeeekend! (via cute n tiny)

The DLU is looking to refresh its image for all of our banners, brochures and other promotional materials. As our students are the core of what we do, we thought we should ask you to help us out!

Please follow this link to a survey where you can pick from one of five options.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling creative, submit your own design and send it to dlu@monash.edu with the subject title ‘New DLU Logo’.

We’ll collate the results and will announce the winner later this month, so watch this space!

The annual R U OK Day is again this year on September 12th. Monash will be hosting a range of activities to promoting open and supportive conversations to let those who are feeling vulnerable that there are people out there that they can talk to.

Events (including an all-campus cake competition!) will be run at Berwick, Caulfield and Clayton – you can check out the calender here.

Make sure you check out the R U OK? Day website as well, where you’ll find a bunch of vital information about how you can contribute to someone else’s well-being, just by asking “are you ok?”.

The Vision Australia Further Education Bursary 2014 is now open for applications.

Any students seeking to study (or already studying) an accredited course at or above Certificate 4 level, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, in 2014 can apply for this opportunity to receive adaptive technology to assist them with their studies.

Applications will close on 31 October 2013.

For more information and the application process please visit the Vision Australia website:
www.visionaustralia.org/bursary.

Are your feet itching for some travel? Thinking about getting some globe-trotting time in between your studies? Looking for something new and exciting on another corner of the globe?

Monash Abroad is offering a bunch of exciting opportunities through internships, student-led placements, research and volunteering  all over the world! Some you may even be able to take on while you’re on exchange, or on your next semester break.

Studying or working abroad can open up a whole new world, allowing you to travel and see parts of the globe

Check out what’s available here, or contact the Monash Abroad team here.

Welcome back every body!

In the news this week:

• It’s the 23rd anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act! Check out the Capitol Crawl which finally caught the attention of US Senators.
• Sacramento has begun a new campaign for mental illness – Stop Stigma – which aims to show that mental health is an important issue for everyone.
• Today ends Cerebral Palsy Awareness Week – check out what’s going on in your area today!
• This week, Australia announces the an Ambassador for Disability Inclusive Development as part of AusAID‘s work in developing countries.
• All Eyes on Us – a documentary about four amazing individuals performing at the Paralympic games opening ceremony.
• The Dax Centre at Melbourne Uni is hosting a Poetry Collection on the 15th of August. The Centre works to promote mental health and wellbeing by fostering a greater understanding of the mind, mental illness and trauma through art and creativity.

Franco Matticchio

Have a wonderful, cosy weekend!

For August and September only, HumanWare is lowering The price of the Accessible, hand-held, easy-to-use Trekker Breeze talking GPS.

The GPS is now only $695.

Trekker Breeze automatically verbally announces names of streets, intersections and landmarks as you walk. You always know where you are and where you are going on foot or in a vehicle and you can easily find out what is around in your location (public services and businesses).The Trekker Breeze gives you the step-by-step instructions from start to end for following a route to a destination.

At the Vision Australia Texpo exhibition there will be a HumanWare stand and where you can go and have a good feel of, and look at the Trekker Breeze and ask any questions you may have about how it can help your particular travel circumstances.

Humanware can be contacted on 02 9686 2600 or emailed at au.sales@humanware.com if you have any questions about Trekker Breeze or wish to place an order.