Some of Our Parts

The Willing and Able Mentoring (WAM) program is now receiving applications for Semester 1 and Semester 2, 2014. This program offers students with disabilities the opportunity to meet with a mentor 6-8 times at the mentor’s workplace. Many students who have been successful in obtaining graduate roles attribute their success, in some part, to their participation the WAM program.

Students of all disciplines are encouraged to apply.

THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN HAVING A MENTOR FROM ANZ OR IBM ARE PARTICULARLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS WE HAVE MENTORS WAITING.

Through these interactions you can (depending on your needs and goals):

• gather information about the work environment and expectations
• experience the workplace culture (e.g. attending staff meetings)
• network with people in their area of career interest
• refine their job search and interview skills
• learn how and when to disclose your disability and to open up
• discussions when appropriate (e.g. to enable workplace modifications and integration into the workplace).

Training is provided prior to starting the program.

Find out more about the program at the Diversity Recruitment and Training website.

APPLICATIONS FOR SEMESTER 1 CLOSE 24 MARCH 2014.

Take a look at the amazing documentary, Deaf Teens: Hearing World, directed by Claire Braden. The film follows five deaf teenagers as they take their first steps into the hearing world. It follows some extraordinary young people who have some extreme and surprising attitudes towards their deafness, highlighting how not all deaf teens want to be able to hear and are often defiant against being part of the hearing world, but also the lengths some deaf teenagers will go to to improve their hearing.

The Sound of Nature by Tang Yau Hoong

• Have fun and make new friends!
• Encourage others to say ‘I Can’
• Build up The I Can Network

The first-ever I Can Camp (25-27 April) invites young adults (18-30-years-old) on the Autism spectrum to share their individual strengths, interests and quirks and make a difference for other young people on the spectrum.

At the I Can Camp you will develop a network of friends and learn how you can encourage other young people on the Autism spectrum. You will get to have fun, challenge yourself, reflect on the ‘I Can’ message and learn about mentoring.

Camp activities will include:

• Loads of good times!
• Storytelling
• Intro to mentoring
• Focus group chats
• Outdoor activities
• I Can MasterChef (making meals in teams)
• Free time for people to hang out and do their own thing
• Thank You Arvo Tea for friends and family

We would love for you to be a part of our first-ever camp! Here are the full details for you to note down and express your interest.

Dates: Friday 25th – Sunday 27th April

Venue: Gilwell Scout Adventure Centre, Gembrook Launching Place Road, Gembrook VIC 3783

Cost: Approx. $100 – $150

Exact price will be available shortly

Donations/ sponsorship to subsidise the costs of participants are being sought!

EXPRESS INTEREST HERE: http://tinyurl.com/ICanCamp-April2014-EOI
Please note that registrations will be open shortly.

Contact the.ican.network@gmail.com with any queries

Are you 15 – 17-years-old?

Please note that we are aiming to run a 15-17-year-old camp in the second half of 2014.
You can express interest in the 15-17-year-old I Can Camp here: http://tinyurl.com/ICanCamp-Teen-EOI

Welcome to the first Friday DLU Round Up of 2o14!

Each Friday morning we will post up some of the most interesting and important disability related news from around the world.

• Find out why Stella Young is obsessed with toilets.
• Want to head to the Melbourne Comedy Festival and need an Auslan interpreter?
• Check out the Guardian‘s photo series on school children in Uganda with vision impairments to assist the Sightsavers charity campaign  to change attitudes about living with disabilities
• Meet Australia’s Winter Paralympic team for Sochi 2014!
• Does the international symbol for disability need a re-design?
• The cutest ever little boy and his cutest ever three-legged dog. EVER.

And that’s it for this week. Hope you all had a fabulous first week back!

Happy weekend!

The Disability Liaison Unit (DLU) is seeking volunteer student mentors as part of our PEERS Program. Successful registered students who are willing to share their knowledge and experience are encouraged to apply. We also welcome applications from mature-age students.

The program matches students registered with the DLU with a student mentor for regular meetings throughout semester. Mentors provide support, encouragement and information to their mentee to assist them successfully navigate university life. This could mean attending university social events together, referral to appropriate Monash services, navigation around campus or simply having a chat over coffee.

Mentors are trained and supported by the Disability Liaison Unit. Participants will receive a certificate of appreciation at the end of semester.

Why be a mentor?

Being a mentor can:

• Enhance your personal and professional development
• Add skills to your résumé to enhance employability
• Introduce you to new friends and social activities
• Increase your networking potential across the University

Peer mentors should:

• Be available to attend a 1-hour training and induction session
• Be able to meet with your mentee regularly for the duration of the semester (this can also be in an online capacity)
• Be able to provide the details of a referee upon request
• Have knowledge of Monash academic and social life
• Complete the application form to register your interest in becoming a DLU PEERS Mentor.

We will be in touch with further information before the beginning of semester. Participation in the program is obviously dependent upon finding a suitable student for you to be matched with.

If you have any questions about the program please contact Sarah Mander on 03 9905 3857 or email sarah.mander@monash.edu