Some of Our Parts

Do you know a woman with a disability or a group of women with disabilities who have inspired you, or provided and enhanced opportunities for women with disabilities to participate in a safer and more inclusive community in some way?

Women with Disabilities Victoria is proud to offer the Brenda Gabe Leadership Award again this year. The award recognises and celebrates the contribution that women with disabilities make to improve the status of women with disabilities, with a secondary focus on their contribution to their local and/or wider community.

Eligibility:

• Individual women being nominated for this award must have a disability and be a resident of Victoria.
• Groups nominated for this award must have a majority membership of women with disabilities and be residents of Victoria.

Selection Criteria:

• The contribution the woman with a disability or group has made to improve the individual or group status of women with disabilities.
• Secondary selection criterion The contribution the woman with a disability or group has made to their local and/or the wider community.

Nominators are welcome to represent their nominees from last year. Their nominations will be viewed favourably.

We encourage women from diverse backgrounds and/or life experiences to be nominated.

The winner of the award receives $2000 toward a capacity building project or professional development.

Battle of the Brains is Employment and Career Development’s brand new showcase event for Semester 2, 2014. Not only will students have the opportunity to network with employers and build their employability, but as a team, have the opportunity to win up to $4000 in prize money!

It is a competition through which student teams will compete against one another in a set of two challenges designed to build employability skills, including innovation, problem solving, team work, communication and resilience. Top teams are invited to take part in the final assessment centre style battle attended by employers and followed by a networking hour.

Further details about the competition can be found online and on the Facebook competition page.

Disability Services is seeking volunteer student mentors as part of our Disability Services Peer Mentor 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 with a student mentor who is also registered with Disability Services 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 a registered Disability Services student
• 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 DS Peer 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

Leadership training helps to unlock your potential – enhancing your ability to have a positive influence on your peers and on the world. We seek participation from students who come from a diverse range of backgrounds, interests and courses, who wish to improve their community and their own leadership skills. If you are a first year student who has a vision for constructive change in society, then we encourage  you to apply.

Applications for positions in the Vice-Chancellor’s 2015 Ancora Imparo Student Leadership Program are now open and close on Monday 4th August 2014.

The Ancora Imparo Student Leadership Program kicks off with a three-day residential in mid-February 2015 followed by eight evening seminars spread over the academic year and a graduation ceremony in mid-October 2015. Commitment to each of these events is compulsory but other events such as attending lectures, forums and social events are optional. Best of all there are no exams or assignments to complete!

Visit our website to apply and to find out more about the Ancora Imparo Student Leadership Program.

See our profile of Shaz Sturk, Ancora Imparo alumni and Disability Services student on our website.

Hope everyone’s enjoying their (cold) holiday break! Here’s a little disability-related reading to read under while snuggling under your blankets.

• 4 Wheel City – rapping their way through rehab
• Solving the Beauty Equation – Wendy Crawford’s TEDx talk
• Nordstrom seems to be taking on Crawford’s message in their new campaign
• Thinking about travelling to New York one day? Wheely is a new app being developed to a provide a wheelchair accessible guide to the Big Apple

Happy Friday!

School’s out! Hope everyone is having a wonderful break (except you hard working postgrads!).

Here’s some disability-related news around the world to keep you warm:

• Can you spot the guide dog?
• How do you feel about feel good films about people with disability? Inspiration or inspiration porn?
• An appreciation of bodies
• Are you an artist or arts worker with disability?
• Verizon, the internet and accessibility

And your weekly dose of disability-related cuteness!

With changing landscapes and new horizons, Victoria’s premier Autism event is coming to you on the 6th, 7th and 8th of August. This year, Etihad Stadium will play host to the Victorian Autism Conference with state-of-the-art facilities, easy access to public transport and parking for 2500 vehicles. This year, delegates will have the opportunity to take part in Masterclasses, hear over 40 speakers across two days and attend the first ever Amaze Gala Dinner.

See the VAC website for more information, the program and registration details.

Hello holiday break! Hope everyone did well in exams and final assessments and are now enjoying a well deserved rest (with lots of blankets and tea of course!).

Here’s a couple of disability-related links to keep you warm.

• Woman Living With Crohn’s and Colostomy Bag Pursues Modeling Career
• Holy Floating Wheelchairs!
• Hunger Games fans should check out some of the artwork paying tribute to District heroes.
• It’s my body, and I’ll bloody well dance if I want to.
• Meet Australia’s new acting Disability Discrimination Commissioner
• Light, sound, smell and Bounce!

Happy holidays every body!

We are pleased to announce that applications for the 2015 intake for the Australian Government Department of Human Services’ National Graduate Program (NGP) are now open!

The department strongly supports workplace diversity and values the contribution of people from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to removing barriers for employees and potential employees with disability throughout the employment life cycle. Currently the department is participating in the Australian Public Service pilot of the RecruitAbility scheme.

During the program we provide our graduates with a range of support networks and learning and development opportunities, and exposure to a wide range of activities and events. The NGP allows students to start their career with one of the biggest government employers in Australia, providing services to most Australians.

Applications are welcome from all fields of study for our Generalist pathway and select disciplines for our Professional pathway. In addition, in 2015 we have some new exciting opportunities for students who have a degree in maths, science or statistics or have experience in research activity in the health and human services area.

Applications close soon, so don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity – apply now.

I have never accepted the concept of “lifters” and “Leaners”, a Ming dynasty phrase which has lately gained currency. It’s such a facile concept. And we all move from one role to the other dozens of times a day.

When I walk down the street with Maureen- and which ever street that is I couldn’t be happier- I’m a leaner. I’m gaining guidance from her by holding her arm. But when that guidance stops, and at the end of a long hard day for her, I put my arm around her in a supportive cuddle, I become a lifter.

I prefer a more positive, and less judgemental society, where everyone’s contribution is accepted and valued. I want entrances where everyone- not just people who use steps- can come in. I communicate with Auslan, so everyone – not just hearing people – can understand. This makes a more inclusive, and more sustainable society.

But many in society force people with disabilities to live within that leaner-lifter rubric. And we would be lifters, if there were not barriers in society which force us to be leaners. I have challenged it all my life, and will do so in this address.

Read the full speech at the Australian Human Rights Commission website.