Some of Our Parts

Announcement of the 2022 Review of the Transport Standards

The Australian Government has published the 2022 Review of the Disability Standards for Accessible Public Transport 2002 (Transport Standards) Final Report and Government Response.

The Final Report and Government Response, including a summary available in Auslan and Easy Read, is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/transport-standards-review.

More than 1000 participants, including people with disability, disability representative organisations, public transport operators and providers and government contributed to the 2022 Review through a range of consultation events and activities including surveys, webinars, focus groups and written submissions.

The experiences shared through consultations provide invaluable insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of the Transport Standards in supporting accessible public transport networks across Australia and in removing discrimination against people with disability. The Government thanks everyone who contributed to the 2022 Review.

Opportunities for Action

The 2022 Review Final Report identifies six opportunities for action – covering matters related to:

• Increasing public awareness
• Improving compliance and enforcement
• The need for further reform across the public transport network
• The importance of engaging people with disability in the design and implementation of public transport services.

Some of these opportunities are being addressed in whole or in part through the implementation of the Transport Standards reform package, announced on 20 March 2024. The reforms will modernise the Transport Standards and their supporting material to ensure they remain efficient and effective in removing discrimination against people with disability.

Many of the issues relating to air travel that were highlighted through the 2022 Review are being addressed through the Aviation White Paper, which sets out the Government’s vision for Australia’s aviation sector to 2050. This includes initiatives to deliver an accessible aviation sector that protects the rights of people with disability.

The new aviation standards will strengthen and affirm the rights of people with disability during air travel and affirm the obligations that airlines and airports have to provide equal access. The Australian Government will co-design the standards with people with disability and consult industry on the draft standards in 2025.

To stay up to date and for more information, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/transportaccessibility.

Work Integrated Learning Focus Group / Survey – Participants Wanted!

We are aiming to improve the participation rates of tertiary students in work integrated learning (WIL) (also referred to as internships, placements, industry experience/immersion or work experience).

Our research focuses on enhancing work integrated learning (WIL) to better cater to students with disabilities.

We want to hear from you whether you have participated in WIL or not.

The aim is to get a better understanding of your needs to undertake an internship as tertiary student.

While we are specifically interested in hearing from students who identify as neurodiverse, we are interested to hear from any student who has a disability (diagnosed or undiagnosed).

You do not have to be registered with your university’s disability support services to participate in this study.

Participation in this study is anonymous and will not affect your access to DSS.

• Access the Explanatory Statement here

Survey

You can complete a voluntary 20-minute survey and share what would help you to participate in WIL or what has / hasn’t worked for you during an internship placement.

Your responses are anonymous, and we appreciate your honest feedback.

All participants will be entered into a draw for a $50 gift card for their time completing the survey.

If you are interested in participating, please complete the following survey:

• Access the survey here

Focus Groups and Interviews

In mid to late April 2025, we are running 45-minute focus groups or interviews.

All participants will receive a $50 gift card for their time. Light refreshments will also be provided for participants attending in person.

If you’re interested in participating, please register your interest:

• Sign up for a focus group / interview here

If you feel this research topic is important, please consider sending the survey link or focus group /interview invitation to others who you believe may be interested.

• This project has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee, project ID: 41230 Human-centred design to improve work-integrated learning for students with a disability.

If you have further questions, please contact Dr Rosemarie Herbert (Chief Investigator) via email: rosemarie.herbert@monash.edu

Adaptive Equipment Awards for Tertiary Students

Applications for Vision Australia’s 2025 further education bursary will close on 30 September. The criteria to apply is:

• Be blind or have low vision that is not correctable by spectacles, contact lenses or other standard medical treatments.
• Be or become, a client of Vision Australia
• Have a current (within the last 12 months) eye report on file with Vision Australia
• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Be living or moving to Australia
• Be enrolling to study at an institution in Australia
• Be enrolling to study in at least Certificate IV or higher accredited courses including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees (not a Foundation or Enabling course) at the start of the year or be already enrolled in such a course (preference may be given to those in the early stages of a course). The course must have a minimum 12 months remaining from January 2025 for those already enrolled
• Be willing to be involved in publicity events and provide feedback and updates on their academic progress

Get in touch via phone: 03 8378 1220 – Joy King

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE VISION AUSTRALIA BURSARY AND HOW TO APPLY HERE

Monash University PhD Scholarship in Assistive Technology and Disability

The Monash Assistive Technology and Society (MATS) Centre is offering two PhD Scholarships. Candidates who identify as having a disability are strongly encouraged to apply.

• You can learn about the MATS Centre here.

Emerging assistive technologies have the potential to break down many of the barriers that people with disabilities face at school, university, work and in the social sphere.

Our work at the MATS Centre is guided by partnerships with the community to ensure we’re addressing real problems faced by real people and creating a lasting impact.

Join us as a PhD Candidate and help to create a world that is more inclusive and equitable.

The successful candidate will explore an area of research focus within MATS and the Faculty of Information Technology. The precise details of the PhD project are open to negotiation, but it should be designed with the aim of making a positive difference to the life experience of people with disabilities.

The successful candidates will be based in the Faculty of Information Technology of Monash University at the Caulfield or Clayton campuses in Melbourne.

• For more details, please click here.

Closing Date:

Wednesday, 3 July 2024

Vacant Supported Independent Living (SIL) Houses Available Across Victoria

Alpha Community Care is a leading NDIS and Disability support provider.

They are excited to inform you about several of their Supported Independent Living (SIL) houses across Victoria that currently have vacancies. These homes may be an excellent fit for NDIS participants seeking comfortable and supportive living environments.

Currently Available SIL Houses

Cheltenham Haven, Cheltenham, VIC 3192

• 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
• Situated on a spacious 550SQM land
• Ideal for individuals seeking a cozy and well-located home

Delahay House, Delahay, VIC

• 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
• Ample car space for 3 cars and a large backyard on a 764SQM land
• Perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities and need extra space

Aintree Double Story House, Aintree, VIC

• 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
• Brand new, double-story house with an upstairs and downstairs living area
• Features a master bedroom with a balcony, ample car space for 2 cars, and a big backyard
• Ideal for participants looking for modern, spacious living

Coburg Double Story Penthouse, Coburg, VIC 3058

• 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
• Recently renovated with luxurious finishes
• Includes a unique master bathroom with a TV in the bath for relaxation
• Does not have accessible outdoor space but offers high-end indoor amenities

All Alpha Community Care SIL houses are designed to provide a supportive, safe, and comfortable living environment for NDIS participants.

They are dedicated to ensuring residents receive the highest quality of care and support tailored to their individual needs.

• If this applies to you or someone you know, please feel free to contact them on 1300 380 692 or via email at admin@alphacommunitycare.com.au to schedule a visit or for any further information.

Timetable Focus Group Participants Wanted – $100 Gift Cards Up for Grabs!

In mid to late April, Monash University Student Services are running 90-minute focus groups to seek the views and feedback of students currently registered with Disability Support Services about their class timetable experience.

The aim is to get a better understanding of your ideal timetable experience in relation to flexibility of classes, the preference and timetable process itself and the ability for you to plan your studies and balance other commitments.

If you’re interested in participating, please register your interest by 11.59pm Sunday 7 April, 2024.

All focus group participants will receive a $100 gift card for their time and light refreshments will also be provided.

Share Your Feedback!

Share your feedback to help us improve your personal class timetable.

Complete a quick 15-minute survey and share what would help you create an ideal timetable that supports your learning and personal commitments.

Your input is vital, and we want to hear everything – what’s working well and what isn’t.

Your responses are anonymous, and we really appreciate your honest feedback.

As a thank you, after completing the survey you can enter to win a $50 gift card – there are 250 up for grabs!

The survey is voluntary and open until 11:59pm on Sunday 7 April.

Want to be a Part of an Awesome Radio Program and Share Your Lived Experience of Disability?

Raise the Platform is SYN’s flagship radio program for young people aged 12-25 to advocate for and share their experiences of disability.

Raise the Platform allows for both disabled people and carers of disabled people to meet and network with people who experience similar challenges and offers an excellent opportunity to gain confidence with speaking in public, working as part of a team, develop employability skills as well as have fun.

Some previous topics that have been explored on the show include:

• Employment
• Education (both high school and tertiary)
• Music
• Disability
• Driving

About SYN

SYN is an awesome, inclusive Melbourne community radio station based out of RMIT that highly values the voices of all young people from a diverse range of backgrounds.

SYN has programming on a myriad of topics and offers real industry experience to emerging professionals.

Each year SYN supports 300+ volunteers 25 and under to produce radio, TV and online media content that matters to young people.

The next SYN training days will be on the 22nd of June 2024.

For interested students there are full fee-paying scholarships available. To apply go to: https://www.syn.org.au/access

For more information contact:

• Imi they/it – Executive Producer for Raise the platform – raisetheplatform@syn.org.au

Or

• Shaz they/them – Disability Access Coordinator and Raise the platform facilitator (Monday’s 9-5pm) Shaz.Sturk@syn.org.au

ADHD Social Catch-Up Group for Graduate Students – Register Your Interest!

Disability Support Services (DSS) is running a Social ‘Catch-up’ Group for graduate students with ADHD.

The first session for the Graduate Social Catch Up is fast approaching on 19th of March 2024.

This group will be an informal social catch up (not therapeutic, counselling or coaching) for graduate students who have a formal diagnosis of ADHD and want to connect with like-minded students.

• The Graduate Social Catch Up will be run once a month on Tuesday afternoons, 2pm to 3.30pm, at Clayton Campus (CCD Seminar Room, Campus Centre). 

Register Your Interest Today!

• If this is relevant to you, please register your interest today on the Google Form

*Please feel free to share this amongst any students this would apply to, and you may think would be interested.

Disability Project Group Focus Groups for Students

The University’s Disability Project Group is leading the development of a Disability, Accessibility and Inclusion Action Plan to create a more inclusive student experience for those with disabilities.

As part of the consultation process, a series of focus groups are being held to gather the perspectives of students on disability, accessibility and inclusion at Monash.

There are open sessions for all students, and closed sessions specifically for students with disabilities.

We Want Your Feedback!

As a thank you for your time, participants will receive a $45 Giftpay gift card.

• If you’re interested, please sign up for a session here.
• Registrations will be taken on a first-come first-serve basis, so be sure to sign up now!

For more information, contact EDI@monash.edu

Monash Career Information Session – You’re Invited!

Now that the semester has started, are you ready to find out how to advance your future career?

You’re invited to come along to our Australian Disability Network, GradWISE and Monash Career Connect Information Session.

This will be an in-person event. A free light lunch will be provided.

Session Details

• Time: 12pm to 1pm (plus an additional hour for questions)
• Date: Thursday March 21, 2024
• Location: Seminar Room 1167, Level 1, Western Annexe, 21 Chancellors Walk (upstairs in the Campus Centre), Monash University Clayton Campus

RSVP here

• RSVPs close Monday March 18 at 4pm, so don’t wait, register NOW!

The Australian Disability Network (ADN) will provide information on the PACE mentoring program and the Stepping into internship program.

GradWISE has been developed in conjunction with Australian Universities to provide support and improve employment opportunities for students living with a disability, illness or injury.

GradWISE is designed to complement the existing supports provided by Monash to give you a customised coaching program in a one-on-one setting.

Their aim is to give you the skills and experience you need to find the perfect graduate role. They work with you, and their pool of employers, to make the perfect match and provide all the support you need before and during your employment for as long as you need it.

Come to the information session to find out more!

Monash Career Connect will also be providing an information session outlining the supports already available to Monash students to maximise your graduate employment opportunities.

• What workshops are available?
• What is LiLo?
• How does Student Futures work?
• How can you benefit?

Come along and find out!

We’re really looking forward to the event and hope to see you there!