Some of Our Parts

Monash Uni Student Theatre (MUST) presents… Them Aspies, a play created by Jess Gonsalvez and Tom Middleditch

October 7-11 at 7.30pm, with an optional forum following each performance

With the increase in autism diagnoses and the changes in diagnostic criteria over the past twelve months, there is an air of misunderstanding surrounding Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Asperger’s Syndrome, Them Aspies is an uncompromising new performance piece exploring modern perceptions of Autism. Spanning a range of theatrical forms – from epic to verbatim theatre.

Tickets: MSA Card $10 / Conc $12 / Full $16
Bookings: msa.monash.edu/must or at the MSA Reception Desk

In the MUST Space, Ground Floor, Campus Centre (Bld 10), Monash University Clayton Campus

Enquiries:
(ph) 9905 8173
msa-must@monash.edu

MONASH UNI STUDENT THEATRE is an engine room of creativity, a department of the MSA that creates vibrant, innovative theatre by, with and for Monash students and the wider community. Works are diverse, ranging from new text-based and devised works to bold takes on classics, adaptations, events and exhibitions.

The MAC (Monash Autistic Collective) will be holding a morning tea, open to all interested students, at Wholefoods this week to celebrate our achievements this year as well as plan what to do for the rest of the semester and beyond. In particular we will be brainstorming ideas for our part in the ‘YES’ Campaign for the MSA Disabilities Office Referendum.

Thursday 11th September, 11AM-12PM at Wholefoods (upstairs, Campus center, Clayton campus).

This event is open to students on the Autism Spectrum, as well as Non-Autistic students.

If you have any queries please contact James at jomonman537@yahoo.com.au or Julia at juliapillai42@gmail.com

Hope to see you there!

What is the Monash Autistic Collective (MAC)?

MAC is a student-run group that aims to:

1. Organise social events that bring together students on the Autism Spectrum and non-Autistic students
2. Advocate for neurodiverse or Autistic students, and
3. Raise awareness of the Autism Spectrum to students, staff and members of the Monash community

The MAC is run by students on the Autism Spectrum, but everyone is welcome to come to our events and our meetings.

The I CAN Netowkr is excited to announce that following the success of their first young adults camp they are putting on a second I CAN Camp for teenagers (aged 15-18 years) with high-functioning Autism or Asperger’s from Friday 17 – Sunday 19 October.

The I CAN Teens Camp is all about building connections. The I CAN Network wants to bring teenagers with Asperger’s together to have fun, make new friends and share laughs, talents, quirks and strategies. Joining the I CAN Camp will be Autism advocate Tim Chan (19-years-old) and Jim Anderson, an unstoppable 24-year-old living with quadriplegia.

The Teens Camp will be run by young adults with Asperger’s and professionals. It will adhere to I CAN’s well-being norms and practices.

Register your interest here!

RUOK? Day is a national day of action dedicated to inspiring all Australians to ask family, friends and colleagues, ‘Are you OK?’, to help build a more connected community.

Last year all Victorian Monash campuses celebrated RUOK? Day, with a number of staff and students hosting events, such as morning teas, information sessions and BBQs. In 2014 we aim to create the same sense of connectedness and community on all campuses.

Staff and students are encouraged to host an event and get involved!
Please complete this form for any RUOK? Day events, activities or general awareness raising you will be doing within your area.

The information collected from this form will be included on the RUOK? Day Monash website.

For ideas on how to get involved visit the R U OK? Day website.
Photos from 2013 RUOK? Day.

The Monash Autistic Collective (MAC) welcome all staff and students to a special screening of TEDx talk by Temple Grandin ‘The world needs all kinds of minds’ during Diversity and Inclusion Week.

This is a great event, especially for people who want to find out more about Autism from the perspectives of people on the Autism Spectrum and the people closest to them.

Following the screening Q&A session featuring a panel of speakers, including people on the Autism spectrum and people who have family members on the spectrum, will answer your burning questions on the issues surrounding Autism.

Wednesday 27th August 2014
12.00 pm -1.00 pm
Building 11(Menzies Building),
Lecture Theatre H1
Clayton campus.

For more information contact James Ong at jnong3@student.monash.edu

From our friends at the I CAN Network:

Dear Friends,

At the I CAN Network, we’re all about recognising and celebrating the many gifts that people on the Autism spectrum have to offer.

Our blog, Grapevine, offers a sampling of these ‘fruits of AWEtism’ in our I Can stories, as well as a look at what the network has been up to, what we have planned for the future, and how we can work with you to support people on the spectrum. You can also learn more via our video.

Our vineyards await; come and taste the rainbow!

Max
Grapevine Editor

UPCOMING I CAN NETWORK EVENTS

‘We Can’ Gathering:

A gathering for anyone wanting to help lead a rethink of Autism, away from ‘I Can’t’ to ‘I CAN’
When: Saturday 30 August, 2pm (for 2.15pm) – 4.30pm
Where: Vincent 2, 349 Lt Bourke St, Melbourne (contact 0432 405 384 if you need help with directions)
RSVP to hello@icannetwork.com.au
*Light refreshments provided
**Please note the program will be available closer to the date via our Facebook

Worlds of Work Program (WOW, presented by Foundation for Young Australians)

A week for Year 10 students with Asperger’s that will focus on making successful transitions to work and life beyond school through exploring topics such as personal development, capabilities and self-confidence in the workplace, work-life balance, etc.
When: Monday 15 September – Thursday 18 September
Where: Melbourne CBD
Contact hello@icannetwork.com.au for queries

Enjoy a night at the exhibition, exclusively for students, at the special concession price of $13.

• Free pop up talks in the exhibition (including Auslan interpreted and Audio describing options)
• Figure drawing with artist Juan Ford in the foyer
• Food and drink available for purchase from Gallery Kitchen

Where

NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road

Ticketing Information

Individual tickets – available at the door on the night (Student ID required)

Group bookings – avoid the queues and book ahead for groups of 8 or more

Phone: 8620 2340, 12–5pm weekdays
Email: edu.bookings@ngv.vic.gov.au

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.

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.

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.