Some of Our Parts

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.

Have you ever had a lecturer or tutor who went that extra mile to ensure you were accommodated for in class? The MSA Teaching Awards are now open, and include a new category for Inclusive Teaching.

Make your vote count here!

For parents and carers living near Mornington, find out more about opportunities for people with a disability at the Respite and Recreation Expo 2014

• Respite Options
• Recreation & Arts Info
• A Large Variety of Stalls

Wednesday 13th August
Peninsula Community Theatre
Cnr Nepean Highway & Wilsons Road
10am – 2pm
Mornington
FREE ENTRY

MELWAYS REF: 145 E2

For more information contact the MOIRA Expo Coordinator:

Ph (03) 8552 2222
Email: respiteexpo@moira.org.au

Saturday 12th July, 5-7PM

• The Queensberry Hotel, 593 Swanston St Carlton (just north of Melbourne Central, see map here)
• The Monash Autistic Collective is organizing a pub night in the well-known Queensberry Hotel, just up along Swanston Street from Melbourne Central
• This is a social event for everyone to come and talk with other university/TAFE students within and outside the spectrum over food and drink
• BYO money to buy food and drinks in the pub

Everyone is welcome to come to pub night, including:

• Students within or outside the I Can networks in universities and TAFEs
• Students within the autism spectrum (they can bring along a friend if needed)
• People outside the autism spectrum are also welcome to come

RSVP on the using this link to attend:

You’re invited to tell us what would encourage you to participate in a four-year study about the well-being of people living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and people without ASD, and the kinds of things you would like as a thank-you for taking part in a research study.

Who?

We’d like to hear from you if you are aged 18+ and either:

• you have been diagnosed with ASD or Asperger’s Syndrome, or
• you are the parent, guardian, or carer of an adult with ASD, or
• you have not been diagnosed with ASD or Asperger’s Syndrome.

When and Where?

We’d like to invite you to a focus group for 1 to 2 hours in June 2014 at a venue close to public transport and parking.

To thank-you you will receive a $20 shopping voucher and we’ll also provide refreshments during the session.

Interested?

For more information or to participate, please contact us by the 30th of June:

Lahna Bradley
Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre
Telephone (03) 9479 3271
Email lahna.bradley@latrobe.edu.au