Some of Our Parts

• Are you a student with disability who wants guidance on how to pursue your career goals?
• Are you looking to network and advance your career opportunities?
• Are you interested in honing your job seeking skills and learning from an industry professional?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then participating in PACE Mentoring could be the experience you’re looking for.

PACE is the Australian Network on Disability’s (AND) vibrant and dynamic mentoring program developed to mutually benefit employers, and students with disability. PACE offers the opportunity to develop jobseeking skills and confidence in a workplace setting, and can assist with planning your career journey, as well as aiding personal and professional development. PACE recognises that students with disability frequently find themselves with little or no work experience, and may not be fully aware of the skills and attributes they can offer an organisation. PACE aims to assist you to become ‘job-ready’ and reduce some of these hurdles.

How does it work?

PACE is a three month program which takes place twice a year. The Spring program is due to commence in September and we are now accepting applications. Mentors and mentees will meet approximately 6-8 times during the 12 weeks. It is free to mentees, and the Australian Network on Disability (AND) will manage the program from start to finish.

During the program, the mentee and mentor will set goals and outcomes, discuss experiences, skills, and career pathways. Other activities may include:

• Reviewing resumes and cover letters
• Mock interviews
• Worksite visits
• Networking with other professionals
• Discussing workplace adjustments
• Building confidence.

For more information on the PACE mentor program, visit the Australian Disability Network website. For instructions on how to become a mentee click ‘Become a PACE mentee‘.

Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS) currently has a part-time vacancy for a Project Officer.  Please see details below and link for further information. The positions may suit a current undergraduate / recent graduate.

POSITION: Project Officer 15.2 to 22.8 hours per week (negotiable) until the 18th of December 2015, with the possibility for extension, subject to funding.

SALARY: $26- $29PH (SCHADS Level 3, above award rate)

The Youth Disability Advocacy Service (YDAS) is seeking a Project Officer who, under the supervision and guidance of the YDAS manager and the YDAS steering committee, is responsible for achieving a range of advocacy projects.

To succeed in the role you will have the ability to build relationships with key stakeholders, a desire to work with young people with disabilities, and a sound knowledge of the rights of young people with disabilities.  You will also have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to coordinate workshops targeting young people with disabilities.

The position will be based in Melbourne’s CBD at the Youth Affairs Council of Victoria, the peak body representing the youth sector. The successful applicant will be offered a 6 month contract with the possibility of extending, subject to ongoing funding.

For a position description, visit the YDAS website.

There is something for everyone at WinterFest! Live music, comedy shows, a snow party, delicious food and more. A full program is to be released over the coming weeks.

Everyone who joins the Facebook event page before midnight on Friday 3 July goes into the draw for an all shows festival ticket including refreshments. Refer to the WinterFest website for terms and conditions.

Tickets on sale towards the end of June.

You join and invite others to the event on Facebook. For more information visit the WinterFest website.

Coles Supermarkets are offering a paid internship to students with disability in Melbourne through the Stepping Into Winter 2015 program.

Stepping Into is a paid internship program designed specifically for university students with disability. The program is designed to help students gain experience in the job application and interview process, develop a network of contacts within a professional organisation, and gain valuable paid work experience which they can include on their resumes, and have the opportunity to showcase their skills and knowledge.

A Digital Intern at Coles can potentially gain exposure to a wide range of teams and roles across the Digital function, such as:

• Coles Online
• Flybuys
• Store systems & technology
• Data & Insights

The tasks and responsibilities the intern will undertake:

• Development
• Testing & QA
• Business analysis & requirement gathering

Ideal candidates will be studying IT or a related discipline.

Applications for this position will close on Monday 15 June 2015 at 11.59PM AEST.

For information on how to apply visit the Australian Network on Disability website.

Happy Friday every body!

• This month’s Ouch Blog talk show features funny people Felicity Ward, Stuart Goldsmith and Harriet Dyer, discussing the links between comedy and mental health.
• ‘Career advisers told me to hide my disability on applications, but being open and turning it into a strength helped me get a graduate job’.
• By narrating their own experiences, brain injury survivors are tackling discrimination, developing their skills and building confidence.
• The Ricky Stuart Foundation plans to build second respite centre, for teenagers with a disability.

Is it almost spring? The sun is out, the air has a hint of wattle and slowly we’re starting to shed our winter layers.

• ‘An insulin pump doesn’t make you less beautiful‘
• Disability is not just a metaphor – Able-bodied actors can do research. But they can’t draw on direct experience.
• “Whatever the reason, I have found a greater acceptance of my disability by photographing it. … My life has become normal in its own way”
• Despicable memes and inspiration porn
• Weston-super-Mare takes on “reasonable physical adjustments”
• It’s magic! For students with cerebral palsy
• Want to hear some Strange Stories?
• An invitation to attend ArtWORK/Pathways info sessions