Some of Our Parts

I CAN Network – Empowering Autistic Young People

The I CAN Network is heading into their 10th year, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

I CAN appreciate the ongoing support they’ve received to continue empowering Autistic young people through their Autistic-led, evidence-based mentoring programs.

Thanks to donors’ generosity, over the past year alone I CAN have been able to fund scholarships for 100 students with autism to take part in their mentoring programs.

• If you wish to contribute to the work of the I CAN Network to fund more mentorships for young people with autism, you can donate online here.

I CAN is Hiring!

Looking for an inclusive workplace which offers flexible hours and where you have the option to work from home?

If so, you might be the perfect fit to become an I CAN Mentor.

In I CAN’s School Program they have positions available in Greater Melbourne, Barwon/Geelong and Northern Victoria (Shepparton to Bendigo).

They also have positions available in their I CAN Online program.

Ever wondered what it’s like to work with I CAN? Meet some of their team via their YouTube channel or their website: https://icannetwork.online/work-with-us/

• Please note: you do not need to be Autistic to apply.
• Applications close Jan 22nd, 2023

What is PACE Mentoring Program?

When you sign up for Australian Network on Disability‘s PACE Mentoring program, they’ll connect you with a mentor from one of their member organisations who has advice and wisdom to share.

They’ll find the right mentor for you, based on your location, the industry you’re looking to work in, your goals and other factors.

The 4-months program is a great opportunity to:

• Build confidence
• Develop employability skills
• Practice interview skills
• Network with other professionals
• Visiting worksites
• Learn some top tips to get a head start on your career
• Experience professional and personal development
• Mentoring opportunities are in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, Adelaide and some regional cities. There are also virtual mentoring opportunities for students and jobseekers based in other locations across Australia.

Anyone 18 years old or over with any type of disability, mental health condition or chronic illness is eligible for the PACE Mentoring Program. Find out more about disability types here.

• Find out more about the PACE Mentoring Program on our website here.

Join AND’s Free Information Sessions

In these sessions, AND will discuss how the program works, what the matching process is like, what to expect from the program and answer any questions you have about PACE Mentoring.

So join AND using the link below!

The sessions will be held online through Zoom.

• Wednesday 18th January 2023, 3pm – 4pm (click here to register)
• Tuesday 14th February 2023, 2pm – 3pm (click here to register)
• *all in Sydney/Canberra/Melbourne time (AEDT)

You can view the session times and access details here!

Please let AND know if you would like any adjustments for this session.

The Department of Social Services 2023 Ability Apprenticeship Program

Applications are now open and will close on 22 January 2023

The Department of Social Services (the Department) Ability Apprenticeship Program is an employment program, open for applications from people living with disability.

It is designed to create pathways into secure, ongoing employment within the Department and the broader Australian Public Service (APS).

Positions will be predominately located in Canberra with some positions potentially available at our State offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Adelaide, Darwin and Perth.

As well as employment with the Department of Social Services, successful applicants may be offered a similar employment opportunity in another APS agency including the Australian Public Service Commission and the National Indigenous Australians Agency.

Employment Commences in 2023

Employment in the 2023 Ability Apprenticeship Program is expected to commence in July 2023.

Participants working in the Department commence at the APS 3.1 classification with a starting salary from $64,930 per annum (full-time), and upon successful completion of all program requirements, may advance to the APS 4.1 classification.

Applicant Eligibility Requirements

• The positions in this program are specifically for people with disability
• Must be an Australian citizen
• Must be at least 18 years old

For information about the 2023 Ability Apprenticeship Program visit our website: www.dss.gov.au/abilityprogram

Email enquiries to:  AbilityProgram@dss.gov.au 

Apply online at Department of Social Services Careers & Employment

GradWISE Industry AccessABILITY Week – February 2023

Summer is here and the festive period is upon us.

It’s time to start preparing for GradWISE’s 2023 graduate application season!

The Industry AccessABILITY Week from Monday 13 February to Friday 17 February 2023 is an opportunity for students/graduates to hear from disability-confident employers on their various roles and early career pathways.

They will help prepare recent and soon to be graduates with tips to succeed in navigating the graduate recruitment process and choosing organisations that align with their values and career aspirations.

These employers are interested in you because of your diversity of thought and solutions, and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people living with a disability can thrive and engage in meaningful employment aligned with their degree of study.

• Click here for a full calendar of events
• Register HERE

Final Call for PACE Mentoring Expressions of Interest

Expressions of Interest close 16th December 2022

PACE Mentoring is a 4 month commitment between April and August.

Mentors and mentees meet approximately six to eight times during the program. During meetings, pairs will set goals and desired outcomes, discuss experiences and explore career pathways.

Activities may include:

• Reviewing resumes and cover letters
• Mock interviews
• Worksite visits
• Networking with other professionals
• Discussing workplace adjustments
• Building confidence
• Mapping career objectives
• Understanding key strengths and abilities

Engaging with PACE Mentoring is simple.

Australian Network on Disability manages the program from start to finish.

This includes recruiting and selecting mentees with disability; matching mentors and mentees; pre-program briefings and training; regular check-in with program participants; and the feedback and evaluation process.

Key Dates

To participate in PACE Mentoring for Autumn 2023:

• Member expressions of interest close: Friday, 16th December 2022
• Mentor applications close: Friday, 24th February 2023
• Mentor briefings and Program Launch: April 2023
• Mid-program check-in: June 2023
• Closing Event: August 2023

*Contact Program Lead Tia Kwan at tia.kwan@and.org.au or 03 7032 3523 by Friday, 16th December to lock in your spot for Autumn 2023.

Education Faculty Study on Neuro-diverse People

Monash University’s Faculty of Education is interested in the social-emotional characteristics of people who are twice exceptional, to influence positive outcomes for them through psychological and educational research.

If you have been identified with an IQ (or GAI) of 120 or above with Autism, ADHD, or a Specific Learning Disability (such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia) we invite you to participate.

Online Interview

The adult study will require approximately an hour of your time for an online interview.

You will be asked for documentation confirming your exceptionalities for the purposes of research integrity.

• For further information and a copy of the project’s Explanatory Statement (Monash University Project ID 28288), please contact Candice James (PhD Candidate from the School of Educational Psychology & Counselling, Faculty of Education) at candice.james@monash.edu

This project is funded by the Federal Government Research Training Program and the Mensa Australia Richard Johns research fund (year 2021).

Final Assessment Workshops by Student Academic Success

Student Academic Success has opened up some additional workshops next week for students who may still need assistance in their preparation for final assessments.

• Click here to book your session

Non-Residential Colleges: Applications for the College Adviser Position are Now Open!

The Non-Residential Colleges are looking for College Advisers to join the team for 2023!

Advisers are highly valued members of our support teams who help enhance students’ college experience. As advisers, responsibilities include:

• providing mentoring and support to college members
• design and delivery of college events
• Attending training in interpersonal skills and community leadership
• referring students to professional supports when needed

Why Should YOU Become an Adviser?

• after graduation, you will receive an AHEGS statement (supplementary certificate to demonstrate your participation in the program)
• develop new skills (leadership and cross-cultural communication skills)
• enhance your resume
• expand your personal and professional networks
• opportunity to help other students find their way at University
• Join team committed to building an inclusive community

Check out Why become a College Adviser to hear from one of our current advisers and this Adviser Training video to learn more about our training program.

Click HERE to apply now. If you’d like to find out more about the role, get in touch with Adam Fernandes at adam.fernandes@monash.edu.

If you do apply and don’t hear back from us, follow up with an email, as we respond to every application!

• Applications close Monday 31st October 2022.

User Testing Sought by the Monash Study App Team

Throughout the year the Monash Study App team run different student experience research projects and they’re always looking for new students to take part.

Their projects include user testing, workshops, interviews, focus groups and surveys.

• Students who participate in research receive e-gift cards and coffee vouchers for their time.

If you’d like to sign up to the student research panel and be contacted about paid research opportunities, go to this questionnaire online and answer a few questions.

We look forward to hearing from you.

*Note: Data collection will not include any medical information, and is strictly for recruitment and research purposes. This complies with the Monash University data collection and protection policy. For more information visit the online document.

Are You an NDIS Participant or Nominee?

Have you ever applied for assistive technology or other capital supports?

• This includes higher-cost assistive technology, equipment, or home or vehicle modifications.

Please help researchers from Monash University to understand how NDIS decisions about these supports have affected you.

We would like to hear from you even if you did not receive the funding or if your application was not successful.

• To take part in our study, we invite you to complete a brief survey.

This survey should take 7-15 minutes to complete.

• If you have any questions, please contact Professor Carolyn S. Stevens at: carolyn.stevens@monash.edu

This project was approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee, Project ID: 35353