Some of Our Parts

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

Are You a Jobseeker with Disability Looking for Career Guidance?

Advance Your Career Opportunities with AusDN’s Free Mentoring Program

The PACE mentoring program connects students with disabilities to disability confident industry professionals in leading Australian organisations. In this 4-month program, mentees develop interview skills, grow their professional networks and much more.

Eligible candidates should submit the application here by 31st July. 

You are eligible if you meet all the following criteria

• You are a student or jobseeker and;
• You have a disability, a mental health or chronic health condition and;
• You are over 18 years old
• Contact us at applications@ausDN.org.au, or on 1300 36 36 45 / 02 8270 9200
• Mentee Applications Extended to 31 July!

AusDN is glad to announce that the mentee application for the upcoming PACE Mentoring Spring 2024 cohort has been extended to 31st July 2024! Late applications are always welcomed and considered on a case-by-case basis.

About PACE

The national PACE Mentoring Program connects people with disability, mental health condition or chronic illness with a mentor from one of AusDN’s member organisations who has advice and wisdom to share.

Participating Organisations in this Upcoming Cohort

• ANZ Bank
• Australian Federal Police
• Australian Securities and Investments Commission
• Australian Taxation Office
• Avanade Australia Pty Ltd*
• Bendigo and Adelaide Bank
• Cenitex
• Clayton Utz
• Coles
• Edith Cowan University
• Fair Work Ombudsman
• Infosys
• Optus
• Qantas Airways Limited
• Roche
• Sydney Water
• uLaunch Pty Ltd
• University of Canberra

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION HERE!

2024 ACEN Equity Scholarships – Apply Now!

The Australian Collaborative Education Network (ACEN), a WIL professional body here in Australia, is partnering with Pagoda Projects to offer seven fully funded Global Online Internships for eligible students.

Monash is a member of ACEN, so Monash students fulfilling the eligibility criteria (see below) are able to apply.

Program Dates

• Internship Period: 8-16 weeks
• Program Dates: 17th February – 6th June 2025

The ACEN Equity Scholarship is valued at $2,400.00 AUD per student (a total of $16,800) and consists of:

• A full or part-time Global Online Internship in one of Pagoda’s world-wide host locations
• Dedicated English-speaking internship supervisor
• Individually matched Cultural Mentor from the host location
• Regular online events with guest speakers and subject matter experts
• Four courses for work-readiness and intercultural fluency
• Full support from the Pagoda team; training and coaching where required
• Access to Pagoda’s online portal
• Access to the Pagoda Alumni Network

*This program is fully funded by the scholarship*

Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarships

The scholarship is open to both undergraduate and post graduate students, including international students. To be eligible to apply for an ACEN Equity Scholarship you must:

1. Be enrolled in a tertiary degree with a current ACEN member institution at the time of starting the Pagoda Projects virtual internship program. Students must produce a copy of their academic transcript to Pagoda Projects on request
2. Be available to begin the online internship from 17th February 2025
3. Be a member of at least ONE of the following equity groups
   *Students who have a long-term medical condition or disability which impacts their study
   *Students who can demonstrate financial disadvantage, through receipt of Youth Allowance or other means-tested Commonwealth Support
   *Students who have relocated or will be relocating from interstate or a regional area to study at university.
   *Students who are current or former refugees
   *Students who identify as LGBTQI+
   *Aboriginal and Torres strait islander students and who are identified as such by their community
   *Students who are the first in their immediate family (partner, parent, grandparent, children, siblings) to attend university
4. Be able to prepare a 3-minute pre-recorded interview according to the instructions given
5. Be available to attend an online interview if required
6. Provide a recorded testimonial video and other content relating to your program

• Applications close: 1st September 2024

For further information see the ACEN Scholarships site, and students can contact info@pagodaprojects.com if they have questions.

Rossjohn Lab Has 2 Internship Roles Available – Apply Now!

*If you are a DSS-registered final year student or recent graduate, this may be the opportunity you’ve been looking for! 

• The celebrated, multi-award-winning Rossjohn Lab has 2 part-time internship roles available (offered over 13 weeks): Administrative assistant (office) and Technical officer (lab work).

A Brief Outline of the Roles

The internship program will equip graduate students with valuable skills and experience in either laboratory research work or office administration in a scientific setting.

• Laboratory work may include assisting with the operation and maintenance of technical equipment and services, the preparation of solutions and experimental design, and other laboratory tasks. See lab website here.
• Administrative duties may include clerical and bookkeeping tasks and other office duties pertaining to the running of the office and laboratory including assisting in the preparation and management of documentations and coordinating the routine back-up of laboratory research and administration data.

Tasks may also extend to creating tactile artworks with our Artist in residence for our Monash Sensory Science exhibition.

This opportunity is anticipated to provide graduate students who have a disability with work experience and skills that will increase their post university employment prospects.

• Candidates who are recent graduates in a science related discipline or in office administration, and have a strong motivation to work in this field are encouraged to apply.
• If you’re eligible and wish to apply, please submit a cover letter and CV to Jennifer Huynh <jennifer.huynh@monash.edu> directly via email with subject header: DSS Internships at Rossjohn lab – technical officer or administrative assistant.
• Please apply no later than 9 August 2024

Call for Participation: Inclusive Data Visualization Design Study at Monash University

• Do you want to help make data visualisation (i.e., chart and graphs) more inclusive and easier to use?

Our study is all about creating data tools that are universally accessible, with a special focus on the autistic community.

Our aim is to find out what kinds of visuals and ways of showing data to help people understand and use information better in their everyday lives and jobs.

What is Involved in This Study?

• We’re looking for Monash students who are 18 or older, and diagnosed with autism or if you’ve self-diagnosed, to join our study.
• You’ll start by answering some questions about your demographic and how you use data visuals. It will take approximately 10 minutes.
• Then, you’ll take part in two phases of the study, where you’ll look at different data visuals and complete web-based tasks.
• After each phase, we’ll discuss your experiences with you. Both user-study and interview will take approximately 120-150 minutes.

We really want to make sure this study works for you, so please tell us if there’s anything we can do to make it better for you!

Participant Appreciation

As a big thank you for your time, you’ll get an AUD $50 voucher for groceries.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must have a diagnosis of autism, or self- diagnosed.

Interested in Participating?

• To take part in this important study, please follow this link.

REGISTER NOW!

*This project has Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee approval – Project ID: 41238

Seeking Your Input for Our Inclusive Online Module

Career Connect, in collaboration with Disability Support Services and GradWISE, is developing an inclusive online module.

Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to apply for jobs confidently, navigate the recruitment process, and transition smoothly into the workplace with a disability.

We are in the final stages of exploring and consulting on this module, and eager to hear your perspective.

Who We Are Looking For

• We’re seeking students who’ve experienced the recruitment process and are eager to share their thoughts and advice with fellow students.

Next Steps

Book a one-on-one consultation with Jia Song from Career Connect. Jia is a qualified Career Advisor, and she is passionate about helping students navigate their career journey and raising the awareness of employability skills development.

• Location: Online (Zoom)
• Duration: 30 mins
• Booking: Reserve your time slot via this link.

Thank you for being part of this important initiative! If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Jia directly at jia.song1@monash.edu or 03 9905 3017.

NSW Government Graduate Program 2025

Applications are open for the NSW Government Graduate Program 2025!

Make one choice to unlock endless opportunities.

With roles across Sydney and regional NSW, the NSW Government Graduate Program gives graduates the opportunity to work for the future state of NSW.

The 18-month program is open to all recent undergraduates and postgraduates.

With 3 placements across NSW Government, you’ll get to try different things.

There are 5 streams to this program: a primary stream, open to anyone, and 4 degree-specific streams in digital, engineering, legal, and social work. Each stream has its own tailored development component.

• Successful completion of the NSW Government Graduate Program leads to ongoing employment.

Learn about life as a graduate in the NSW Government Graduate Program!

The NSW Government is hosting a virtual information session at 12:30pm 24 July 2024.

REGISTER NOW!

You will hear from current NSW Government graduates about their experiences in the program and get insights on working in the public sector from NSW Public Service Commissioner Kathrina Lo.

The session will cover information about the program and the different streams on offer and the application and selection process. There will also be a chance to ask questions.

Please see below key points about the NSW Government Graduate Program for 2025:

• Applications open Wednesday 17 July until 11:59pm Wednesday 14 August 2024 AEST
• Apply via GradConnection (note: opportunities will appear on Wednesday 17 July).
• 18-month program comprising 3 x 6-month placements across NSW Government.
• Open to domestic and international students with working rights for the duration of the program.
• The program has a primary stream (all disciplines) and 4 x degree-specific streams: digital, engineering, legal, and social work.
• Roles available across NSW (Sydney metro and regional NSW).
• Students who complete their degrees between June 2022 and December 2024 are eligible.

2025 program key dates

• 17 July 2024: Applications open
• 14 August 2024: Applications close
• September 2024: Assessment centres
• November 2024: Offers made to successful candidates
• 3 February 2025: Graduate Program start date

Key links

• NSW Government Graduate Program website
• NSW Government GradConnection profile
• Virtual Information Session 2025 registration link (24 July 2024)
• NSW Government Graduate Program – Program overview (YouTube)

Vision Australia’s 2025 Bursary Applications Now Open

Each year, Vision Australia awards Further Education Bursaries to a select number of students who are blind or have low vision.

The bursaries provide adaptive technology to help students fully participate and succeed in their chosen studies.

Assistive technology can eliminate barriers to education and enhance access to information. It enables students to read course material, conduct research and improve their student life.

• For more information and details on how to apply, please visit: www.visionaustralia.org/bursary
• Expressions of interest must be lodged by 15 September 2024. Applications close strictly on 30 September 2024.

If you have any queries or would like to speak with Vision Australia’s bursary coordinator, please feel free to make direct contact:

Joy King
Ph: 03 8378 1220
E: joy.king@visionaustralia.org

Unzip Our Voices: Exploring Diversity in Communication at Monash

Do you ever feel that your voice is zipped up and there’s no way to express yourself at the right time or in the right way?

At the Monash Assistive Technology and Society (MATS) Centre, we are doing interdisciplinary research for and with university students in Australia who are at risk of marginalisation and exclusion because they communicate differently. These differences may arise from disabilities, neurodiversity, and native languages/cultures.

In such situations, information can be exchanged without or alongside speech via augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). You might not be familiar with this term, but you may already be using various forms of AAC even if your tutor/supervisor isn’t aware of it!

Conventionally, AAC includes systems, approaches and practices like Auslan, communication boards, whiteboards, text-to-voice engines, email/texting, and subtitling.

More broadly, for multilingual/international students, it may just involve using everyday mobile apps like Google Translate, Otter.ai, or ChatGPT so you can understand better in English.

You Are Invited to Participate in Our Survey

We need your help to understand what kind of AAC you regularly use to address your communication needs at Monash, how you feel about using it, and what you think can be done to make Monash a more inclusive place through AAC.

To work towards this goal, we are inviting you to participate in a 15 to 30-minute online survey.

In return, you will gain a renewed sense of purpose – something greater than your past exams – because you know how your experience, when heard by the right people, could help redefine inclusion in academia.

Join us in unzipping our diverse voices together, along with our pride (or frustration) in being different!

CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE

• Please note this is part of my PhD research project. If you are interested and leave your email address in the survey, I may contact you for further collaboration.
• If you have any further questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me on jing.hu@monash.edu.

The Monash Guarantee/SEAS Testimonial Opportunity

The University’s marketing team is hoping to showcase some of our students who may have benefited from the Monash Guarantee or Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS).

We’re sharing this opportunity to see if you would be interested in sharing your story.

This opportunity is open to domestic, undergraduate students who have a WAM of 60 or higher who feel they have benefited from SEAS or the Monash Guarantee. If you need a reminder of what is covered in SEAS and the Monash Guarantee see our website.

• Your registration with DSS will remain confidential and you don’t need to disclose your disability or medical condition if you don’t want to or do not feel comfortable.

What’s In It For You

If you’re interested, we’ll send you some questions about how Monash Guarantee or SEAS has helped you to achieve your aspirations. We may also ask about extracurricular activities you’ve enjoyed as a student.

• We’re able to provide a $50 gift card for your time!

What’s Next

If you’d like to participate, you will need to consent to the use of your image and a quote to be used for marketing purposes by the University to highlight the positive outcomes of these opportunities.

It’s possible that the story may be picked up by a news outlet, and if this happens you may be asked for an interview, but this is not guaranteed, and you would be free to decline the opportunity.

If you’re interested, could you please email Susan Newland (details are below) By Friday June 28th.

• Susan Newland
• Senior Coordinator, Projects and Development, Access Inclusion and Success
• Susan.Newland@monash.edu