Some of Our Parts

Chris Mikul’s captioning legacy

Chris Mikul was the Project Manager of Media Access Australia since its inception and has been an active advocate for better captioning, audio description (AD) and inclusion for nearly three decades. In his final interview before leaving the organisation, Chris shared some of his high points and talked openly about the challenges and issues that still remain, in order to improve the quality of captions and make AD more available.

5 simple ways you can dramatically improve your blog’s accessibility

Blogging encourages freedom of personal expression so it should be a right for anyone, regardless of disabilities or requirements, to have access to this vast pool of knowledge and community.  But what simple things can you do as a blogger, or a budding blogger, to make sure that your blog is accessible?  There are 5 simple ways that you can dramatically improve your blog’s accessibility.

E3 Gaming conference accessibility announcements

This year at the EA’s E3 Gaming Conference, a number of gaming companies and console producers announced their commitment to accessibility. We provide a roundup of some of the accessibility focuses and advancements in the world of gaming.

Channel 4 seeks viewer feedback about its accessibility services

Channel 4 has created a survey to capture as much feedback as possible from people who view their programming with captions (subtitles in the UK), audio description, signing on TV, or on the station’s on-demand service.

Amazon launches new affordable, more accessible Kindles

Amazon has just launched a new range of Kindle ebook readers, starting at the affordable price of US$79. Best of all, they come with features that allow the Kindle to be accessible for Blind or vision-impaired users

Featured accessibility article

Benefits and ROI of accessible banking

Being able to access your finances and purchase goods and services when we want to is a basic right. This means that when it comes to banking, and paying for goods or services online, it is imperative that the service is accessible and inclusive for all.

Useful resource of the week

Learn WCAG 2.0 from the experts – online in 6 weeks. The PWCA course is Australia’s only university-accredited web accessibility certificate for web professionals. This certification will teach you the essential principles and techniques for achieving accessibility compliance. It will be invaluable for the future and will ensure that your communications and services inclusive for all. Learn more about the Professional Certificate in Web Accessibility (PWCA).

Disability Support Services is seeking volunteer student mentors as part of our Peer Mentor Program. Successful registered students who are willing to share their knowledge and experience are encouraged to apply. We also welcome applications from mature-age students.

The program matches students with a student mentor who is also registered with Disability Support Services for regular meetings throughout semester. Mentors provide support, encouragement and information to their mentee to assist them successfully navigate university life. This could mean attending university social events together, referral to appropriate Monash services, navigation around campus or simply having a chat over coffee.

Mentors are trained and supported by the Disability Support Services. Participants will receive a Certificate of Appreciation at the end of semester (note: a minimum of 6 mentor/mentee meetings is required to receive a certificate).

Why be a mentor?

Being a mentor can:

• Enhance your personal and professional development
• Add skills to your résumé to enhance employability
• Introduce you to new friends and social activities
• Increase your networking potential across the University

Peer mentors should:

• Be available to attend a 1-2 hour training and induction session
• Be able to meet with your mentee regularly for the duration of the semester (about once a week is recommended)
• Be able to provide the details of a referee upon request
• Have knowledge of Monash academic and social life

Please complete the online application form to register your interest in becoming a DSS Peer Mentor.

We will be in touch with further information before the beginning of semester. Participation in the program is obviously dependent upon finding a suitable student for you to be matched with.

If you have any questions about the program please contact Tom Perry on 03 9905 1354 or email thomas.perry@monash.edu.

Over the break, you may want to have a look at the Career Access Moodle space. This Moodle space is to provide extra careers information particularly for students with a disability, mental health condition or medical condition.

This resource has been developed by Career Connect and Disability Support Services.

Media Access Australia is Australia’s only independent not-for-profit organisation dedicated to increasing web and digital access to media for people with a disability.

Their latest news:

New Zealand holds an inquiry into captioning
How the blind experience the internet
A demo of Microsoft Office 365’s new accessibility features
Election websites accessibility report – improving but still difficult to use
Audio description trial on iview ending soon

As part of O Week, Monash Disability Support Services ran the Monash Student Colouring Competition. The winners have been announced.

The first prize of a 500 piece Kaleidoscope Colouring Jigsaw with 12 Artist’s colour pencils went to Caroline Godfrey. The second price of a multi-level creative colouring book, ‘Positively Zen’, went to Jessmin Green.

You can see their fantastic entries can be seen below.

Caroline Godfrey:

Jessmin Green:

Circus Oz is coming to the Melbourne Big Top with an exciting new show TWENTYSIXTEEN.  Two hours of high-voltage acrobatics and explosive aerial antics all accompanied by the sensational Circus Oz band.

On Saturday 2 July, the 1:30pm and 7:30pm shows will be Auslan interpreted and audio described.

There are a limited number of seats available with a clear view of the Auslan interpreters. These are premium and ringside seats at B-Reserve prices and are available for those who require interpretation and their guests.

http://www.circusoz.com/auslan-interpreted-shows.html

Audio described patrons can sit anywhere in the Big Top and will only pay B-Reserve prices.

http://www.circusoz.com/audio-described-shows.html

Companion cards are always accepted and our Big Top is wheelchair accessible.

For all special access bookings contact Ticketmaster directly on 1300 446 925 or via email on mail.bookings@ticketmaster.com.au.

Missed out on Uni Summer Camps? Want to meet new people or go on a camp with your uni friends?

Host Scheme is a volunteer leadership program that provide orientation events for all Monash Students. Their camps are renowned for their inclusivity and social environment.

Camp ticket includes 2 nights/3 days of dormitory accommodation, private beach access, transport to and from Monash University Clayton, food and activities.

Available to all Monash Students from all Monash Campuses. Must be 18+ to attend.

Purchase Online or at MSA Reception (Level 1, 21 Chancellors Walk)

For more information on Host Scheme, go to msa.monash.edu/hostscheme

Need help lodging your tax return?

Make an appointment with an Australian Tax Office trained volunteer.

Appointments are free and available on Caulfield and Clayton Campus.

For more information & to book your appointment: msa.monash.edu/taxhelp

A University of Melbourne research team is recruiting six Community Researchers (CRs) to work with them on a project exploring people’s experiences so far of the NDIS in the Barwon trial site. CRs will be provided with training in research skills, including conducting interviews, ethics, and data analysis. This training will take place at the main campus of the University of Melbourne. CRs will be assisted to travel to the Barwon region to conduct interviews with research participants. The positions are casual and CRs will be paid at the Research Assistant Grade 1 rate ($39.49 per hour) for time spent interviewing and time involved in training. In addition to training (12 hours), the position offers approximately six to eight days of paid work (40-60 hours) for each CR. The project is based in the Melbourne School of Government at the University of Melbourne and commences in May 2016.

Please refer to the attached position description for further details, including how to submit your application.

UniMelb PD for Community Researchers April 2016

APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON WEDNESDAY 18 MAY 2016