Some of Our Parts

The end of SWOT-VAC is upon us… Best of luck to those who are walking into exams in the next few weeks!
For those of you who need something non-study related to read, here’s this week’s Round Up:

• We’ll start with the sad news… The ABC’s dedicated disability news source, Ramp Up will cease to operate as of June 30. The website will still exist on the internet as a resource, however all new news and opinion will conclude at the end of the month. The ABC will continue to cover disability issues in an integrated way across its online, radio and television platforms, but we will miss Ramp Up‘s exclusive coverage and advocacy for disability viability!
• For those of you who have Jen as a DLO, you might notice her new guide dog! Here’s a Ramp Up article by Andrew Devenish-Meares describing his transition from cane to dog.
• Speaking of guide dogs, have you ever heard of a guide pony??
• Anthea Skinner, a Monash PhD student and Assistant Archivist at the Music Archive of Monash Uni also has an article published in Ramp Up this week on her part-time wheelchair use.
• 5 things only deaf people and Auslan speakers will understand.
• British Thespian, Nadia Albina explains how her disability helped her connect with her character while perparing for A Streetcar Named Desire.
• How has technology such as the iPad changed the way you learn?
• Arts Access Victoria and Deakin University are developing new technology to enable blind and deafblind audience members to experience dance performance through a haptic or touch based system of communication.

GOOD LUCK WITH EXAMS EVERY BODY!

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

Access evening with Italian Masterpieces Thursday 12 June, 5.30–8pm

An evening viewing of Italian Masterpieces from Spain’s Royal Court, Museo del Prado for people with special needs, their families and carers. Participate in a guided tour, browse in the NGV Shop and experience the magic of the Italian Masterpieces. Tours available include Auslan, Audio Describing, All Abilities and Art & Memory for people living with dementia.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment you can call through the NationalRelay Service (NRS): TTY users can phone 133677 then ask for 03 8620 2222

Speak & Listen (speech-to-speech) users can call 1300 555 727 then ask for 03 8620 2222. Internet relay users can connect to NRS on www.relayservice.com.au then ask for 03 8620 2222

Venue NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road
Cost $22.50 Concession
Bookings recommended
Booking Code P1451
For all enquiries and bookings (03) 8662 1555
10am–5pm 7 days or email program.bookings@ngv.vic.gov.au

For those who speak English as a second language and are finding things a little complicated, the University of Adelaide has developed a new resource to assist with the trickier parts of English grammar.  The site includes video and text-based explanations, as well as practical exercises to help you understand both articles and passive voice.

Do you live in the Geelong area? Are you a Monash student with a disability?

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) would like to engage a student with disability who is studying Finance/Accounting to join them for an internship in Julybased at their Geelong office. This is a paid internship position of 150 hours.

For more information, please contact Jenny Watts-Sampson at jenny.watts-sampson@and.org.au.

Happy Monday.

The laudable Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Graeme Innes AM will be giving his last speech on Wednesday the 2nd July 2014 at the National Press Club in Canberra.

Mr Innes, who was appointed by the Howard Government in December 2005, finishes in the role July 4.

More details to follow.

Almost every Friday, we post disability news from around the world here on the Some of Our Parts blog.

Here’s a sample from this week’s news reel:

• Have an autoimmune disease and feel like no one gets you? Here are 15 celebrities who understand!
• Have you seen those emotional ‘Deaf Person Hears for the First Time’ videos on the net? Some thoughts about why they might not be as inspiring as they seem.
• Any biomedical engineering students out there? Here’s a rewarding task you might want to take on after exams are over.
• Check out this poignant video tackling stigmas attached to depression and mental health conditions.
• An innovative invention for those who experience hand tremors
• Spent time in a psychiatric hospital lately? How would you redesign it if you go the chance?

Washable paint walls?

The Department of Social Services is offering a challenging and meaningful career at the heart of the Australian Government’s social policy agenda.

The DSS have a central role in delivering policies and programs that improve the lifetime wellbeing of people and families in Australia. They are responsible for about a quarter of the Australian Government Budget, responding to need across people’s lives, encouraging independence and participation, and supporting a cohesive society.

The Department is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive workforce that supports the employment of people with disability. As an education institution that shapes our future leaders, the DSS considers it imperative to work together to provide transitional opportunities for university graduates with disability, and strengthen relationships between tertiary education and employment. Currently, DSS is participating in the Australian Public Service (APS) RecruitAbility Scheme Pilot. The purpose of the Scheme is to support and increase employment of people with disability.

Please email Andy Paras, Director of Learning, Development and Diversity, at diversity@dss.gov.au if you require any further information.

What does the budget mean for you and your disability?

• It’s time to raise our expectations
• Disability advocates urge Federal Government to work with big business to create jobs
• Budget crackdown to hit younger people on disability pensions
• People on disability support pension to have ability to work reassessed
• Disability Support Pension changes unlikely to feature in May budget: Kevin Andrews
• Disability in Budget 2014