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Having a Say Conference - 2009
VALID and the 2009 Conference Organising Committee are pleased to announce the theme for the conference as, 'Our Future - Tomorrow: Celebrating 10 years of Having a Say!!'. The conference will be held at:Costa Hall, Deakin University Waterfront Campus, Geelong 4th - 6th February 2009 The theme reflects the fact that the 2009 conference will be the 10th Having a Say conference. So it will be a big celebration. But also in keeping true to the aim of the conference, it will give opportunity for ideas and discussion for more changes ....today & in the future, so that individuals with disability will continue to have a say in their lives. Website: Click here for all the details |
Activities and Programs
- Brimbank - Junior Holiday program
Brimbank City Council's Junior Holiday Program has various activites during the Janaury 2009 school holidays. For 8-11 year olds.
- Disability social support
The Sunrise Women's Groups provide fun and friendship for women with a disability through the outer West. They meet monthly in Werribee and Laverton.
- Family Adventure Camp - Phillip Island
The Spina Bifida Foundation of Victoria is running a family adventure camp for families affected by spina bifida. Friday 30 January - Sunday 2 February 2009.
- Hip Hop class for people with a disability
Youth Services together with the Access for All Abilities program - Moonee Valley has a Hip Hop class for people with a disability- running in term 1 2009
- Hobsons Bay City Council Programs
Various programs: Current programs, including programs during the January 2009 School Holidays
- Horse Riding
Come along for a ride at Darebin’s Bundoora Park’s Riding for the Disabled classes.
- IMPACT Support Services
Vacancies for holidays over the summer. IMPACT Support Services provides respite, leisure and supported holidays for adults with an intellectual disability.
- Looking for Holiday and Vacation Care Programs?
Using resources linked to www.respitenorthandwest.org.au will assist in finding local services.
- Looking for ideas about what you can do during the School Holidays
This is a list of some ideas, many are inexpensive, some are free. Including links to school holiday/vacation programs:
- MAN2MAN is back
MAN2MAN is a social group made up of men with disabilities that get together for social outings and personal developmental forums each month.
- Moving On
Creative movement for people with a disability: Yarraville Community Centre
- Music Workshops - Club Wild
For adults with a disability living with their families in the Craigieburn area. Weekly sessions
- Planned Activity Group
A Planned Activity Group is held every Saturday at Preston for persons with disabilities from Greek speaking backgrounds.
- Planting Seeds: Gardening, Food, Fun and Friendship
A project funded by DHS to support people with a disability attending day services in and around the City of Maribyrnong to participate in a community edible garden program: Free garden activities, food and friendship
- Staying Active for All Abilities Gym Program
Reservoir Leisure Centre is pleased to announce the development of a new GYM Program for individuals of all abilities. Tuesdays starting 2009
- Sussex Social Group - Social group for people with disabilities in the north and west
Everybody is welcome to come along and meet people with disabilities in the north west of Melbourne. Different activities are held each month, including drama, pottery, drawing and cooking.
- Tai Chi program
Ascot Vale Leisure Centre: Saturdays from 2.30-3.30pm Continuing throughout 2009 Re commencing 10th January.
- Vision Australia - Three activities offered
Offering three activities - Felting, Pottery, Activity-excercise - Kooyong Feb and March 2009
- Vision Australia Kooyong
Offering a 6 week series fun experience for people who are blind or have low vision - “On The Go” Board Ball and Brain - March 2009
- WebabilITy project-Thornbury Women’s Neighbourhood House
Thornbury Women’s Neighbourhood House has recently launched a 12 month training project called WebabilITy. This IT project has been funded by the Internet training for people with a disability (ITPD) program.
- Y Hang Out - A social group for adults with a disability
A new, monthly social group for adults with a disability. Every 2nd Friday of the month. All welcome!
- YMCA Weekend Escapes for Adults with a Disability
Offer a residential camping experience for adults with a physical or intellectual disability who have low to medium support needs.
Carer / Parent Support Groups
- Autism Angels
We welcome people with autism and their friends and families. Meet on the 1st Sunday of the month. All welcome.
- Cancer Council of Victoria
Telephone and Internet Support Groups - various forms of support for people who have cancer, are cancer survivors and also for carers of people with cancer
- Carer Links Men's Group
A Support Group for male carers in the west.
- Carer Support Groups
Carers Victoria Respite Connections - Disability Team has a listing of Support Groups for those living in the Western Region and who are caring for someone with a Disability 0-64 years of age.
- Carers of Multiple Sclerosis
This group meets monthly - for carers in Melbournes Western Region
- Cerebral Palsy Support Network
Coffee Sessions: Provide support to those caring for someone with Cerebral Palsy. Various locations throughout Melbourne - service available to members of the Cerebral Palsy Support Network - CPSN. Join the network.
- Coburg Preston Parents
Meets fortnightly in Coburg
- Dads Together
A group for men who are parents of a child with a disability
- Greek Carer Support Group
ADEC - Acton on Disability In Ethnic Communities has vacancies in its GREEK Carer Support Group. Meet fortnightly on a Friday
- Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong Neigborhood Support Group
For parents of children 0-18 with any disability. Meets monthly in the local areas of Hobsons Bay & Maribyrnong. Welcomes members from other areas.
- Latte 'N' Laughs Support Group
Meet others who care for a child or adult with a disability. Couples most welcome. We meet in the Caroline Springs/Melton areas.
- My Time
Parents will get a chance to chat to others and have a few hours' rest for the first time while their children are supervised under the My Time program.
- NAPS - Northern Autism Parent Support
Open to both men and women. Meets on the first Friday of the month in Glenroy.
- PS Child Parents of Children with Hidden Disabilities Support Group
A parent run group of those with children with special needs either in mainstream or special settings. They meet in Roxburg Park on Mondays - weekly
- Parent /Carer Support Groups
The latest listing compiled by Parent to Parent West of parent/carer support groups/meetings for those mainly caring for children with disabilities 0-18.
- Parent Support Groups Update - Northern
Listing of Parent Support Groups for the north.
- Parent/Carers' Support Network Incorporated
Meet once a month in Fawkner. Includes carers of adult children with special needs.
- Sunspec Parent Support Group - Sunbury
For families in the Sunbury area.
- TIME OUT - Listing of Special Needs Parent Support Groups - Term 4 - 2008
Time Out provides a listing of many/varied parenting and support groups in the west
- The Grange Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)- Support Group
This support group runs at the Grange Community Centre Hoppers Crossing - for parents with children with ASD. Meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. New members welcome.
- Valley Carers Group - City of Moonee Valley
Support Group for Carers of children and young adults with a disability who live in or have a connection to the City of Moonee Valley. The next meeting of the Valley Carers is on 27th November at 7.30pm.
- Vietnamese Support Group
For parents/carers of children with disabilities.
- West Care Friends - Support Group
A group for older people (60 years +) caring for someone with a disability (up to age 65) The groups main aim is to provide support for Older Parents providing care for sons/daughters with a disability.
Events
- Activity Day - “Community Access”
able respite invites you to an activity day at their premises in Resevoir - all welcome - 8th and 9th January 2009
- Autism Angels - Dinner Dance 2009
You can assist in raising awareness of autism by attending this event. 20th March 2009
- Club Wild - Regular events during 2009
Club Wild is one of Australia's leading arts and community building organizations run by and for people with disabilities. Note specific events that are now listed.
- Dignity of Risk
Photography and Project - Watch Dignity of Risk on YouTube! This short animation loop is a dynamic celebration of sports, art and recreation which offers a colourful and powerful message of access for all abilities, highlighting the dignity of risk.
- Launch 'Who Says I Can't Sing - Musical Justice for People with Disabilities'
12th December 2008 - BrunswickThe research, which has been done through the National Music Therapy Research Centre in conjunction with The Salvation Army and Able Australia, highlights the value of musical participation for people with disabilities.
- Moreland Council's Festival & Events Calendar
2008-2009 Listing: Including events for people with disabilities and their carers.
- Reinvention: creativity and self identity
Victorian artists with a disability or who are Deaf are invited to apply for this major art exhibition. Exhibition dates 20 March - 3 May 2009
- The 4th Tenpin Bowling Australia's Australian Disability Championships
30th May - 5th June 2009 at AMF Sunshine Bowl, Sunshine, Victoria.
- The Art of Difference Festival
Produced by Gasworks Arts Park: showcases the breadth of performance and visual arts created and performed by people with disabilities or who are Deaf. The 2009 festival, running 10 to 21 March 2009
Featured Programs
- 'Sing I.T Swing I.T'
For women and men with a mild intellectual disability that fuses creative training in the basics of computer with music, rhythm and singing. Thornbury.
- ADEC - Action on Disability Within Ethnic Communities MYTIME
A new MYTIME playgroup has commenced in PRESTON, there is no waiting list, and referrals are sought for families that will benefit from the program.
- Access for All Abilities Mixed Netball
Join the fun of Access for All Abilities Mixed Netball on Monday nights at Werribee Sports & Fitness Centre!
- Accessible Vehicle for Aged and Disability
Pick-up and drof-off medical transport Vehicle provided by Maribyrnong City Council
- Aids and Equipment Program Vehicle Modification Subsidy Scheme has commenced
The vehicle modification subsidy is available to Victorians with a permanent or long term disability who meet the eligibility criteria for the Aids and Equipment Program. A maximum subsidy of up to $10,000 is available to assist with the purchase of prescribed modifications to suit individual circumstances.
- All Abilities Youth Theatre - YMCA MacLeod
Primarily Performers provide creative, stimulating and enjoyable drama and movement classes to children of all abilities. Teenagers 13-19 years
- Aqua Aerobics at Ascot Vale Leisure Centre
This program will continue in 2009 Fridays from 12pm-12.45pm
- Arts Smorgasboard
Performance-making for people with disabilities: 19 sessions commencing Fabruary
- Autism Victoria Family Counsellor
The aim of the family counsellor service is to provide emotional and practical support specifically related to caring for a person who has an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- CALM - Camps, Activities, Leisure with Melbacc (CALM)
Available to adults aged between 18-65 years who experience an intellectual, physical, sensory disability or acquired brain injury who reside in areas of Melton, Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Whyndham, Hobsons Bay, Moonee Valley, Hume and who live with their carer.
- Children and Teens Art & Activity Programs - VACANCIES AVAILABLE
Both are specifically designed, innovative and fun programs offering recreation for children and teenagers with severe and multiple disabilities and respite for parents/carers. Lower care needs also catered for. Located at South Kingsville Community Centre.
- Eligibility for the Continence Aids Assistance Scheme: helps more people with the cost of purchasing continence aids
Age eligibility for the scheme has now been extended to include people aged 5 years and up. At present, the scheme is restricted to those aged 16 to 64 years.
- Equipment: Second hand disability equipment for sale
Visit e-bility.com to find equipment items that are advertised for sale and which may include second hand, demo or discontinued lines.
- Explorers
Do you have a disability? Are you aged between 25-35 years old? If you have answered ‘Yes’ to both of these questions, you are warmly invited to join the Explorers’ group.
- FREE CARS FOR NEEDY FAMILIES
Australian search engine, Big Roo has announced that families nationwide will be able to borrow small late-model vehicles, absolutely free of charge. The Big Roo cars will be made available anywhere in Australia to genuine "Aussie battlers”.
- Feasibility study to develop a Preston All Abilities Skate Park.
Darebin Council would appreciate your comments and thoughts about this proposal.
- Helpful information on the new Autism package
This information was sourced from the Royal Children's Hospital
- Helping Children with Autism Initiative
Autism Victoria is pleased to announce that it has been chosen to deliver the Autism Advisor Program, which is part of the Federal Government’s, ‘Helping Children with Autism Package’.
- Homeshare Opportunities
Do you know of any older people or people with a disability who are interested in sharing their home in exchange for about 10 hours of assistance a week, some company and the security of having someone in the house overnight?
- Link Community Transport
A specialised volunteer-assisted community transport service which provides door-to-dooor transport for the frail aged, people of any age with a disability and their parents or carers. For those in Melbournes' North.
- Melbourne Citymission’s T.I.M.E Out Sibling Program
MCM runs groups for children who have a brother or a sister with a disability. Brochure available
- Mobility Allowance
Mobility Allowance provides assistance to people with disabilities who are involved in Centrelink approved qualifying activities.
- MyChild website for parents
One-stop shop for parents
- Natural Neighbourhood Networks
Allows independent living in your home, with friends near by and 24 hour staff back up. A project from Geelong in victoria
- Newly updated version of the publication 'Using disability discrimination law'
This booklet covers all aspects of Victorian and federal law about what is considered discrimination, and how to take action if you believe your rights have been infringed. Produced by Victoria Legal Aid.
- Noah's Ark - Recreation Program
Noah's Ark offers recreation opportunities for children, teenagers and young adults who have a disability.
- Program for Students with Disabilities Handbook 2009
The Program for Students with Disabilities provides additional support in the School Resource Package to either a regular school or one of the various specialist schools for eligible students with disabilities.
- The Alternate Recreation Choices Project
The Alternate Recreation Choices Project aims to assist children with complex care needs in accessing mainstream recreational programs: For: Primary school children who reside in Melton, Brimbank or Wyndham
- The Early Childhood Intervention Support (ECIS) Flexible Support Packages
A recent initiative that targets children (birth to school age) who have been diagnosed with a disability or a developmental delay. Early Intervention and other services can continue to support families to individually tailor the supports they need to reflect the needs dictated by the child's disability and the individual circumstances of the family.
- Toy faces teach emotion to autistic kids
Toy trains bearing pictures of real human faces are being used to help autistic kids understand emotion as part of a radical new program
- YMCA Weekend Escapes for Adults with a Disability
YMCA Weekend Escapes offer a residential camping experience for adults with a physical or intellectual disability who have low to medium support needs. The weekend schedule is full of activities to suit a variety of interests and are held throughout the year.
Meetings
- Respite Network for Service Providers (RN4SP)
Meeting dates for 2009. Various venues in Melbourne's West. Next Meeting 25th February 2009 Providers from the north and the west welcome.
- Western Region Disability Network
WRDN bimonthly meetings Thursday, Next Meeting Thursday 5th March 2009
- wesabi formerly Bear in Mind West
A group for people with an Acquired Brain Injury or stroke in Melbourne's West.
New Programs and Activities
- ABI Social Group
Melbourne Citymission in conjunction with the City of Banyule is establishing a new social group for people with acquired brain injury to meet in their local area. The next meeting is on: 21st November@ 6:30pm
- Action on Disability In Ethnic Communities (ADEC)
Family Respite & Older Carer Respite
- Dance Ability - for children and teenagers who have a disability
Come and have a go: Apollo Parkways Primary School (Civic Drive, Greensborough) on Saturdays.
- The Lounge Room
Escapade Respite Service has a new Program: A family developed and managed program which allows those aged 14-18 to meet informally and develop friendships. Enquiries welcome
New Service Announcement
- AustraliaForAll.com.au
A new international e-service which allows tourists with disabilities and their families to obtain information about the accessibility of the accommodation and tourism venues which they wish to visit.
- Independence Australia
ParaQuad Victoria and Independence Solutions announce their new brand to the industry.
- New Legal Advocacy agency for people with a disability
AED Legal Centre aims to give access to justice to people with a disability who experience difficulties or discrimination at work because of their disability.
- RCH Clinical Services Directory online
Referrers to the RCH can look up services by keyword, clinic name or specialty. Each clinic links to referral forms, pre-referral guidelines, parent information factsheets and other online useful tools and resources where available.
- StreetDoctor
Coming in 2009: PivotWest’s StreetDoctor Project aims to establish an innovative mobile, ‘street based’ after hours primary health service for homeless, transient, youth and other disadvantaged groups in the Inner West. Based: City of Maribyrnong, focusing on Footscray, Seddon, Maidstone and Yarraville.
News & Media Releases
- Aids and Equipment Program
The redevelopment update is now available closing date for submission is 4.30pm, Friday 6 February 2009.
- Boost for autism carers
Parents with autistic children will be able to obtain disability support after a decision to change the law recognised the condition as a neurological disorder.
- FREE PUBLIC TRANSPORT ON SUNDAYS
Have you applied for your Sunday Pass Metcard? If you are receiving Carer Payment or a Disability Support Pension you can access free Sunday public transport by applying for a Sunday Pass Metcard
- Home is where the heart-support is
There is an urgent need for accommodation for disabled people, reports Tom Reilly from the Age Newspaper
- Indexation increases payments
More than 829,500 Australians receiving Youth Allowance (Other and Student), Austudy, ABSTUDY, Assistance for Isolated Children, Carer Allowance, and Youth Disability Support Pension will get an increase in their payments from 1 January 2009, as a result of indexation.
- MAJOR CHANGES TO REVAMP TAXI SERVICES FOR VICTORIANS
Victorians who rely on wheelchair taxi services and those who receive Brumby Government subsidised fares will benefit from a major overhaul of disability taxi services
- Parents fear for disabled
Herald Sun, November 6th 2008 - Matt Johnston: Parents have pleaded with the State Government for more housing for their disabled children so the young people are not forced into nursing homes.
- Scope’s Highpoint Industries Wins Award
Highpoint Industries, a division of leading Victorian disability service provider Scope, was awarded best not-for-profit business in Western Metropolitan Melbourne at the 2008 Greater Western Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Business Excellence Awards in October.
- Special Olympics Victoria - Sports for people with an intellectual disability
Special Olympics Victoria is expanding to include the western region of Melbourne
- ‘Talking Taxis ’: A MetroAccess project, that hopes to make communication between taxi drivers and passengers easier.
‘Talking Taxis’ features a small suite of simple communication tools such as picture boards, personal journey cards and alphabet boards.
Publications
- AAA - Newsletter for Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea
Access for All Abilities -AAA- is a statewide program that encourages and promotes accessible recreation options for people with disabilities. A variety of information for all. Quarterly newsletter for Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea. Newsletter December 2008
- AAA Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay
Access for All Abilities -AAA- is a statewide program that encourages and promotes accessible recreation options for people with disabilities. A variety of information for all. Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Newsletter October 2008 - January 2009
- Access Darebin
A guide to the best ‘accessible’ activities in Darebin. Part of the The Access for All Abilities (AAA) program
- Asperger Syndrome Support Network Vic Inc.
We are a group of parents who have a family member diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (AS), an Autism Spectrum Disorder. We hold regular coffee mornings and evenings, information sessions and seminars on Asperger's Syndrome. Latest Newsletter now available to financial members - Summer 2008 - 2009
- Building Foundations
The aim of Building Foundations is to provide information about autism to families and to those who support and work with their children. The resource includes information about the early signs of autism, diagnosis and choosing interventions. It illustrates practical strategies to assist in the child’s progress.
- Carers National News
Carers Australia represents the needs and interests of carers at the national level. September 2008 Newsletter
- Carers Victoria : E Bulletin December 2008
Updates:
- Carers in Victoria
The quarterly newsletter of Carers Victoria.
- City of Melbourne Access for All Abilities Newsletters
Summer 2008-2009 Edition
- Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre / CarerLinks North
Autumn Newsletter 2008
- Diversity News
An online and email newsletter covering the services, publications and events run by Victoria Legal Aid, with a focus on reaching culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
- Housing options unlocked
A guide to options and assistance available for people with a disability to achieve their housing goals or needs
- Interchange Western Summer Newsletter Dec 2008 - Feb 2009
Interchange is a non-government, non-profit, community based and managed, respite and support service, for families who are primary carers of children or young adults with a disability.
- Khaki Rebels - Youth Groups
Provides activities for youth 5-18 with/without disabilities. Latest Newsletter JUne 2008
- Lifes Little Treasures