A newsletter of the statewide ACE DisAbility Network				            March  2008

Here’s hoping you had a nice break over the Christmas and New Year period and are ready to take on the new year with gusto.

Briefly, our news is that we were lucky enough to have been granted some time at the December ACFE board meeting to outline our mission, explain our role and detail the sort of ongoing partnership we would like to continue to support ACE providers in meeting the diverse and sometimes challenging needs of people with disabilities within ACE.

We are to hear soon about possible funding from ACFE and believe that it is timely for you to consider the type support you would like in the area of disability. Some of you would be aware that in 2004 we conducted the first ever disability specific survey on Disability in ACE. Key issues identified included the need for greater understanding of the nature of disability, the need to understand the concept of Inclusion, the need for aids and equipment to assist tutors and students with disabilities, and the need for flexibility in assessment systems to ensure recognition of learning at a variety of levels and pace to name some. A report outlining the full survey results was produced and is entitled: 

“Learning and Participation for People with Disabilities in the ACE Sector”-2004 Toni Bentley. We thoroughly recommend this report to any person that wants to expand their knowledge and understanding in terms of Disability and ACE. Please contact me via email at: olympiat@yooralla.com.au or ph” 9916 5821 to get a free copy.

Get your ACE Disability Network Disability Awareness Kit consisting of a CD Rom with resource lists, posters, online links and more, simply by sending $20.00 to: 				ACE Disability Network
Disability Awareness Kit
P.O Box 200 Flinders Street, Melbourne 3000.

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.ph: 9916 5834 or email to michael.christofas@yooralla.com.au  

Challenge Multimedia is a Yooralla enterprise that supports people with disabilities…    

Contents

Committee update		2

Inclusion workshop		2

Notices			3

Aquability			4

Yooralla 90th Birthday	4

               			 Kew’s Oasis 

Aside from a recent change of their name to Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre (KNLC), its business as usual for Robin Kenrick and her team.  Robin who is also a member of the ACE  Disability Network co-ordinating   committee, is proud of her two programs offering additional support so that people with varying abilities can actively participate and enjoy a range of     activities. The   oasis program has been going since  2000 and focuses on  supporting adults with varying abilities and in the past has had good levels of participation from people with a mental   illness. The program provides extensive educational, recreational and peer support while operating a drop in centre. While at the program participants can do: cooking,          computers, swimming, gardening, art, craft, dance, music, monthly dinner club, obtain        outreach and go on outings. All for free. The program runs for 32 hrs a week from Mon-Thur from 10:00am-4:00pm.
Ability @ Work

Another great KNLC initiative following on from the Oasis Program is the Ability @work      program. This program offers work placement and volunteer possibilities for people of        varying abilities. Kew works closely with participants to develop a position to suit a person’s skills and abilities. Options such as: Food  preparation, data entry, administrative support, event management, child care, building maintenance and community information are        available as accredited modules from the Certificate 1 in General Education for Adults.
The programs runs from Tues-Thurs 9-4 and is free. 

KNLC is a great model in this regard. Their philosophy of inclusiveness is reflected in the way they  operate and their public statements as such. Robin and her staff  are  especially recognised for their excellent work with people who have mental illness. If you have an inclusive program or   service model and want to share your story please contact us, as we are always looking for great stories to tell.
We like to publicise any Neighbourhood House or Centre or any Educational or Community Service that excels at including people with disabilities in their programs. 

               			 Kew’s Oasis 

Aside from a recent change of their name to Kew Neighbourhood Learning Centre (KNLC), its business as usual for Robin Kenrick and her team.  Robin who is also a member of the ACE  Disability Network co-ordinating   committee, is proud of her two programs offering additional support so that people with varying abilities can actively participate and enjoy a range of     activities. The   oasis program has been going since  2000 and focuses on  supporting adults with varying abilities and in the past has had good levels of participation from people with a mental   illness. The program provides extensive educational, recreational and peer support while operating a drop in centre. While at the program participants can do: cooking,          computers, swimming, gardening, art, craft, dance, music, monthly dinner club, obtain        outreach and go on outings. All for free. The program runs for 32 hrs a week from Mon-Thur from 10:00am-4:00pm.
Ability @ Work

Another great KNLC initiative following on from the Oasis Program is the Ability @work      program. This program offers work placement and volunteer possibilities for people of        varying abilities. Kew works closely with participants to develop a position to suit a person’s skills and abilities. Options such as: Food  preparation, data entry, administrative support, event management, child care, building maintenance and community information are        available as accredited modules from the Certificate 1 in General Education for Adults.
The programs runs from Tues-Thurs 9-4 and is free. 

KNLC is a great model in this regard. Their philosophy of inclusiveness is reflected in the way they  operate and their public statements as such. Robin and her staff  are  especially recognised for their excellent work with people who have mental illness. If you have an inclusive program or   service model and want to share your story please contact us, as we are always looking for great stories to tell.
We like to publicise any Neighbourhood House or Centre or any Educational or Community Service that excels at including people with disabilities in their programs. 

2007 ACE Disability Network Co-ordinating Committee update.

This year has started on a positive note with two new faces joining our Co-ordinating Committee. They are: Jessica Zammit from Blind Citizens Australia (BCA) and Denise Wales from Vision Australia. They are taking over the mantels from Alyena Mohummadally  (BCA) and Tony Clark Vision Australia. Both Aly and Tony made excellent contributions to the Network and their expertise and enthusiasm was appreciated and valued. They will be missed and we wish them both all the best in their new roles.

We are confident that Jessica and Denise will do equally as well and look forward to their contributions and warmly welcome them on to our Network Team.

The new co-ordinating team will be considering the projects and activities of the Network for the first half of 2008 including a new survey of ACE providers. If you have any ideas or suggestion for disability related projects or activities please call us on the help line or send an email to: olympiat@yooralla.com.au

What do you mean you haven't heard of the “No Limits Show”?  Where have you been??? 
This is a great, light hearted chat show about all things        Disability related. It’s  topical and locally produced and      heavily involves people with disabilities  in all stages of       design and production.

All the presenters and most guests have disabilities. The show is entertaining,  interesting and insightful as people share their stories and        experiences in sometimes hilarious ways. Get your fix of the show on Channel 31 on Monday nights at 7:30 and meet the bevvy of bright and brilliant hosts including the gorgeous Stella Young & Sara McQueenie, hear from the witty and wise blokes  Dr George   Taleporos, John “Macca’ McKenna, Steve “Hurdinni’ and Paul Gianni.

Upcoming episodes will feature a focus on women, transition to education, sexuality and sport, and more.

If you want to see previous episodes or want to use the show as an educational tool check out the “No Limits” website at www.nolimits.org.au
No Limits is also replayed on Wednesdays at 3pm.

Here ye……Here ye…

We will be presenting a workshop on “Inclusion” at the upcoming ANHLC- Community Development is Growing Collectively Conference March 5-7. The workshop entitled “Inclusion is not a dirty word” will give you the low down on what Inclusion is and how it is at the very heart of Community Development in a workshop that will be filled with stories, information and case studies in a fun and inspiring format. The session is on: Thursday March 6th at 11:00am so sign up before you miss out!!!

(03) 9916 5812 
TTY (03) 9916 5899
NOTICES

Parents of kids with cochlear implants are being asked to participate in a study researching the personal, educational and social benefits of cochlear implantation for children. The study is being conducted by Griffith University in Queensland and Melbourne's Deakin University.
If you know a deaf child with a cochlear implant in Victoria, New South Wales or Queensland, 

Please let them know about the study. 
The study will ask up to 10 per cent of those parents who complete the questionnaire for an interviewed to elaborate on the survey data. 

To participate in this study please email cochlear-implants@deakin.edu.au

NO LIMITS

Will challenge your view on Life, Disability, Ability and more…

Watch this groundbreaking series on C31 Mondays at 7:30 and check the website for details at: www.nolimits.org.au

or fill in the questionnaire online at http://www.deakin.edu.au/cochlear-implants/index.php

and mail it to:Dr Renee PunchSchool of Education and Professional Studies Gold Coast Campus
Griffith University PMB 50 Gold Coast Mail CentreQLD 9726
For more information contact Dr Renee Punch on (07) 5552 8453

Education and Training - Support for people who provide care

If you care for a person who has an acquired brain injury or neurological disability, or has had a stroke, you may be interested in a course run by Brain Link Services. The course will provide you with practical information to assist you in your carer role, and to meet and mix with other family carers. Expert speakers will discuss topics such as respite, financial information, Centrelink, medical, relationship and behavioural issues. When: 10.30am to 2.30pm, March 25, April 2, 9 and 15 Where: The Nerve Centre, 54 Railway Road, Blackburn (Mel 48 A10) Cost: Free of charge, lunch provided. Registrations are essential. 
Respite care can be arranged.

For more information about the course content, or to register, contact Greta Parker on 9845 2950 or email coordinator@brainlink.org.au OR visit the Brianlink website  at http://www.brainlink.org.au/index.htm
(Sourced: Infoxchange website)

PEOPLE OF ALL ABILITIES CAN SNORKEL & DIVE WITH AQUABILITY

Did you by chance get lucky enough to snorkel or dive over the Holidays? 

This is such a fun and relaxing activity that many of us have experienced and may never forget.

Aquability saw the need for a service that is keen to have people with a variety of disabilities join in on the fun and experience this great pastime. Aquability offers the full range of training courses and gear for those who want to try either snorkelling or diving regardless of their ability.

So why not consider setting up a group or even a social event that’s different and inclusive at the same time!!

Check out their details at: http://www.aquability.com.au/

Yooralla-Celebrating 90 Years 
To mark 90 years serving Victorians with Disabilities and their families Yooralla is hosting a series of celebrations throughout the Year.
Yooralla Jingle Challenge
As part of the fun and festivities Yooralla challenges you to perform your version of its famous jingle for the chance to win the fame and glory you so richly deserve. 
Express yourself through any genre you want - Rock, Pop, Hip Hop, Urban, Jazz, Folk, Country and Classical - it's all up to you - but the melody and lyrics must be in the same vein as the original. The 10 best entries will perform live on stage at Federation Square in front of our expert music industry judges and media with the winner going on to receive a day's recording in Woodstock Recording Studio absolutely free - plus a BOSS BR600 Multi Track Digital Recorder. 
So you know what we're on about, click on the following link to see The Little Stevies perform their version of Yooralla's famous jingle. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arz5dUf_eW4. 
And to see the original, click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzGDDPARj5M. 
Download the Official Entry Form