Runners (and walkers) are starting to think seriously about the 2009 City-to-Surf event to be held in August, and we have some supporters already. You can click on their Everyday Hero Pages to see why they are running, and to pledge your sponsorship. Or maybe you'd like to run yourself .....
Thanks guys! Let us know if you decide to sign up too.
Friday, 29 May 2009
Thursday, 28 May 2009
Library Thursdays: Boundless
We've had a few short films come into the library the last month or so. The latest is Boundless (Written and directed by Steven Kanaris and Produced by Lisa Shaunessy), a short film showing at the Dungog Film Festival and St. Kilda Festival this weekend. The film was shown in April at the Accessible Arts screening at the Dendy Quay Cinema. The film stars two members of DS NSW-- Saxon Graham and Emma Brodie. Saxon plays Craig, a man with Down syndrome who lives with his parents and sets out to get a job in the city. It is beautifully filmed in Sydney and the actors are fantastic. The film was developed through workshops done with actors Barry Brodie, Emma Brodie, Tracey Sammut, Joanna Rix, Ruth Cromer and Nick Hogan. The insight into work opportunities for adults with Down syndrome may be a little too bleak for some people. But it is a well made film that could generate some discussion. Photos from the shoot are available at the Boundless Facebook log.Other films recently added to the library:
Yolk [Directed by Stephen Lance, Starring Audrey O'Connor]
Tropfest DVD [Includes Be My Brother Starring Gerard O'Dwyer]
Mr. Blue Sky
If you'd like to borrow Boundless or any other DVD, just ask.
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Accessible Cinema at the Sydney Film Festival
Professor Ron McCallum AO, United Nations Special Rapporteur for Disability will launch the Sydney Film Festival's Accessible Cinema stream on Saturday 6 June. The Accessible Cinema stream, a project of the Sydney Film Festival in partnership with Accessible Arts, features a range of movies exploring disability and access issues.
For details of the Accessible Cinema program and the launch event, visit the Accessible Arts website.
For details of the Accessible Cinema program and the launch event, visit the Accessible Arts website.
Dept Ed and Training website - new pages and links increase access to information
The NSW Department of Education and Training's website is continuing to be revised , and information relevant top the education of students with disabilities is now easier to find than ever before. A link directly from the home page goes to an introductory page linked to a wide range of resources and documents.
For the first time, this page, headed Disability Programs links to lists of all public schools with support classes as part of their programs, and to special schools. The type of disability catered for by each school is clearly identified.
Other linked pages and documents relate to funding, procedures and specialist services, including transport.
All well worth book marking for any family with a child with a disability who attends or might attend a public school in NSW.
For the first time, this page, headed Disability Programs links to lists of all public schools with support classes as part of their programs, and to special schools. The type of disability catered for by each school is clearly identified.
Other linked pages and documents relate to funding, procedures and specialist services, including transport.
All well worth book marking for any family with a child with a disability who attends or might attend a public school in NSW.
Government response to inquiry into Special Disability Trusts
The Australian Government's response to the recommendations of the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs on Special Disability Trusts, published on 12th May 2009, is summarised here. The full selection of the Committee's papers, including the terms of reference, submissions, the report and the full test of the Government's response are available under this link:
Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Name change
Chewing the Fat is one of our favourite blogs. One we might not read every day but we do read every post. Always something to make you think, often something to make you laugh, sometimes something to stir you up.
Dave Hingsburger has opted for a change - his blog is now called "Rolling Around in My Head". But it's still Dave Hingsburger through and through. The address is the same, and the link is still at the top of our Blogroll (see right).
Dave Hingsburger has opted for a change - his blog is now called "Rolling Around in My Head". But it's still Dave Hingsburger through and through. The address is the same, and the link is still at the top of our Blogroll (see right).
Monday, 25 May 2009
Workshop for teachers in special education
"Students with Down syndrome: maximising opportunities in 2009"
A workshop for teachers of students with Down syndrome enrolled in support classes and special schools.
10.00 am - 2.30 pm
Wednesday 1st July 2009
Social Enterprise Centre
Auburn
Cost per person: $44
(includes morning tea and a light lunch)
Click here to download flier and registration form
A workshop for teachers of students with Down syndrome enrolled in support classes and special schools.10.00 am - 2.30 pm
Wednesday 1st July 2009
Social Enterprise Centre
Auburn
Cost per person: $44
(includes morning tea and a light lunch)
Click here to download flier and registration form
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Another UK online photographic exhibition, some new blogs
UK organisation MENCAP holds a photographic competition and exhibition each year. The online exhibition of winners includes photographs of, and taken by people with disabilities, including a good proportion of people with Down syndrome.
There are nearly 80 photographs, so get a coffee and have a good browse. hard to pick a favourite!
While you are on the Mencap site, you might like to check out two more of their Family Blogs, each written by teenage girls, Heidi and Emma, both of whom have Down syndrome.
Friday, 22 May 2009
New study of how Down syndrome protects from some tumours
Lots of science and health media has picked up a report about a new study this week, in which the factors associated with Trisomy 21 that appear to protect people with Down syndrome against "solid", or "soft tissue" tumours are further explained. Researchers are already looking at how the new information might be of use clinically,
The study has been reported in the online edition of the journal Nature, and by several new sources, such as Eureka.
Thursday, 21 May 2009
Dance Like Nobody's Watching - a new film
A new film from G.A.P. Media, written and directed by Elizabeth Collins“Love like you’ve never been hurt,
Work like you don’t need the money,
And dance like nobody’s watching.
Dance Like Nobody's Watching will have its first public screening at:
Dungog (NSW) Film Festival 2009
12:30pm, Sunday 31st May
We haven't seen the film, but it does sound interesting. From the director's notes, this is a film about living with Down syndrome .....
".....told through the eyes of a young man who has Down syndrome. Paul Matley is a remarkable, charismatic and inspiring young man. We embark with him on a journey to bring awareness to society about those who have Down syndrome and their families. From birth and childhood, through to education, adulthood, employment, and old age, Paul’s journey of discovery opens our eyes to people who are not disabled, just differently-able."
Library Thursdays: Nina Rose and her Dancing Prince
We're always looking for children's books that engender acceptance of people with Down syndrome by showing them participating in the community with everyone else. New to our library is one such book. Nina Rose and her Dancing Prince by Sandra Wise, illustrated by Julie Parsons (Sassey, 2008) is a lovely book about young dancers, one of whom has Down syndrome. Characters from Wise's earlier book, Nina Rose's Toes (on the K,1,2, NSW Premier's Reading Challenge list), encourage Hugh, a boy who loves dancing to go into the school dance competition. The book is endorsed by the DADAA (Disability in the Arts Disadvantaged in the Arts, Australia) of Western Australia who strive to relate the important role that the Arts play in "achieving social change for communities and individuals like Hugh". The creators of this book have made it available to Down Syndrome NSW to use as a fundraiser. If anyone is interested in buying any copies, they will be available from our office for $19.95 (add $5.05 if you want it posted) with Down Syndrome NSW with 50% going to DSNSW. They'd make great end of year presents for teachers or therapists. You could also donate one to your school library.
The Nina Rose website has pages available for preview. You can also borrow both Nina Rose books from our library. Just ask.
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
This weekend RUGBY LEAGUE REFEREES donate $10 000 in match fees to DOWN SYNDROME NSW
This weekend all referees and sideline officials that officiate in the NRL Toyota Cup, NSW VB Cup and Bundaberg Red Cup will be donating their match fees to Down Syndrome NSW!
ANZ Stadium have also joined the NSW Rugby League Referees to support Down Syndrome NSW by donating 250 tickets to Friday night's Eels v Rabbitohs NRL game. An additional $3000 is expected to be raised from the sale of tickets to the NRL game.
100% of the money raised from the sale of the tickets to Friday night's game at ANZ Stadium will be given to Down Syndrome NSW. To buy tickets visit the Down Syndrome NSW website, here.
MEDIA QUERIES: Brenden Wood - 0417 407 851
ANZ Stadium have also joined the NSW Rugby League Referees to support Down Syndrome NSW by donating 250 tickets to Friday night's Eels v Rabbitohs NRL game. An additional $3000 is expected to be raised from the sale of tickets to the NRL game.
100% of the money raised from the sale of the tickets to Friday night's game at ANZ Stadium will be given to Down Syndrome NSW. To buy tickets visit the Down Syndrome NSW website, here.
MEDIA QUERIES: Brenden Wood - 0417 407 851
Funds for innovative new disability housing in Goulburn
Media Release Date: 14 May 2009
A new type of supported housing for people with a mild intellectual disability is to be built in Goulburn by The Abbeyfield Society with support from the NSW Government.
Minister for Disability Services Paul Lynch said the NSW Government would provide $500,000 to the Goulburn branch of The Abbeyfield Society to buy the property where the new house will be built.
The patron of the Abbeyfield Goulburn group, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion, Senator Ursula Stephens, welcomed the announcement as a great initiative and investment in the Goulburn community.
“The Abbeyfield house in Goulburn will provide the right mix of independence and a supportive environment for individuals with mild disability. This type of accommodation empowers individuals to live full lives within the community,” Dr Stephens said.
The Abbeyfield model, which was pioneered in England in the 1950s, provides accommodation support for older people with limited income and few assets who want to retain their independence but who enjoy the company and security of others.
This model has been expanded in recent years to meet the needs of people with a disability.
Mr Lynch said the people who would live in the Goulburn house would have low to moderate support needs.
“The Abbeyfield model does not replicate any accommodation types currently provided for people with a disability in New South Wales,” he said.
He said the model was in line with the policy of the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) to increase the range and type of services available and to promote opportunities for people to integrate into the community.
“Under the Abbeyfield model, group accommodation is provided for up to 10 people,” Mr Lynch said.
Country Labor MLC for Goulburn Mick Veitch said the Abbeyfield model allowed each person to have a private bed-sitting room with an en-suite which they furnish themselves.
“Residents prepare their own breakfast and a housekeeper prepares the two main meals of the day, a service paid for by weekly contributions from the residents,” Mr Veitch said.
Mr Lynch said the success of the service was reliant on informal supports provided by family and community members.
“Abbeyfield has established a strong reputation around the world. It has more than 1000 houses in the United Kingdom and houses in 18 countries, including Australia,” Mr Lynch said.
“The Government is keen to support this project because it sees the introduction of this form of housing as being a real benefit for the community,” he said.
The Abbeyfield Society Goulburn Branch Chair Tony Egan said the funding was “fantastic” news for the group, which had been working towards the establishment of the house since it had been formed six years ago.
“Housing for people with a severe to profound intellectual disability is readily available, but there are few options for young adults with a mild to moderate intellectual disability,” he said.
“Moving from the family home to single unit accommodation can be daunting for these young adults, especially those who live outside of town on a rural property,” Mr Egan said.
“By living in the Abbeyfield type of housing with people of their own age and with similar desires, they will gain the confidence they need to integrate into the wider community,” he said.
Mr Egan said his organisation appreciated the role played by DADHC, which had suggested the formation of the group several years ago.
Dr Stephens said: “Everyone has been working hard to support this project, because it is exactly the kind of community service that is essential to an inclusive society.”
“Warrigal Care has shown great generosity in facilitating the acquisition and I congratulate Mr Egan and the Goulburn Abbeyfield Society for their efforts in securing this important funding,” she said.
For recent media releases by the Minister for Disability Services, click here
A new type of supported housing for people with a mild intellectual disability is to be built in Goulburn by The Abbeyfield Society with support from the NSW Government.
Minister for Disability Services Paul Lynch said the NSW Government would provide $500,000 to the Goulburn branch of The Abbeyfield Society to buy the property where the new house will be built.
The patron of the Abbeyfield Goulburn group, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion, Senator Ursula Stephens, welcomed the announcement as a great initiative and investment in the Goulburn community.
“The Abbeyfield house in Goulburn will provide the right mix of independence and a supportive environment for individuals with mild disability. This type of accommodation empowers individuals to live full lives within the community,” Dr Stephens said.
The Abbeyfield model, which was pioneered in England in the 1950s, provides accommodation support for older people with limited income and few assets who want to retain their independence but who enjoy the company and security of others.
This model has been expanded in recent years to meet the needs of people with a disability.
Mr Lynch said the people who would live in the Goulburn house would have low to moderate support needs.
“The Abbeyfield model does not replicate any accommodation types currently provided for people with a disability in New South Wales,” he said.
He said the model was in line with the policy of the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) to increase the range and type of services available and to promote opportunities for people to integrate into the community.
“Under the Abbeyfield model, group accommodation is provided for up to 10 people,” Mr Lynch said.
Country Labor MLC for Goulburn Mick Veitch said the Abbeyfield model allowed each person to have a private bed-sitting room with an en-suite which they furnish themselves.
“Residents prepare their own breakfast and a housekeeper prepares the two main meals of the day, a service paid for by weekly contributions from the residents,” Mr Veitch said.
Mr Lynch said the success of the service was reliant on informal supports provided by family and community members.
“Abbeyfield has established a strong reputation around the world. It has more than 1000 houses in the United Kingdom and houses in 18 countries, including Australia,” Mr Lynch said.
“The Government is keen to support this project because it sees the introduction of this form of housing as being a real benefit for the community,” he said.
The Abbeyfield Society Goulburn Branch Chair Tony Egan said the funding was “fantastic” news for the group, which had been working towards the establishment of the house since it had been formed six years ago.
“Housing for people with a severe to profound intellectual disability is readily available, but there are few options for young adults with a mild to moderate intellectual disability,” he said.
“Moving from the family home to single unit accommodation can be daunting for these young adults, especially those who live outside of town on a rural property,” Mr Egan said.
“By living in the Abbeyfield type of housing with people of their own age and with similar desires, they will gain the confidence they need to integrate into the wider community,” he said.
Mr Egan said his organisation appreciated the role played by DADHC, which had suggested the formation of the group several years ago.
Dr Stephens said: “Everyone has been working hard to support this project, because it is exactly the kind of community service that is essential to an inclusive society.”
“Warrigal Care has shown great generosity in facilitating the acquisition and I congratulate Mr Egan and the Goulburn Abbeyfield Society for their efforts in securing this important funding,” she said.
For recent media releases by the Minister for Disability Services, click here
Joint Standing Committee on Migration: terms of reference announced
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services, the Hon Bill Shorten, have announced the terms of reference for an inquiry relating to the health requirement in the Migration Act.
The Joint Standing Committee on Migration will investigate the assessment of the health and community costs associated with a disability as part of the health test undertaken for visa processing.
The specific terms of reference are:
- Report on the options to properly assess the economic and social contribution of people with a disability and their families seeking to migrate Australia.
Read the full text of the Minister's media release here.
Dating Skills Workshops - adults 25+
Liz Dore and her service Relationships and Private Stuff supports people to develop meaningful friendships, skills to enhance intimate relationships, and a positive awareness of their sexuality.
Dating Skills Workshops - adults 25+
Woodstock Community Centre, Burwood
3pm – 6pm Saturday 20th and 27th June
The total cost is $120 for six hours of training held over two consecutive Saturday afternoons and covering:-
To express an interest contact Liz Dore 0416 122 634 or lizdore@bigpond.com
To find out more about this service www.relationshipsandprivatestuff.com
Dating Skills Workshops - adults 25+
Woodstock Community Centre, Burwood
3pm – 6pm Saturday 20th and 27th June
The total cost is $120 for six hours of training held over two consecutive Saturday afternoons and covering:-
- Self esteem
- When to ask a person out
- Communication skills
- Turn taking
- Greetings and farewells
- Touching, timing and consent
- Sex and safe sex
- Taking care of myself
Activities, worksheets and DVD’s will be used for structured education sessions in a group. Informal activities to reinforce learning will include going out for a social drink.
To express an interest contact Liz Dore 0416 122 634 or lizdore@bigpond.com
To find out more about this service www.relationshipsandprivatestuff.com
A practical approach to teenage private stuff .....
This workshop, to be presented by Liz Dore of Relationships and Private Stuff gives parents and staff strategies for teenagers who have difficulties relating to others. It will include practical ideas to support them to have healthy relationships. The aim being to improve their understanding of issues such as:
- Puberty and self esteem
- Relationship and communication skills
- Appropriate and positive ways to sexual expression
- Sex, consent and safe sex
- Protective behaviours.
Thursday 18 June 10.00am – 12.30 or 6.00pm - 8.30pm
Woodstock Community Centre, Burwood
22 Church St, Burwood. Parking available (enter at 93 Fitzroy St)
Workshop cost $60 for one or $100 for couple. To register send cheque and form to Liz Dore PO Box 1060 Burwood North 2134 before 4 June.
For enquiries email lizdore@bigpond.com
Liz Dore’s Qualifications and Experience include:
Bachelor of Special Ed; Grad Dip in Counselling; Sexuality & Human Rights; Responding to Sexual Assault Training; 7 years counselling experience; 13 years education & training; and over 20 years experience working with people with disability.
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
Friendship skills development for people with disabilities
Family Planing NSW has announced some much needed relationship training events for young people with disabilities:
Friendship Skills Training For People With A Disability
Specifically for 13 – 18 year olds
With guest presenter Liz Dore from Relationships and Private Stuff
The six hours of training over two consecutive Saturdays covers:
- Self esteem
- Feeling good about myself
- Communication skills
- Turn taking
- Developing friendships
- Thinking about others
- Positive sharing
- Taking care of myself
Date: Saturday 30th May & 6th June, 2009
Venue: 13 Reserve Street Penrith 2750
Time: 11am - 2pm
RSVP: Applications and payment by 28th May 2009
Cost: $120 cash or cheques, payable to Family Planning NSW
Informal activities during the lunch break will be used to reinforce learning.
Contact Ben at FPNSW, The Warehouse on 4749 0516,
Email at benn@fpnsw.org.au or fax us on 4731 6787
Buddy Walk - Australia October 2009
Dates confirmed so far for Buddy Walk-Australia 2009 are:
Buddy Walk - Sydney: Sunday 11th October
- featuring international dance group LoveJunx from Japan
Buddy Walk – Canberra: Saturday 17th October
Check the DS NSW website regularly for more details, updates and dates for Walks in Newcastle, Wollongong, Wagga and other parts of NSW
Monday, 18 May 2009
Photographer Extraordinaire (UK)
Christopher Diedo, from Dartford, (from Kent, UK) shows a remarkable talent for photography, and doesn't let his Down's Syndrome hinder his art.
This BBC report links to an interview with Christopher, to a selection of his photographs, and to his own website.
This BBC report links to an interview with Christopher, to a selection of his photographs, and to his own website.
Friday, 15 May 2009
Personalisation Research and Resource Library
This new and very useful online library is a series of web pages with a comprehensive range of links to resources on every aspect of "personalisation", defined as:
.... a major policy trend nationally and internationally, “personalisation” is about greater choice, voice, and control for people with disability, their families and carers as key partners in the design and delivery of care and support.
The links are categorised under the headings of "personalisation"; "person centred approaches" and "Individualised Funding / Packaged Support / Direct Payments".
This resource has been established and continues to be developed by National Disability Services - NSW. NDS is an industry peak body representing the specific interests of the non government organisations that play the major role in disability service provision in Australia.
.... a major policy trend nationally and internationally, “personalisation” is about greater choice, voice, and control for people with disability, their families and carers as key partners in the design and delivery of care and support.
The links are categorised under the headings of "personalisation"; "person centred approaches" and "Individualised Funding / Packaged Support / Direct Payments".
This resource has been established and continues to be developed by National Disability Services - NSW. NDS is an industry peak body representing the specific interests of the non government organisations that play the major role in disability service provision in Australia.
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