News and commentary on the NDIS (19)

National Disability Insurance Scheme News, Issue 7, April 2014

‘Meet the Governors of the NDIS’

5th NDIS webinar
Wednesday 16th April 2014

National Disability and Carer Alliance Newsletter, 4th April 2014

Teething problems do not justify cutbacks to NDIS, says peak body

Judith Ireland, Sydney Morning Herald, 7th April 2014
The head of Australia's peak body for non-government disability services says it is "too early" to call for delays to the National Disability Insurance Scheme. National Disability Services chief executive Ken Baker says that despite a recent report that identified problems with the agency implementing the NDIS - such as an IT system that was not fit for purpose and a lack of clear guidance to staff - none of the problems were "insurmountable" ...

NDIS delay is not OK

Dr George Taleporos, Ramp Up, 1st April 2014

Findings from a recent review of NDIA capabilities have led to speculation that the NDIS rollout could be delayed beyond 2019. Dr George Taleporos says although the review is useful in alerting us to current challenges, it should not be used to justify a longer timeline for implementation.

Western Australia signs up to national disability insurance scheme

AAP/The Australian, 31st March 2014
WesternAustralia has officially signed up to the national disability insurance scheme, becoming the last state to reach an agreement with Canberra. The WA NDIS My Way trial will begin on July 1 in the South West region, and the Cockburn-Kwinana area will join it in 2015.

Abbott gives states free rein on NDIS
Paul Osborne, AAP/7 News, 31st March 2014

Prime Minister Tony Abbott says he accepts the states want to run disability services their own way. Labor has urged the coalition government to stick to the agreement reached with the states and territories in 2013 to fund launch sites before fully rolling out a national disability insurance scheme by July 2019 ...

Accessible housing: housing, disability and the NDIS - conference report

Resources from the Community Housing Federation of Australia conference held on 27th March 2014, in Canberra

Huge shortfall predicted in disability housing as NDIS is introduced

Narda Gilmore, ABC News, 28th March 2014

The full introduction of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is expected to prompt huge demand for disability-friendly housing ...

The NDIS is unaffordable? That argument just doesn't add up.
Bruce Bonyhady, Ramp Up, 26th March 2014
NDIA Chairman Bruce Bonyhady says it's time to set the record straight: not having the NDIS will cost Australian taxpayers more and won't deliver any of the social or economic benefits ...

National Disability Insurance Scheme rolling out as planned
Nance Haxton, PM (ABC Radio), 26th March 2014
Two states have moved to allay fears that the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme could be delayed after a critical review of its progress.

$2.8 million to support services transitioning to the NDIS

NSW Ageing, Disability and Home Care (News), 24th March 2014
Minister for Disability Services John Ajaka today visited Connectability in Hamilton and announced a $2.8 million NSW Government Fund to assist disability services providers transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) ...

Labor rolled the dice on disability care
AAP (via SBS News) 24th March 2014
The Gillard government did not have the patience to follow a Productivity Commission timetable for rolling out the national disability insurance scheme ...

Movie premiere at Dallas Film Festival

The premier screening of the feature film, Produce, sold out on Sunday 6th April at the Dallas International Film Festival.

In St. Matthews, Kentucky, Calvin is a professional baseball player reeling from the curveball life has thrown him. Forced into an early retirement due to his panic attacks at the plate, he sleepwalks through his days and struggles to raise his teenager daughter. But one day he suddenly feels awakened, his life invigorated by the most unlikely person: Produce, a kid with Down syndrome who works at the local grocery store. 

David DeSanctis

Calvin slowly loses the chip on his shoulder as he begins to see the world through Produce’s eyes. Family, faith and purpose work their way back into Calvin’s life as their friendship develops. The unlikely pair becomes intertwined in a way that gives them both new meaning and purpose in the wake of past bad decisions. The result is a film about finding redemption through faith, hope and love.

James Faust, DIFF website

• See the trailer here. 
• Read lead actor David DeSanctis's profile on IMDB here
• Produce on Facebook.

Watch out for any mention of a local screening, and share the news!

Beach ...

With the end of daylight saving yesterday in New South Wales, summer really is done, and we are into lovely, cooler autumn, while these photos from our 2014 calendar remind us that beach days are not necessarily done, and will be back. What keeps you busy in autumn?

Thank you for continuing to support our calendar by sharing your photos each year.

Latest issue of Service, Support and Success

Latest issue of Service, Support and Success

Service, Support and Success is a monthly Canadian newsletter designed for direct support workers supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Volume 3, Issue 4, April 2014: It’s a Juggling Act! Navigating the Emotional Journey of Returning to Work is now available online.

... my new personal growth as a parent has added to the passion and rewards I get through supporting others. I feel proud that I will be able to share the personal and professional values I learn at work with my child. I hope that my child will grow up to understand the importance of hard work and integrity and, above all, will treat ALL people with dignity, kindness and respect” ... 

Service Support and Success is well worth the (free) subscription or a bookmark if you work with or are interested in supporting people with intellectual disability.

• Link to back issues of Service, Support and Success on the Vita Living Services website, here.

Weekend reading and viewing: 5th - 6th April 2014

Health and wellbeing – Access and equality for all on the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day

Panel discussions, United Nations, 21st March 2014
Co-organized by Down Syndrome International, in collaboration with the Permanent Missions of Australia, Brazil, India, Poland and Japan, the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Disability Alliance (IDA).

My teacher of life
Ellen Stumbo, Finding Beauty in Brokenness, 7th July 2012
... I look at Nichole and I am trapped in her eyes, unable to look away, unable to question anymore. The little girl that looks back at me is not broken, and she is not less than perfect. The value of her life is not found in all the things that she will never be, but in the things that she is ...


Mark is not Down Syndrome This short video (2m 18s) was made by Mark's parents to introduce him to the planning group at his school so that they 'can get to know him before deciding his educational services for the upcoming year. Mark just turned 8.'



It has been circulating on the internet this week, with several other families commenting that using a similar approach made a positive difference to how the subsequent planning went. Even if your child's school does not hold a formal Individual Education Plan, a short video might be a very useful introduction for a new teacher or other team members, and help to dispel unwarranted pre-conceptions. Direct link to the video on You Tube.

An Open Letter to Parents of Kids with Special Needs

Meriah Nicholls, With a little Moxie, 24th March 2014

... equal access for your child needs to spill over to equal access for everyone with a disability.
How can you say that closed captions “cost too much” and dismiss the subject – then in the next breath, talk about the supports your child has a right to receive in school? ...

5 things to do after you receive a special needs diagnosis

Gillian Marchenko, Chicago Parent, 31st March 2014

When a parent first hears, 'your child has a disability,' it can be shocking, saddening and scary. If you find yourself in this situation, here are a few things you can do that might help ...

Thoughts on Group Service Models for People with Disabilities

Dale DiLeo, Ending Disability Segregation, 27th March 2014
... Understanding how groups function is a key to successful individual community life as well as personal self-worth ...

Artspace is back!

Great news from Beyond the Square, at Riverside Theatres, Parramatta:

Want your own exhibition? Artspace is back!

Digby Webster has exhibited at Artspace

We're opening up TWO exciting opportunities for artists who identify as having disability to have their works exhibited in their own solo exhibition in Riverside's foyer space.

Exhibition 1 dates:  Tuesday April 22nd - Friday May 2nd

 Exhibition 2 dates:  Monday July 14th-  Friday July 25th

Submissions must be received no later than Monday April 14th. 

Past unsuccessful applicants ARE encouraged to reapply.

• All information here

Library Thursday: 3rd April 2014

Down Syndrome and Autism resources
Yesterday (2nd April)  was Autism Awareness Day - making this a good time to reprise a review of this book, published just last year:

When Down Syndrome and Autism Intersect - a guide to DS-ASD for parents and professionalsMany helpful books have been written about Down syndrome, and also about autism, but this incredibly useful guide for parents and professionals is one of the first to describe the unique challenges that come with a child who is diagnosed with both ...

... and a reminder that Down Syndrome Australia has established a Down Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder community page on Facebook

Down Syndrome and Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Look at What We Know 

George T. Capone, M.D., (US) National Down Syndrome Society.

Members' library

The Down Syndrome NSW library catalogue is available to view here.  

• To contact Jo at the library, ph. 9841 4410, or email library@dsansw.org.au

National Disability Strategy: online survey for carers - have your say

Carers Australia has been asked by the Department of Social Services to survey unpaid carers of people with disability regarding the implementation of the National Disability Strategy (2010-2020).

... We have created an online questionnaire to capture the views and insights of carers on how people with disability are included in the community, and how they are supported with aspects of their lives such as education and skills development, financial security, personal and community support, health and wellbeing, and rights and justice ...

The questionnaire is completely anonymous and no personal details will be collected. It takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and is open until 22nd April.

• More information and link to survey

'Pete the Sheep' holiday musical and workshop: book by Friday 4th April

In partnership with Down Syndrome NSW, Monkey Baa Theatre Company is proud to offer complimentary tickets to the premier production of Pete the Sheep at the Lend Lease Darling Quarter in April 2014. Monkey Baa is one of Australia’s leading theatre companies creating professional theatre for young audiences and their families.

Together with the visit to the theatre to see this brand new musical based on the picture book by Jackie French, Monkey Baa has developed an exclusive one hour workshop after the performance for 20 young people. No previous experience in drama necessary!

The workshops are designed for children to attend by themselves. They will be supervised by staff from Down Syndrome NSW and Monkeybaa Theatre Company. Parents are encouraged to have a coffee at one of the many cafes adjoining the theatre.

Workshop 1: Monday 14th April
1pm show, workshop 2.15 - 3.15pm
For children aged 8-12

Workshop 2: Tuesday 15th April
1pm show, workshop 2.15 - 3.15pm

For children aged 13-17

Monkeybaa Theatre Company, Lend Lease Darling Quarter Theatre
Terrace 3, 1-25 Harbour Street, Sydney

Applications now open and will close: 4:00pm on Friday 04 April. 

You must apply between those dates via email events@dsansw.org.au (please advise the workshop you are wanting to attend, and the age of your child).

Bookings will only be accepted by email to Down Syndrome NSW. Monkeybaa Theatre company regrettably will not be able to take any booking.

Should you have any questions please contact Catherine Pedler on 9841 4401.

NDIS webinar #5: meet the governors

The National Disability Insurance Agency presents its 5th Webinar:

‘Meet the Governors of the National Disability Insurance Scheme’

Wednesday 16 April 2014

The fifth highly anticipated NDIS webinar brings together its first studio audience, an online audience from across Australia and the following speakers to discuss and respond to questions from the online audience about the NDIS:

• Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield
• NDIA Chairman of the Board, Bruce Bonyhady AM
• Principal Member of the NDIA Independent Advisory Council of the NDIA,
  Dr Rhonda Galbally AO

• Further details here

Good health: new recommendations on hearing loss in children with Down syndrome, from UK

Information posted by the Down's Syndrome Association (UK):

New evidence indicates that children with Down's syndrome may not compensate for early episodes of glue ear as easily as children who do not have Down's syndrome or overcome its effects on speech and language development. The authors of this important new research highlight the need for speech and language therapy services to be involved as soon as a child is diagnosed with severe, ongoing hearing difficulties and suggest that joint clinics with audiologists could be helpful.

A link is provided to a summary of this study:

Laws, G., & Hall, A. (2014). Early hearing loss and language abilities in children with Down syndrome. International Journal of Language and Communication Disorders. Early View. DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12077 

Research news and commentary #5 for 2014

Minister Dutton Cancels Funding For Mental Health Research

NSW Council on Intellectual Disability E-News, March 2014

Federal Health Minister Peter Dutton has cancelled a funding commitment made by the previous government to important research on the mental health of people with intellectual disability.

The Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry at UNSW put together a partnership in 2012 with various agencies including NSW CID, the Australian Department of Health, NSW Ministry of Health and Ageing, Disability & Home Care (ADHC). Those three government departments each committed $200,000. This led to the National Health and Medical Research Council agreeing to contribute over $1.1M.

It is unclear what impact Minister Dutton’s decision will have on the NHMRC contribution. At least, the NHMRC contribution will be reduced by $200,000.

The research project is aimed at increasing understanding of how service systems are responding to the mental health needs of people with intellectual disability and identifying how responses can be improved.

Minister Dutton’s decision is in line with a number of decisions made by the Abbott Government to cancel commitments of the previous government.

NSW CID advocated strongly to the Minster to proceed with this project and is very disappointed with his decision.

Endeavour Foundation Endowment Challenge Fund 
NSW Council on Intellectual Disability E-News, March 2014
Grants are available for researchers and postgraduate students to undertake research into issues of key importance for Australians with a disability, especially people with an intellectual disability.

Grants are also available for non-profit organisations who wish to expand their current activities to include people with a disability, or deliver innovative projects that enhance social inclusion.

The 2014 grants round opens on 31st March 2014. 

• Further information here.

University of Sydney  - Asthma Study

NSW Council on Intellectual Disability E-News, March 2014
Research to develop tools to support people with intellectual disability use medical inhalers effectively

• 15% of Australians with intellectual disability say they have asthma.
• Inhalers are a great way to get your asthma medication. Lots of people don’t use inhalers well
• Researchers want to see how people with intellectual disability use their inhalers and see if there are some ways to use them better.

An Easy English brochure is available. For more information ring Sharon Davis: 02 91141159 or 0411 817 299 or email here.

People With Intellectual Disabilities Get a Say in Drug Trials

Amy Dockser Marcus, The Wall Street Journal, 10th March 2014

Doctors, researchers and drug companies are coming up with simple designs to address a complex ethical dilemma: how to make sure people with intellectual disabilities consent to join a drug trial.

With growing numbers of clinical trials getting under way involving conditions such as Down syndrome and Fragile X syndrome, researchers are trying new strategies to ensure people with the conditions, which typically involve intellectual disabilities, understand the risks and benefits of participating in trials ...

• Interview with Dr Brian Skotko

Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome Awards $1.26 Million in Grand Challenge Grants Supporting 13 Researchers

Global Down Syndrome Foundation, 21st March 2013

To commemorate World Down Syndrome Day, the Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome announced $1.26 million in Crnic Institute Grand Challenge Grants to 13 researchers, raising the number of labs at the University of Colorado working on Down syndrome research to 24, and the total labs supported by Crnic to 29 ...

The Compose Study is recruiting participants
Compose (Cognition and Memory in People with Down Syndrome) is a clinical study that will assess the safety and potential efficacy of a compound that could enhance memory, language and learning in people with Down Syndrome.

• Website: www.compose21.com
• Contact: www.facebook.com/compose.study or call 1300 659 729

From the Centre for Applied Disability Research ...

• Current projects
• Lines of inquiry, Issue 2, March 2014 - read online or subscribe
• Applied Disability Research and Evaluation: Centre for Applied Disability Research inaugural conference, 26th - 27th May 2014 - Sydney

Latest additions to our events pages

Down Syndrome NSW Events:

Scrapheap Adventure Ride 2014
19th - 21st September 2014 - Nymboida

Other  2014 Events:

Applied Disability Research and Evaluation

Centre for Applied Disability Research inaugural conference
26th - 27th May 2014 - Sydney 

Raising Expectations

Down Syndrome Association of Queensland education conference
18th - 19th July 2014 - Brisbane

Scrapheap Adventure Ride 2014: Nymboida, here they come!

The Scrapheap Adventure Ride is a call to all motorcycle collectors and madcap enthusiasts from around the country to join an extraordinary Aussie adventure and raise much needed funds for kids with Down syndrome.

The challenge for hardcore scrappers is to buy a bike for no more than $1000 and fix it up for an adventure ride through the outback. All motorcyclists are welcome and the ride usually gets a great turnout of classic bikes and sidecar rigs as well.

Over the last four years, the ride has raised in excess of $220,000 for Down Syndrome NSW.

The destination for the fifth Scrapheap Adventure Ride is Nymboida Canoe Centre, located 40km south of Grafton where riders and non-riders can stay and camp on the weekend of 19 - 21 September, 2014. 

Nymboida is a rural village in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales and is popular for white water rafting. The Nymboida Canoe Centre is situated on the banks of Goolang Creek and the camping ground has 50 acres with cabins and camping facilities. 

There will be plenty of fun for riders and their families over the weekend with activities and ride outs as well as a charity auction.

Down Syndrome NSW Executive Director Tracylee Arestides is delighted to once again be involved with the Scrapheap Adventure Ride.

‘Welcoming a new baby with Down syndrome into the family can be a challenging as well as joyful time,’ says Ms Arestides. ‘With the funds raised by Scrapheap last year our parent support team was able to be there for new families all across the state with information, support and practical advice from birth to starting school.’

In past years sponsors have supported a ride from Sydney to the event destination but most riders choose to begin their journey nearer to home. Individuals or teams can register and raise funds and awareness for Down Syndrome NSW through the www.scrapheapadventureride.com.au website.

The Scrapheap Adventure Ride is the brainchild of Perry Gilsenan, a dad who has had more than his fair share of setbacks but exemplifies making the best of the challenges life throws at us.

Perry lost both of his legs in a train accident in 1976 and shattered his spine and fractured fourteen ribs in a horrific car accident in 1988.

Perry’s story, and the story of the Scrapheap Adventure Ride, was told on the the Nine Network’s Kerri-Anne program, which can be seen online here.

Despite these hardships Perry was inspired to show his young daughter Grace, who has Down syndrome, that no disability can stop you from enjoying a life without limitations.

Last year’s ride involved over 50 riders and raised over $60,000. In 2014, Perry and the ‘Scrappers’ are hoping to raise even more for this truly great cause.

To join the ride, donate, sponsor a bike or for more information, go to scrapheapadventureride.com.au or contact Perry Gilsenan at info@scrapheapadventureride.com.au.

Media follow-up:

High-resolution images can be downloaded here.

Media Contact: Joel Smith, CDMedia

Email: joel@cdmedia.net.au Phone: 03 9583 8377

Weekend reading and viewing: 29th - 30th March 2014

We're not quite finished with World Down Syndrome Day (21st March) yet, as you will see from some of this week's links ...

What he didn't see
Dave Hingsburger, Rolling Around in My Head, 18th March 2014
She looked up startled. Not frightened, startled, there is a difference. She took two steps back from him, put her finger out towards him and told him, in no uncertain terms, "Back off and leave me alone or I will call security." ...  That man thought he saw a 'good victim' but what he ran into was a 'powerful woman.' ...

'Aha moment' - Victoria
An American TV advertisement features an insightful moment for the mother of a child with Down syndrome.

We should not fear disability
Rachel Leslie, Warwick Daily News, 21st March 2014
... (The) nurses were perpetuating a culture where we fear Down syndrome. They thought it was a negative attribute, something to not be talked about. That disability is something to be feared. The more we talk about Down Syndrome the more we will see there is nothing to fear ...

Why I Didn't Wear The Socks

Big Blueberry Eyes, 25th March 2014
Down Syndrome International (DSi) came up with a sock theme for World Down Syndrome Day. Last year it was initially called "Odd Socks" campaign. I scratched my head over that one because I didn't understand the message that was being conveyed, or that was supposed to be conveyed. I didn't want to promote a theme of "Odd" with celebrating Down Syndrome Awareness Day ... We all participate and celebrate in awareness campaigns in our own way. This is just the reason I didn't participate in the Lots of Socks campaign ...

On Down Syndrome Ireland's Facebook page this week:

The beautiful song 'Lily Ann' was written about a little girl with Down syndrome from Waterford. The song was recorded by Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan and is available on iTunes. 

"We are so honoured and delighted to have a song written about our beautiful little girl ..." (Lily Ann's proud parents).

7 Ways to Involve Grandparents in the Life of your Child with Special Needs

Esther Leung, Friendship Circle, 17th March 2014

Every grandparent looks forward to the relationship that will develop with his or her grandchild. No matter where your child is developmentally or what their learning needs are, the need for loving and caring adults in his/her life will always be an inherent need.

Practicing pride in the face of exclusion
Stella Young, Ramp Up, 24th March 2014

Despite relentless talk of 'inclusion', many people with disabilities repeatedly find ourselves all dressed up with nowhere to go, writes Stella Young ...

People with Down Syndrome in the media, on social media

Matthew Lloyd and Oliver

Many articles, photos and videos have been published during the last week, in association with World Down Syndrome Day - see our posts over the last two weeks for more:

Hayley Rose Photography's beautiful series of photos of Dirty Feet at Shopfront 
Dirty Feet, 21st March 2014
 - featuring Chris Bunton in the recent 'Out of the Studio' performance.

Kroger worker breaks down barriers for those with Down SyndromeEmily Longnecker, 13wthr.com, 13th March 2014
It's an untapped labor force more employers are discovering every day. People with disabilities are breaking down barriers on the job ...

Event to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day
Matthew Dixon, Ballarat Courier, 19th March 2014
Kesiah Glenane works two jobs, lives on her own and is an avid swimmer, basketballer and golfer ...

Chris's K9 Krunchies - Chris's Micro-enterprise
BetterNZ, September 2013
Short video about Chris's micro-business ...

Everafter Theatre Company - dance workshop
A very short video clip from a dance workshop with choreographer and teacher, Dean Watson - be sure to watch it all the way through, especially the last 20 seconds.
(Thanks to Accessible Arts on Facebook for the link).

Actors with learning disabilities chosen to work with Royal Shakespeare Company
Lisa Glover, Learning Disability Today - News, 18th March 2014
A theatre company of actors with learning disabilities has been chosen by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) to be part of its Open Stages project, in what has been described as "a triumph for inclusion" ...

Down Syndrome - Autism dual diagnosis: new Down Syndrome Australia page

Down Syndrome Australia has launched a new Facebook page for people with a dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.

It will be a place for sharing information and support about the dual diagnosis of Down syndrome/Autism Spectrum Disorder - DS/ASD.

• Visit the page here. and click 'like' to join the group

Library Thursday: 27th March 2014

The Julie Cromer Library Resource Centre
High T 4321on 21st March at the State Library NSW, in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, marked the launch of Down Syndrome NSW Library catalogue which is available to view by typing the following into your browser's address bar: library.downsyndromensw.org.au

Special Guest, The Hon. John Ajaka, MLC, Minister for Disability Services, announced that our library will be named The Julie Cromer Library Resource Centre. Julie Cromer is well known to many of our members, she was our first Librarian and has been a champion for all people with intellectual disability and their families to have access to the best information and resources available.

Library shelf - new title

Now I See, (Ed) Angela Blakston
Dealing with a diagnosis of Down syndrome for a child can seem, at least initially, to be one of the biggest challenges a parent may ever face. Yet many who have taken this path, with the value of time, wisdom and hindsight, would now not have life – or their child – any other way.

In Now I See, 50 parents from Australia and New Zealand tell their personal and poignant stories of how they came, not simply to accept, but to embrace and celebrate life with their child with Down syndrome.

A number of Down Syndrome NSW members have their reflections published in this volume.

Visit the Now I See website.

Accessible Arts eNewsletter, March 2014 issue

Beyond 'awareness'

We're still catching up with some of the many, many fine blogs and articles written for and about World Down Syndrome Day - here are two thoughtful and thought provoking posts that look beyond PR campaigns:

Resting on World Down Syndrome Day

Margaret Bender, The Ordinary Life of an Extraordinary Girl, 21st March 2014
... Tens of thousands of families with children with Down syndrome as well as people with Down syndrome are wearing T-21 tee shirts, mismatched socks, and donning yellow and blue for Down syndrome awareness day. Me, I am sharing others' posts and liking lots and lots of statuses, but beyond that I am a wall flower ...

World Down Syndrome Day - The Long Game. Or why cute and happy is not enough.

David Perry, How Did We Get Into This Mess, 21st March 2014

... When it comes to the cutesy and commercialized elements of the Down syndrome internet, I am a curmudgeon.

My basic argument is this. Cute pictures are nice. They are, however, the low-hanging fruit. They render our children as objects to coo over, and you know what, my son IS cute. Most kids are cute. Cute is what kids do. But the labels of cute and sweet persist past the delicate phases of toddlerhood and infancy, defining even the perceptions of teenagers and adults. What about the moments in which humans, real, complex, three-dimensional humans, are not so cute? ...

Good health: news from NSW CID

NSW Council on Intellectual Disability's enews, published monthly and circulated by email, is an excellent source of information of interest to people with intellectual disabilities and their carers. Subscribe here. The March 2014 issue included these news items on health matters:

Alzheimers NSW seeking participants for DVD 

Alzheimer’s NSW is developing a DVD resource for those supporting or working with a person who has an intellectual disability and dementia. Do you know of anyone who may be interested in participating? For more information email here.

Diabetes care manual Ed Health Australia has published a new diabetes care resource:  Diabetes Care and Support of People with Intellectual Disability or Acquired Brain Injury Manual and Resources. It is designed to assist support workers and health professionals to empower people with disabilities to be actively involved in their diabetes care.

• Preview the manual here.

World Health Organization Report
World Report on Disability. Significant contribution to implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and valuable resource for policy and program development.

• Read the full report.