Livin' the Dream: California, July 2017

The 2016 Convention issue of
Down Syndrome News gives
an overview of last year's event.

It might be a long shot for most of us, but the (US) National Down Syndrome Congress (NDSC) annual convention, which moves around US locations each summer, is a highly regarded event that attracts an international audience. 

So if you are planning to be in North America around the middle of the year, it could be a worthwhile consideration for your itinerary. Or it might be a starting point for a travel plan. Proceedings are made available for purchase after the event. Plans for the 2017 convention are well advanced:

Livin’ The Dream 
45th (US) National Down Syndrome Congress Annual Convention

20 - 23 July 2017 - Sacramento, California

Each year, thousands of people from across the globe attend the NDSC Annual Convention. For most, it’s to hear the latest information from world-renowned experts. For others, it’s a great vacation. However, for nearly all, there’s the one-of-a-kind NDSC “giant family reunion” feeling that permeates the convention weekend.

• PARENTS learn from the best, as internationally known experts come to Sacramento to share their knowledge across the life span of individuals with DS.
• SELF ADVOCATES join together with over 300 friends from across the world to learn, share, become empowered and have an amazing time!
• SIBLINGS share and learn alongside peers, from each other, as well as from professionals.
• VOLUNTEERS have the experience of a lifetime by volunteering in an number of capacities available.

Books

I Don’t Want To Read Books That Treat Disability As A Tragedy
Anne Susiak, Huffington Post, 2 February 2017

My twin brother, Jack, has cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus and epilepsy, and although I hardly ever came across disabled characters in fiction I never came across witches and wizards in real life, either ...

The Label, Caroline White, illustrated by Sandra Isaksson, Ivy Press, 2016

Being a new parent is nerve-jangling enough as it is, but what happens if your baby is not what you were expecting? How do you deal with the conflicting feelings, a heart assailed by overwhelming love and overwhelming fear, guilt and anxiety as your expectations are rerouted? This happened to Caroline White. So she pulled together her contrary emotions - the good, the bad and the ugly - and spun them into a poignant and uplifting fable, an inspiration for all new parents who find themselves stumbling along an unfamiliar and unanticipated path. Written with great honesty and love, The Label is anchored by a simple yet powerful central image, a metaphor for all that is limiting and prescriptive, and explores what happens when you let the label go and watch as your child blossoms into their best life untroubled by negative expectations ... publisher's note.

• Caroline White's blog post at Force of Nature - the book was released on 29 December 2016.

We posted about this new book here when it was published a few months ago, and  and here with a link to a radio interview. This link is to a recent newspaper interview with Michael and Jamie Bérubé:

Father tells the next chapter in son’s story, Frank Ready, Centre Daily News, 27 January 2017
... “Life as Jamie Knows It” addresses growing up in all of its complexities, from the natural evolution of family dynamics to the limited work scape that’s awaiting people with intellectual disabilities. 

It’s great pitch material — but not particularly commercial ... 

“This was a harder sell because when you’re dealing with intellectual disabilities, people would rather hear about kids than adults,” Michael said ...

Read more here: http://www.centredaily.com/living/article129089444.html#storylink=cpy

People with Down syndrome

Sporting hero Harry is thrilled by the prospect of celebrating his 70th birthday
Chris Taylor, Daily Record (UK), 16 January 2017
A Special Olympics hero has defied the odds by reaching his 70th birthday. Harry McLachlan is marking the milestone with a party set to rival the celebrations after his games triumph. The former athlete admits he would rather have a slice of cake than take to the field, but pals revealed his competitive nature means he is now a force in the snooker hall ...

For Closter Artist With Down Syndrome, Art Is About Ability

Lorraine Ash, Garfield Daily Voice, 27 January 2017

Sometimes Closter artist Andrew Weatherly works at Target, plays tennis and coaches basketball. Other times, he’s a painter, photographer and poet ...

American Horror Story star talks disability awareness

Matt Yuyitung, The Charlatan, 17 January 2017
Jamie Brewer, an actress best known for her roles on American Horror Story, came to Carleton on Nov. 25 to deliver a talk about her path through the entertainment industry.

Brewer, an actress with Down syndrome, talked about working with her disability and her advocacy work for others with developmental and intellectual disabilities ...

Special Olympic skier heads to World Winter Games
Lynette Hintze, Daily Inter Lake, 28 January 2017
On a recent afternoon at Whitefish Mountain Resort, Cedar Vance was still full of energy after a grueling practice session on the slopes.

The petite 26-year-old flitted among the other skiers warming themselves by the outdoor fire ring at the Base Lodge. Vance was in her element, endearing the crowd with her infectious enthusiasm ...

In My Own Words
In My Own Words is a blog dedicated to sharing the stories, reflections, and experiences of people with Down syndrome, as expressed in interviews ... In My Own Words is a place for everyone to come and listen, and it's a place for each and every person with Down syndrome to be interviewed and be heard ...

Down Syndrome Australia submission on adding NIPS to the Medicare Benefit Scheme

From Down Syndrome Australia, 4 February 2017

Over the last few years the capacity to test for genetic conditions such as Down syndrome before birth has increased. It is now possible to detect various chromosomal conditions prenatally through a blood test also known as a non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS). The Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) received two applications in July 2016 to add NIPS to the Medicare Benefit Scheme.

For your information,  the applications that have been made to MSAC are here and here 

Down Syndrome Australia has provided a comprehensive submission which outlines our concerns about these applications.

Down Syndrome Australia believes that prenatal screening must be accompanied by appropriate information to support families in making informed decisions about screening and how to respond to the results. Providing a screening test without ensuring informed consent, adequate support and up-to-date information regarding the results is unethical.

It is important to note that Down Syndrome Australia recognises the right of all women to choose to continue or to terminate a pregnancy. Marking such decisions can be extremely difficult and our concern is regarding the accuracy of the information being provided to inform that choice ...

• You can read more and download the DSA submission, including recommendations, on the DSA website, here

If you want to provide your own feedback to MSAC regarding the listing of NIPS on the PBS you can write to: hta@health.gov.au

Carly Findlay on inspiration and objectification.

Melbourne writer and activist, Carly Findlay has invited readers to share her recent post, written in response to a request for a resource for teachers and parents, from a parent. We are happy to oblige - it is thoughtful, substantial, well researched and illustrated, founded in Carly's personal experience, as well as others'. One of the references is to the Indiana campaign included in our weekend post.

The Down syndrome community is replete with references to inspiration and with objectification - we need to consider this phenomenon/behaviour seriously, take on board what people with disabilities have to say, and alert our schools and communities to it.

Sue asked me if I knew of any resources for parents and teachers that teaches young people about the impact of inspiration and objectification on people with disability. She and a friend wanted to see something written from the perspective of a disabled person, that was "informy, rather than blamey". She wanted it to be in palatable language for a broad audience ...  

... When I've previously mentioned inspiration as objectification of people with disability, using the term Stella Young coined, some people have felt uncomfortable. They don't like the term, so deny it exists or don't want to look into the issue further. This happened a lot during the #crippingthemighty discussions While I never want to censor myself, sometimes I realise the need to soften language to make serious issues more palatable, to reach an audience that needs to hear it. There is definitely a need for this post ...

Inspiration and objectification of people with disability

 - a resource for teachers and parents

Carly Findlay, 5 February 2017 

Weekend reading and viewing: 4 - 5 February 2017

Studies suggest as special needs parents we’re more likely to struggle with mental health issues, yet this is something that is really hard to talk about. Nobody wants to be the one dealing with depression, anxiety, or trauma, but we do. This is a conversation we need to have. Sometimes we need help. Sometimes we need to know that we are not alone, and other people struggle too ...

Mental Health Issues In Special Needs Parents (Podcast)

Ellen Stumbo

29 January 2017

In New Delhi, India a baby received multiple injections of human embryonic stem cells as an experimental treatment for Down syndrome. Any ethical issues here?

They are legion ...

Experimental embryonic stem cell “treatment” for Down syndrome

–any ethical issues here?

Mark Leach, Down Syndrome Prenatal Testing

25 January 2017

... Learning to Drive is not, on the face of it, about learning to drive. At first it appears to be, as Michael (Connor Long) has shown an obvious desire to drive since he was a toddler, as the opening ‘home cinema’ shots show us. But he seems to be thwarted by people assuming that, as a twenty-year old man with Down Syndrome, he is incompetent to do so ...

Learning to Drive – a road movie with a difference 

Alison Wilde, Disability Arts Online

I was recently invited to speak to a room of commissioners for services for people with learning disabilities in England. This is a pretty rare event for me these days and so I was keen to make the most of the opportunity.I called my talk ‘Who Put Out the Fire?’ and I wanted to talk about why there no longer seems to be any significant passion or momentum for inclusion or for further deinstitutionalisation. I do not mean that nobody is doing good work. As ever, there are brilliant people doing wonderful things across our communities. But overall the passion that used to exist to bring about positive change has evaporated. In fact, in some places, we see things going into reverse. 

We are at a moment of change ...

Living in the ghetto

Simon Duffy

19 January 2017

The Indiana Governor's Council for People with Disabilities marks Disability Awareness Month throughout March.

... The 2017 Disability Awareness month campaign theme is "I'm Not Your Inspiration." Often, people with disabilities who are successful, athletic, employed or simply good neighbors are put in the spotlight as inspiration to others. This year's campaign theme emphasizes that people with disabilities are people first - people who want to be fully included in their communities, just like everyone else ...

This is one of a series of posters, and other artwork supporting the theme. The campaign is local, but the message is universal.

World Down Syndrome Day 2017 Campaign

From Down Syndrome International:

Tuesday 21 March 2017 marks the 12th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day.
Each year the voice of people with Down syndrome, and those who live and work with them, grows louder. 

Down Syndrome International encourages our friends all over the world to choose your own activities and events to help raise awareness of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome, and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities. 

We can share your WDSD World Events before 21 March and your WDSD Stories after 21 March on our dedicated WDSD website in a single global meeting place.

#MyVoiceMyCommunity 

Enabling people with Down syndrome to speak up, be heard and influence government policy and action, to be fully included in the community.

In 2017, we will focus on enabling people with Down syndrome (and those who advocate for them) to speak up, be heard and influence government policy and action, to ensure that they can be included, on a full and equal basis with others, in all aspects of society.

Our WDSD Global Video Event and WDSD Conference will both explore this important area of focus.

• Read more at WDSD website

News and commentary on the NDIS (62)

Amid the gloom, something for Australians to feel proud of

Jessica Irvine, Sydney Morning Herald, 23 January 2017

... Behind the scenes, the wheels of Australian government are in feverish full swing to build one of the largest pieces of social and economic infrastructure this country has ever seen.

In terms of cost, it's on par with building the National Broadband Network – every year.

It's the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) of course, this nation's most ambitious attempt ever to deliver more money and better services to the most vulnerable people in our communities.

Australians should feel rightly proud of the scheme. But vigilance is also required ...

Where do I find ... NDIS eNewsletter, 19 January 2016 Improvements have been made to the factsheets and publications page, if you’re looking for readily available (NDIS) information, it’s the place to start. Each one is short and succinct, providing you with enough information to understand each topic. So if you’re ever in need of more specific and helpful information - all on one page - make sure you check it out!

The NDIS in 2017 – a year of promise but great challenges

Jim Simpson, NSW Council for Intellectual Disability, 16 January 2017

The NDIS legislation is about people with substantial disability having an enforceable right to “reasonable and necessary support” and having “choice and control” over how that support is provided and who provides it. It is a fundamental step forward in increasing the availability and individual focus of this support for people with disabilities in Australia.

In NSW, the disability support budget will increase greatly and the number of people receiving disability support should rise from 80,000 to 140,000. However, there are many major hurdles that must be overcome for this vision to become reality ...

'Don't cut uni research funding to help NDIS': UQ vice chancellor

Tony Moore, Sydney Morning Herald, 15 January 2016

It is a mistake to take research money from universities to fund gaps in the National Disabilities Insurance Scheme, the new chairman of Australia's high-profile Group of Eight (Go8) university body, Queenslander Professor Peter Hoj said this week.

"We absolutely agree the NDIS should be funded adequately ," Professor Hoj said ... "Damage research and you damage not only the medical advances that come from research, but indeed the economy which sustains many of the services we wish to have available in the long term" ...

• The NDIS Must Not Be a Trade-Off, Wendy Williams, Probono News Australia, 16 January 2017 - The National Disability Insurance Scheme must not be funded from trade-offs the disability sector has argued, as tension mounts over federal government plans to transfer a $3.7 billion education fund into the initiative.

Empowered clients do well under NDIS but older, rural people struggle: review
Linda Belardi, Community Care Review, 19 January 2017
The majority of clients in the National Disability Insurance Scheme trial have enjoyed greater choice and control under the new program, but some have found themselves to be worse off under the scheme, an evaluation has found.

Some 15 to 17 per cent of participants reported having poorer outcomes in terms of their choice and control and were accessing fewer supports than they did prior to the NDIS trial ...

The role of funded services and support

Community Resources Unit, 2016

... As we move to a new era with more flexibility, we have the chance to rethink how formal support can be incorporated into a person’s life and what an ideal combination of supports would be. The gradual introduction of individualised funding over recent years has highlighted the potential for the formal to usurp or take over the informal and we see the cost of that in the loneliness and disconnection in many people’s lives ...
'Bringing together research and sporting excellence so all kids can play and dance'

A survey  to help build inclusive physical activity programs around Australia for all children, regardless of developmental challenges or disabilities - click here to go to the survey website for more information and to complete the survey.

The researchers are from the National Disability Insurance Agency and Deakin University.

$15.3 million to NDIS projects

Jane Prentice MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services, 25 January 2017
The Australian Government is providing a package of more than $15.3 million to help people prepare for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), through the NDIS Sector Development Fund ...

NDIS: Federal Government announces independent review of National Disability Insurance Scheme

Henry Belot, ABC News, 20 January 2017

he Federal Government has announced an independent review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to examine overall costs, value for money and its long-term sustainability.

Treasurer Scott Morrison announced the Productivity Commission review on Friday afternoon with a position paper to be released in May, followed by a report in September ...

________________________________________

The official NDIS website provides access to documents, and up to date information about how the NDIS works, and NDIS events such as local workshops and webinars.

NDIS and Me
People with Down syndrome and/or their families and carers can join the closed Facebook Group, NDIS and Me, for discussion specifically about the NDIS and people with Down syndrome.

Disability Loop - a way to find out more about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Disability Loop is a project funded by the NDIS. It is run by, and for, people with disability and their allies.

Two other closed Facebook groups (only members can see the posts) that you might find useful for answering particular queries are:

• NDIS Grassroots Discussion - a large group run for and by people with all kinds of disabilities, and welcoming of carers - the administrators are very experienced in managing discussions that can become robust at times, as criticism of the NDIS is raised
• the newer and smaller I Love NDIS aims to promote discussion of individual's successes in putting their plans together and implementing them.

Latest additions to 'events' pages

• Click here for Down Syndrome NSW events

These links provide information about events run by other organisations that might be of interest to people with Down syndrome, their families, carers and professionals who support them 

• All current events listings  

Lessons My Son Taught Me: Anything Is Possible!

6pm–9pm Tuesday 7 March 2017 - O'Connor, ACT

Imagine More - Canadian presenter Alison Ouellette. For - people with a disability; families and friends; support staff; community members. Online registration is open now.

• How Dave transitioned from High School
• Setting up Dave’s business
• Creating Dave’s home of his own
• Hearing about a life that mattered

Responding Well To People Labeled As Having “Challenging Behaviour”

9.30am–4.30pm Friday 17 March 2017 - O'Connor, ACT

Imagine More - a workshop presented by Ann Greer

• How you can respond to behaviour in ways that are respectful and non-punishing.
• How you can work collaboratively to understand the motives, effects and consequences of behaviour.
• How you can develop a range of strategies to minimise the effects of certain behaviours.

News and commentary from the broader disability community

Image: Wikipedia Commons

5 Common Myths About Disability
Meriah Nicholls, 7 January 2017

I was late in joining the disability community (“island time” as they say in the Pacific), because in my family, the only “real” people with disabilities were people who use wheelchairs ...

Special needs, euphemisms, and disability
Morton Ann Gernsbacher, Biomed Central - On Health, 17 January 2017
A recently published study in 'Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications 'finds the term ‘special needs’ to be an ineffective euphemism. In this blog, lead author of the study, Morton Ann Gernsbacher, discusses the findings, the interesting study design involving a set of vignettes and the societal impact of the term ‘special needs’ ...

Happy Ed Roberts Day!

David Perry, How Did We Get Into This Mess? 23 January 2017

A celebration of  Ed Roberts, a renowned US disability advocate.

Disability 

An archive of New York Times  columns - essays, art and opinion exploring the lives of people living with disabilities.

Want accurate data on people with disabilities? Ask them
Kim Bradford Smith and Dominic Haslam, The Guardian (UK), 26 January 2017
Globally, there is a staggering dearth of accurate and comparable data on disability. Censuses and other surveys have provided some general estimates, but the reality is that many governments and policymakers don’t have an accurate picture of how many people with disabilities live in their countries ...

Special needs, euphemisms, and disability
Morton Ann Gernsbacher , BioMed Central - On Health, 17 January 2017
A recently published study in Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications finds the term ‘special needs’ to be an ineffective euphemism. In this blog, lead author of the study, Morton Ann Gernsbacher, discusses the findings, the interesting study design involving a set of vignettes and the societal impact of the term ‘special needs’ ...

Down Syndrome NSW and Bus Stop Films - a little history

A little bit of Down Syndrome NSW history featured in a Sydney Morning Herald article yesterday,  in the Meet the Boss series. Bus Stop Films has grown into a strong, highly respected multi-award winning initiative under Genevieve Clay-Smith's leadership, providing arts, learning and employment opportunities for many adults with Down syndrome. We've written about  the involvement of people with Down syndrome in Bus Stop activities and achievement many times in our posts. 

We're pleased to have had a role in its development:

... answering an ad in the university newspaper set the then 19-year-old onto a far more intriguing path; one which, in 2015, led her to being awarded NSW Young Australian of the Year. 

"Down Syndrome NSW wanted a filmmaker to make a documentary. I spent two years with the six families in the film, and it changed my life," Clay-Smith says. 

When the project was finished one of the participants, a young man with Down syndrome, said that he wanted to be an actor. 

Clay-Smith got to work ...   

Meet the boss: Filmmaker Genevieve Clay-Smith

Sue White, Sydney Morning Herald 

30 January 2017 

School, education, teaching, learning

What a very hot, hot hot week for the start of the 2017 school year! Best wishes to all of those students starting school or high school for the very first time, and those returning from the long summer holidays.

There is so much information available to support students, teachers and families, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are just a few links to give you food for thought right now:


I Don’t Speak for Laura
George Estreich, New York Times, 27 January 2017
... In one way, Laura’s Father’s Day note is nothing special: Lots of people with Down syndrome read and write. In another, it is evidence of a radical transformation that began in my lifetime, and is still underway ...


Schools For All Guide

School Inclusion Parent Network

We, as parents, are the experts on our children and the constant in their lives. But navigating the schools years and ensuring that our children gain access to the general education classroom, receive the appropriate supports and stay on the path to an inclusive future, can be challenging and confusing. Access to quality information can make all the difference ...

• This guide refers to US law and school administrative procedures, but it also includes reading on the nature of inclusion in education, the role of families and other matters that have universal relevance.

Tips for Teachers - a collection of short practical tips for teachers to improve the inclusiveness of their general education classrooms

Dr Robert Jackson and Catia Malaquias, IncludEd (part of the blog Starting with Julius), January 2017
The 2017 school year is about to start and teachers in regular mainstream classrooms will be busy planning and preparing teaching materials, including differentiated curricula materials for students with disability allocated to their class. To assist, we have gathered together all our “Tips for Teachers” articles on this page, including some additional information.

Tips For Teachers Series:

• Creating An Inclusive Class Culture – Practical Tips For Teachers (N.o1)

• Supporting Peer Connection in the Inclusive Class – Practical Tips For Teachers (No.2)

• Less Is More: The Education Assistant – Practical Tips For Teachers (No.3)

• Getting the “Big Idea”: Including All Students in the Same Curriculum – Practical Tips for Teachers (No. 4 Part A)

• Making the “Big Idea” Achievable: Including All students in the Same Curriculum – Practical tips for teachers (No. 4 Part B)

• Presenting the “Big Idea” for All: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) – Practical tips for teachers (No. 4 Part C)

• Behaviour Support in the Inclusive Classroom: The Basics – Practical Tips for Teachers (No. 5 Part A)

Education conferences in Qld and NSW
Two education conferences scheduled for the early weeks of the school year will be of interest to schools, individual teachers and support staff - families can pass the information about them to their child's school:

Embracing Success, Down Syndrome NSW's annual education conference will be held in Sydney 23 - 24 March 2017

Endless Possibilities, Down Syndrome Queensland's annual education conference will be held in Brisbane 2 - 3 March 2017, and might be more accessible to families and teachers in far northern NSW 

More posts on education matters

New online course from Down Syndrome Education International

Down Syndrome Education International has announced a new online course, to be presented by Professor Sue Buckley:

Implementing the Reading and Language Intervention for Children with Down Syndrome (RLI)

... This online course is designed for educators (teachers in mainstream and special education, advisory teachers and SENCOs, teaching assistants and paraprofessionals, speech and language therapists/pathologists) involved in delivering the Reading and Language Intervention for Children with Down Syndrome (RLI). Parents with an interest in the intervention and how they can support their child’s reading and language learning in partnership with their school may also benefit from the course ...

• Details of course content, resources, duration, registration and costs are now available via the Down Syndrome Education International website, here

NSW cabinet reshuffled

NSW has a new Premier and cabinet, who will be sworn in today, at Government House.

Contact details for all NSW Ministers are listed on the NSW Parliament website, here.

While the needs of people with disabilities living in NSW are served by all cabinet members, these portfolios are likely to be of particular interest:

Premier - Gladys Berejiklian 

Minister for Health, and Minister for Medical Research - Brad Hazzard 

Minister for Education - Rob Stokes 

Minister for Family and Community Services, Minister for Social Housing, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault - Pru Goward 

Minister for Multiculturalism, and Minister for Disability Services - Raymond Craig Williams

Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Women, and Minister for Ageing - Tanya Davies 

Minister for Early Childhood Education, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Assistant Minister for Education - Sarah Mitchell

Weekend reading: 28 - 29 January 2017

... Some new friends from her kindergarten class joined us this year as well as friends we’ve known since she was tiny, and watching her take her place in her little village made me so happy. This year, she’s bloomed socially in a remarkable way, and where she used to quietly hide behind us or shy away from interacting with larger groups, she’s now owning her space, comfortable and confident to shine her little light on her own. It’s my greatest wish for her – always own your space, girl; shine your light. You got this ...

Nella Turns 7: A Sunshine State Party

Kelle Hampton, Enjoying the Small Things
23 January 2017

When my daughter Sophie was diagnosed with Down syndrome at four days old, the last thing I wanted to do was read a book about it. I couldn’t look at so much as a pamphlet. It was an odd response for a journalist — but for a long time I couldn’t bear to do much more than hold my baby and watch bad TV and cry and, eventually, let her teach me herself about Down syndrome. 

That said, there was a lot more to learn, so it’s a good thing my husband is also a journalist, and had a different response. He was in the hospital library from Day One ...

A Reading List for Parents of Kids With Down Syndrome

 and Other Special Needs

Amy Silverman, Friendship Circle
18 January 2017

Cátia Malaquias is a lawyer, disability advocate and the founder and director of Starting With Julius, a Western Australian based project promoting the inclusion of people with disability in media, advertising and beyond ...

Truth in advertising

Wendy Williams, Probono Australia News
23 January 2017

Through this paper, NSW Council of Intellectual Disability Chairperson, Michael Sullivan identifies language as a key area on which we need to concentrate where action and thoughts are reflected. Language can shape, although we can be much more precise about language ...

Bullying and diversity through language: 

a new way of thinking about this issue

Michael Sullivan, NSW Council for Intellectual Disability
24 January 2017

In my mind I'm going after ableist and disphobic assumptions about people with disabilities. In my mind I'm educating people about who people with disabilities are and the lives we lead.

But that's not what I'm doing is it? Every defence that I use, buys into their measuring stick about what it is to be a person of value ...

My problem

Dave Hingsburger, Of Battered Aspect
19 January 2017

Arts news and commentary

Emily Crockford's Sydney Opera House
by Night is in the gallery, and is for sale.

3DN Art Gallery featuring Artists with an Intellectual Disability Launched

15 September 2016

We are proud to announce the launch of the 3DN Art Gallery. Professor Julian Trollor revealed the online gallery at the NSW CID annual conference in Sydney on Thursday 15 September 2016. The gallery presents the works of artists with an intellectual disability whose pieces are featured in 3DN’s resources ...

• 3DN art gallery
• 3DN is the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry at the University of NSW

Radical Beauty Project (UK)
Launched September 2016

Radical Beauty is about challenging opinions and understandings of beauty in contemporary culture. It is a fashion and art photography project blurring boundaries between disciplines, and working to provide an alternative vision for beauty today. 

Engaging with 40 + renowned fashion and art photographers globally, this project features only models with Down's syndrome. These models are stylised as objects of desire, beauty and worth, and all shoots are undertaken with the same dedication, talent and creativity as major fashion campaigns.

• Video 

Accessible Events - Riverside Theatres Parramatta
All events at Riverside Theatres have a standard level of access. The events listed on this page have specific access points eg AUSLAN interpretation, Audio Description, Tactile Tours, Open Captions, and/or Relaxed Performances.

• Beyond the Square Workshops - Riverside Theatre’s Beyond the Square drama program offers participants creative outlets, personal and social exploration, and skills development.

Festival features films about, created by individuals with Down syndrome

Jessica Anderson, Baltimore Sun, 14 January 2017
After Ethan Saylor's death in 2013, many families in the Down syndrome community say they tended to avoid movie theaters, but a film festival opening in Annapolis this weekend aims to change that.
... "A lot of us have avoided the movies because of [Saylor's death]. This gives us a chance to take back our joy," said Stephanie Holland, organizer of the Ethan Saylor Memorial Film Festival, which features works created by or about those with Down syndrome ...

Examining art’s role in advancing disability rights

Michael Ranic, Univerity Affairs, 5 December 2016

Ryerson’s Eliza Chandler looks for what culture can do for disability that legislation can’t ... Dr. Chandler’s teaching practice and research as an assistant professor at Ryerson University’s school of disability studies is more interested in the ways cultural production furthers disability rights. “We need access to art galleries, and art studios, access to being understood as desirable, sexual – all of these things that can’t be protected by a human rights framework,” she says ...

Australia Day award

Congratulations, Robert Strike, on your award, and on your leadership.

Robert Strike appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for disability advocacy
Heath Parkes-Upton, Parramatta Sun, 26 January 2017

Born with multiple physical and intellectual disabilities, Robert Strike was told as a child that he would never lead a full life. 

The Merrylands man has always loved to prove people wrong. 

On Australia Day, the 59-year-old was appointed a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia, reward for a lifetime of advocacy for people with a disability ...

Down Syndrome NSW education conference 2017

 

     23 and 24 MARCH 2017

     SYDNEY





Keynote speakers:

Dr Rhonda Faragher - senior lecturer in mathematics education, Australian Catholic University. Brisbane 

Dr Kelly Burgoyne - formerly at Down Syndrome Education International, currently Senior Research Fellow, Psychology, Australian Catholic University. Brisbane

Other speakers: 

Leading professionals from within the Department of Education and Training and the Catholic Education Office.

An essential two day conference for anyone working with a student with Down syndrome and suitable for educators working in all education sectors. Parents and carers are also welcome.

• Flyer and program details 

• Booking details and registrations are available now via the Down Syndrome NSW website. Early bird registration closes 31 January 2017.

Intellectual disability / mental health e-learning

Intellectual Disability Mental Health e-Learning provides free eLearning about intellectual disability to professionals, carers, and consumers. Our goal is to improve your knowledge, skills and confidence, leading to better mental health and wellbeing for people with an intellectual disability. 

The program is an initiative of the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (3DN) at the University of NSW.

New e-Learning module on intellectual disability mental health now available
3DN, 12 January 2017

The new module aims to enhance the working relationship between disability professionals and other professionals involved in a person’s supports. It covers topics such as ‘what is interagency working?’, ‘how do different agencies work together?’ and ‘how can professionals work together to enhance mental health support?’ 

The module is freely available now at www.idhealtheducation.edu.au

New e-Learning modules for carers are in development
Currently, 3DN staff are designing online modules for carers of someone with an intellectual disability and mental illness. They would like your input:

Contact Thea Kremser at 3DN on 02 9385 2580  or
email t.kremser@unsw.edu.au
for further information

Free webinar series: Stepping Stones Triple P

Are you a parent / carer of a child with Down syndrome? 

As part of the Stepping Stones Triple P Project, Down Syndrome NSW invites all parents of children with Down syndrome aged 2 to 12 to attend the following FREE parenting webinar series: 

Seminar 1: Positive Parenting for Children With a Disability 

Positive parenting is an effective approach to raising children that emphasises the positive. It involves creating a family environment that is loving, supportive and predictable. This is important in raising healthy, well-adjusted children who will reach their potential and have rewarding relationships with others. Positive parenting reduces the stress of parenting and makes it more enriching and enjoyable.

Wednesday 8th of March 2017, 12pm - 1.30pm

Seminar 2: Helping Your Child Reach Their Potential 

All children need to develop skills to help them become independent, to get on with others and to reach their potential. While children can pick up some skills simply by watching others, children with disabilities often need a more structured approach. This seminar focuses on how to teach children important new skills and behaviours by following six key steps.

Wednesday 15th of March 2017, 12pm - 1.30pm

Seminar 3: Changing Problem Behaviour into Positive Behaviour 

Children with disabilities are more at risk than others of developing problem behaviours. These behaviours can interfere with their growth and development and can be disruptive for the family as a whole. This seminar provides ideas on understanding why a particular behaviour is occurring and practical suggestions for how to promote alternative behaviour.

Wednesday 22nd of March 2017, 12pm - 1.30pm

Seminars will be delivered online, via Webinar so that they can be viewed by parents and carers across Australia.

More information and instructions for how to access the Webinar will be provided once you register for the seminars.

RSVP by 7th March 2017: As these programs are being funded as part of a research project please contact the research team to register your interest:

Phone: 02 9114 4060
Email: fhs.Steppingstones@sydney.edu.au