Latest issue of International Journal for Direct Support Professionals: Understanding Pain

OUCH! How Understanding Pain can Lead to Gain when it Comes to Supporting Those with Developmental Disabilities
Lara M. Genik, Tamlyn Freedman-Kalchman, C. Meghan McMurtry, and Yona Lunsky, International Journal for Direct Support Professionals,  Vol 6 #5, May 2017

... For many years, people have wondered if individuals with DD experience less pain, more pain, or experience it differently than those without DD. Some people even wondered if those who engage in self-injury didn’t feel pain. Researchers have been trying to find out the answers to these questions, but still aren’t totally sure. We do know that people with DD may respond more slowly to pain and express it differently than those without DD. We also know that even people who self-injure can feel pain. And most importantly, we know that true insensitivity to pain is extremely rare. So, as direct support professionals we should always assume that the people we support can feel pain ...

• The subscription to this Canadian journal is free. Email the editor, Dave Hingsburger at dhingsburger@vitacls.org to subscribe.
• Back issues are available to download here

Intellectual Disability Healthcare: online courses from University of Queensland

The University of Queensland now offers three courses in its online program Intellectual Disability Health Care. Course instructors are Prof Nicholas Lennox and Miriam Taylor from the Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability, University of Queensland:

Able-Minded - Mental Health and People with Intellectual Disability
Gain an understanding of mental health issues and ethical decision-making for people with intellectual disability.

Through my Eyes – Intellectual Disability Healthcare around the World
Learn, from personal stories, the daily life and challenges faced by those with intellectual disabilities.

Well and Able - Improving the Physical Health of People with Intellectual DisabilityLearn how to help those with intellectual disability achieve better health.

'Voices from a silent journey': International Journal for Direct Support Professionals

Voices from a silent journey
Melodie Cook, International Journal for Direct Support Professionals, Vol 6, #4, April 2017

... People with intellectual disabilities are often socially withdrawn whether they communicate verbally or not. This has nothing to do with their ability to contribute but has lots to do with our social world which tends to value verbal communication which is fast paced ...

This free Canadian journal is also available in French, and all back issues are available online here. Each issue deals with a single topic.

New quarterly newsletter from Down Syndrome Australia

'Welcome to Down Syndrome Australia’s first newsletter, bringing you key highlights from our work, information on upcoming events and opportunities to share your views and experiences. Down Syndrome Australia was established in 2011 as the peak body for people with Down syndrome in Australia. 

Our vision is an Australia where people living with Down syndrome are valued, reach their potential and enjoy social and economic inclusion. '

You can subscribe to receive the newsletter online via the Down Syndrome Australia website - scroll to the bottom of the page to enter your email address.

NDCO Webinar - Disability Discrimination Commissioner

The National Disability Coordination Officer Program (NDCO) is hosting a webinar with Alastair McEwin, Australia's Disability Discrimination Commissioner. 

This consultative webinar will discuss:

• Changes needed to see the rights of people with Disability better protected, 
• What is already being done well that can be built on to achieve greater systemic change, 
• What you would like to see the Disability Discrimination Commissioner do to most effectively advance the rights of people with Disability. 

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm AEDT, Monday, 13 March 2017

This webinar will have live AUSLAN translation and live captions. For other accessibility requirements please contact us at ndco@stepsgroup.com.au

• Register online here

'Disability and a Good Life': free six week online course, UNSW

The University of NSW is offering a six week free online course, Disability and a Good Life:

Learn how disability intersects with human rights, and how a good life can be made possible for everyone. 

20% of the global population has a disability; that means most of us will have an experience of disability in our lives - whether personally, through family and friends, or work. 

It’s crucial that we understand disability and what it means to live well with disability.
In this online course, you’ll find out more about human diversity, and learn about disability and the systems, structures, supports and approaches that enable everyone to live a good life. 

• Register now

NSW CID e-news, February 2017

Stepping Stones PPP webinar series - register by 7 March 2017

3 free webinars on parenting children 

with Down syndrome aged 2 to 12 

Wednesdays 8, 15, 22 March 2017

12 - 1.30 pm

Australia wide access

See this post for details of content and how to register

Register by 7 March

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

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

Down Syndrome International: e-newsletter launched

The first issue of DSi News has been launched by from Down Syndrome International.

It will be a regular e-newsletter summarising DSi news for members and supporters, and also giving members a way to communicate their news with other DSi members, the global Down syndrome community and beyond.  Sign up for a free online subscription here.

Improving healthcare for people with intellectual disability: UQ online course open for registration

From the Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability, University of Queensland:

A world-first series of free online courses designed to improve healthcare for people with intellectual disability is again open for registration.

The ABLE XSeries, developed by a team of online learning specialists from The University of Queensland’s UQx and The Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability (QCIDD), had reached a large and responsive audience since its initial release in March 2016, said QCIDD Director Professor Nick Lennox ... read more about the course and how to register here

Sean Fisher is the face of the ABLE XSeries. 

Creatability on iView long term collection

The complete first series (9 episodes) of Creatability is available on ABC iView until 27 November 2019:

Artists with disabilities reveal the places and perspectives driving them to create. From textiles to dance, these portraits of artists creating in regional NSW were produced by independent filmmakers from across the state.

The first episode features a young man with Down syndrome, Kayah Guenther:

20 year-old artist Kayah Guenther explores his strength and masculinity through dance. Working alongside esteemed choreographer, Gavin Webber, this film explores identity, vulnerability and power through movement.

Another young man with Down syndrome, Lydian Dunbar features in Episode 8.

New online training course from Down Syndrome Education International: birth, early intervention and preschool years

Down Syndrome Education International (DSE) has launched a second online course, focused on development from birth and early intervention through the preschool years. The course looks at many aspects of early development, including play, cognition, speech, language, number and motor skills.

Presented and led by Professor Sue Buckley, the course includes 10 modules, each of which includes a video presentation, handouts and an assessment. The video presentations can be viewed, handouts downloaded and assessments completed at any time. In addition, course participants are invited to join an online discussion forum with DSE tutors for the opportunity to ask questions and seek additional advice.

The course offers convenient and cost-effective access to up-to-date information and practical guidance for early years professionals supporting children with Down syndrome aged from birth to 5 years, including health visitors, early years teachers and assistants, speech and language therapists, advisory teachers, educational psychologists and outreach/advice staff and volunteers at organisations supporting young people with Down syndrome. The course will also be valuable for the parents of children with Down syndrome seeking detailed advice, based on the latest research.

• Find out more here

The first DSE online training course was announced in July 2016:

• New online training course launched - Effective education for children with Down syndrome in school, Down Syndrome Education International, 22 July 2016

You can contribute virtually to this UN presentation on International Day for People with Disability

To make your voice heard, please submit your picture with the message on what would you like to thank the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) for through the online form on 1billionvoices.org or email at info@1billionvoices.org

Service, Support and Success: October 2016 issue

Service, Support and Success is a monthly international journal for direct support professionals, published in Canada. Each issue features a single substantive article focussed on a practical aspect of direct support.

As more people manage their own support via the National Disability Insurance Scheme, they will be interested in locating such good quality resources themselves, to establish good practice,  and as education and training resources for the professionals they employ.

It is available free via email subscription or through a website (link below). Here is the link to the latest issue:

In Case of Emergency, Please Read: Ideas and Strategies for Supporting People with Intellectual  Disabilities Receiving Emergency Care 
 Yona Lunsky and Jacques Lee, Service, Support and Success, Vol 5, issue 10, October 2016
Adults with developmental disabilities visit the hospital emergency department (ED) as often as some of us go to the dentist. In fact, they go twice as often as adults without developmental disabilities (DD). We all know the “drill” when it comes to the dentist, but just how much do you know about what to expect out of an emergency department visit? This article offers some practical tips about how to make emergency visits as good as they can be, and also outlines some steps we can all take to reduce the likelihood of having to go to the hospital in the first place. Because, let’s be honest; like the dentist, none of us want to go the hospital more than we have to...

Answers to FAQ’s about the journal

1) The journal is intended to be widely distributed; you do not need permission to forward. You do need permission to publish in a newsletter or magazine.

2) You may subscribe by sending an email to dhingsburger@vitacls.org

3) We are accepting submissions. Email article ideas to either the address above or to anethercott@handstfhn.ca

4) We welcome feedback on any of the articles that appear here.

• Link to back issues of Service, Support and Success on the Vita Living Services website, here. Each issue is now available in both English and French. 

Educational videos from the Adult Down Syndrome Center

First in a new series of short videos designed to support people with Down syndrome to stay healthy:

A Healthy Pace for Eating

Adult Down Syndrome Center, 13 September 2016 2016
Being able to learn about and participate in our own health promotion is a key factor in improving anyone’s health. This educational video, created by the Adult Down Syndrome Center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Ill. aims to help persons with Down syndrome learn how to keep themselves healthy by establishing good eating habits.

To learn more about the Adult Down Syndrome Center, visit the website. Our videos are now available on Facebook, our web page and on You Tube. Watch for more videos soon.

New resources from Down Syndrome Australia

Down Syndrome Australia has published three new resources, all free to read and/or to download from the DSA website:

Ageing and Down Syndrome
- a 30 page booklet

Down syndrome in the workplace for employees  
- a 12 page booklet

Down syndrome in the workplace for employers  
- a 20 page booklet,

Resources

21 Welcomes
New from Canadian Down Syndrome Society
21 stories for new families, from CDDS members, with an introduction by Paul Sawka, CDDS Awareness Leader. Free to download.

Patient Handouts
Down Syndrome Program, Massachusetts General Hospital

Download information on a variety of health topics, including a new series on introducing new food textures, under the 'Feeding Resources' heading. Free to download.

Living Locally: Understanding Community Supervision
Dave Hingsburger, Service, Support and Success, Vol 5, #8, August 2016

When is washing the dishes, not just washing the dishes? When is taking out the garbage, not just taking out the garbage? When is a friendly greeting, not just a friendly greeting?

These routine tasks, important as they are, can become overlooked in terms of their role in your support of someone with an intellectual disability. We work in the community living movement; this is a civil liberties movement which has a set of ideas. One of those ideals is that people with disabilities have a right to a valued place in the communities in which they live ...

Free to download.

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

New children's book - Prince Noah and the School Pirates
Silke Schnee, Illustrated by Heike Sistig

It’s time for young Prince Noah to go to school. The prince, who starred in the book The Prince Who Was Just Himself, may be a little slower than other students, but he has no less joy in learning. In his kingdom, children go to school on sailing ships. There is a ship for girls and one for boys. There is a ship for children with an eye patch, a ship for children with one leg, and a ship for children who are slower learners. No one knows why there are so many different ships, but it has always been that way. 

Then a terrible storm drives the ships into the hands of pirates. The boys and girls realize that they will only escape if everyone does what he or she does best. Through their adventures, they learn that diversity makes us strong and that every person has something to teach us.

This delightfully illustrated fairy tale instills appreciation for children with Down syndrome and other developmental challenges, making it a valuable aid for teaching tolerance in the home or classroom. (Publisher's note)

'Reading OUR Way' webinar and Brisbane workshop

From Down Syndrome Association of Queensland:

DSAQ is excited to announce an upcoming 'Reading OUR Way' webinar  and workshop.

Reading OUR Way is an exciting reading program that is designed for students who are visual learners. The program supports early reading and word recognition and is a valuable literacy tool in the home or the classroom, using the whole word approach.

Webinar: 5 - 7 pm 8 September 2016 (link will be sent on registration and payment) 

Workshop: 5 - 7 pm 12 September 2016 - Brisbane

To register for the workshop or webinar, contact us for a registration form on 07 3356 6655 or office@dsaq.org.au

For more information about the program, visit Reading OUR Way or contact Rachael at info@readingourway.com.au or 07 3356 6655

News from Down Syndrome Education International (1)

New online training course launched - Effective education for children with Down syndrome in school

Down Syndrome Education International, 22 July 2016

Effective education for children with Down syndrome in school

This new online course covers learning and development for young people with Down syndrome in school. Presented and led by Professor Sue Buckley, the course details what the latest research tells us about the educational needs of students with Down syndrome and offers a wealth of practical advice about evidence-based teaching strategies. 

This online course offers convenient and cost-effective access to up-to-date information and practical guidance for parents, teachers and therapists supporting children with Down syndrome aged from 4 to 16 years ... all details are on the DSE website, here.