DanceAbility = Happy

On a 'happier' note, Dance Ability's rendition is a joyful way to prepare for a break ...

'DanceAbility Australia Ltd aims to enrich the lives of children and adults with intellectual or physical disabilities through dance and music in a safe, fun and caring environment. A diverse group of students ranging in age from 6 to 48, they have the opportunity to learn Hip Hop, Jazz, Line and Ballroom dancing.'

Based in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

Down Syndrome Australia's continued rejection for government funding

From Down Syndrome Australia, December 23, 2014:

Ten peak disability organisations including Down Syndrome Australia will be left with no choice but to either close their doors or reduce services, with seven organisations subject to drastic funding cuts by outgoing Minister for Social Services, Kevin Andrews.

Down Syndrome Australia along with nine other peak disability organisations participated in a consortium bid to the government led by Australian Federation of Disability Organisations (AFDO), which today has been rejected. Down Syndrome Australia continues to be rejected for government funding despite people with Down syndrome being a major population group in the disability sector.

Together the ten peak disability bodies represent over 90% of Australians with disability and 83% of the identified disability groups in Australia. The organisations have over 200,000 supporters, including 140 organisations, consumer groups, service providers and carer associations.

Read more by following the link to the AFDO media release.

• Previous post on these social services cuts

Inclusion Australia is here to stay …

Statement from President and Executive Director, Inclusion Australia, 24th December 2014
... over the last couple of days there has been a lot of conjecture about the future of Inclusion Australia following our unsuccessful application for funding to the Abbott Government. Our application for funding to represent people with intellectual disability and their families to the Commonwealth Government was not successful – no applications on behalf of people with intellectual disability and their families were! ... Inclusion Australia has always been a constructive partner in the development and implementation of Commonwealth policy and while this decision is disappointing it will not silence us from ‘having a say’ in the welfare reforms that will dominate 2015 and ongoing development of the NDIS ...

People with Down syndrome in the media

Hands Across the Water on Facebook
Check the post from tosay (23rd December) for an update on baby Gammy, who is having his first birthday today.

More than 80,000 sign petition against deportation of man with Down's syndrome

Get West London, 16th December 2014

Supporters of Wadih Chouery yesterday presented an 80,000 signature petition against his deportation to Lebanon, where his family claim he would face abuse because he has Down's syndrome ... More than 80,000 people have signed an online petition on the campaigns website 38 Degrees demanding he be allowed to remain in the UK, where he has lived since leaving Beirut 17 years ago ...

Oscar Forman shoots hoops with Wollongong Hawks fan Caleb

Mitch Jennings, Illawarra Mercury, 17th December 2014
The Hawks' 3-12 start to the season may have tested the resolve of fans, but the faith of 11-year-old Caleb Jordan has never wavered. Caleb, a member of the KidzWish sports academy program, celebrated his 11th birthday on Friday by draining a few shots on the WEC floor at three-quarter-time in the Hawks' 82-77 victory over the Kings. He impressed the crowd with his prowess and on Wednesday shared a few shots with another sharp-shooter in his idol, Hawks captain Oscar Forman ...

From passion to paycheck
Jessie, VATTA, 15th December 2014
I always wanted to be a dancer ...  this was my journey to find myself. And now, I’m 24, soon to be 25. I am a professional dancer! I get paid to teach and to perform ... (reposted from Weekend reading ... because it deserves to be widely read).

Down syndrome students excel in new math teaching program in Canberra and Victoria

Claire Colley, Sydney Morning Herald, 14th December 2014

Maths is the most difficult school subject for 13-year-old Annie Lee, but thanks to a revolutionary new approach to teaching maths to people with Down syndrome it's now also her favourite ...

Having an ability to overcome disability
St. John Barned-Smith, Chron.com, 14th December 2014
Ezra Roy waited underneath the glare of the arena lights Saturday with 800 other students from Texas Southern University. He wore the standard-issued cap, gown, mortar board and liberal arts sash. It was graduation day, and the 26-year-old would receive his bachelor's degree in art, Magna cum Laude ... Three days after his son was born, a doctor announced that the premature baby also had Down syndrome ... While the young man sat with his classmates, eagerly waiting for the ceremony to get underway and to receive his diploma, Alvin Roy savored the moment ...

End of year news and publications

NSW CID End of Year Update

NSW Council on Intellectual Disability, 22nd December 2014
As 2014 comes to an end NSW CID wanted to give you an update on our news.
NSW CID has kept having a strong voice about issues that are important to people with intellectual disability ...

National Disability Insurance Scheme December 2014 Newsletter

Family Advocacy Communiqué December 2014

Community Sector Funding Cuts Begin
ProBono News Australia, 23rd December 2014
A number of peak bodies and advocacy groups have learned that they have been defunded as part of the $240 million budget cuts to social services - two days before Christmas. The Australian Greens said Not for Profits have told them that services are receiving calls informing them of the cancellation of funding, in some cases with very short effect ...

Brutal funding cuts no Christmas cheer for social services bodies

Rick Morton, The Australian, 22nd December 2014

... The budget-saving measure aims to haul back tens of millions of dollars by streamlining the number of representative bodies in the two sectors. In the disability arena most condition-specific bodies like Blind Citizens Australia — which lost $190,000 — and two deaf groups, the Disability Advocacy Network Australia and Brain Injury Australia all had their funding revoked.

People with Disability Australia, First Peoples Disability Network, Children with Disability Australia and some other “cross-disability” organisations won funding ...

... The Australian Federation of Disability Organisations, which hoped to survive as a consortium for all condition-specific representative bodies also lost its funding ...

Why the NIS Makes Economic Sense, 
Every Australian Counts, 22nd December 2014

Attitude TV series: 27th December debut

Attitude Foundation is partnering with award-winning production company Attitude Pictures to
deliver 26 documentaries about people with disability for ABC television.

"As a person with disability and having been the Disability Discrimination Commissioner for eight and a half years, I know the importance of telling compelling stories about disability when engaging with the community." Graeme Innes AM

The documentaries are part of an international series that has screened in 26 countries. The documentaries will focus on compelling stories told with insight and understanding.

Attitude debuts on ABC TV 1 on Saturday 27th December at 6.30 pm

Down Syndrome Australia Surveys - the NDIS and people with Down syndrome

Many members of state and territory Down syndrome associations have questions and concerns about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and how it works for people with Down syndrome of all ages.

To be the best voice we can for the Australian Down syndrome community, we'd like to hear from you about your experiences with the NDIS, or (NDIS/NDIS My Way in WA) so far, and any thoughts, questions and concerns you may have. 

Your answers will also help DSA and the state and territory associations develop resources and tailor supports to help you, so please provide as much information as you can.

There are two surveys to choose from, available online until 16th January 2015:

1. For people not yet in NDIS
2. For people already in an NDIS or My Way trial site (WA)

You don't have to be a member of your local association to take part.

DS NSW office closed for holidays

Down Syndrome NSW would like to extend to you our seasons greetings and wishes 

for a prosperous New Year.

Please note our office will be closed from Friday 19th December 

and will reopen on Monday 12th January 2014.

We will continue to provide emergency support and assistance for new parents throughout the holiday break. Please contact our office on 9841 4444 and leave a message in this instance.

Thank you for your support this year and we look forward to our continued association in 2015.

Weekend reading viewing: 20th - 21st December 2014

The Upside of Down Syndrome

Daniel Allott, National Review Online, 17th December 2014

... “Mock my pants, not my sister” provides a glimpse of the passion with which Skotko advocates for his sister and all people with DS. But Skotko is much more than an advocate. He is also one of the country’s leading medical clinicians, geneticists, and Down-syndrome researchers.

The goal of his work, as he explained it to me when I visited him at Massachusetts General Hospital, is to make “tomorrow better than today” for people with Down syndrome. Put another way, Skotko is using his extraordinary talents to help move society beyond mere tolerance for people with DS and toward a celebration of them ...

Enjoying: December

Kelle Hampton, Enjoying the Small Things, 15th December 2014
Kelle Hampton is well known for her beautiful photographs and her blog that mostly focuses on her children, including four year Nella, who has Down syndrome. Here is another excellent post, about December in Florida - enjoy all the photos (she's a professional), and be delighted by the comments, that you might well relate to from your own family's everyday doings, but make sure you scroll down to the very last one of Nella, about which Kelle wrote on her Facebook page ... 'This face. How I want to live life.'

Why My Son Doesn’t Care About Christmas 

Anne Penniston Grunsted, Role Reboot, 16th December 2014

... I think of Bobby as having a thick layer of insulation between him and the world. The insulation slows his reaction time, makes it more difficult for his inner thoughts and actions to express themselves to the rest of us. And it makes it more difficult for the information of the world to reach him. This insularity is a challenge when teaching him vocabulary or reading or math. What another child might understand in four or five repetitions may take Bobby 500 repetitions to learn.

But the insulation that makes it more difficult for useful information to reach him also makes him immune to much of the toxicity that seeps into the rest of us. Because he processes less than the typical person, the standard of what gets through is higher—to resonate with my son, information must add intrinsic value to his day to day happiness ...

To the Woman Who Asked to Take a Closer Look at My Daughter With Down Syndrome
Maggie McKelvey, The Mighty, 16th December 2014

... I felt like a huge weight had been lifted. We would be OK. She would be OK. This woman gave me strength to start to raise my daughter to do and be anything she wants ...

What you didn’t know about the latest Target child model

Kat Abianac, Parker Myles, 16th December 2014
... children who may fall within certain demographics can easily be under-represented. And that’s not fair, or just. All our beautiful children, without exception, deserve opportunities like these ...

From passion to paycheck
Jessie, VATTA, 15th December 2014
I always wanted to be a dancer ...  this was my journey to find myself. And now, I’m 24, soon to be 25. I am a professional dancer! I get paid to teach and to perform ...

Emily's Christmas List

Orange Juice Flavour Sky, 13th December 2014
Emily is a list girl ... Last year, Emily’s Christmas List contained such treasures as a nest, a carpet, Ant & Dec and some spinning plates – a fairly eclectic collection of wishes I’m sure you’ll agree. So I waited in eager anticipation of this year’s Christmas list. What could she be after this time? – a newly seeded lawn maybe?, a pair of curtains? or perhaps a cutting from Demis Roussos’s beard? Whatever it is, how on earth could she top last year’s wish list?

I grieved at first for the son I dreamed about while I was pregnant

Kat Abianac, MammaMia, 12 December 2014
Dear Elly - I consider us friends. I’ve known you for quite a while, long before your beautiful newborn Rex was born last week. The day he was born, however, we suddenly had a LOT more in common. Because Rex was born with Down syndrome, just like my toddler Parker ...

Jean-Pierre Crépieux receives the French Legion d’honneur

L'Arche International, 8th December 2014

On Monday December 8th, Jean-Pierre Crépieux will be the first person with an intellectual disability to receive the Legion d’Honneur, France’s highest honour. Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion d’Honneur rewards “personal merit in the service of the nation.” Jean-Pierre is being recognised for his contribution to L’Arche and the social development of men and women with an intellectual disability ...
Photos of the occasion are on the L'Arche Facebook page, here

ABC News Special: Stella Young Memorial

ABC iView, 19th December 2014
Today's memorial service for the late Stella Young - writer, broadcaster and comedienne who did much to help Australians understand disability issues. Melbourne Town Hall, and broadcast to Federation Square. Available online until 18th January 2015. 81 mins

Accessible Arts News - December 2014

National Carers News - December 2014

Dance in 2015 - southern suburbs Sydney

Image: pixabay.com

Tamara Gordon is the principal of TK Dance Stars at Ramsgate in Sydney's south. Her school is looking to hold accessible classes in 2015, including tap, jazz and ballet. She is a member of the Australian Dance Asssociation.

Interested families should contact Tamara so that she can schedule classes.

Contact: Tamara Gordon
M: 0403 899 924
E: tkdancestars@gmail.com
  

New resources: online, a film, a book

'Disability Standards for Education: A Practical Guide for Individuals, Families and Communities' 
University of Canberra -  Education Institute, 2014
A free, web-based resource  about rights, reasonable adjustments, what’s fair, and working together with schools through stories, videotapes, resources, glossary, facts sheets and interactive questions.

The Interviewer 

The multi-award winning 2012 short film, The Interviewer, made by Australia's Bus Stop Films, continues to impress audiences internationally.  One of its stars, Gerard O'Dwyer, has recently been in Russia promoting it at an international film festival, and it has recently been well received in Germany:

It shows that inclusion and the rights of people with disabilities are topics that can be addressed by challenging, rather than affirming, stereotypes.

The Interviewer is now available through Sproutflix to purchase on DVD or by download, All proceeds from sales go directly back into Bus Stop, a  not-for-profit organisation making inclusive films. You can also enquire at Bus Stop about ordering a DVD directly from them.

When Mum and Dad Separate

Another title in the art therapy series Drawing Out Feelings. These books are designed to provide parents, educators and counsellors with an organised approach to help children cope with grief from family loss and change.

Available to purchase from the Kids Health bookshop - the information and resource centre of The Children's Hospital at Westmead.

Archiving Project
Our archiving project continues on a weekly basis in the office. Do you have any old photos from Down Syndrome NSW events that you would like to send to us? Please do so.

Send print material to

Down Syndrome NSW
PO Box 107, Northmead 2152

or digital material to the library via email: library@dsansw.org.au

Mental health funding for people with intellectual disbaility queried

Health advocate Jim Simpson's letter to the editor, Sydney Morning Herald today:

Most needy left out 

There is a glaring gap in the NSW government's "once in a generation overhaul of mental health services" ("Community to be focus of extra $115 m in funding", December 16). The government's response makes no mention of people who have both an intellectual disability and a mental illness. These 60,000 people have poor access to mental health services. Diagnosis and treatment of mental illness is challenging because of the interplay of conditions. Mental health services lack skills and tend to say, "It's just behavioural, not our responsibility". 

The needs of this group have been well stated by the Mental Health Commission. The government says the commission's report is a "10-year roadmap for strengthening mental health care in NSW". But the government's action plan does not mention people with intellectual disability. It must now put them on the road to action.

Jim Simpson NSW Council for Intellectual Disability, Surry Hills 

Further information on the provision of mental health services for people with ID in NSW:

• Accessible Mental Health Services for People with an Intellectual Disability: A Guide for Providers (The Guide), Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry, UNSW, 2014

Looking for Netballers in 2015

West Ryde Rovers netball club would like to include young women with intellectual disability in next year's netball competition. They will play at Meadowbank on a Saturday afternoon.

The team is keen to recruit interested members. Players must be over the age of 14. No previous experience is necessary

The team will train one evening a week (to be arranged with the coach). Karen Hester will be coaching and is the person to contact for more information: mobile 0413 588 896

Down syndrome organisations funded for NDIS capacity building project

Excellent news for people with Down syndrome and their families in the lead up to the full implementation of the National Disability Insurance Scheme:

Down Syndrome NSW, Down Syndrome Victoria, and Down Syndrome WA have been named among the grassroots organisations funded by the National Disability Insurance Agency to act as Disability Support Organisations, in the first stage of the DSO project.

Each DSO will work with people with disability and their families and carers to make the most opportunities presented by the NDIS and engage effectively with the scheme.

Each DSO will facilitate and support up to 20 local peer support or mutual support groups. The support groups will provide information, resources and build community networks between participants and with others. The type and structure of the local support groups will be determined by DSOs in consultation with the NDIA. 

Local support groups will respond to local needs, conditions and circumstances. The goals of the local support groups will be to build the capacity of people with disability and their families to: 

• Exercise choice and control
• Effectively engage with the NDIS
• Effectively engage with mainstream programs, services and activities
• Increase opportunities for independence, self-management and community inclusion

Other organisations funded as DSOs are listed on the Australian government's NDIS webpage, here. 
Details of how the program will work within each organisation will be announced shortly.

NDSC Convention 2015 - Phoenix, Arizona

Families from all over the world are welcomed at the (US) National Down Syndrome Congress's annual convention - something to consider if you are planning on being in the US in June. Programs cater for parents, professionals, siblings and people with Down syndrome:

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

43rd Annual NDSC Convention 

25th - 28th June 2015

JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Phoenix, Arizona

Convention Registration will open March 2015 

You can check out the 2014 Convention in the current issue of the NDSC's Down Syndrome News, here.

Commonwealth doctors to assess new DSP claims

We will be interested to hear how/whether this change affects people with Down syndrome who are applying for the Disability Support Pension after 1st January:

Commonwealth doctors to assess new DSP claims

The Hon Kevin Andrews, Minister for Social Services, 12 December 2014
Joint Media Release with: Minister for Human Services Marise Payne

Social Services Minister Kevin Andrews has announced Australian Government-contracted doctors will assess new claims for the Disability Support Pension from next year to achieve consistency and equity across the country.

"This measure, which starts on January 1, is not aimed at those who may never be able to work but rather people who can work with independent advice and the right support,” he said.

“The Government is committed to maintaining a safety net for those who cannot support themselves but many others remain on the pension longer than they need to.”

Mr Andrews said the measure follows other changes to the DSP, which uphold the integrity of the welfare system and ensure support goes to those who need it.

“Another recent change to the DSP has included compulsory participation activities for people aged under 35 who can work for more than eight hours per week.

“This measure has already helped thousands of DSP recipients to engage with Job Services Providers with the view to getting back into the workforce.”

Last financial year the Department of Human Services investigated 411 people for dishonestly claiming DSP, which resulted in $9.5 million in raised debts.

Minister for Human Services Marise Payne said the Government is committed to protecting the integrity of the welfare system.

“This change will ensure support goes to those most in need,’’ Minister Payne said

Friday 12 December 2014 We need more jobs not more doctors People with Disability Australia (PWDA) is shocked at the announcement by Minister Andrews today that from 1 January 2015, only government contracted doctors will assess new DSP claims. PWDA agrees that if there are issues of fraud in the system then these should be dealt with appropriately, but this should be achieved using the existing mechanisms rather than by attacking the DSP assessment process. If some form of independent oversight of assessments is necessary then PWDA is open to consultation on what that may involve. However, “the medical opinions of doctors who have existing relationships with people with disability should not be discounted in the assessment process,’’ said PWDA President Craig Wallace. “Many people with chronic illness or psychosocial disability can present well one day but have debilitating symptoms the next, which is why a one-off assessment by a person who doesn’t know the recipient isn’t comprehensive.” This approach also undermines the integrity of thousands of GPs who undertake DSP assessments every year. Any changes to the DSP should be made after consultation with people with disability and take a holistic approach towards employment and income support. It’s a concern that this announcement has been made without consultation and without waiting for the outcome of the McClure review into Welfare Reform. “What we need is a jobs plan to support people with disability into genuine employment,” said Mr Wallace. “We don’t need the involvement of more doctors, and we don’t need more inquiries into the barriers to employment for people with disability. We already know what the problems are. As I keep saying, what we need is a focus on jobs.” “People with disability are sick and tired of being called dishonest rorters who need to be weeded out of the welfare system,’’ continued Craig Wallace. “This type of labelling by the media is stigmatising and unhelpful. Calling us names won’t create more jobs and opportunities, but it will make us feel undervalued, as if we need to justify our circumstances; we do not!” PWDA also criticises the timing of Minister Andrews’s announcement. With the holiday season around the corner this should be a time for people to relax and spend time with their loved ones. Instead, for many people with recently acquired illness or disability the next few weeks will be an anxious time, with many concerned that come January there will be additional hoops to jump through in order to prove their DSP eligibility. “This Minister’s habit of announcing cost saving measures targeting the vulnerable at festive times of year is disappointing,” said Mr Wallace.

Memorial service for Stella Young - in Melbourne, and live broadcast

Stella Young Public Memorial Service Broadcast

 

Rejoice in the life, achievements and legacy of comedian, journalist and disability Stella Young with a live broadcast of her memorial service at Fed Square (Melbourne).
activist

The official celebration will be held at the Melbourne Town Hall and following the service, Stella’s life and work will be further honoured on Fed Square’s Big Screen. The service at Melbourne Town Hall is open to everyone and admittance will come on a first come, first served basis. Doors will be open from 9.30am for an 11am service. 

Both venues are fully accessible and a special invitation is extended to people with disabilities. People from Stella’s home-town of Stawell are also extended an extra heart-felt and warm welcome. 

The service will also be broadcast live on ABC News 24 and on digital radio 774 ABC Victoria. 

The dress code is CRIPTASTIC – red and white spotted shoes, bright colours and little to no black. Pink or purple hair is a definite bonus, as are the incorporation of chenille stems.

Where: The Square + Big Screen 

When: Friday 19 December, from 11am 

Price: Free

• The No Limits (C31) 'Stella Young Tribute Show' is now available online 

Weekend reading and viewing: 13th - 14th December 2014

One-on-One with a Leading Down Syndrome Expert

Daliah Singer, 5280 (The Denver Magazine), December 2014 issue
Dr. Dennis McGuire on how perceptions of adults with Down syndrome have changed ...

Looking for Alice
Sian Davey
This series is an illustration of family life - all the tensions, joys, ups and downs that go with the territory of being in a family ... My daughter Alice, born with Downs Syndrome, is no different to any other human being. She feels what you and I feel ...

And Holland has Tulips
An interactive photo essay by Lani Holmberg

The pioneers who first got jobs outside sheltered workshops

Anna Patty, Sydney Morning Herald, 12th December 2014

Anna Chan has never considered herself a pioneer. But her decision 30 years ago to look for a job in the open labour market, bypassing the traditional path to a sheltered workshop, has earned her that recognition. Ms Chan, who has an intellectual disability, began work at a childcare centre in Concord in 1984 and today is one of its longest-serving employees ...

Stella Young's untimely death last weekend has prompted tributes nationwide, and internationally, within the disability and wider community. A public memorial service will be held in Melbourne, next Friday (19th December). Some links were posted earlier in the week. Here is a small additional selection:

Finding a legacy worthy of you … Craig Wallace, On the Record, 10th December 2014

Almost two days after learning of the death of Stella Young I’ve been slowly starting to think about how on earth we find a “legacy” worthy of her. It’s hard, so very hard, to think about the idea of a legacy for someone as vital and alive as Stella. Just as I can’t bring myself to use the pre-fix “the late” when talking about her ... 

Don't bugger off now: we need you, Graeme Innes, Howzat, 10th December 2014

... I would have loved her to write my eulogy. I never expected or wanted to write hers. “You can’t bugger off now: we need you.” ... 

The legacy of Stella Young, Australian disability advocate and comedian Elahe Izadi, Washington Post, 8th December 2014
... Young often spoke about how life in her body was not all that different from the lives lived by others without osteogenesis imperfecta; it was the way the world responded to her disability that made it challenging ...

People with Down syndrome in the media

This Tattooist Gives a Customer with Down Syndrome Free Tattoos Every Single Friday22 Words, 4th December 2014

When Suzie Barry came into Jason Ward’s tattoo shop the first time, she knew exactly what she wanted and he knew better than to turn her away. He gave her the tattoos she requested and she was on her way …

This story has been all over the online disability community this week - here is another report:

• This Photo Of A Woman Getting Her Temporary Tattoos Applied By A Pro Will Warm Your Heart

An Artist Who Wrapped and Bound Her Work, and Then Broke Free

Lawrence Downes, New York Times, 1st December 2014

... Ms. Scott had no formal training, no education to speak of, could not hear or speak and had Down syndrome. Her work exists without explanation, even as to how it should be displayed. Right-side up or down is a curator’s assumption. Every one of her 200 or so pieces is “Untitled.”

The art world does agree that the works are superb. They are shown around the world, the subject of articles, books and films ...

Down's syndrome bowls snub brothers play with England team
Hull Daily Mail, 4th December 2014
... the brothers were told they could not join the Elloughton Short Mat Bowling Club when they visited in October. After members of the English Short Mat Bowling Association (ESMBA) found out about their story, they invited them to the British Championships, held in Wales ...

Dylan Kuehl: Healing the World and Living the Dream through Music

Leslie Merchant, Thurston Talk, 18th November 2014
What’s your dream? Are you living it today? If you are like me, you probably have it stored up on a shelf in your “someday” closet. I recently met a young man named Dylan Kuehl who lives his dreams every day. Dylan is 31-years-old, and a quick look at his resume makes me feel like I have some serious catching up to do ...

Florida fighter with Down syndrome finally achieves his dream

Damon Martin, Fox Sports (Haymaker blog), 15th November 2014

All Garrett Holeve wanted was a chance to fight. The 25-year old Florida native battled for more than two years for the chance to step inside a ring or cage and live his dream to compete in a mixed martial arts fight. The thing that stopped Holeve from being sanctioned in his home state is the very perception he was fighting against by getting involved in MMA in the first place. Holeve was born with Down syndrome ...

Human Rights Award to CEO of First Peoples Disability Network

Congratulations to Damian Griffis (chief executive of the First Peoples Disability Network Australia and a leading advocate for the human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability) who was awarded the 2014 Tony Fitzgerald Memorial Community Individual Award at the Australian Human Rights Awards in Sydney last night.

First Peoples Disability Network also received the Improving Advocacy and Rights Promotion Award at the 2014 National Disability Awards in November:

The First Peoples Disability Network (Australia) is a unique organisation. It is the only nationally constituted organisation governed by Indigenous people with disability in the world, and has been integral in raising the profile of the unmet needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability ... International Day of People with Disability Australia, 2014 National Disability Awards citation