NDCO Newsletter Spring 2019

Welcome to the spring edition of the NDCO program newsletter for region 14 Southern Melbourne. If you would like information about special projects, networks and professional development opportunities in relation to education & employment for people with disability please contact the NDCO program. 

The Southern Region NDCO Education and Employment Pathways Guide is now available from the following link http://www.ndcovictoria.net.au/region-14#directories

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School Leavers Information Sessions

For students with additional learning and support needs

Still not sure about 2020? The National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO) is holding an information session in your area.  You will have the opportunity to hear information more about;

• Support available to plan your journey beyond school
• Supports for further education
• Supports for employment
• NDIS eligibility for supports to further education and employment goals

Individuals will be provided with the opportunity to make times to speak with one of the representatives. Bookings are essential.

Frankston - Time: 3.30 pm – 6pm Date: Monday 18 November 2019

Venue: To be confirmed

Bookings: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/school-leavers-information-session-frankston-tickets-74649056337

Dandenong - Time: 3.30 pm – 6pm Date: Tuesday 19 November 2019

Venue: To be confirmed

Bookings: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/school-leaver-pathways-assistance-sessions-dandenong-tickets-74758176719

Moorabbin - Time: 3.30 pm – 6pm Date: Wednesday 20 November 2019

Venue: To be confirmed

Bookings: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/school-leaver-pathways-assistance-sessions-moorabbin-tickets-74758680225

For further information please contact:

Sally Bailey, National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO)

E:  sally.bailey@skillsplus.com.au T: (03) 9784 0400 M: 0429 897 027

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Policy and Research

Apprentice and trainee completion and attrition rates 2018

NCVER has released their apprentice and trainee completion and attrition rates 2018. This includes data for both individuals and contracts, showing decreases in trade and non-trade completions for those starting in 2014.

Autism in the Workplace: The Employer Perspective

Employers throughout Australia are invited to participate in this research project conducted by a Doctor of Philosophy Candidate from USQ. The project is looking to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a web-based awareness program for employers of adults with Autism in Australia.

Who can participate?

• Any employers based in Australia including CEOs, Managers, Supervisors and Team Leaders

• May have employed an individual with Autism; or is interested in doing so; otherwise experience with Autism is not required

• Should have first-hand experience or have worked directly with the individual with Autism if one has been employed.

What is involved?

A phone interview which can last from 15 to 30 minutes or longer, depending on the detail provided in your response.

Be entered into a draw to win a Samsung Galaxy Tablet at the completion of the study.

Please contact: Benjamin Wen

Phone: 0481818670 E Mail: benjamin.wen@usq.edu.au

Ethics Approval Number: H19REA161

Higher Education Statistics

At university, students with disability represented 6.8 per cent of all domestic undergraduates in 2017, up from 6.4 per cent the previous year.3 In fact there has been a growth in enrolment share of students with disability by 53.6 per cent over the last five years in comparison with general growth in the sector nationally (17.7 per cent).

https://www.adcet.edu.au/inclusive-teaching/understanding-disability/Higher-Education-Statistics/

Remember disability policy and research deals with the everyday lives

The following speech was an introductory address delivered by Disability Discrimination Commissioner Ben Gauntlett at a policy forum convened by the Centre for Research Excellence in Disability and Health, held in Canberra on July 18, 2019.

https://www.humanrights.gov.au/about/news/speeches/remember-disability-policy-and-research-deals-everyday-lives?mc_cid=0244569985&mc_eid=44eff6133a

Employment outcomes - participants, their families and carers NDIS report

Increased participation in the workforce for people with disability and their families and carers produces benefits for the individuals participating, as well as for the wider Australian economy. The analysis presented here investigates the employment experience of NDIS participants and their families and carers, including factors associated with positive employment outcomes. See report here

https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/data-and-insights/reports-and-analyses/employment-outcomes-participants-their-families-and-carers#participant-employment-outcomes

ILC Investment Strategy

The NDIS Information Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) program plays a critical role in ensuring all people with disability are supported to live more accessible and connected lives. The Strengthening ILC: A national strategy towards 2022 explains the new approach to ILC investment.

https://www.ndis.gov.au/community/information-linkages-and-capacity-building-ilc/ilc-investment-strategy

Economic and Community Participation Program

Grant round is open. Please apply via the Community Grants Hub

Up to $58 million (GST Excl) is available for activities that increase the knowledge and motivation of employers to employ people with disability, as well as increasing their employability. Up to $30 million of funding is available this round to fund programs and activities that help people with disabilities:

• increase the knowledge, motivation and confidence of employers to seek out, employ and retain people with disability

• increase the employability of people with disability

• build the capability of people with disability to develop and maintain successful self-employment

• improve the community’s knowledge and understanding of disability

• build community networks that connect people with disability to opportunities they may otherwise miss.

https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/grants

Close: 11pm AEDT, 21 October 2019

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Professional Development

Learning Difficulties Australia

Conferences, Seminars and Workshops

LDA is an association of teachers and other professionals dedicated to assisting students with learning difficulties through effective teaching practices based on scientific research.

https://www.ldaustralia.org/

Open Employment Placement and Support Strategies for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability – Online Course

The VCU- RRTC has been recognized internationally for its 30 -year history of research, training, and dissemination of information regarding the placement, training, and ongoing support of individuals with disabilities in the open labour market. Currently, the Center operates over 25 online courses each year for over 1,500 professionals throughout the United States, as well as Europe and Australia.

For registration inquiries, please contact Avanti Singh at asingh@jobsupport.org.au or on (02) 9150 8888.

7th National Brain Injury Conference

Date: 28^th and 29^th October 2019

Venue University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria

Registrations: https://braininjuryconference.com.au/

Brain Injury Australia’s annual Conference has become one of the premier learning and development events on the disability calendar – driving improvements in services and supports for people living with a brain injury, their families and carers.

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Resources

Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Service

The Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Service (AATIS) raises awareness of potential apprenticeship and traineeship pathways open to students, job under this banner we have a number of resources that are free to use. They include the Australian Apprenticeship Pathways website, the Australian Apprenticeship Pathways Mobile App, and the My Gain YouTube Channel. We also offer free webinars, face-to-face information sessions and customisable resources. You can find an overview of all the AATIS resources on the new website aatis.com.au

Online Accessibility Toolkit

This Online Accessibility Toolkit was developed to support organisations with digital accessibility. The toolkit provides best-practice guidelines and easy-to-use checklists to support all public, private and for-purpose organisations to design with accessibility in mind. It was developed by the Office for Digital Government (a team within the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, South Australian Government)

https://accessibility.sa.gov.au/

Guidelines for Accessible Assessment (2019)

Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Inc (Round Table) has a broad membership of education, government, business, alternate format producers, community and disability organisations throughout Australia and

The Guidelines for Accessible Assessment were written to guide teachers, support staff, accessible format producers and disability service practitioners when preparing educational assessment tasks for students with vision impairment. It is a rewrite of the Round Table Guidelines for Accessible Assessment (2011) to better reflect the changing delivery of an accessible assessment.

http://printdisability.org/guidelines/guidelines-for-accessible-assessment-2019/

2020 Bursary Applications Now Open

Each year, Vision Australia awards Further Education Bursaries to a select number of students who are blind or have low vision.  The bursaries provide adaptive technology to help students fully participate and succeed in their chosen studies. Assistive technology can eliminate barriers to education and enhance access to information. It enables students to read course material, conduct research and improve their student life.

For more information and details on how to apply, please visit:

www.visionaustralia.org/bursary

Kick Start your Childs Career Journey

Developmental Disability WA (DDWA), National Disability Services (NDS), and Ticket to Work have released a resource for families of students with a disability, to help them plan for their child's future employment.

The booklet:

• Encourages early conversations about work;

• Provides education on mainstream supports and pathways into open employment; and

• Emphasises the role of parents and schools in setting expectations around work.

This resource could be used to support discussions with parents and participants who are in school or are transitioning from school.

The booklet is attached, but can also be downloaded from the DDWA website

https://ddwa.org.au/shop/kick-starting-career/

Reasonable Adjustments – Opening the door for learners with a disability

Reasonable Adjustments are often difficult to negotiate in the ever changing Adult Education system. Teaching staff can struggle to understanding what a reasonable adjustment is, how an adjustment can be made and what is considered unreasonable. This short video provides an overview of Reasonable Adjustment and why it is important for students with a disability. (Funded by VET Development Centre, Developed by Melbourne Polytechnic, Student Services)

https://www.adcet.edu.au/resource/10142/reasonable-adjustments-opening-the-door-for-learners-with-a-disability/

Good Practice in Online Teacher Education

Online learning is fast becoming the preferred mode of study for Initial Teacher Education (ITE) students in Australia.  Between 2007 and 2016, the proportion of ITE students studying online has increased from 15 per cent to 25 per cent (Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), 2018a).  Online study offers accessibility and flexibility. It is particularly attractive for students who are older, with family commitments, work responsibilities, or those who live in remote settings (Stone, 2017).

This document responds to the growth in online ITE around Australia and the concerning statistics about lower retention, success, and completion rates of online ITE students. It is intended to be used by teacher educators working in the online space. It will also have relevance for educators working in other discipline areas in higher education who teach online.

https://www.ncsehe.edu.au/online-teacher-education/

Community Influence on University Aspirations: Does it take a Village …?

This project examined how post-school aspirations are formed within, and shaped by, the communities in which young people live. While “aspirations” have become a key feature of Australian higher education policy and practice in an effort to widen the participation of under-represented groups, research attention has often been directed towards individual, familial, and school-related effects in the complex process of aspiration formation. As a result, comparatively little is known about the role of local communities in shaping what students imagine for their post-school futures and how they are positioned to navigate these futures.

Two key questions were addressed in this project:

1. What impact does community have on student aspirations for higher education?

2. What community factors are important for increasing equity participation?

https://www.ncsehe.edu.au/publications/community-influence-university-aspirations

Webinar: NDIS and further education panel discussion

ADCET & the NDCO program hosted a panel discussion on the intersectionality between the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the post-secondary education system. Hear from TAFE & University Disability Practitioners about their experiences.

The panel worked through a case study and discussed some of the grey areas that have arisen with the introduction of the scheme across the country.

https://www.adcet.edu.au/resource/10184/webinar-ndis-and-further-education-panel-discussion/

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Opportunities

Stepping Into Internships

Applications EXTENDED! That's right, you now have an extra week to submit your application for the Stepping Into program (or tell a friend who hasn't applied yet). We are accepting applications until midnight, Sunday 13th October, so head to our website and apply now! https://www.and.org.au/pages/current-internships.html

NDCO Newsletter Winter 2019

NDCO National Strategic Plan

In June 2019, the 31 National Disability Coordination Officers met in Canberra to work together on the new NDCO Program National Strategic Plan to June 2022. The program vision is to ‘drive change so that people with disability have equitable opportunity to access, participate and achieve their goals in tertiary education and subsequent employment’. Further details of initiatives will be available in the coming weeks.  In the meantime I am excited to share the four priority areas.

Strategic Priority One - Identify Gaps and Barriers

Strategic Priority Two - Practice Informed Policy

Strategic Priority Three- Escalate and Advocate

Strategic Priority Four - Enable High Performance

NDCO’s are currently busy mapping activities to our new strengthened strategic direction.  I look forward to solutions based conversations with our stakeholders that progress the program vision in the coming months. Have a great term and stay warm everyone.

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Network meeting dates

Bayside Disability Education and Employment Network – 15 August 2019

Research and Policy

Strengthening Skills - Expert Review of Australia’s Vocational Education and Training System

On 28 November 2018, the Prime Minister announced an independent review of Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector to examine ways to deliver skilled workers for a stronger economy. The review was led by the Honourable Steven Joyce, a former New Zealand Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment. Mr Joyce delivered the final report to the Government in March 2019.

https://pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/strengthening-skills-independent-review-australia-vets.pdf

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Reforming VET by understanding young people’s experience

TAFEs are well placed to serve as a vital anchor in the vocational education and training sector to provide career guidance, relevant curriculum and industry exposure, and other necessary support for young people.

http://www.johncainfoundation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MakingVETAccessibleYoungPeople1095.pdf

The Vic Govt Royal Commission into Mental Health Services - Easy English Documents

The Vic Govt Royal Commission into Mental Health Services Easy English documents are now available. 

How to make a Submission

https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/hdp.au.prod.app.vic-rcvmhs.files/5215/5977/8288/Easy_English_How_to_Make_a_Submission.pdf

Consultation Report

https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/hdp.au.prod.app.vic-rcvmhs.files/9915/5977/8291/Easy_English_Consultation_Report.pdf

About the Royal Commission (Letters Patent)

https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/hdp.au.prod.app.vic-rcvmhs.files/2715/5977/8292/Easy_English_Letters_Patent.pdf

Terms of Reference

https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/hdp.au.prod.app.vic-rcvmhs.files/4415/5977/8291/Easy_English_Terms_of_Reference.pdf

 These documents were developed by Access Easy English.

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Professional Development

Access Easy English Learn Easy English 2 day writing course

Time: 9.15am – 4.30pm

Date: Thursday 28 and Friday 29 November 2019

Venue: Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare Level 5, 50 Market St Melbourne

Cost: $650 + gst Morning tea and light lunch provided

Registration: https://www.trybooking.com/517210

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Introduction to Customised Employment Techniques Training

Date: Thursday 29 August 2019 – Friday 30 August 2019

Venue: NDS Level 3, 369 Royal Parade, Parkville VIC

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/introduction-to-customised-employment-techniques-tickets-65767084119

NDS is hosting a two-day specialised training program that will develop the knowledge, tools and resources necessary for your team to support people with significant disability who want to work.

Who should attend?

- Disability Employment Services (DES) managers and staff - to ensure they have the skills to create outcomes for this new client group of participants with more complex disability

- NDIS providers wanting to support people with disability into work, including School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) providers

- NDIS planners and NDIA staff

- Australian Disability Enterprise providers wanting to develop pathways for their clients

- Schools and career counsellors

- Ticket to Work members

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The Australasian Society for Intellectual Disability (ASID)

2019 Conference Scholarships

Date: Tuesday 5 November 2019 to Friday 8 November

Venue: Hilton Adelaide, 233 Victoria Square, Adelaide  SA 

ASID is offering scholarships to people with an intellectual disability who require financial assistance to attend the 2019 ASID Conference in Adelaide.

To be eligible for a scholarship you must:

•           Identify as having an intellectual disability

•           Live in Australia or New Zealand

•           Need support to pay for accommodation and/or travel for either yourself or your support person/family carer to attend the conference.

For more information and to apply for a scholarship, visit the conference website.

The Scholarship Application form is to be completed and returned to the ASID Secretariat by Friday 23 August 2019.

It is important to note that the maximum scholarship amounts may not be able to cover all your expenses to attend the conference. If you receive a scholarship you will be required to pay for the outstanding amount.

For further details go to http://www.asidconference.com.au/scholarships

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ITEC19 Tertiary Education Conference

Date: 21 - 23 August 2019

Venue: Marriott Resort Surfers Paradise

Registration: www.itec19.com.au

The ITEC19 Tertiary Education Conference, organised by the Independent Tertiary

Education Council Australia (ITECA), in conjunction with the Asia Pacific International Education Forum is a chance to gain unique insights into the international education sector. ITEC19 will introduce you to the leaders and issues that are driving change in the independent tertiary education system. Providers in higher education, vocational education and training will learn more about the current landscape and the reforms that will impact them.

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2019 Inclusive Education Summit

Date: Friday 25 October to Sunday 27 October 2019

Venue: Venue: Kohia Centre, Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Auckland. The Kohia Centre is located on the Epsom Campus (Gate 1, 78 Epsom Ave), Auckland.

Resigstration details: https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/education/learning-alumni-community/professional-learning/kohia/workshops-and-courses/the-inclusive-education-summit-2019.html

The 2019 Inclusive Education Summit invites us to meet, work and think together: People from marginalised groups, their families and whānau, allies and accomplices, researchers, students, educators and educational leaders, advocacy organisations. Our aim is to consider how education systems can be part of a much wider agenda - the building of inclusive societies. “It’s about all of us” is a call to action.

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Effective school to work transition webinar: Learnings from Ticket to Work

Date: 25 July 2019

Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Registration: https://www.nds.org.au/events-and-training/all-events-and-training/effective-school-to-work-transition-webinar-learnings-from-ticket-to-work-3376

Please join us in this webinar, as we explore a recent independent evaluation we commissioned, that looked at whether connecting a student with disability with the ‘world of work’ before they leave school, using a network approach, creates better economic and social outcomes post-school

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Introduction to Customised Employment

Date: 6 August 2019

Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Registration: https://www.nds.org.au/events-and-training/all-events-and-training/introduction-to-customised-employment-webinar-3378

Through the NDIS people with disability are increasingly seeking transition to work supports. Join us in this webinar to gain knowledge and an overview of tools and resources to support people who want to work and achieve suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment using a Customised Employment approach.

This webinar will:

•         Provide an overview of the Customised Employment approach and its process

•         Acquiring the necessary NDIS funding for Customised Employment

•         Broaden thinking around meaningful employment for people with disabilities

•         Question and Answer session

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Ready Set Connect

Time: 10:00am - 12:30pm

Date: Wednesday 31 July 2019

Venue: Functions by the Bay, Cnr Plowman Place & Young St, Frankston VIC 3199

Cost: free to attendees

Registration: https://www.onecommunity.net.au

These events are fun and interactive and provide a platform for:

Service providers to promote their service and/or product, connect to new business

and collaborate with other providers (Table Hosts)

Support Coordinators, Case Managers, LACs, Linkers, Teachers, Carers to build their

local knowledge of services and to identify direct contacts for referrals (Event Attendees)

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Resources

Webinar: Collaboration for improved career development decisions for students with mental health conditions

In this webinar, Julie Rogan from the Disabilities Service Team at Griffith University discusses the importance of collaboration between Disabilities Services and staff from career services and other support staff in a secondary or tertiary environment. In these days of poor retention rates across the board and certainly, for students with a disability, including mental health and then the difficulty people with a disability have gaining employment improved career decisions are essential.

https://www.adcet.edu.au/resource/10111/webinar-collaboration-for-improved-career-development-decisions-for-students-with-mental-health-conditions/

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Article

Pyschosocial Recovery Supports – Mental Health and the NDIS

by Mark Cottee NDCO

Last Friday (7 June 2019) I attended a 'Partners in Recovery' celebration event in Wodonga thanks to Murray PHN. As an advocate of this model I attended very much interested in where mental health servicing is heading in the context of the NDIS with that particular program coming to an end.

In short, there are three things worth considering:

(1) The introduction of the 'Partners in Recovery' project was a game changer for a lot of service providers and their clients, working under a 'multiple supports' model with services designed around three key principles;  strengths based, person centred, with a focus on building capacity. Whatever happens moving forward these key principles of support will continue to be delivered through a collaborative and responsive local network of providers.

(2) For those individuals eligible for NDIS and engaged as a participant, they will be serviced via the NDIS regime. In a lot of instances there will be a focus on continuing services and minimising disruption for clients and the services they receive. For an in-depth overview of this process please refer to the NDIS web information:https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/how-ndis-works/mental-health-and-ndis

(3) For those individuals not eligible for NDIS the main support option being offered is called - National Psychosocial Supports or NPS. "The NPS will support a range of non-clinical approaches to the build functional capacity of people with severe mental illness at the individual level to help enable personal recovery. The services are designed to help people for whom clinical care is insufficient to help them build capacity for daily living and who would benefit from specialised psychosocial support at certain times." 

Further - my understanding is that the rollout of the NPS will be managed via the state governments. Refer to the Department of Health's 'The National Psychosocial Support Measure' web page for more information.

From a more local point of view and considering the state involvement with the rollout there will be local service options being offered for non NDIS eligible clients funded via the state government funds. These programs will be administered by local Mental Health services in your district.

Big thanks to the organisers and hosts of this event and I look forward to bringing you further updates as they develop in this space ... be well.

NDCO Newsletter Autumn 2nd Edition 2019

Welcome to the 2nd Autumn edition of the NDCO program newsletter for region 14 Southern Melbourne. If you would like information about special projects, networks and professional development opportunities in relation to education & employment for people with disability please contact the NDCO program. 

Sally Bailey, National Disability Coordination Officer T (03) 9784 0400 M 0439 897 027 
E sally.bailey@skillsplus.com.au  W www.ndcovictoria.net.au

NDCO Southern Melbourne Region Networks

The Southern Melbourne NDCO coordinates three networks across the region. These networks are open to professionals with a focus on education and employment pathways for people with disability. To participate and/or receive information about networks please contact the NDCO and you will be added to the communication list.

RSVP’s are required for catering and venue planning

Bayside Disability Education and Employment Network (Inaugural meeting)

Time: 10.00 am to 12.00 pm

Date: Thursday 13 June 2019

Venue: 2 Berend St, Hampton East

Geographical area: Stakeholders in Bayside, Kingston Glen Eira

Registration: https://bayside-disability-education-employment-network.eventbrite.com.au

Pathways into further education and employment have changed significantly across the country with the role out of the NDIS and changes to how the Disability Employment Service (DES) Sector delivers services.  It is an important time to connect and learn the impact of these changes on pathways opportunities for people with disability. 

This is an opportunity to get to know those providers and key school connections in your area with a focus on education and employment outcomes for people with disability.  

The network will target inclusive pathways and practice from compulsory education to tertiary education and employment. This network is open to secondary, generalist and specialist schools and services and all members are invited to play a lead role in shaping its future.

Secretary

Sally Bailey, National Disability Coordination Officer Sally.Bailey@SkillsPlus.com.au (03) 9784 0400

South Eastern Disability Inclusion Network (SEDIN)

Next meeting

Topic- Employment pathways

Wednesday 26 June 2019

Time: 9.30am to 11.30 am

Location: Foundation Learning Centre - 1 Malcolm Ct, Narre Warren

Geographic Area: Stakeholders in City of Greater Dandenong, City of Casey and Cardinia Shire.

Secretary

Sally Bailey, National Disability Coordination Officer Sally.Bailey@SkillsPlus.com.au (03) 9784 0400

Peninsula Programs for Students with Disability (PPSDA)

Next meeting

Topic – Education Pathways

Wednesday 12 June 2019

Time: 9.30am to 11.30 am

Location: Level 2/54-58 Wells St, Frankston

Geographical: Stakeholders in Frankston and Mornington Peninsula 

Secretary

Ready Set Connect - One Community networking event for disability providers

Time: 10.00am to 12.30pm

Date: Friday 7 June 2019

Venue: Bowls Clayton, 37A Springs Road, Clayton South

These events are fun and interactive and provide a platform for:

Service providers to promote their service and/or product, connect to business and collaborate with other providers (Table Hosts)

Support Coordinators, Case Managers, LAC's Linkers, Teachers, Carers to build their local knowledge of services and to idetify direct contacts for referrals (Event Attendees)

Table Host 

$140+GST (member) $200+GST (non-member)

Event Sponsor

$400+GST (member) $600+GST (non-member)

Event Attendee Free

For more information or to register go to: www.onecommunity.net.au

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“What our voices say” - Giving young people with disability an opportunity to share real-life stories in their pursuit of further education and employment.

 The National Youth Council (NYC) is currently undertaking an Inquiry into Youth Employment and Transitions.  This enquiry is interested in capturing the views of youth in relation to their career journey so far.

The National Disability Coordination Officer (NDCO) program has a working group of NDCO’s based across Australia who would like to support youth with disability to contribute to this enquiry.

The NDCO will assist young people with disability to provide evidence to the enquiry via recorded interview transcripts and/or written submissions.

This is expected to take approximately 1 hour.

A $20 gift voucher will be provided to participants for their time.

If you would like to contribute please contact me directly on 0439 897 027- sally.bailey@skillsplus.com.au to make a time to put together a submission.

Please see the attached NDCO “Plain language statement” which outlines purpose, vision and process for the collection and collation of information.

NDCOs are looking to hear from individuals with disability (aged 18 - 25) including:

• People who have studied/or currently studying at TAFE and/or University
• People who have sought/or currently seeking employment through Disability Employment Services (DES) or other avenues
• People from culturally and linguistically diverse background
• People who identify as being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• You can read more about the work of the NYC here: https://nycinquiry.org.au/

NYC’s Terms of Reference here: 

https://nycinquiry.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/NYC_TOR-1.pdf

 Definitions:

 “Youth”-  For the purpose of the enquiry, NYC defines youth as individuals aged between 15 – 25 (Under 18 is considered a child)

“Disability” As defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

For further information click here:  https://www.humanrights.gov.au/our-work/disability-rights/brief-guide-disability-discrimination-act

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Bridges out of Poverty Training is a powerful training experience for those working with vulnerable clients

Based on the work of Dr Ruby Payne, this training helps practitioners understand poverty differently, offering tools you can immediately apply to consistently deliver client focused services.

Bridges Plus will extend this, sharing the latest wellbeing and neuroscience, supporting you to learn, live and apply these with clients in your context.

The focus of these two days will be “Community” - relevant to professionals, para professionals, service providers or educators working with those who struggle with reduced resources.

You will learn evidence based strategies to apply with individuals, within organisations and more broadly in the context of the wider community, creating sustainable change.

We invite you to participate in this collaborative journey to address vulnerability within our community. Our vision is that participation in this training will help inform future projects for vulnerable families and children in Frankston and surrounding communities.

The training will be presented by Marie McLeod of PoPsy and supported by CFC and FMPLLEN staff.

WHEN: Thursdays 29th August and 5th September 2019; 9am - 4.30pm

WHERE: Sandhurst Club, Clubhouse Drive, Sandhurst

COST: $100 – meals and training manuals included (Training is subsidised by Frankston CfC).

Please visit Event Brite - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/bridges-out-of-poverty-plustraining- cfc-frankston-29819-5919-tickets-61215881349

to purchase your tickets promptly

All enquires to CFC_Southern@anglicarevic.org.au

or 9781 6791 / 0476 881 923

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Carer Gateway is coming!

There are some new services coming for carers later this year. 

From July 2019, new online supports are available through the Carer Gateway, including peer support, self-guided coaching and a new phone based counselling service.

From September 2019, carer supports will be available from a new network of Carer Gateway service providers. They will provide carer support planning, financial packages for practical assistance, in person  counselling/coaching/peer support: and emergency respite care.

The Government has not announced who the new Carer Gateway service providers are. In the meantime, it is business as usual for Alfred Health Carer Services.

Until the end of November, you can continue to contact Alfred Health Carer Services on 1800 052 222 for urgent respite, information and support. We will assist you to contact the new Carer Gateway service provider when it starts in September.

You can also continue to contact Alfred Health Carer Services for carer support, dementia phone support and carer events on 9076 6111. These services will be delivered independently to the Carer Gateway.

For more information about “Carer Gateway” services, please see Department of Social Services summary , Carer Gateway website or call 1800 422 737.

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Quantum Events

For over 30 years, Quantum has been providing products and services to people with a print disability (low vision, blindness or a learning difficulty). Quantum was the founding sponsor of the Macular Disease Foundation and we are an approved supplier to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the NDIS. Check out their events schedule at:

Employment and Study outcomes after Graduation: An Australian Higher Education Equity Perspective

A new study funded by the NCSEHE under the Research Grants Program has found positive improvements for the disadvantaged in accessing a tertiary education, but that there are still challenges that lie ahead in the job market.

The study, led by Dr Ian Li (UWA), used 2016 data collected from the Australian Graduate Outcomes Study linked to administrative records from 19 Australian universities. It examined education and employment opportunities available to people from low socioeconomic status backgrounds, people with disability and people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

https://www.ncsehe.edu.au/publications/postgraduate-study-graduate-employment-equity-groups/

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Opportunities

Cert IV Disability and Cert IV Mental Health Trainer  - Brace Training

Contact: Kim Dainty, E kim.dainty@brace.com.au  T (03) 9781 3388 M 0424 032 226

NDCO Newsletter Autumn 2019

Disability Specific Networks in Southern Melbourne

A key responsibility of the NDCO role is to improve linkages between schools, Tertiary Education providers, employment service providers and providers of disability programs.  The Southern Melbourne NDCO supports this by facilitating and coordinating key local networks that focus on education, training and employment.

This is a big year for networking across the Southern Melbourne region. The NDCO is excited to announce that a third network will have its first meeting on 13 June 2019 for the Bayside Kingston and Glen Eira area. The inaugural meeting will be held at Berendale School and Chris Murray will be presenting on the Schools career pathways. Please see below for registration details.

The Peninsula Pathways for Students with Disability (PPSDN) held its first open meeting in the first term of 2019.  New members with a focus on education and employment outcomes for people with disability participated in an introduction to the range of stakeholders keen to network, share and learn more about local connections.  The meeting was attended by Specialist and generalist school representatives with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Local Area Coordinators, School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) providers, TAFE foundation and generalist course, Australian Disability Enterprise and the NDCO program. The network is open to anyone who would like to connect and improve pathways for people with disability into employment.

If you would like to be a part of the conversations, share ideas and knowledge or ask for assistance please join the network communication list by contacting the Southern Melbourne NDCO, contact information above. For more information and a history of the networks in the Southern Melbourne region follow this link.

http://www.ndcovictoria.net.au/region-14#networks

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Bayside Disability Education and Employment Network

Time: 10.00 am to 12.00 pm

Date: Thursday 13 June 2019

Venue: 2 Berend St, Hampton East

Registration: https://bayside-disability-education-employment-network.eventbrite.com.au

Pathways into further education and employment have changed significantly across the country with the role out of the NDIS and changes to how the Disability Employment Service (DES) Sector delivers services.  It is an important time to connect and learn the impact of these changes on pathways opportunities for people with disability. 

This is an opportunity to get to know those providers and key school connections in your area with a focus on education and employment outcomes for people with disability.  

The network will target inclusive pathways and practice from compulsory education to tertiary education and employment. This network is open to secondary, generalist and specialist schools and services and all members are invited to play a lead role in shaping its future.

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Research and Policy

Disability Workforce Survey

As part of a three-year longitudinal study, the Victorian Government is surveying the disability workforce to understand the impact of the NDIS on their work.  This research is a vital project of Keeping our sector strong - Victoria’s Workforce Plan for the NDIS.  Early findings are already shaping how we support the NDIS workforce, but it's only the beginning.  We are seeking your help to recruit disability workers to participate in the survey in 2019.

You can read detailed findings in the first year report Understanding the workforce experience of the NDIS Longitudinal Research Project: Year One.

The 2019 survey is now open, and we need your help to capture the views of as many different workers as possible.  We'd like to increase the number of respondents and hear from workers in a wider variety of workplace settings. We'd also like to increase participation by workers in rural and regional areas.

https://w.www.vic.gov.au/ndis/getting-ready/disability-workforce/the-workforce-s-ndis-experience-longitudinal-research.html

Federal Budget Fact sheet: Delivering Skills for Today and Tomorrow

The Government is investing $525 million to upgrade and modernise the VET sector, in response to the Expert review of Australia's vocational education and training system. It is part of our plan for a stronger economy and securing a better Australia.

https://www.budget.gov.au/2019-20/content/factsheets/skills_package.htm

National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education - Equity Data

A core mission of the NCSEHE is to use official data sources to present student data in formats supporting discussion and analysis of equity issues in Australia.

This interactive resource is part of an NCSEHE project to promote public access to data about student equity outcomes in Australian higher education. Users can explore trends in equity group numbers among Australia’s undergraduate population, view outcomes by university, and make comparisons with institutions in a given state or territory or institutional grouping.

https://www.ncsehe.edu.au/data/?utm_campaign=website&utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_medium=email

Shaping the future of disability policy for 2020 and beyond

Help us shape the next national disability strategy. At the end of 2020 the Strategy will end and governments across Australia are working together to develop a new strategy for beyond 2020.

There has been a lot of change to disability policy and service delivery since the current Strategy started in 2011. A recent independent review has shown that many parts of the current strategy are working well and the Strategy’s overall principles and goals are valuable and important, however the review also showed there are still areas for improvement, particularly on how the strategy is implemented.

https://engage.dss.gov.au/a-new-national-disability-strategy-for-beyond-2020/

Study of Australian School Leavers with Autism (SASLA) Baseline Profile 2018

A longitudinal study of post-school outcomes for young people with and without autism, 2014 – 2021.

https://www.autismcrc.com.au/sites/default/files/inline-files/SASLA_Baseline%20Profile%20Snapshot%20-%202018.pdf?j=219827&sfmc_sub=118741336&l=103_HTML&u=3442567&mid=7286130&jb=10

Where do people with disabilities live in Australia?

When 23 million Australians filled in their Census forms in 2016, 3.3% of working age adults (15 to 64 years) were identified as having a disability as they reported needing assistance in their self care, mobility and communication in their daily living. The Centre of Research Excellence in Disability and Health has released an interactive online map, and an accompanying Technical Report.

https://credh.org.au/publications/fact-sheets/where-do-people-with-disabilities-live-in-australia/

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Professional Development

Autism and Employment -  Empowering autistic people to thrive at work

Date: 14 May 2019

Venue:  171 Collins St, Melbourne

Date: Tuesday 14 May 2019

Venue: Geelong Conference Centre, Geelong

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/autism-employment-forum-melbourne-tickets-59095128119?aff=erelexpmlt

Cost: $99

Featuring: Malcolm Mayfield, Managing Director, Author, Autism self-advocate

Stephanie Crawford Speech pathologist. You’ll hear about employment from the perspective of an autistic person, get tips on finding a job and doing job interviews, as well as the kinds of communications often needed in the workplace and how autistic people can prepare for this.

Australian Network on Disability – 11^th Annual National Conference

Date: Tuesday 14 May 2019

Venue: RACV City Club, 501 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Registration Details: https://www.and.org.au/pages/conference2019.html

At a time of unprecedented focus on inclusion of people with disability, our 2019 conference provides an unparalleled opportunity for you to learn tested and pioneering practices that facilitate employment, retention and inclusion of people with disability, and innovative ways to deliver sustainable access and inclusion outcomes.

Getting to Know 'Local Area Coordination' across Frankston Mornington Peninsula

Time: 10.00am – 12.30pm

Date: Thursday 9 May 2019

Venue: SAI Home & Community Care, 411 Nepean Highway, Frankston

Registration Details: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/getting-to-know-local-area-coordination-across-frankston-mornington-peninsula-tickets-48053815255

Local Area Coordination (LAC) is the development of relationships between the NDIS, people with disability, their families and carers, and the local community (including informal networks, community groups, disability and mainstream services).

The Frankston Mornington Peninsula Multisector Community of Practice is providing this forum as a platform for discussion to promote improved interface between services working with and supporting people in the NDIS. How can such services work collaboratively to better link people in the NDIS to information and support in the Frankston Mornington Peninsula community, and to discuss how NDIS specific supports and mainstream and community supports in the area can learn from each others experiences.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/getting-to-know-local-area-coordination-across-frankston-mornington-peninsula-tickets-48053815255

I-Create – Assistive Technology

Date: 26 – 29 August 2019

Venue: Canberra

Registration details: https://www.icreate2019.org/

Into its 13th year, i-CREATe continues to provide an International platform of conference, Global Student Innovation Challenge, and exhibition featuring innovative technology, equipment, applications, techniques and materials applied in the field of Assistive & Rehabilitative Technology. It is also a stage for technical exchanges to share ideas and best practices in the disabilities field from across the countries.

5th International Conference on Youth Mental Health

Date: 26-28 Oct 2019

Venue: Brisbane

AYMH2019 will bring people from across the globe who are passionate about working together to support and improve the mental health and wellbeing of all young people. The conference will connect young people, their families, practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and many more who are passionate about driving a unified effort to create global and lasting change across the youth mental health sector.

https://nswmentalhealthcommission.com.au/events/5th-international-conference-on-youth-mental-health

Professionals working with young people with disability workshop

Date: Monday 3 June 2019

Venue: Graduate House, 220 Leicester Street, Carlton,

Registration details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/professionals-working-with-young-people-with-disability-workshop-tickets-59303004884

This workshop will support the work of Disability Professionals working with young people with disabilities by providing them with career development frameworks and career planning tools and strategies.

This workshop will provide an overview of career development, the difference between guidance and information advice, career-interviewing skills, labour market trends, pathways information, and ways to support career enquiries using a range of resources specific for young people with disability transitioning to employment or training.

Webinar: Get the right tools for employment success – The Job Access employer tool kit

Date: Thursday, 16^th May 2019

Time: 12:00 AEST

Registration: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/1315550316836/WN_YwtPygvsQ6-dqTgPygPbOA

To succeed in any field, you need to have the passion, skills and experience but also the right tools for the job. DES providers and employers should look no further than the JobAccess Employer Toolkit – a new online resource for matters relating to disability employment.

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Resources

Create your Future videos – NDCO production

Vitor practices capoeira. He sings, he dances, he runs his own business and he teaches.  Vitor has a Bachelor’s Degree in IT, a Masters in Automation and Industrial Robotics and a PhD. He also has a disability. http://bit.ly/CreateYourFuture-Vitor

Disability Employment Toolkit

The toolkit was developed in collaboration with the Victorian Public Service workshops. Surveys and feedback identified the tools and resources needed to create inclusive and respectful workplaces for people with disability.

https://vpsc.vic.gov.au/resources/disability-employment-toolkit/

Disability Awareness – An Introduction to Disability

In this program, Disability Awareness, we will focus on promoting an awareness of disability and the impact that societal attitudes and inherent stigma and discrimination have on the lives of people with disability.

https://disabilityawareness.com.au/elearning/?doing_wp_cron=1556258245.4685170650482177734375

Inclusion of People with Disability in VET

Skills for Australia is leading the development of training in the cross sector area of Inclusion of People with Disability in VET. The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC) has endorsed the units of competency developed for the Inclusion of People with Disability in VET Cross Sector Project. These units will be housed in the Education (TAE) and Business Services (BSB) Training Packages, and will be made available through the National VET Training Register later this year.

 https://www.skillsforaustralia.com/cross-sector-projects/inclusion-of-people-with-disability-in-vet/

NDIS Employment Taskforce Resources

The Employment Taskforce have released three new videos featuring Participant’s stories about employment. Please feel free to share these videos far and wide

Victoria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1JFJW1ku08

Dusana: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BYpQBy5rY4

Justin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzURTJMceC8

Further resources can be found on the following NDIS webpage

Finding, keeping and changing jobs

https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/finding-keeping-and-changing-jobs?utm_source=NDIS+webinar+-+%27Let%27s+talk+about+work%27&utm_campaign=6b79b8f46c-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_02_12_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6c9de79fc8-6b79b8f46c-51489989

NDIS VET Tool Box

The Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET) funded the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET) to develop and deliver a specific professional learning Toolbox for registered training organisations (RTO) who deliver vocational education and training (VET). This Toolbox was part of a broader project to support ACPET members’ readiness for NDIS client enrolments in VET.

https://www.acpet.edu.au/members-only/quality/ndis-toolbox/

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Articles

Brodie Lunn has severe autism and couldn't find work. Now he has his own business
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-28/brodie-lunn-has-autism-and-set-up-his-own-lawnmowing-business/10857276

Viewpoints on how students with autism can best navigate university

Despite recognition of the challenges faced by students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) there is limited understanding of the barriers and facilitators to participation in major life areas, such as being a university student.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/11038128.2018.1495761?scroll=top&needAccess=true&journalCode=iocc20

Accessibility in Oz - How do you avoid accessibility being left behind? 

Vision Australia Article with important considerations in the process of developing accessible material.

https://www.visionaustralia.org/community/news/2019-04-15/accessibility-oz?j=99015&sfmc_sub=29631857&l=2022_HTML&u=2184250&mid=100015415&jb=4

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Opportunities

Boost your Business

The Victorian Government is supporting businesses across the state to create jobs and new opportunities, with applications for the third round of Boost Your Business vouchers now open. Vouchers are available to eligible businesses across categories including Food Innovation, Advanced Manufacturing, Defence, Aerospace and Security, Social Enterprise Capability, Asia Gateway and Victoria-Israel Innovation.

An additional stream, Entrepreneurs with Disability, has also been included as part of the program in round three to help business owners with disability grow their businesses.

The program allows successful businesses to partner with top universities and industry experts, to help them identify new export markets, explore research and development opportunities and make new products.

Round 3 of Boost Your Business is now open and closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 12 May 2019.

Potential assistance

Each Voucher Recipient may be able to receive up to $25,000 under the Entrepreneurs with Disability Stream. Vouchers are used by Victorian businesses or organisations in exchange for services that will build their capabilities in three main areas:

Market Engagement – services to assist companies and organisations to identify and secure international market development and export opportunities.

Innovation – services to assist companies to develop or commercialise new products and improve process innovation.

Business Capability – services to assist companies to position them to support future growth.

For more information read the press release < https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/boosting-victorian-businesses-and-creating-new-jobs/> and visit the website <https://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/Boost-Your-Business/entrepreneurs-with-disability-voucher-stream>.

NDCO Newsletter Summer 2019

Welcome to the Summer edition of the NDCO program newsletter for region 14 Southern Melbourne. If you would like information about special projects, networks and professional development opportunities in relation to education & employment for people with disability please contact the NDCO program. 
Sally Bailey, National Disability Coordination Officer T (03) 9784 0400 M 0439 897 027 
E sally.bailey@skillsplus.com.au  W www.ndcovictoria.net.au

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Need for Disability Specific Networks in Southern Melbourne

The last 12 months have seen considerable changes in the disability sector through Southern Melbourne.  In particular, the role out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and changes to the Disability Employment Service (DES) contract mean that opportunities for young people with disability have changed.  The end of last year many professionals in the sector focused on getting people with disability registered with their pathways services and learning about new programs such as the NDIS School Leavers Employment Supports.

This year the NDCO program for Southern Melbourne is reviewing the need for disability focused networks with the aim of increasing opportunities for young people with disability to engage in education and employment pathways in the Bayside, Frankston and  Morington Peninsula areas.  These networks would be focused on the following;

• Coordinating communication about careers opportunities, best practice and pathways for people with disability.
• Improving information and communication about services, programs and opportunities in the region.
• Providing opportunities to discuss partnerships and activities with school careers programs.
• Providing a forum for networking and group discussion to identify gaps and develop regional responses and solutions.

We would love to have your feedback on what works for you!

Please take out 5 minute survey

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GBJ72T5

Please note that the South East Disability Inclusion Network (SEDIN) is operating in in the Greater Dandenong Casey and Cardinia areas.

For more information please go to http://www.ndcovictoria.net.au/south-eastern-disability-inclusion-network

Or contact

Sally Bailey , National Disability Coordination Officer, Southern Melbourne

T (03) 9784 0400 M 0439 897 027

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The NDCO Pathways Resource Guide – Time for updates! 

The NDCO Pathways Resource Guide is due for a big update so if you have time please go to the link and download the guide to see if your organisation is accurately represented. We are going to add NDIS funded supports in the following categories;

• Disability Employment Services
• Group Training Organisations
• NDIS  registered provider - Assistance to Access and Maintain Employment or higher education [Assist Access/Maintain Employ]
• NDIS registered provider - Development of Daily Living and Life Skills [Development-Life Skills]
• NDIS registered provider - Supported Employment Assistance in specialized supported employment/ADE
• Australian Government Dept. of Jobs and Small Business program provider
• Apprenticeship Support

http://www.ndcovictoria.net.au/region-14#directories

Getting to work: Victorian public sector disability employment action plan 2018–2025

More Victorians living with disability will be supported to create a meaningful career in the public sector, as part of the state’s first disability employment action plan.

The plan includes attraction, recruitment, retention and progression strategies for people with disability, as well as ways to support prospective and existing employees with disability and their managers.

The plan is available for download in a variety of formats.

https://vpsc.vic.gov.au/resources/disability-employment-action-plan/

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More than $19 million to support the work of the NDIS Participant Employment Taskforce

Media release from the Assistant Minister Media release from the Minister   

25 December 2018

The Liberal-National Government is backing the work of its newly established National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Participant Employment Taskforce with $19.9 million of grants for projects to boost employment for Australians with a disability.

Minister for Families and Social Services, Paul Fletcher, and Assistant Minister for Social Services, Housing and Disability Services, Sarah Henderson; have announced that an open, competitive grant process will launch early in 2019.

“The Economic Participation grants will back innovative proposals that build the capacity of people with disability to participate in work,” Mr Fletcher said. “They will also support employers to create opportunities for people with disability”

For more go to:

https://www.ndis.gov.au/news/1166-more-19-million-support-work-ndis-participant-employment-taskforce

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Australian Network on Disability - PACE Mentoring Program Autumn 2019

The Australian Network on Disability are delighted to inform you that applications for the PACE Mentoring Program Autumn 2019 are now open! It would be great if we could get your assistance and expertise on how best to promote this program out to eligible jobseekers with disability. Please find further details about PACE Mentoring below.

Positive Action towards Career Engagement (PACE Mentoring) connects jobseekers with disability with mentors from leading Australian businesses. It gives the mentees an opportunity to develop their skills and confidence in a workplace setting. Previous mentors have come from organisations such as, ANZ Bank, Victoria Police, Bupa, Cummins, Australian Government Departments etc. Mentees meet their mentors at their mentors workplace, and work on activities designed to increase employability skills.

How it works

Mentees will be paired with an experienced professional who they will meet with six to eight times within a four-month period between May to August. The meetings last between one and two hours. Mentees can discuss their career goals and aspirations, and get help to develop a plan for their personal and professional development.

Their mentor will help them identity and reach their career development goals and build their confidence in a workplace environment.

Am I eligible?

Be over 18 years of age

Identify as having any type of disability

How do I apply?

Read the details on our information pages and complete our online application form by March 2019. Early applications are recommended. Applications are open now!

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

Contact by email applications@and.org.au

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The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is a new independent agency established to improve the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services.

We will regulate the NDIS market, provide national consistency, promote safety and quality services, resolve problems and identify areas for improvement.

You can contact us from:

1 July 2018: New South Wales and South Australia

1 July 2019: Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory

1 July 2020: Western Australia

Until we start operating in your area, your current state or territory requirements for quality and safeguards will continue to apply. You can find out more by checking the map.

https://www.ndiscommission.gov.au/about/start-dates

Links for Victoria

Disability Services Commissioner, Telephone: 1800 677 342

Email: complaints@odsc.vic.gov.au, Website: odsc.vic.gov.au

Ombudsman Victoria, Telephone: 1800 806 314

Website: ombudsman.vic.gov.au

Consumer Affairs Victoria, Telephone: 1300 55 81 81

Website: consumer.vic.gov.au

Commonwealth Ombudsman, Telephone: 1300 362 072

Email: ombudsman@ombudsman.gov.au

Website: ombudsman.gov.au

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Policy and Reports

MHA report on the NDIS approach to psychosocial disability

Mental Health Australia (MHA) has released a report on the existing NDIS approach to psychosocial disability. This report came from a lot of work done by the NDIA and MHA hearing from participants with a psychosocial disability about how the NDIS can be improved. The report can be downloaded at:

https://mhaustralia.org/our-projects/ndis-psychosocial-pathway-project

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Inquiry into Career Advice Activities in Victorian Schools

The Victorian Inquiry into Career Advice Activities in Victorian Schools was released in August 2018. Career development  involves exposing students to a wide range of occupations before they have to make any binding decisions and gradually building their capacity to make effective career decisions, a skill which they will need to draw on throughout their life as their interests and circumstances change. We may not be able to predict the jobs of the future, but we are able to impart to students the skills and confidence they need to successfully manage their career.

This Inquiry considered how well Victorian schools are preparing students to navigate the world of work and where they could improve.

https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/925-eejsc/inquiry-into-career-advice-activities-in-victorian-schools

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Timeline of Australian VET policy initiatives 1998-2017

Australia's vocational education and training (VET) system has transformed over the past 20 years in response to changing economic and societal needs. This timeline helps understand the scale of change and the individual policies, programs or initiatives that have shaped VET at both the national and state and territory level. The comprehensive resource also includes economic events that may have influenced enrolments and completions of VET courses, apprenticeships and traineeships.

https://www.voced.edu.au/vet-knowledge-bank-timeline-australian-vet-policy-initiatives-1998-2017?utm_source=NCVER&utm_medium=tweets&utm_campaign=VKB

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Tools and Resources

Community Resource Unit fact sheets

The Community Resource Unit Ltd. (CRU) engage with a broad range of people in a movement for change so that people with disability will be welcomed and appreciated as they take their place in their communities.

As well as influencing and equipping others to lead positive change, their purpose is to inspire and encourage individuals and organisations to challenge ideas and practices that limit the lives of people with a disability.

For fact sheets on inclusive education and employment go to

http://cru.org.au/resources-and-publications/fact-sheets/

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Borderline personality Disorder Webinar Series

The Mental Health Professionals’ Network (MHPN) has produced a series of informative webinars on Borderline personality Disorder.

BPD Webinar Series

Webinar 1 - What is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Webinar 2 - Treatment principles for people living with Borderline Personality Disorder
Webinar 3 - Evidence based treatments for people living with Borderline Personality Disorder
Webinar 4 - Borderline personality disorder in youth and early intervention

MHPN Network Search

Find networks in your local area

MHPN Webinar Library

Watch past webinars

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Quantum

Quantum provides products and services to people with a print disability (low vision, blindness or a learning difficulty). Quantum provides information about products and services that assist people with vision loss or learning difficulties to live life to the fullest. Quantum was the founding sponsor of the Macular Disease Foundation and are an approved supplier to the Department of Veterans Affairs and the NDIS. Quantum collaborate closely with eye care professionals (ophthalmology and optometry practices) and vision support agencies such as Vision Australia, Guide Dogs, and the Royal Society for the Blind. Go to the Quantum website for information about products services, newsletters and events.

https://www.quantumrlv.com.au/

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National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education (NCSEHE)

Funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training the NCSEHE’s purpose is to inform public policy design and implementation, and institutional practice, in order to improve higher education participation and success for marginalised and disadvantaged people.

The Centre’s objectives are:

• to be at the centre of public policy dialogue about equity in higher education; and
• to assist in ‘closing the loop’ between equity policy, research and practice by:
• supporting and informing evaluation of current equity practice with a particular focus on identifying good practice
• identifying innovative approaches to equity through existing research and the development of a forward research program to fill gaps in knowledge
• translating these learnings into practical advice for decision makers and practitioners alike.

Whilst the Centre’s focus is equity in higher education, the work of the Centre is not limited to the issue of low SES participation; rather it focuses on equity issues as they relate to a range of marginalised and/or disadvantaged groups in Australia.

Headed by Professor Sue Trinidad, the Centre’s team comprises a group of highly qualified and passionate people with diverse backgrounds, competencies, and experiences.

To find out more go to https://www.ncsehe.edu.au/

Southern Melbourne NDCO Newsletter

Spring Edition 2018

Welcome to the Spring edition 2018 of the NDCO Program Newsletter for region 14 Southern Melbourne. If you would like further information about special projects, networks and professional development opportunities in relation to education & employment for people with disability please contact the NDCO program. 
Sally Bailey, National Disability Coordination Officer

T (03) 9784 0400 M 0439 897 027 
E sally.bailey@skillsplus.com.au 

W  www.ndcovictoria.net.au/region-14

Please like our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NDCO14/
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NDCO Inclusive Learning and Pathways Conference

SAVE THE DATE: Friday 23 November 2018

Keynote Presenter Sarah Barton

Award winning producer of ‘Defiant lives’ a documentary that explores the history of the Disability Rights Movement https://defiantlives.com/

Target: Professionals with an interest in inclusive education and employment for people with complex learning needs and disability aged 15 years and over. 
Venue: Monash University Peninsula, Campus McMahons Rd, Frankston

Workshop Streams

Inclusive Educational Practice
Inclusive Employment Pathways

Register your interest here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NDCOILC

For more information go to
or contact Sally Bailey on (03) 9784 0400 or email sally.bailey@skillsplus.com.au

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Policy, Research and Reports

Southern Melbourne NDCO Newsletter

Winter Edition 2018

Welcome to the winter edition 2018 of the NDCO Program Newsletter for region 14 Southern Melbourne. If you would like further information about special projects, networks and professional development opportunities in relation to education & employment for people with disability please contact the NDCO program. 
Sally Bailey, National Disability Coordination Officer

T (03) 9784 0400 M 0439 897 027 
E sally.bailey@skillsplus.com.au 

W  www.ndcovictoria.net.au/region-14

Please like our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/NDCO14/
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NDCO Inclusive Learning and Pathways Conference

SAVE THE DATE: Friday 23 November 2018

Keynote Presenter Sarah Barton

Award winning producer of ‘Defiant lives’ a documentary that explores the history of the Disability Rights Movement https://defiantlives.com/

Target: Professionals with an interest in inclusive education and employment for people with complex learning needs and disability aged 15 years and over. 
Venue: Monash University Peninsula, Campus McMahons Rd, Frankston

Workshop Streams

Inclusive Educational Practice
Inclusive Employment Pathways

Register your interest here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NDCOILC

For more information go to
or contact Sally Bailey on (03) 9784 0400 or email sally.bailey@skillsplus.com.au

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Policy, Research and Reports

Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET) Survey Report - 2017

This ADCET survey report was prepared in response to an online survey conducted in 2017.  ADCET was found to be highly regarded as a valuable ‘one-stop-shop’ that provides practical resources and networks, enabling people to keep up to date with the latest research, resources and best practices.  Whilst acknowledging the strength of this resource the review makes six recommendations for consideration.

https://www.adcet.edu.au/resource/9846/adcet-review-2017/

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Improving Educational Outcomes for Children with Disability in Victoria

Monash University Castan Centre for Human Rights Law June 2018

Around one in every six Victorian students’ lives, and learns, with disability.  Children with disability make immeasurable contributions to their schools and communities. However, across Australia these children continue to be left behind at school, experiencing poorer educational outcomes than their peers without disability.  For these students, their school experiences can play a pivotal role in the success, security and independence they enjoy as adults. People with disability are less likely to participate in the workforce, and enjoy a weekly median income less than half of those without disability.

This research aims to shed light on the current situation by applying a human rights analysis to the experiences of children with disability in the Victorian mainstream government school system. It highlights areas in which progress has been achieved, and those in which children with disability continue to experience discrimination and disadvantage. The report offers recommendations which are intended to strengthen the current reform process, and to assist the Department of Education and Training (the Department) to protect and fulfil the rights of children with disability.

For more information: https://www.monash.edu/law/research/centres/castancentre/public-events/events/2018/disability-in-victorian-schools-special-launch-of-a-landmark-new-report

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Making Employment a Priority

National Disability Services July 2018

Boosting the employment of people with disability is integral to the vision of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It was central to the Productivity Commission’s original blueprint, which argued that, over time, the economic benefits of the NDIS would outweigh the costs. The NDIS cannot supply the full answer to this problem, but its potential to expand disability employment is considerable.  For full document go to:

Mental Health and NDIS

Disability Services Consulting July 2018

The NDIS does not and has never been intended to provide ‘treatment’ for a mental illness. This remains the responsibility of the health care system. Instead, the NDIS can provide funding for people with a permanent and significant psychosocial disability to improve their functional capacity. As outlined in the COAG document Principles to Determine the Responsibilities of the NDIS and other Service Systems:

“The NDIS will be responsible for ongoing psychosocial recovery supports that focus on a person’s functional ability, including those that enable people with mental illness or a psychiatric condition to undertake activities of daily living and participate in the community and in social and economic life. This may also include provision of family and carer supports to support them in their carer role, and family therapy, as they may facilitate the person’s ability to participate in the community and in social and economic life.”

a)     Support for community reintegration and day to day living […]

b)     Allied health and other therapy directly related to managing and/or reducing the impact on a person’s functional capacity of impairment/s attributable to a psychiatric condition […]

c)     Capacity building support to help the person access and maintain participation in mainstream community […]

d)     Community supports aimed at increasing a person’s ability to live independently in the community or to participate in social and economic activities […]

e)     The coordination of NDIS supports with the mental health system and other relevant service systems.

Please refer to the COAG document for the full descriptions of each of these domains.

There are resources available to help people with mental illnesses navigate the system, including https://reimagine.today/, which DSC has previously profiled. Such resources can help people understand how the NDIS criteria relates to mental illness and assist them to use NDIS language to describe their functional impairment.

 http://www.disabilityservicesconsulting.com.au/resources/mental-health-emerging-gap?utm_source=DSC+Contacts&utm_campaign=7744eab622-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_09_05&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_153f43591e-7744eab622-66329255

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Supported Wage System (SWS) changes

The Supported Wage System (SWS) applies to employees with disability and who have a reduced work capacity. Employees eligible for a supported wage under Schedule D of the Supported Employment Award are no longer entitled to a minimum weekly payment. The minimum supported wage is calculated differently to other awards. Employees are entitled to a percentage of the relevant minimum pay rate for their classification. The percentage applied is the higher of the employee’s assessed work capacity, rounded to the nearest whole percentage, or 12.5%.

If an employee is working a trial period while their capacity is being assessed, the employee must be paid at least 12.5% of the relevant minimum pay rate for their classification, for each hour worked within the trial period.  The fair work Ombudsman has a Pay Calculator to calculate pay rates for employees who are eligible for a supported wage.

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/pay/minimum-wages/employees-with-disability-pay-rates

The Department of Social Services gives out information and advice about who is eligible for the SWS. It also accepts applications for the SWS and can deal with disputes. Employers who are considering applying for the SWS should visit the JobAccess website

https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/disability-adjustment.

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School to Employment Transitions

Centre for Applied Disability Research

Practice and consumer guides

The following guides can be downloaded from

https://www.cadr.org.au/research-to-action-guides/school-to-employment-transitions

• Leaving school and getting a job: A guide for young people with disability who want to work
• Effective School to Employment Transitions: A guide for workers
• Effective school to employment transitions for young people with disability: Guidance for practice leaders

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Opportunities

The Enabling Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Women Leadership Program – South East 2018

Are you a woman who sees their disability as a strength?
Are you a woman who takes on life’s challenges?

The Enabling Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Women Leadership Program is an exciting free opportunity for culturally diverse, interfaith and migrant women with disabilities to come together, share their lived experiences and support each other to develop a strong sense of leadership within their community.

For more information, please contact Nadia Mattiazzo at Women with Disabilities Victoria via phone 9286 7800, or email nadia.mattiazzo@wdv.org.au

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Conferences and Workshops

At Risk Forum

SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday 22 August 2018

Time: 8.45am to 2.00pm

Venue: Woodlands Golf Club, Mordialloc

Keynote Speakers and Sessions for all professionals working with young people

P: 03 9584 8845

E: kathy.woods@bgkllen.org.au

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Community Information Session

Victoria’s government education system

Date: Monday 13 August 2018

Time: 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm (light refreshments provided)

Venue: Rangebank Primary School, 14 Lesdon Avenue, Cranbourne

The Department of Education and Training is holding an information session about Victoria’s government education system. Parents and other members of the community interested in education are invited to attend.

Speakers will include representatives from the Department of Education and Training as well as local government schools. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the government education system and Education State initiatives in Victoria.

The Victorian Government’s $8.5 billion record investment in education is building a world class education system that gives everyone a chance to succeed in life.

In the Education State, our schools offer quality education that help students achieve excellence and prepares them to thrive.

RSVP by Friday 10 August, 2018 by calling 9340 3764 or text 0403 869 232.

Interpreters and childcare for young children at the event are available upon request when you RSVP.

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Inclusive Education Summit 2018

Deakin University Waterfront Campus

October 26-28 

The Inclusive Education Summit seeks to engage with researchers, students, education professionals and leaders, advocacy organisations, and people experiencing exclusion to consider human rights in relation to inclusive education.
Participation in the Summit is invited through both the Call for Papers and Registration, with all the Summit information available via our website www.deakin.edu.au/ties2018. Visit the website today to submit your Abstract for presentation or to take advantage of the early bird discounted registration rates. 

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Resources

The Internet of Things (IoT): Implications for Students with Disabilities

This webinar was hosted by ADCET and the Australian Tertiary Education Network on Disability (ATEND) in May, 2018. Leanne McRae, Katie Ellis and Mike Kent (Curtin University) presented on their project report The Internet of Things: Implications for Students with Disabilities. The report, published through the NCSEHE, provides an insight into both the potential risks and benefits of the IoT for tertiary students with disabilities, particularly in the current university climate where this cohort utilise mobile devices as a key resource in their learning.

https://www.adcet.edu.au/resource/9848/webinar-the-internet-of-things-iot-implications-for-students-with-disabilities/

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Southern Melbourne NDCO Newsletter

2nd Autumn Edition 2018

NDCO Inclusive Learning Conference

NDCO Newsletter Autumn 2018

Welcome to the Autumn edition of the NDCO program newsletter for region 14 Southern Melbourne. If you would like information about special projects, networks and professional development opportunities in relation to education & employment for people with disability please contact the NDCO program. 

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIS will become available in the Bayside Peninsula area from 1 April 2018. A person may meet the access requirements to become a participant of the NDIS up to 6 months prior to this date.  The Bayside Peninsula area covers the local government areas of Bayside, Frankston, Glen Eira, Kingston, Mornington Peninsula, Port Phillip and Stonnington. For further information about the NDIS please go to the NDIS website.   https://www.ndis.gov.au/index.html

To see if you are eligible: https://www.ndis.gov.au/ndis-access-checklist  or call 1800 800 110.

Local Area Coordinator (LAC)

The LAC Services role is to assist people with disability, their families and carers to build and pursue their goals for a good life, exercise choice and control and engage with the Scheme;  The LAC works to ensure that people with disability can be supported outside the Scheme by working with communities and mainstream services to build awareness and to become more inclusive of the range of needs and aspirations of the needs of people with disability; The LAC support participants of the Scheme to navigate and optimise their engagement with the scheme and to promote opportunities for people with disability.

To speak to the Bayside and Peninsula LAC go to;

Local Area Coordinator, Brotherhood of St Laurence

T 1300 BSL NDIS (1300 275 634) 

For further updates on local information sessions please go to

Specialisterne Australia’s Dandelion Program Victoria at its new Melbourne office

The Andrews Labor Government is helping people on the autism spectrum find sustainable work thanks to $200,000 from the Jobs Victoria Innovation Fund. The grant will enable Specialisterne, one of the first companies in the world to highlight the benefits of a neuro-diverse workforce, to work with small and medium businesses to employ 20 adults with autism.

The program will deliver job opportunities across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Specialisterne will work with La Trobe and Autism CRC, to deliver the program, ensuring high retention rates and job satisfaction.

Established in Australia in 2015, the company has set a goal of enabling 12,000 career pathways for people on the autism spectrum by 2025. As an innovative social enterprise Specialisterne provides assessment, training, education and IT consultancy services for those with autism.

Victoria is home to an estimated 3,500 social enterprises – about 25 per cent of Australia’s social enterprises – which contribute $5.2 billion in gross output to the Victorian economy.

A report from the Centre for Social Impact shows that there are at least 60,000 jobs created by social enterprises in Victoria, with more than 25 per cent of their employees coming from groups that face barriers to employment.

Policy and Research

Giving Victorians with a Disability “Every Opportunity

Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley launched Every opportunity: Victorian economic participation plan for people with disability 2018-20 to mark the start of the National Open Employment Forum 2018. The plan includes 21 actions to improve work, study and business opportunities for Victorians with a disability, and maximise the benefits of the National Disability Insurance Scheme.  Employers will be empowered to support people into jobs that reflect their skills, experience and goals – using best-practice employment models.

For this article: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/giving-victorians-with-a-disability-every-opportunity/

PwC’s Skills for Australia has released an Environmental Scan as part of the Inclusion of People with Disability in VET cross sector project

The Environmental Scan outlines the current state of inclusion for people with disability in Australia, focusing on the challenges faced in education and training, employment, and customer service contexts.Data and insights have been gathered from multiple sources, including desktop research, preliminary stakeholder consultations, review of existing data on workforce trends, Industry Skills Forecasts and existing training package components across multiple industries.

Briefing Note: Equity Student Participation in Australian Higher Education: 2011 to 2016

Briefing Note written by Paul Koshy, National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education (NCSEHE)

Equity Student Participation in Australian Higher Education examines trends in higher education undergraduate enrolments in Australia between 2011 and 2016. This six-year period has been a time of marked change in Australian higher education, with the demand-driven system (DDS) increasing overall student numbers, while programs such as the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) encouraged equity group participation, with their numbers increasing at a rate either proximate or greater than that seen overall.

Opportunities

I CAN Network updates

Our first 2018 online mentoring programs have begun and so far our mentees are having a wonderful time, making new friends and developing their I CAN attitude.
Our school mentoring has also commenced for the new year, and we've just released details of our 2018 camps.
Meanwhile, we're busy preparing for Humans on the Autism Spectrum this April and we'll have some surprises for you this year!

Autism & Education

More than 8 in 10 autistic students face difficulties in education

Conferences and Workshops

Free Webinar: Customised Employment - streamlining sustainable transitions

Date:   Tuesday, 27 February 2018
Time:  1.00 pm - 2.00 pm

To register: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2242265236811842306?source=Region+14+NDCO+Webinar+Customised+Employment

NDCO Inclusive Learning Conference

Keynote Presenter Sarah Barton

Award winning producer of ‘Defiant lives’ a documentary that explores the history of the Disability Rights Movement https://defiantlives.com/

Date: Friday 1 June 2018

Target: Professionals with an interest in inclusive education and employment for people with complex learning needs and disability aged 15 years and over. 
Venue: Monash University Peninsula, Campus McMahons Rd, Frankston

Workshop Streams

• Educational Inclusion Theory and Practice
• Educational Inclusion Pathways

To purchase tickets go to:
https://ndcoinclusivelearningconference.eventbrite.com.au

Call for Presentations
Presentation proposals must be submitted by close of business Thursday 29 March 2018. 

The contact on the submission will be notified if the proposal has been accepted by Monday 16 April 2018

For more information go to

Frankston Mornington Peninsula - CAREERS EXPO

Time: 9:30am - 3:00pm

Date: Tuesday 22 May 2018

Venue: Hastings Community Hub, 1973 Frankston/Flinders Rd, Hastings

Contact: Jane Ling, FMPLLEN Frankston Mornington Peninsula Careers Expo Coordinator

Mobile: 0422 126 985

Making Choice and Control REAL - Supporting Self Advocacy’

Frankston Mornington Peninsula ‘Multi-Sectoral Community of Practice’ forum

Time: 9.30m

Date: Thursday 29 March 2018

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/making-choice-and-control-real-understanding-and-supporting-self-advocacy-tickets-43222251919

The forum is provided for agencies in the Frankston Mornington Peninsula area responding to various consumer directed care reforms, and will focus on policy, practice, skills and strategies required to support service users to develop their self-advocacy skills and decision making capacity.
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Frankston Mornington Peninsula Service Sector Orientation Forum

Time 9.30 am to 1.30 pm

Date: Thursday 15 March 2018

Registration https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/fmp-service-sector-orientation-tickets-42440772493?aff=es2

This forum is provided to ‘speed date’ a range of health and community services operating across the Frankston Mornington Peninsula to support consumers and their families. Service will include Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Disability, Housing and Support, Family, Family Violence and Employment in addition to various other supports available across the catchment.

My apologies for the change of date however this is a great opportunity for both providers and education providers to prepare for discussions with families eligible for NDIS supports.

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2018 Australasian Mental Health and Higher Education Conference

Issues, Challenges and Ways Forward
'Building a more resilient culture within higher education and the local community'

Time: 9.00 am to 3.00 pm

Date: 6 & 7 July 2018

Venue: James Cook University

Event website
https://www.jcu.edu.au/college-of-arts-society-and-education/events/amhhec

Access Easy English

Learn Easy English 2 day writing course

Time: 9:15 am – 4:15 pm

Date: Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 May, 2018

Venue: Kingston Arts Centre, Nepean Hwy. Moorabbin

Cost: $550 + gst Morning tea and light lunch provided Parking available under the venue: enter via South Rd. Wheelchair Accessible.

Registration: https://trybooking.com/355063 (there is a .30 cent booking fee from Try Booking)

Suitable for anyone who writes information for the public, eg: communications and marketing staff; support workers, planners, therapists, disability advocates, teachers, ethics teams, survey developers, report writers, lawyers, ..........NDIS staff, Not sure if this is right for you?

Call Cathy Basterfield 0466 579 855 or email cathy@accesseasyenglish.com.au

Pathways 14 Conference

Pathways 14 Conference website was launched this month and are already calling for abstracts. 4-7 December 2018 Novotel Manly Pacific, Sydney Australia. Abstracts are now being sought for oral presentations (20 minute presentation, plus 5 minutes Q&A). Themes include Mental health, Inclusive Design, Inherent Requirements, Employment, Mental Health and Well-being, Interface between NDIS and tertiary education and Community Links. Click the link below to submit your abstract.

https://us12.campaign-archive.com/?e=&u=6503405ac4e08b3a2416ad15f&id=69728f2fff

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A workshop about the opportunities and changes the NDIS brings fro ADE’s

By Disability Services Consulting

This workshop is designed for ADE Managers and Board Members. Attendees will learn about the key changes and will be stepped through a process to review their current business models and develop successful strategic responses to the NDIS. 

Time: 9.30 am  to 3.30 pm

Date: Tuesday 27 March 2018

Venue: Central Melbourne

Cost: $625

Registration: http://www.disabilityservicesconsulting.com.au/register

Further information: admin@disabilityservicesconsulting.com.au

T: 0468 478 987

This workshop will cover:

• Changes in practice – supported employment funding under the NDIS (and the intersection with open employment)
• Working with the new approach to participant outcomes and goals
• Managing the cultural shift – a culture of higher expectations is coming
• Succeeding through enhancing employment pathways for people with disability
• Reviewing your organisation's readiness for change
• Implementing best practice in supported employment
• Analysing the range of strategic responses available to ADEs

Useful Tools

Reimagine website - Supporting people living with mental health conditions to navigate the NDISo

Communicating with deaf and hard of hearing people

By ai-media

There is often a communication barrier between people who are hearing and people who are deaf or hard of hearing. But our differences shouldn't keep us from communicating with each other. Here are a few tips on communicating with someone who is deaf or hard of hearing.

http://blog.ai-media.tv/blog/communicating-with-deaf-hard-of-hearing-people?utm_campaign=USA%20DSOs&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=60176572&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_ghIZtp_D8IIwrL9FhW8XRI2BHFJM6jD-1Hbx78yP-9BZfrDlajVSDQuHZ9z-3ZVw0255sq_7nV3QpRT1CWiu2Drp2YEEW0uBAH7sJK5nm9-uMjMc&_hsmi=60176572

Three free captioning tools to make your videos more accessible

Ai-Media’s pick of the best three free captioning tools - Amara, YouTube and Subtitle Edit. 

Amara - http://amara.org/ Type up all the dialogue in the video that you want to caption. Amara allows you to easily skip back and forth using the keyboard, saving loads of time. Manually sync the captions to the audio using the up and down arrows. This is a really simple way of making sure your captions match your clip. Final review and edit stage.The great thing about Amara is it becomes very quick to use once you've got the hang of the keyboard controls. It also allows you to translate your videos into other languages when your captions are finished.

Use it when - You have to create captions from scratch, you want to translate your captions into other languages or your videos are hosted online.

YouTube - http://youtube.com/ YouTube has a great tool for creating captions. It’s quick and easy, but you can only use it for videos that are uploaded to YouTube. 'Transcribe and Auto-Sync' is a really neat tool that takes your typed transcript and uses their speech recognition engine to match the transcript to the audio to time your captions. It's by no means entirely accurate, but it gives you a head start and save you loads of time. Once YouTube tries to time your transcript to the audio, you can easily edit the timings using a simple visual timeline. YouTube also has an "auto-generated closed captions" feature. While these captions are far from perfect, if your clip has slow and clear speakers, you may find it quicker to edit the auto-generated captions rather than starting from scratch

Use it when - You already have a transcript for your video, your videos are uploaded on YouTube.

Subtitle Edit - http://www.nikse.dk/SubtitleEdit/ - It has editing features galore that can fix up your spelling and grammar, burn open captions into your video, import a whole bunch of fancy subtitle file types and so much more.  If you want to get a bit more serious about your captioning, this might be the program for you.

NDCO Newsletter Summer 2018

Welcome to the summer edition of the NDCO program newsletter for region 14 Southern Melbourne. If you would like information about special projects, networks and professional development opportunities in relation to education & employment for people with disability please contact the NDCO program. 

Sally Bailey, National Disability Coordination Officer T (03) 9784 0400 M 0439 897 027 
E sally.bailey@skillsplus.com.au  W www.ndcovictoria.net.au

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NDCO Program Evaluation

The Australian Government Department of Education engaged ACIL Allen Consulting (ACIL Allen) to undertake an evaluation of the NDCO program in 2016.  The scope of the evaluation was to examine the policy rationale for the NDCO Program, its operation to date, and make recommendations for the future operation of the program. This included examining the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of the NDCO Program, and its intersection with the Australian Government policy and other government programs, particularly the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

This evaluation found that the NDCO Program provides a valuable resource and range of activities at a local area that help service providers to improve education and employment outcomes for people with disability. Additionally, the NDCO Program is unique in its mandate to provide ‘whole-of-system’ expertise across different sectors. We can now confirm that the NDCO program has been funded to June 2022. 

The evaluation report and the Australian Government response to the report are available at the links below:

NDCO Evaluation Final Report

https://docs.education.gov.au/node/46076

Government Response

http://docs.education.gov.au/node/46071

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Policy Updates

Reforms to strengthen the capacity of the education system to support students with disabilities and additional needs

Victorian Government Schools are currently undertaking reforms to strengthen the capacity of the education system to support students with disabilities and additional needs, and to facilitate the full and active participation of all children and young people, through the inclusive education reform agenda. The agenda builds on the 2014 Special Needs Plan for Victorian Schools which sets out a nine-step plan to maximise outcomes for students with disabilities, and the Government's commitment to deliver recommendations from the Review of the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD), outlined in its response: Inclusive education for all students with disabilities and additional needs.

For more information, see:

Special Needs Plan for Victorian Schools

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/department/Pages/specialneeds.aspx

About the Program for Students with Disabilities Review

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/department/Pages/about-psd-review.aspx

Implementation of the Inclusive Education Agenda reforms is underway.

More Information http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/department/Pages/inclusive-education-for-all.aspx

Supporting Victorians Living With Autism

The Andrews Labor Government will invest more than $22 million as an immediate response to the Inquiry into Services for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder. More than $19 million has been set aside for education initiatives, including: Further training and scholarships through the Autism Teaching Institute for government teachers / Piloting a new funding model for schools to meet the needs of students with disabilities / A boost to all Victorian specialist schools to better support children with autism.

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/supporting-victorians-living-with-autism/

Additional oversight powers to improve the safety and wellbeing of Victorians with a disability

From 16th August 2017, the Disability Services Commissioner (DSC) has been empowered with additional oversight powers to improve the safety and wellbeing of Victorians with a disability.   “These enhanced oversight powers for my office will help to strengthen safeguards for people with a disability and improve their safety and wellbeing.”

http://www.odsc.vic.gov.au/2017/08/31/introduction-commissioner-initiated-investigations/

Australian Government Plan to Improve Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with Disability

The Plan outlines actions the Australian Government is and can take to provide sustainable mainstream and disability services, delivered within a cultural framework for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability, their families and carers.

https://www.dss.gov.au/disability-and-carers/supporting-people-with-disability/resources-supporting-people-with-disability/australian-government-plan-to-improve-outcomes-for-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people-with-disability

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Research and Reports

Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program: Seven Years On

The third case study publication in the NCSEHE series tracks the diverse activities, partnerships, positive outcomes, and sustainable impacts of Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) programs over time.

https://www.ncsehe.edu.au/higher-education-participation-and-partnerships-program-seven-years-on/

Held Back: The experiences of students with disabilities in Victorian Schools

In the interest of understanding the effect of Held back and the progress on a range of recommendations, the Commission has completed a five-year analysis. This paper includes observations on what is needed to build on existing policy gains to achieve genuine change for students with disabilities in Victorian schools.

https://www.humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au/home/our-resources-and-publications/reports/item/1602-held-back-the-experiences-of-students-with-disabilities-in-victorian-schools-analysis-paper

Intellectual Disability Mental Health Core Competency Framework

A Manual for Mental Health Professionals which outlines the necessary approaches to clinical practice when working with people with an intellectual disability and identifies the core competencies that mental health professionals require to work in this area.

https://3dn.unsw.edu.au/IDMH-CORE-COMPETENCY-FRAMEWORK

Not working: Experiences of Refugees and Migrants with JobActive

This report focuses on the barriers faced by refugees and migrants imposed by the main federal employment program, JobActive.

https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/publications/reports/jobactive/

Recruiting participants for the Australian Longitudinal Study of School Leavers with Autism study

Alex Haschek is a Research Officer with the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre at La Trobe University, Alex is currently recruiting participants for the Australian Longitudinal Study of School Leavers with Autism study. The research seeks assistance from young people with or without Autism and the carers/family members of young people with Autism who may be interested in participating in a survey based study. Participants are asked to complete surveys at baseline, 12 months and 24 months. Participants will receive a $30 voucher after completing the 24-month survey. If you are interested in being involved or have any additional questions, please contact SASLA@latrobe.edu.au 

The Australian Industry Skills Committee (AISC) working to improve the training outcomes of people with a disability in vocational education and training (VET)

The AISC oversees the review and development of training packages to ensure Australian workers are provided with industry-relevant skills that meet the current and future needs of employers. Recently, the AISC noted that more could be done within the VET system to better support the inclusion of students with disability and agreed to:

• adapt existing resources for use in VET institutions to raise awareness about inclusion and raise the awareness of VET practitioners about their obligations under the Disability Standards for Education
• ensure that the 2018 review of the TAE Training Package incorporates skills for trainers on consultation, reasonable adjustment and individualised planning for students with disability
• commission a cross sector project to develop a bank of units of competency on disability related issues to be used across different industries in a wide range of Training Package qualifications https://www.skillsforaustralia.com/cross-sector-projects/inclusion-of-people-with-disability-in-vet/

In the meantime if you have any questions or suggestions about the project, please contact Catherine Ryan (email: Catherine.ryan@education.gov.au ).

Investigation of the Estimates of Children’s Cognitive Abilities (ECCA) scale

The aim of this project is to develop a teacher-report questionnaire that can provide insight into a student’s cognitive ability profile important for academic achievement.

We are seeking registered teachers with the Victorian Institute of teaching who are currently teaching a school-aged child (5 to 18 years old) to participate in this research.

If you would like to participate, you can complete the survey (which should take about 10 minutes) here:  https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_d7gWg6781ZaT2x7

Participants will have the option to enter the draw for a $50 Coles/Myer gift card.

This project is being conducted by Lydia Soh, under the supervision of Dr Kate Jacobs, as part of her PhD in Educational & Developmental Psychology at Monash University. The study has ethics approval from Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee.

Recognising Ability: Business and the Employment of People with Disability

Business Council of Australia

This report summarises the results of a survey conducted by the Business Council aimed at generating baseline data and insights about disability employment practices and experiences among member companies. This is the first time the Business Council has conducted a survey on approaches to disability employment.

http://www.bca.com.au/publications/workforce-inclusion-of-people-with-disability

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Conferences and Workshops

NDCO Inclusive Learning Conference

Keynote Presenter Sarah Barton

Award winning producer of ‘Defiant lives’ a documentary that explores the history of the Disability Rights Movement https://defiantlives.com/

Date: Friday 1 June 2018

Target: Professionals with an interest in inclusive education and employment for people with complex learning needs and disability aged 15 years and over. 
Venue: Monash University Peninsula, Campus McMahons Rd, Frankston

Workshop Streams

• Educational Inclusion Theory and Practice
• Educational Inclusion Pathways

Important dates 

Call for Presentation Papers Open 15 January 2018  
Early Bird Registrations open 15 January 2018
Call for Presentation Papers Close 29 March 2018
Early Bird Registrations Close 30 April 2018
Registrations Close 7 May 2018
Registration
Participant Registration Early Bird Registrations $100, full fee $150
Stallholder Registration (Stalls will be open during lunch break) $50

To purchase tickets go to:
https://ndcoinclusivelearningconference.eventbrite.com.au

Call for Presentations
Presentation proposals must be submitted by close of business Thursday 29 March 2018. 

The contact on the submission will be notified if the proposal has been accepted by Monday 16 April 2018

For more information go to

http://www.ndcovictoria.net.au/region-14#events
or contact Sally Bailey on (03) 9784 0400 or email sally.bailey@skillsplus.com.au

Personhood, decision making and choice: Frameworks for upholding rights with people with disabilities

Time: 9.00am – 4.00pm

Date: 1 March 2018
Venue: Deakin Downtown, Level 12, Tower 2, 727 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3008

What does it mean to be a PERSON with a disability in Australia? How can human rights be used to inform approaches to support? What does supported decision making mean and how can it be applied in supporting choice and control? How does the idea of ‘belonging’ change the way we see community inclusion?

http://www.deakin.edu.au/about-deakin/events/personhood-decision-making-choice

Give your community a voice at the next election

Book a free information session with the Victorian Electoral Commission’s Education and Inclusion Team for your community group.

Email: education@vec.vic.gov.au Phone: 131 832
Other languages: (03) 9209 0111
Or contact us through the National Relay Service then ask for 03 8620 1100

We work with:

·         Disability groups, carers and support staff

·         Homelessness services

·         Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

·         Migrant groups

·         Schools and youth services

·         Community services staff.

Find out more about our Education and Inclusion work

Visit: vec.vic.gov.au

Follow us: facebook.com/electionsvic

Subscribe to our http://vic.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=1ff8ed13d335e443e9f148a81&id=5b86e421b1&_sm_au_=iVV5stfjTLVvZ14P

Berry Street Education Model

Berry Street’s innovative model of education that provides schools with a whole-school approach to meet the developmental strengths and needs of students, teachers, and leaders.  The Berry Street Education Model is based on classroom strategies informed by Berry Street's approaches to trauma-informed learning and the science of wellbeing.  These student-centred strategies provide teachers, leaders, and allied education professionals with the knowledge of how to foster student willingness and capacity for school achievement.

To express your interest please email Advance College (ace@advance.vic.edu.au) before Tuesday October 17 as the booking needs to be confirmed asap. For enquiries, please call Steve Wright on 0418 564 738.

Download flyer

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Resources and Tools

ADCET webinar recording: 'Enhancing self-disclosure of equity group membership'

The recording is now available from a webinar on 22 August, presented by Rita Kusevskis-Hayes, Dr Colin Clark and Matthew Wilkinson – University of New South Wales project team for the Enhancing Self-Disclosure Project. The aim of the project is to investigate why members of equity groups choose not to self-identify to their universities, either upon enrolment or later.

https://www.adcet.edu.au/resource/9686/webinar-enhancing-self-disclosure-of-equity-group-membership/

Dyslexia

The following comprehensive and informative article by Genevieve MacArthur and Anne Castles from the Department of Cognitive Science, ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders at Macquarie University is highly recommended reading: 
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41539-017-0008-3

Dyslexia, Language and Learning to Read

Those who have not yet listened to her presentation would do well to access the recent lecture by Professor Maggie Snowling, President of St John's College Oxford and Professor of Psychology at the University of Oxford, who recently visited Australia and spoke at the Australian National University on ‘Dyslexia, Language and Learning to Read’. She outlined the history of the term dyslexia, and provided an overview of studies of those at risk for dyslexia. It was a fascinating and highly relevant presentation. The audio can be accessed or downloaded from the LDA website homepage.

https://www.ldaustralia.org

 Dyscalculia

Both literacy and numeracy difficulties require comprehensive support, and the latest issue of the LDA Bulletin focuses on strategies to assist students experiencing dyscalculia. Members of LDA can link directly to the articles below via the LDA website so long as they are logged in. 
https://www.ldaustralia.org/client/documents/LDA%20Bulletin%20Winter%202017.pdf

Ronit Bird, a teacher and author from England with extensive experience supporting students with dyscalculia, contributed an article on ‘The Counting Trap’, in which she describes the folly of allowing students to rely on one-by-one counting to solve arithmetic calculations.

https://www.ldaustralia.org/client/documents/The%20Counting%20Trap%20-%20Ronit%20Bird.pdf

Popular presenter Dr Paul Swan outlines difficulties that students may face in Solving Mathematical Word Problems.  Articles by Tanya Forbes, Ann Williams, Rhonda Farkota and Steve Chinn outline the extent of the problem and the dangers of not addressing the needs of students experiencing dyscalculia. 

https://www.ldaustralia.org/client/documents/Solving%20Mathematical%20Word%20Problems%20-%20Paul%20Swan.pdf

Jeremy the Dud

Jeremy the Dud is a new comedy set in a world where everyone has a disability, and those that don't are treated with the prejudice and condescending attitudes people with disabilities sometimes face in our own society. Jeremy (Nick Boshier - Soulmates, Bondi Hipsters, Trent from Punchy) is a dud, or "without specialty". He has been living in assisted government housing his whole life after the death of his parents when he was young. Now, too old for assisted living, he is off to live with his auntie and cousins, and ready to make something of himself. The only trouble is the outside world isn't very accepting of "Duds". 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFcFpWzIQNk

NDS Workforce Essentials e-Learning Library

NDS Learn & Develop is pleased to announce a new online content package: NDS Workforce Essentials e-Learning Library ('Workforce Essentials').

Workforce Essentials provides access to a wide range of e-Learning programs, with new learning assets to be added to the library each year. We also commit to the ongoing maintenance of current programs. We aim to ensure that disability service providers have access to flexible and cost effective training in core areas

For individual access

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/nds-workforce-essentials-e-learning-library-tickets-41301004416?_cldee=c2JhaWxleUBza2lsbHNwbHVzLmNvbS5hdQ%3d%3d&recipientid=contact-d8d5a35d3b9ee511b5d10050568e218a-f26ecfeb5edc4e92943192b2adeadb4e&esid=2ca01c15-7fe3-e711-973b-0050568e2189

For an organisational licence arrangement

https://app.yomstar.com/engagement/take/zHbtyTWARE2Xt4yPWGLdfA?lang=en_AU

Reasonable Adjustments in Online Learning

Online learning can provide many benefits to students with disability, particularly for those who may prefer not to disclose their disability, such as those with a fluctuating mental health or medical condition.  Online learning can also allow students to access teaching and learning at a time that best suits them, and for students with mobility disability, can allow them to engage with learning at a location of their choice, without the need to attend campus.

https://www.adcet.edu.au/disability-practitioner/reasonable-adjustments/online-learning/

Student Volunteer Workbook

The Hands Up! volunteer program workbook has been designed specifically for the use of young people with varying degrees of intellectual disabilities and learning differences. This workbook provides (in easy to read language and the use of visual cues) an opportunity for users to explore their interests, passions and skills whilst also participating in activities that introduce and consolidate learnings around how to source a volunteer opportunity and workplace safety.  This workbook also includes a very simple practise volunteer registration form, that when completed, may assist a young person in future, to complete real life volunteer registration forms, using the practise form as a reference.

http://www.bgkllen.org.au/resources

Webinar: Juggling feeling capable and different: A grounded theory of studying at university while living with mental ill-health

This presentation reports on a grounded theory study that used a participatory framework to explore the experiences of university students experiencing mental ill-health. While between 20 and 25% of university students are estimated to experience mental ill-health, little has been understood from the perspectives of students themselves about their experiences and the impacts of their ill-health on their studies. https://www.adcet.edu.au/resource/9710/webinar-juggling-feeling-capable-and-different-a-grounded-theory-of-studying-at-university-while-living-with-mental-ill-health/

Understood for learning and attention issues

15 non-profit organizations have joined forces to support parents of the one in five children with learning and attention issues throughout their journey. With the right support, parents can help children unlock their strengths and reach their full potential. With state-of-the-art technology, personalized resources, free daily access to experts, a secure online community, practical tips and more, Understood aims to be that support.

https://www.understood.org/en

Watch a JobAccess/ NDCO webinar - starting a conversation with employers

JobAccess recently worked with the National Disability Co-ordination Officer Program to run a webinar - “How to start the conversation: Working with employers”  the webinar offers an insight into what employers are telling JobAccess professional advisors about inclusive employment practices, and what they are looking for in candidates. 
http://www.ndco.stepscs.net.au/webinars.html

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New Programs

The Map Your Future

The Map Your Future project is designed to start building, or further develop advocacy skills in students (15 – 25 years old) - to improve participation in, and ownership over, their NDIS plans.

https://www.yacvic.org.au/ydas/map-your-future/

NEW STRIDE CAREERS PROGRAM - STEPS now being offered as a Workshop or PD

STEPS is a well-researched, comprehensive careers readiness training program.  Now available as a Workshop at your school or as a one day Professional Development.  It covers:-

• Careers and pathways options
• Interview skills
• Job search skills / employer expectations
• Resume writing / cover letters
• Preparing for work experience
• Career and industry exploration

Full workbook provided with over 40 ready to run fun and engaging activities

To find out more or make a booking call 03 8354 0829, Email: stride@whitelion.asn.au

or click https://www.whitelion.asn.au/index.php?action=fcreator&fid=82

Brotherhood Local Area Establishment team

The Brotherhood of St Laurence has commenced the establishment of Local Area Coordination Services in the Bayside Peninsula area which includes the LGA's of Port Phillip, Bayside, Glen Eira, Kingston, Stonnington, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula.  They are now available to assist people with a disability with NDIS queries or access requests. Between now and April next year new offices will be established in Windsor, Elsternwick, Cheltenham area, Frankston and Rosebud.  The establishment team is currently based at 26 Station Street, Moorabbin.  Contact 1300 BSL NDIS (1300 275 634 ext4)

Bourke and Beyond

5 services offered post compulsory for students with intellectual disability suitable for high functioning students not ready for TAFE.  Not related to FFYA, students must be 18 years and over, has been running in Blackburn for 8 years, now opening in Walker Street Dandenong on 18 January offering Cert 1 Work education and Cleaning, students can express interest in courses they would like the program to deliver, students can participate in music and culture program within the industry.
Contact Deanne Ray, Community Services Manager, Burke and Beyond, 114 Fulton Road, Blackburn South, VIC 3130
Phone: 9886 1111, Mobile: 0421 007 082, Fax: 9886 3411, Email: deanner@burkeandbeyond.org.au,  www.burkeandbeyond.org.au

RESET

RESET is a partnership program between Brotherhood of St Laurence and Monterey Secondary College, for young people from Grade 6 to 14 years of age who are at risk of or are currently disengaged from school. It aims to re-engage students back into mainstream education or alternate learning pathways through intensive therapeutic and learning support.

The program offers support for approximately 12 months through:

• small group sizes
• providing breakfast, morning tea and lunches
• providing all education resources
• dog therapy
• a school based environment – Monterey Secondary College
• a dedicated staffing group: education, youth development and wellbeing support with a youth and family therapist
• onsite and external engagement with the family

Each student has his or her own individual learning and transition plan that is designed to overcome many of the barriers known to exclude vulnerable young people from school.

In addition to their education, young people are assisted to develop interpersonal problem solving and life skills,that support a positive experience within a learning environment.

Whilst the students have their RESET personal learning and transition plans, all are enrolled at Monterey Secondary College.

The program has its own dedicated building onsite at Monterey Secondary College, in Frankston North.

Referral criteria - the young person is:

• disengaged from school: inconsistent or inactive participation
• from Frankston & Mornington Peninsula region (this can be negotiated)
• In the middle years - from grade 6 up to 14 years of age at date of referral
• Able to get to and from RESET

Please contact us for an application or for further enquiries:

RESET Program Manager -  Jane Chia Ph: 0404 093 065

chia.jane.m@edumail.vic.gov.au

Download Flyer

Have you heard about Coles quiet hour?

Grocery shopping can be a daunting experience for people who live with autism or who have family members on the spectrum. The bright lights, constant music and noise from trolley collections can be a sensory overload, but Coles supermarkets will now offer a "quiet hour" for just such customers.  From 10.30am to 11.30am on Tuesdays, store lights in 18 supermarkets in Victoria and 68 nationally will be dimmed 50 per cent, the radio will be switched off and the volumes of registers and scanners will be reduced to a minimum.
Trolley collections will halt and roll cages will be removed from the shop floor, while announcements will be made only in emergencies. Additional staff will be rostered on to support customers. The rollout comes after the supermarket chain, in partnership with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), ran a successful trial in August of a "quiet hour" at two Victorian stores. The Victorian supermarkets taking part range from inner city to regional areas.
https://www.coles.com.au/corporate-responsibility/our-people-community/quiethour

Peninsula Specialist School Career's and Well-being Expo May 2018

Peninsula Specialist School is one of many schools holding Career's and Well-being Expo's across the Southern Melbourne and Bayside areas this school term.  Thank you so much to all the services that have taken time out of what is a very hectic schedule to meet our upcoming school leavers with disability.  Your work is very much appreciated by schools, families and mostly students.

Top Ten Tips to find a Tutor

One of the most frequent questions I am asked is ‘How do I find a good tutor?’  Parents want to do the best for their children particularly if the children have a Specific learning Disorder (SLD) such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia or dysgraphia, or a combination of all of them.

Finding a good tutor for your child is not going to be easy:  Some parents have unrealistic expectations, are looking for a ‘silver bullet’ or a ‘cure’.  There is no cure, just a lot of hard work.

The hard work is going to be done by your child, you only have to provide your hard earned dollars.  The money invested in a tutor can be a major investment, but your child is going to invest far more in terms of blood, sweat, tears and self-esteem.

When any large investment like a house or a car people usually need to do some research, so how much more important is your child?  You need to do some research.

For instance, when buying a car, would you say to your friend?  ‘Can you recommend a car for me to buy?’  Your friend might say ‘I think my Honda Jazz is great, you should get one.  But you have a dog so need a wagon.  All kids are different but kids with SLDs are very different.  You need to do some research.

Research is also necessary because a Parliamentary inquiry said  ‘There were also concerns raised that tutors operate in an unregulated environment’, page XIV http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/file_uploads/ETC_Homework_Inquiry_final_report_PWkrPPVH.pdf

Money

You must choose how much you are prepared to spend: A Rolls Royce or a Honda Jazz?  Tutors typically cost somewhere between $80-$150 per hour.  Just because they charge more does not mean that they are better tutors, just more expensive.  Some tutors call themselves ‘consultants’ or ‘therapists’.  However they are all basically just teachers who want to work with kids who have SLDs.  You need to do some more research.

Location

Where you live matters unless you can also invest your time into ferrying your child to and from the tutor’s place.

Learning Difficulties Australia (LDA) https://www.ldaustralia.org/  is a professional association of teachers, speech pathologists and other professionals, highly regarded in the community, which has a list of tutors/consultants sorted by their location, so this is a good start. LDA also requires teachers to have extra specialized qualifications in order to be on their LDA Online Tutor search. Additionally, LDA Consultant Members are expected to continue their professional development in the learning difficulty field and must submit yearly evidence showing ongoing learning that conforms to strict standards for continued renewal of their LDA Consultant registration https://www.ldaustralia.org/consultants.html

Qualifications

 The minimum qualifications any tutor should have is a registration with the Victorian Institute of teachers’ (VIT).  The VIT is the regulatory body which ensures that teachers have done an approved University teacher training course.  In order to maintain their registration teachers are also required by the VIT to keep up to date by undertaking Professional Development (PD). It is important that tutors have teaching qualifications and are registered with their teacher registration board that ensures they meet professional standards for teaching

VIT registration of a person can easily be checked by using the VIT website here: http://www.vit.vic.edu.au/search-the-register/_nocache   You can search by their name and/or registration number.  This search also tells you when registration was first granted, which will give you an idea of how experienced the tutor is.  If they are not registered –Don’t go there!

More qualifications

Most teachers who are interested in working with kids who have SLDs undertake further specialised training.  Unfortunately this is where it gets a bit murky.  There is no regulatory body in Australia whose job it is to monitor the quality of such Professional Development providers.  Anybody can put up their shingle and charge whatever the market will bear. 

Fortunately Alison Clarke http://www.spelfabet.com.au, has done much of the research into appropriate programs as she was on the Professional Development committee for Learning Difficulties Australia.  The list of training providers can be found on her blog here: http://www.spelfabet.com.au/2016/03/upcoming-training-in-synthetic-phonics/.  If your tutor has done one of these you know its good.

If the qualification is not on the list: Look at their specialised qualifications and ask them what they mean and if you can view their certificates.  If they get angry or have ‘lost’ them.  Don’t go there.  (I am very proud of my qualifications because it took me a lot of blood sweat and tears to get them-I would never ‘lose’ them.)

Seeing the bits of paper is important especially if the qualifications are from overseas.  In the UK or the US there are many excellent specialized courses.  Just make sure your tutor has done one of them and exactly what it is and what it involved.

Evidence based Professional Development courses

Another help through the murky waters of PDs is AUSPELD.  AUSPELD is the Australian Federation of Speld Associations and is also highly regarded in the community http://auspeld.org.au/   

The peak body for anybody with SLDs to go to in this state is Speld Vic.  Each state has its own Speld organization, all coming under the umbrella of AUSPELD.

AUSPELD has a free, online version of ‘Understanding learning Difficulties for parents’.  This has a list of evidence based interventions here: http://uldforparents.com/contents/selecting-a-successful-intervention-program/what-does-the-research-tell-us-about-different-interventions/   This also lists the degree of evidence and rough costs.  (Again remember the Rolls Royce factor –high cost is no guarantee of a quality course).

This information does not recommend the ‘best’ course for a tutor to do or the ‘gold standard’ course because there is no ‘best’ course.  If you tutor says there is a ‘best’ course and she has done it, ask for the article that proves it, written in a peer-reviewed journal.  (There are’nt any!)

This research will give you a guide through the murky waters of PDs.

The choice

After having found a tutor you like the look of, you must put her to the vital test.  Your child!  The choice is not just yours but also your child’s.  There must be a good relationship.  If not- Don’t go there! 

A good relationship is important as the tutor must exploit a child’s strengths and ensure he succeeds.  Success is the key to motivation.  Children need the motivation if they are going to carry on and undertake all the hard work they will need to do.

In school

In Victoria, provided a tutor has VIT registration, and with the approval of the school, a tutor is allowed to take a child out of school during the day, in order to tutor her.  This has a couple of advantages.  Tutors are usually busy before and after school and the child does not have to face more work at the end of the school day when they are exhausted.  (Some schools also allow suitably qualified teachers, who work as tutors, to provide specialized learning support at schools)

Qualifications caveat

Qualifications are important because they get tutors over that first hurdle and enable a tutor to get the vital VIT registration.  However, I know of many, older teachers who do not have lots of letters after their names.  They are excellent, dedicated teachers.  This is basically what you are looking for:  A tutor who can relate to your children and who knows their stuff and how to teach.

More about courses

As you have seen, AUSPELD has a number of recommended courses.  They all have one thing in common.  They all teach Structured Synthetic Phonics (SSP).

This is important as all the evidence from reading researchers tells us that this is how all children learn to read.

Structured - This means, for example you teach the sounds in in a structured way.  From simpler sound/letter correspondence to those that are more complex

Synthetic - This means that the sounds are built up (synthesized) by blending them together.

Phonics  - Simply is the link between the sound, the printed word and its meaning.

 Efficacy

The tutoring given should work.  Your child should improve.  If not, find another one.  If you have any complaints tell the tutor.  If they are from LDA, tell LDA.

However, remember that by nature specific learning difficulties are ‘persistent’ and do continue throughout an individual’s life time to some extent. The degree of progress is also dependent on how severe the learning difficulty is. The earlier learning difficulties are identified, and effective intervention implemented, the better the long term prognosis. Internal factors such as resilience and persistence also play a role.

Ann Williams

BSc(Hons),Grad.Dip.Ed.,Grad.Dip. App.Sc., M.Ed.

 e: awillia732@gmail.com

 fb: Dyslexis,Dyscalculia and LD Parent Support Group

Explore the Opportunities Expo Hastings

Planning, Education, Training and Employment Supports with People with Disability

Wednesday 24th June 2015

Peninsula Programs for Students with Disability (PPSDA) School Expo was a highly successful event with  approximately 150 students from Frankston SDS, Nepean School, Naranga, Mornington SDS and Peninsula Specialist College.  The students participated in a life planning workshop and a research your interest activity.  There were several prizes and free gifts on the day including free passes to Gravity Zone  and Village Cinemas.  Students were asked to consider what they would like to keep doing when they leave school, to follow their passion and to keep learning along the way. There were 30 stalls ranging from education training employment recreation  advocacy and disability support services.  This event was successful due to the commitment of the PPSDA school and service representatives on the day.  

View pictures on facebook

The Lab is a growing network of technology clubs for 10 to 16 year-old young people diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome or High Functioning Autism who enjoy working with computers. It offers one-to-one tuition by technology professionals in areas such as programming, 3D, digital design and gaming. The Lab started in April 2011 with a single weekly group in Footscray, Melbourne.

http://www.thelab.org.au/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH2dqz_Musc&feature=player_embedded

Details coming soon

NDCO Inclusive Learning and Pathways Conference

Friday 23 November 2018

Keynote Presenter - Sarah Barton

National Disability Insurance Scheme 

On 1 September 2018 the National Disability Insurance Scheme began operating in the Southern Melbourne Area. Over the coming months a large number of participants will attend planning meetings for the development of their first plan. Due to the high numbers in the area  Latrobe Community Health Service Local Area Coordinators are unable to provide a timeline for when these meetings will occur. 

To assist participants to prepare for the planning meeting, Latrobe Community Health Service Local Area Coordinators will be running a series of information sessions and workshops. 
Details of upcoming sessions available are below.

City of Casey
Dates:
- Thursday 7th February 2019 - 10:30am – 12:00pm
- Monday 11th February 2019 - 10:30am – 12:00pm
Venue:
Lynbrook Community Centre 
2 Harris St Lynbrook

City of Greater Dandenong
Dates:
- Tuesday 12th February 2019 - 10:30am – 12:00pm
- Wednesday 13th February 2019 - 7:00pm – 8:30pm
- Thursday 21st February 2019 - 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Venue:
Council Offices, Level 2, 225 Lonsdale St, Dandenong.

Cardinia Shire
Dates:
- Tuesday 19th February 2019 - 10:30am – 12:00pm
- Wednesday 20th February 2019 - 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Venue:
Toomah Community Centre
18 Golden Green Street, Pakenham

RSVP and Enquiries: 
1800 242 696