NDCO Newsletter Spring 2017
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.
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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This Issue
Identifying Student Requirements and Making Reasonable Adjustments
Principles to Determine the responsibilities of the NDIS and other Service Systems
What to look out for - Symptoms of Dyslexia
New Pathways To Leadership For Victorians With Disability
PACE Mentoring - Achieving employment goals through mentoring: Nadine and Shirley’s Story
University Specialist Employment Partnerships (USEP)
NCSEHE: Successful outcomes for students with disability in Australian higher education
Study underlines usefulness of lecture captions for all students
Barriers people with an ASD face outside of university
After Hours Events - Improve your Social Skills In its 5th year and ADDING A NEW LOCATION!
Conferences /Workshops/Webinars
Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities in your Class
EPIC Testability Academy (ETA)
Free Webinars - Learning Differences and Dyslexia in High Schools
Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference 2017
Understanding the NDIS Price Guide Workshop
The Accessible Recruitment Guide: A Practical Resource for HR and Recruiters
Independent Living Centres Australia
Employability Curriculum Linked to the ‘Employability DVD’
In 2017 the film ‘Employability’ was produced by Debbie-ann Johnson, from Sale & District Specialist School, Andrea McCall-Evans from NDCO and Leanne Wishart, Rural Access, Wellington Shire. Darryl Whitaker was our cameraman and donated some of the time to help edit the film. The film would not have been possible without the grant from the Commonwealth Bank; we thank them for their generous donation.
The film focusses on the eight employability skills and features a number of young people with disabilities in the workplace.
The Employability Curriculum can be downloaded from the NDCO Website PDF
The employability DVD’s can be found
Whole Film -all eight skills https://youtu.be/vGjNI16pxn8
Communication https://youtu.be/4-vwF4DVAzM
Teamwork https://youtu.be/SJxeSEndST0
Problem solving https://youtu.be/kIysQa3z1Q4
Initiative and enterprise https://youtu.be/zF5uWlKgkwI
Planning and Organising https://youtu.be/u1Cc98TTXcc
Learning https://youtu.be/Pi5kqlcwvKU
Technology https://youtu.be/Srv94j3WddY
Self-management www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOBoP0qoFmM
Identifying Student Requirements and Making Reasonable Adjustments
The support requirements for students with disability should be established soon after enrolment to ensure, as far as possible, that the student is able to complete the course. Students should be advised that delay in making their requirements known may result in services not being available on time. Notification of disability is usually required if students seek reasonable adjustments to their educational program. Once the implications of the student's disability have been clarified you can discuss any adjustments to the course design or delivery that may be required.
The post-secondary institution should implement procedures to ensure that:
documentation is sought only when needed
verification processes are equitable
student privacy is protected
relevant information is subsequently disseminated (with student permission) to staff who need it; this assists in ensuring students are not required to repeat the verification process.
The full article can be found at https://www.adcet.edu.au/inclusive-teaching/working-with-students/making-reasonable-adjustments/
Principles to Determine the responsibilities of the NDIS and other Service Systems
All governments have agreed that our vision is for an inclusive Australian society that enables people with disability to fulfil their potential as equal citizens. To achieve this vision, all Australian governments, non-government organisations, business and the wider community have a role to play. The interactions of the NDIS with other service systems will reinforce the obligations of other service delivery systems to improve the lives of people with disability, in line with the National Disability Strategy. To view this document go to:
What to look out for - Symptoms of Dyslexia
By Dyslexia Assessment and Support Services
Early identification of Specific Learning Disability (SpLD’s) is important. Children with dyslexia are often creative and imaginative; at the same time, they also have difficulties in some or many aspects of learning. Dyslexic people have a unique brain function which makes reading, spelling and writing difficult however, they often have strengths or are gifted in other areas controlled by the right hemisphere of the brain. These talents show particularly in creative areas and design. Visual spatial awareness is often a strength and therefore they may excel in areas such as architecture, IT design, engineering.
Download Fact Sheet - What to look out for - Symptoms of Dyslexia
New Pathways To Leadership For Victorians With Disability
The Andrews Labor Government is supporting Victorians with a disability to become leaders in their local community. Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing Martin Foley today opened applications for a range of scholarships and development opportunities, as part of the Disability Leadership Program. Run in partnership with Leadership Victoria and the Disability Leadership Institute, the program offers scholarships, mentoring, role shadowing and networking for Victorians with a disability to gain valuable leadership development and training.
The program includes scholarships for a range of leadership courses delivered by Leadership Victoria. In addition, a number of mentoring and workplace based places are available. Program participants can also apply for a 12 month membership of the national user-led Disability Leadership Institute. Increasing the voice and representation of people with a disability is a key priority of Absolutely everyone: state disability plan 2017 – 2020. For more information about the Disability Leadership Program visit: www.leadershipvictoria.org/programs/the-disability-leadership-program
PACE Mentoring - Achieving employment goals through mentoring: Nadine and Shirley’s Story
Before we commence our attraction campaign for Spring PACE Mentoring and Summer Stepping Into, we wanted to touch base and pass on one of our many participant success stories. Nadine Maroney is District Manager for ANZ bank in the ACT. Shirley Sjaputra, from Crace in the ACT was born profoundly deaf. She uses a cochlear implant and a hearing aid. Shirley describes her disability as being a barrier to employment because employers often feel unsure about what type of assistance she may require. “It can feel like a big struggle, I know that I am more than capable of doing many administration roles, but my lack of ability to hear makes companies believe that I am unable to do the job,” said Shirley. Shirley decided to participate in PACE as a way to develop her confidence in group meetings, help her to network effectively and gain experience in the financial services industry. Read about Nadine and Shirley’s successful PACE Mentoring experience here.
https://www.and.org.au/pages/mentoring-case-study.html
University Specialist Employment Partnerships (USEP)
University Specialist Employment Partnerships (USEP) is an NDCO driven pilot project to place an employment consultant on University campuses, supporting graduates with disability to find a career. This includes linkages with employers, assistance with disclosure of disability and negotiation of adjustments, assistance with applications, brokerage of work experience and internships as required. It is available in a limited fashion while in trial phase. We welcome expressions of interest from students outside of trial locations to give us an indication of where this type of service may be in demand.
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Research and Reports
Held back: The experiences of students with disabilities in Victorian schools – Analysis paper - Jul 2017
A Commission report into the experience of students with disabilities in Victorian schools has found that there have been significant policy developments and action but more work is required to measure and ensure real change for students.
The report details the progress made by the Department of Education and Training on the Commission’s recommendations made in its ground breaking 2012 research report Held back: the experiences of students with disabilities in Victorian schools. It draws on an analysis of information and engagement with the Department and other key stakeholders.
HEPPP: The Australian student equity program and institutional change: paradigm shift or business as usual?
A report by NCSEHE Equity Fellow Dr Nadine Zacharias from Deakin University examined how the HEPPP initiative had been implemented by universities and whether it had met government aspirations for achieving student equity in higher education. This Australian-first comprehensive analysis of the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) has informed recommendations for systemic change in policy and practice in student equity, which complements the current HEPPP review report, and could be a valuable contribution to the forthcoming national evaluation framework.
NCSEHE: Successful outcomes for students with disability in Australian higher education
This evidence-based resource collates NCSEHE funded research to inform policy and practice and improve outcomes for equity students in Australian higher education. Current research outlined in this paper includes a focus on sub-groups of students with a disability, such as Indigenous students and students on the Autism Spectrum, which not only deals with issues facing these particular groups, but which reinforces the variety, range and individuality of students with a disability.
Study underlines usefulness of lecture captions for all students
A 2017 study by Curtin University in Australia examines the benefits of captioning lecture capture recordings as a mainstream learning tool, with reference to inclusive teaching practice and the fulfilment of universities’ legal responsibility to provide equal access for all students.
http://www.ai-media.tv/study-shows-lecture-captions-benefit-students/
Barriers people with an ASD face outside of university
Universities across the board are experiencing an increase in the number of students requesting mental health support, and a similar rise is being seen in the number of students accessing support for autism spectrum conditions. Our executive director, Eileen Hopkins, considers those whose condition prevents them entering higher education.
http://www.ai-media.tv/what-about-the-young-people-with-an-asd-not-going-to-university/
The Brotherhood’s response to Senate Inquiry into delivery of outcomes under the National Disability Strategy 2010–2020
Enabling people with disability to participate fully in society requires investment in advocacy and in community supports, in the Brotherhood’s view. This involves more than service delivery, in order to position people as active members of local social and cultural networks.
Read the response via: Response to Senate Inquiry into delivery of outcomes under the National
Disability Strategy 2010–2020 http://library.bsl.org.au/jspui/bitstream/1/9843/1/BSL_response_Senate_Inquiry_outcomes_under_National_Disability_Strategy_Apr2017.pdf
After Hours Events - Improve your Social Skills In its 5th year and ADDING A NEW LOCATION!
Safe, creative opportunities for people 16+ of mixed abilities to extend personal & social skills through dance, drama, singing, public speaking & more. It’s about meeting new people, chatting, relationship building, learning & fun!
Highett Neighbourhood Community House
2, Livingston St, Highett (close to the Highett station)
7-10pm – 1st Wednesday of each month 2017
2 August, 6 September, 4 October, 1 November, 6 December.
ENTRY $20. RSVP BY EACH MONDAY PRIOR
DRESS NEAT CASUAL
Light refreshments & snacks provided. No alcohol. Contact Donna Gabriel, info@donnagabriel.com.au
0414 250 932
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Conferences /Workshops/Webinars
Supporting Students with Learning Disabilities in your Class
Date: Monday 18 September 2017
Time: 9.00 am
Venue: Westall Secondary College, 88 Rosebank Ave, Clayton South VIC 3169
Cost: $50 per person
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/supporting-students-with-learning-disabilities-in-your-class-tickets-36126718989
For students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties – Karen StarKiss
Workshop content includes:
How to recognise dyslexia and other LDs in your class
What are the specific challenges faced by people with Learning Difficulties
The range of strategies students can use to overcome their learning difficulties
How you can support students in class and enable them to reach their potential
Tools and Technologies to help students access the curriculum and demonstrate their understanding
Lots of ideas and practical activities to support learners
Useful websites with free resources to support the teacher and the students
Enquiries: Sally Bailey, National Disability Coordination Officer, Southern Melbourne Sally.Bailey@skillsplus.com.au (03) 9784 0400 0439 897 027
or to arrange a session for your organisation please direct your inquiry to karen@dyslexiasupportservices.com.au
Download Flyer
EPIC Testability Academy (ETA)
ETA is offering successful candidates the chance to boost their employability in the IT sector by participating in a customised training programme, delivered by two leading experts in the field.
Course details
When: Our second ETA course will commence on 18 September and run until 4 December (12 weeks). The group will meet every Monday night, excluding public holidays.
Time: 5.30-7.30pm every Monday night
Where: Melbourne CBD
Cost: Free
Equipment: Candidates must bring their own laptops or devices with USB access
Selection criteria
To be considered as a suitable candidate, you must have a diagnosis on the autism spectrum, provided by a health professional. You will also need to demonstrate the following:
Be aged 18 or over;
Be able to complete the full 12 week (1 evening per week) duration of the course;
Working knowledge of the operation of a Windows/Mac computer system;
Familiarity with the use of electronic forms of communication (e.g. email, chat);
Open to developing verbal and written communication skills;
Open to developing teamwork skills; and
An eye for detail.
People on the autism spectrum who are interested in participating in the next ETA course can visit www.epicassist.org/au/epic-testability-academy/, email eta@epicassist.org or call EPIC Assist on (07) 3857 5085.
Amaze Online Training
Access training at anytime from anywhere with our flexible online autism training courses. You are able to purchase, complete and review your courses at any time with a certificate offered on completion.
Try the Myth Busters Course FREE and have a look at the learning centre. At the same time, you will discover some of the common myths surrounding autism.
Autism: Diagnosis and History
This is a 1-hour introductory course which will provide you with an understanding of
What autism spectrum disorder is
Understand the recent changes in the diagnostic criteria
Understand how sensory processing differences impact a person and they engage with the environment
Develop an understanding of the impact of the history autism on people on the spectrum and their families
Understand the diagnostic process for children, youths and adults
General Price $65 incl. GST per person
Amaze Member Price incl. $45 per person
Introduction to Positive Behaviour Support
This 1-hour course will introduce you to the concepts of:
The differences between behaviour and behaviours of concern
Understanding and applying positive behaviour support \
Describing behaviour
The functions of behaviour Recording and monitoring behaviour • Behaviour support plans • Your legislative and ethical requirements regarding restrictive interventions Regular price: $65 Amaze members price: $45 For more information about Amaze Online Training visit: http://www.amaze.org.au/discover/howwe-can-help-you/amaze-training/
Free Webinars - Learning Differences and Dyslexia in High Schools
The Learning Difference Convention is proud to offer a series of 9 FREE webinars over 9 days. Presentations by international experts working with the British Dyslexia Association towards international dyslexia awareness.
The box set and PDFs will be available for purchase after the last webinar on the 12 September.
Post NAPLAN reflection for teachers, parents and students
Dates: 4 September to 12 September 2017
To register go to: http://www.learningdifferenceconvention.com/webinars/
*** Each seminar will contribute 1 hour of NESA Registered PD addressing 1.5.2 , 4.1.2 and 6.2.2 from the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.
Strengthening Disability Advocacy Conference 2017
Getting into gear for the NDIS journey will feature a keynote address and facilitated panel discussions looking back on the journey so far, how well the principles of choice and control are being embedded in NDIS policy and processes and what road blocks to avoid on the road ahead. The conference will be held at NAB – Docklands on Thursday 14th and 15th September 2017. For more information and to register: http://www.daru.org.au/event/strengthening-disability-advocacy-conference-2017
Understanding the NDIS Price Guide Workshop
Date: 4 October 2017
Time: 9:30am-3:30pm
Location: Frankston Arts Centre, Rotary Room. 27-37 Davey St Frankston
This session will provide:
Up-to-date news from key agencies, including; NDS, NDIA and DHHS
An extended Panel Q and A session with key agency representatives
Guest presentation from the Disability Services Commissioner
An opportunity to network with your peers across the sector.
This session will address the purpose of the NDIS Price Guide, and how the document is best interpreted and applied. It will discuss the 'best fit approach' and the relationship between new NDIS terminology, the NDIS outcomes framework, participant goals and service type.
Resources and Tools
The Accessible Recruitment Guide: A Practical Resource for HR and Recruiters
The Accessible Recruitment Guide was created by Media Access Australia to provide practical ‘real world’ guidance on how best to address accessibility-related issues in recruitment and human resources management.
As a Guide to getting started and best practice, this accessible recruitment resource is designed to assist HR managers, recruitment specialists and hiring managers, along with diversity & equity teams, in regards to what can be done to help make the hiring process fully accessible on the web and in digital environments. What’s more, the benefits of accessibility also flow on to increased staff satisfaction as well as personnel retention.
Independent Living Centres Australia
What is Assistive Technology (AT) Any device, system or design that allows an individual to perform a task that they would otherwise be unable to do, or increase the ease and safety with which a task can be performed. Anything that assists individuals to carry-out daily activities. If you require advice or assistance in choosing relevant AT products for your needs, please call the national ILC Infoline 1300 885 886
Find out more about Assistive Technology (AT) Information about products and services to help people remain independent and improve their quality of life. http://ilcaustralia.org.au/Using_Assistive_Technology
NDIS Appeals service
AMIDA now offers free support to anyone who would like to challenge a decision made by the NDIS. This could include someone who has been denied access to the NDIS, or any NDIS participant who is unhappy with their plan.
If you’d like some postcards about the NDIS Appeals service, please send your postal address to Kathryn, the NDIS Appeals Support Advisor, at appeals@amida.org.au, and let her know how many you need.
If you have any questions about the service, or would like to organize a short NDIS Appeals training session for a disability group you are in, email Kathryn at appeals@amida.org.au or call: 03 9650-2722.
You can find more information about the service and resources to help you plan for the NDIS here: http://www.amida.org.au/membership/ndisappeals/
New Ticket to Work Video
CTS (community, transition support) have a great video that provides six different perspectives
about participating in Ticket to Work.
http://www.tickettowork.org.au/introduction-video-ticket-work/
What is a LAC?
Local Area Coordinators (LACs) are local organisations who have partnered with the NDIA to deliver the NDIS. For a majority of participants, LACs will work with you to develop your plan, implement and monitor, plus link you to community services. Find out more via:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/communities/local-area-coordination
Download this document
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