Free Christmas Day lunch at Lyons - All welcome - spread the word!

Woden Community Service will be hosting its third annual Community Christmas
Day Lunch on Tuesday 25 December 12-2pm at Lyons Early Childhood School ,
Cnr Launceston St and Tarraleah Cres Lyons.

It is a free event and transport is available on request.

To RSVP, to request transport and/or let us know any dietary requirements,
please call 6282 2644.

Please distribute to any one you know or working with who may like to spend
Christmas with people in their community. A flyer/invitation can be found
at:
http://www.wcs.org.au/wcs-latest-news-and-events/wcs-hosts-free-community-ch
ristmas-day-lunch

This is a wonderful community event that brings people together for a great
feed and company! Thanks for your support in making this a success.

APAC 2013

http://www.apac13.org.au/

Asia Pacific Autism Conference, 8-10 August 2013

Survey for people with autism about the conference:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/APAC13

Speakers:
http://www.apac13.org.au/speakers

Register your interest:
https://webserver.aomevents.com/ei/getdemo.ei?id=199&s=_5GW0XS1Y1

Call for Abstracts:
http://www.apac13.org.au/call-for-abstracts

U-Can Read

Does your child need help with reading?
Year 3 to Year 10*
Enrol Now

U-CAN READ:
Intake 1 2013
Parent seminars commence on October 30 2012
Students commence in February 2013

See Website:
www.ucanread.org
for more information.

Applications close 28 September 2012
Phone: 6201 2453 or email ucanread@canberra.edu.au

U-CAN READ is a parent education program conducted by the University of Canberra and the ACT Education and Training Directorate

*Students who are currently in Year Two may apply for Intake 1 2013

Carers ACT Walking Group

Carers ACT Walking Group

Time: 10am– 11am
Date: 5 Ocotber
Place: Carers ACT, 80 Beaurepaire Cresent Holt ACT 2615
(For current carers who reside in the ACT)
The Heart Foundation’s Bill Caddy will speak briefly then lead a 30 minute walk. On return to the Carers ACT Hub (Holt), Bill will sign up the new group over morning tea.
On Fridays 12 and 19 October, the group will be led by Carers ACT staff or an elected group leader.
FREE but bookings essential, to RSVP please call Eleanor on 6269 9908 or email rsvp@carersact.org.au

Reminder - Room To Move: Inclusive Community Dance Series Starts Sat July 28

***The Radiance Dance Project* in partnership with *the Belconnen Arts Centre*(BAC) presents****

*****Room To Move** Inclusive Community Dance*****

***About the Series*****

****Monthly inclusive (open to people living with and without disability) community dance and movement sessions with a focus on improvisational movement led by a variety of skilled and experienced facilitators. These sessions aim to create a positive learning environment rich with the creative possibilities each valued participant brings with them. Experience the freedom and joy of improvisation in a welcoming and supportive environment. ****

****Open to all adults including people living with disabilities. No previous dance/ movement experience required. All skill levels welcome. Come to as many or as few sessions as you wish.

*****About The Radiance Dance Project*****

****Room To Move is made possible by a donation from The Radiance Dance Project (RDP), administrated and delivered in partnership with the Belconnen Arts Centre. The founder of RDP, Morgan Jai-Morincome, is the inclusive movement practices mentor for the series.****

The Radiance Dance Project (RDP) (2005-2012) was a 40 week-long inclusive community arts project(using the mediums of dance & theatre) founded and facilitated by Morgan Jai-Morincome and co-facilitated by Min Mae.
RDP provided a creative and collaborative space for up to thirty adult women each year living with a diverse range of physical, cognitive and sensory abilities.****

The project previously received grants from Disability ACT, The Department of Education and Training & ArtsACT and were winners (2007) & finalists (2008) of the ACT Adult Learners Week Outstanding Program Award. Morgan has presented the work of the project at local, national and international conferences as well as being the subject of research and publication in the Journal of Adult Learning Australia (A/Prof Lisa Ehrich QUT, 2010) and The International Journal of the Arts in Society, Morgan Jai-Morincome & A/Prof Carolyn Broadbent, ACU, 2010).****

*Workshop Dates 2012

*****Saturdays 2.30-4.30pm (last Saturday of each month)****
July 28, August 25, September 29, October 27 and November 24****

*****Contribution*****

****$10/participant per workshop session (support workers/ carers free)****

*****Location*****

****Belconnen Arts Centre (Dance Studio)
118 Emu Bank, Belconnen, ACT ****

*****Session 1 **Saturday July 28th 2.30-4.30pm*****

*Dance Jam*****

Join dancer, artist and cultural facilitator Min Mae in an experimental dance workshop based on progressive, playful and collaborative inclusive movement practices inspired and informed by her years of work with neurally, physically and socially diverse participants in workshops and performance.****

*Bio*****

Min Mae is a dancer,award winning artist, community arts worker and performer with a background in community development. She has produced and collaborated on various dance and theatre projects in the ACT and NSW. She credits her seven years as co-facilitator of The Radiance Dance Project with her growth as an artist and a human being. Min currently facilitates inclusive dance at Canberra Dance Theatre.****

*****Information & Bookings*****

****Telephone: 02 6173 3300****

Email: info@belconnenartscentre.com.au****

http://www.belconnenartscentre.com.au****

DPLN seminar reminder AND change of date

Please note, the first session has been pushed back one week due to an unavoidable clash and afternoon sessions will now run from 1-3 pm, rather than 2-4 pm.

ACT Disability Professionals Learning Network (DPLN)

Seminar Series 2012

“Supporting people with intellectual disability to better manage their health”

The DPLN seminar series is designed to provide accessible training and education for direct support staff in the ACT Disability Sector. This year’s theme is “health and intellectual disability”, and aims to build upon the 2011 seminar series on Positive Behaviour Support.

Research indicates that people with intellectual disability have poorer health than the general community, and are at particular risk with regards to certain conditions. Research also indicates that disability support staff have an important role to play in helping individuals with intellectual disability to better manage their health. This series and these topics have been chosen in response to this research.

Each seminar is a stand-alone module, so you can attend the entire series or only those sessions of particular interest to you. Seminars will include a presentation, interactive exercises and an opportunity to ask questions of the presenter. Slides and handouts will be available to those people who cannot make a session but have an interest in the topic. Further details regarding each seminar will be forwarded closer to the day.

The seminars will be held on the first Thursday of each month (except for the first seminar!) at Nature Conservation House - on the corner of Emu Bank and Benjamin Way Belconnen. You can choose from one of two sessions – either 10 am to 12 noon OR 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. The seminars are free of charge.

To register your interest please e-mail david.addison@act.gov.au

Date	Topic
5 July Tues 10 July	Meeting the health needs of people with intellectual disability (Agnes Sarlay and David Addison – Disability ACT)
Thursday 2 August	Mental health (David Addison – Disability ACT)
Thursday 6 September	Diabetes (Terri Berenguer – Diabetes ACT)
Thursday 4 October	Epilepsy (Janelle Walker – ACT Health Directorate)
Thursday 1 November	Footsure (Sarah Marshall – ACT Health Directorate)
Thursday 6 December	Dementia and intellectual disability (To be advised)

On Course for Carers – Wellness Day

On Course for Carers – Wellness Day
Thursday 21 June 2012
Full day event including laughter yoga,
information session on healthy sleep, Tai
Chi class, “Mind Your Mind” session and a
relaxation to end the day.
Lunch will be provided - please advise of
any special dietary requirements
When: 9:30am - 2:30pm (Longer Session)
Where: Carers Hub, Carers ACT, 80
Beaurepaire Cres, Holt
Please RSVP by Friday 15 June

All events are free for family carers but bookings are essential.
To RSVP please call Eleanor on 6296 9908 or email rsvp@carersact.org.au

Young Carers Festofall

Festofall - Young Carers. Together.
24th June 2012

Festofall is a series of events held on the 24th June 2012 to bring
Australia's Young Carers together. Free and open to all young carers and
their support networks. The events will feature music, comedy and other
entertainment in all states and territories. There are two events for
Young Carers in the ACT:

Questacon, King Edward Terrace, Canberra, ACT 10:30am - 3:30pm (lunch is
provided 11:30 to 12:30) Recommended for ages 5-13 years of age, with a
parent in attendance.

Luna Park Sydney, 1 Olympic Drive, Milsons Point, NSW Buses will depart
Canberra at 11am to take Young Carers to Luna Park in Sydney, and will
return at 10:30pm.
Recommended for ages 14-25 years of age.

Registrations are open now. For registration or more information please
logon to www.festofall.com.au<http://www.festofall.com.au>

If you are a carer and would like support, information or advice please
call 1800 242 636.

If you need to arrange respite or find out more about the services
available please call the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on
1800 052 222.

Cybersecurity awareness session

How do you protect yourself online?

CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS WORKSHOP

Tuesday 29 May 10 am - 12 pm Belconnen Library Friday 1 June 10 am - 12
pm Kippax Library Tuesday 5 June 10 am - 12 pm Tuggeranong Library
Wednesday 20 June 10 am - 12 pm Gungahlin Library Wednesday 20 June 2 pm
- 4 pm Dickson Library Thursday 21 June 10 am - 12 pm Woden Library

The Australian Government is working towards helping Australians
understand that no matter where they are or what they are doing, they
need to protect themselves online - whether they are on their home
computer or laptop, iPad/tablet, smartphone, or even their gaming
console. They need to use safe and secure online practices.

This is a free interactive workshop on the simple steps Australians (and
older Australians) can take to protect themselves online, run by the
Australian Government in partnership with Libraries ACT.

Bookings are recommended

For more information contact:
Libraries ACT
www.library.act.gov.au
Phone 6205 9000

Hartley Lifecare Celebrates 50 years of Excellence in Service at Gala Dinner - 11th August - The Hellenic Club, Woden

Join with Hartley Lifecare as we celebrate 50 years of Excellence in
Service on the 11th August at the Hellenic Club, Woden.

A Gala Dinner will be held to celebrate achievements and thank the
Canberra community for their generous support over the many years.
Includes 3 course meal and drinks with entertainment provided by Smooth
Operators.

Date: Saturday 11th August 2012
Time: 7pm to midnight
Venue: Olympus/Apollo Room at The Hellenic Club, Woden
Tickets: $90 per person , $900 per table of 10.
For further information or to book tickets : Please contact Hartley
Lifecare on 02 62824411 or visit our website www.hartley.org.au

Dress Code: Cocktail/Lounge Suit
RSVP: 27th July

We look forward to celebrating with you at the Gala Dinner

Health and Wellbeing activities for children, young people and adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Health and Wellbeing activities for children, young people and adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING ACTIVITIES

Opportunities in Term 2 to be part of fun and healthy activities for yourself, or your family member with Asperger's.

o   For Pre-school age to early primary

o   Jitterbugs Gymfun - Disability friendly. A gymnastics programme. Coaching tumbling, music, drama & dance. Venue: Aquatots Swim Centre, Gold Creek Country Club, Curran Drive, Nicholls Time: various days -2-4 yrs mornings, 5-8 yrs afternoons. Contact: Julie MB:  0400403785 or Email: jitter.bug@bigpond.com Free week trial

•         For Primary & teens school aged children 

o    Skills and Fitness for Kids - (primary)  iMight assist co-ordination, balance and problem-solving. Venue: Sports Hall, CIT,  Bruce Campus

Time: 4.00-4.45pm Starts: Monday, 7th May (6 weeks) Cost: $5 per session

o   Akido  Non-confrontational martial art which might assist focus, agility, coordination and confidence. Venue: Deakin Scout Hall, LaTrobe Park, Cnr Gawler & Melbourne Sts. Time: Fridays, 3.45-4.30pm, Starts: 11th May Cost: $160 per term.

•         Adults and carers                                                                                                                           

o   Yoga - Assists to reduce anxiety and stress through the practice of Yoga. Venue: Bendigo Room, Autism Asperger ACT, Chifley Time: 6.00 - 7.00pm, Wednesdays Starts: 2 May - 30 May Cost: $7 per session

 o   Mentored gym - experience benefits in fitness and wellbeing through a structured program. Venue: YMCA, Chifley Health & Wellbeing Centre, McLauren St, Chifley  Time: 1.00 - 2.00pm Starts: Wednesday 2nd May Cost: $5 per session

o   Capoerira -Disability friendly.  An African-Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, music, gymnastics and dance. Venue: Belconnen Community Centre/ Sports Hall Time: 2.00-3.00pm Starts: Friday 1th May (5 weeks) Free week trial Contact: Disability Team : 02 62 640232

For further information and registration NOW: Email: janj@autismaspergeract.com.au

Or phone: 02 6176 0514 (Thursday/ Fridays )or MB: 0439 378 426

Inclusive Learning Technologies Conference 2012

From Jannette:

I mentioned this conference at a support group today and was surprised so few people knew about Spectronics - especially those with a need for communication devices - so I though I'd share. I attended this conference in 2010, and was amazed at the technology available to help our kids, and different approaches to teaching that were being discussed. I highly recommend it to anyone who can manage to get there - even if it means applying for funding.

https://www.facebook.com/ILT2012.Conference

 The ILT2012 Conference focuses on inclusive learning technologies to support struggling students and those with disabilities – in the classroom and beyond!

Sensory Detective workshop - Wollongong

might be close enough for canberrans to attend :)

Nelle's workshop demonstrates how a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder's (ASD) response to sensory stimuli influences their behaviour, emotional development and academic progress.

Workshop outcomes include being able to:

Identify sensory stimuli

Identify which senses are affected

Identify indications of sensory sensitivity

Recognise sensory agitation

Understand the connection between sensory issues + behaviour

Establish accommodations for the ASD child

http://www.stickytickets.com.au/7332/AutismAspergers_Sensory_Detective_Workshop_TM_-_Wollongong_NSW.aspx

So Safe Training for Disability Workers

For Disability Workers
Visual & Conceptual Tools to promote Social Safety
SoSAFE! is a set of visual and conceptual tools designed to promote social
safety to clients with an Intellectual Disability (moderate to severe range)
and Autism Spectrum Disorder. SoSAFE! tools promote social safety through
the provision of a simplified and rule-governed model of social reality that
teaches the type and degree of verbal and physical intimacy appropriate with
different categories of people.
SoSAFE! Training 2012:
* Thursday 19th April 2012
* Tuesday 10th July 2012
* Tuesday 2nd October 2012
For further information or to enrol in this course visit www.shpfact.org.au

Know Before You Go: train-the-trainer course

Do you want to build YOUR capacity to EMPOWER people to CHOOSE their own
path to SOCIAL participation?
Nican will be running an 8 week course to provide community workers,
stakeholders and champions with the skills to develop and facilitate small
groups to build confidence and empower people facing isolation and
disadvantage towards greater social and economic participation.
Know Before You Go train-the-trainer will be held at the DISH@Oatley (62
Oatley Court, Belconnen) for two hours each Tuesday morning for 8 weeks. The
course starts Tuesday 20 March and finishes Tuesday 8 May 2012. The course
is funded through an ACT Government Adult Community Education (ACE) grant
and is offered free of charge.
What will you get?
. Training on how to run a learning circle
. 8 weeks of learning in a small group with an emphasis on practical
techniques
. Hands on experience with the learning circle format and the tools
included in the Know Before You Go kit
. A range of learning circle materials contained in a high value
presentation folder plus a USB credit card kit
. Certificate of completion
To apply...
For an application form, contact Jim McGrath at Nican on 6241 1220 or at
projects@nican.com.au

PlayConnect Playgroups - FREE - for children with autism

PlayConnect Playgroups for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. At
PlayConnect Playgroups children, from birth to six years of age with Autism
Spectrum Disorder, delays in communication/ social development or play
and/or who may have rigid behaviours, have the opportunity to play in a
secure, supportive environment with their parents, carers and other family
members.
Parents and carers can meet other families in their area with children who
have similar characteristics and access information about how to link with
early intervention programs and support services.
This is a FREE program as part of the HCWA funding and no diagnosis of ASD
is required.
For more information or to find a PlayConnect Playgroup near you please call
ACT Playgroups on 1800 171 882 or email at playgroupsact@ixa.net.au or
website http://www.playgroupaustralia.com.au

Women With Disabilities ACT (WWDACT) FlashMob Saturday, March 3 Postponed

FlashMob postponed

Due to the forecast wet weather, the WWDACT Strong Women Strong Voices
FlashMob is now postponed. It was originally scheduled for Saturday,
March 3 and will now be scheduled for Saturday, March 17. Apologies for
any inconvenience.

I will be in touch with more details shortly. Contact Nicole O'Callaghan
at the Women's Centre for Health Matters on 6290 2166 for more
information.

ACTDown Syndrome Assn - KSW 2 March

We wish to advise that the Key Word Signing Workshop due to be held tomorrow
at Queanbeyan has been cancelled.
Due to the current weather our presenters are not able to make it into town
for the workshop.
Should this be offered again in the future an advice will certainly be
forwarded.
To any persons who were thinking of attending tomorrow we apologise for any
inconvenience.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Regards
Karen Realph
ACTDSA Treasurer
Ph: 62900656
Email: admindsa@actdsa.asn.au

Countering Harassment & Bullying Workshop coming up next week

Training Opportunity offered by the ACT Human Rights Commission
Countering Harassment & Bullying Workshop coming up next week on Thursday 8
March
Are you confident that you could deal with harassment and bullying if you
heard about it, saw it happening, or were experiencing it in the workplace?
Our workshop provides comprehensive and lively coverage of these critical
questions, and will:
* Increase your insight into how harassment and bullying can happen;
* Enable you to recognise behaviour that could be harassment and
bullying;
* Enhance your understanding of the impact of harassment and
bullying;
* Build your knowledge of how harassment and bullying is covered by
both the
Discrimination Act 1991, and ACT work safety law; and
* Provide strategies for dealing with, and preventing harassment and
bullying.
This workshop is interactive, and draws on real-life cases. It is open to
anyone interested in changing their workplace culture for the better,
whatever your role within your organisation.
Held from 9:30am - 1pm in civic, $200 or free for the community sector or
private individuals.
To register, go to http://www.hrc.act.gov.au/content.php/content.view/id/184
or ring Jennifer Bauer on 6205 2222 for more information.

Understanding Aspergers & ASD -workshop

 sorry, the email turned out to be nearly unreadable on the blog...

please read this PDF for all the info you need http://fabic.com.au//Meretici/admin/file/2012_Workshops/03%2004%2012_Canberra_UnderstandingASD.pdf