Study into violence in families with a disability

A preliminary study has found disturbing levels of violence are endured by the brothers and sisters of people with a disability.

It found the siblings were sometimes violently attacked by their disabled brother or sister.

The topic is rarely discussed openly by families for fear that they'll be separated.

The study's author, Kate Strohm is speaking to Nance Haxton.

http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2012/s3662209.htm

Deohaeko Support Network

Deohaeko Support Network is a group of families who came together nearly 20 years ago to think about and plan for good lives for our young adult sons and daughters who have a developmental disability.

http://www.deohaeko.com/Deohaeko_website/Home.html

Association for Children with a Disability

Association for Children with a Disability

We are an information, support and advocacy organisation for children with a disability and their families, in Victoria, Australia.

Our organisation is run by parents of children with a disability so we know what it means to have a child with a disability. We cover all types of disability and are a non-profit organisation.

http://acd.org.au/

NDIS Updates

I saw my parents' pain and tears

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/opinion/i-saw-my-parents-pain-and-tears-20120729-235wh.html

First forum - qualities in a disability worker or service provider

http://yoursay.ndis.gov.au/first-forum

London 2012 Paralympics

What do you think of these two links?

the official ad  - 'Meet the superhumans'
http://vimeo.com/46021828



Meet the Superhumans from STITCH on Vimeo.



 this woman has started a petition to allow wheelchair uses to sit with their families at the paralympics rather than being segregated.

http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/international-paralympic-committee-london2012-review-ticketing-policy-for-wheelchair-users#

Change.org|Free Online Petitions

Young Carer's Program - ACT

At Carers ACT we know that being a young carer can be difficult.  It is important to know that no carer, regardless of age, has to go it alone. We have people who can help.

http://www.carersact.org.au/how-can-we-help/programs/young-carers/

Siblings Australia Inc

rothers and sisters are very important. They keep us company, have fun with us and sometimes teach us things.

If you have come to this web page it means you must have a brother or sister with disability or an illness. There are all kinds of disability and illness. Some are more serious than others. Most times kids with disability can do lots of things that we can all do but others need much more help.

http://siblingsaustralia.org.au/main.php?pid=69

Litmus - young carer program

Litmus is a program that supports Young Carers aged between 11 and 18 years caring for a parent with mental ilness, the parent with mental illness and other family members.

http://www.cyclopsact.org/

Centenary gift to Canberra kids

Centenary gift to Canberra kids: The initial concept plan for the ‘‘boundless’’ National Children’s Playground features a forest glade, embankment slide, a play sculpture including climbing wall and cubby, water play, sensory garden and a maze. However the community will get to have its say on the elements through a consultation phase. ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher announced $50,000 seed funding this morning for the project, which has been driven by volunteer public servants with private sector support. It will be accessible for children of all ages and abilities. Read more
To have your say about the project, visit the website www.nationalcapital.gov.au/haveyoursay 

Devaluing People with Disabilities : Medical Procedures that Violate Civil Rights

http://www.ndrn.org/en/media/publications/483-devaluing-people-with-disabilities.html

Devaluing People with Disabilities: Medical Procedures that Violate Civil Rights is intended to provide a crucial but missing link in the discussion about how society can and should make medical decisions that uphold the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of people with disabilities.
by David Carlson, Cindy Smith, and Nachama Wilker

Tears of joy as Federal Government intervenes to allow British police officer Peter Threlfall into South Australia

THE Immigration Minister has ordered his department to allow British policeman Peter Threlfall and his family into Australia. Chris Bowen's intervention followed revelations in The Advertiser yesterday that the family had been denied visas because Mr Threlfall's 25-year-old step-daughter, Sarah, has autism. Mr Threlfall last night likened the backflip to winning the lottery.

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/tears-of-joy-as-federal-government-intervenes-to-allow-british-police-officer-peter-threlfall-into-south-australia/story-e6frea83-1226394892643

People with Down Syndrome Can Be Jerks, Too

My Aunt Sandra has Down Syndrome, and she can sometimes be kind of a jerk. That's a legitimate thing to say, I think. There is little that makes me more uncomfortable than when people sanctify those who are intellectually disabled. Sure, the majority of Sandra's friends with Down Syndrome have been genuinely sweet-tempered, loving individuals. More than once, though, I've had conversations where a well-meaning friend will sigh and say, "People with Down's — they're just — they have the best smiles, you know? They're always smiling!" This seems completely ridiculous even to write, and I can't believe I'm spelling it out. But people with Down Syndrome aren't puppies. They don't exist to fill your heart with gladness.

(language warning for this article)

http://jezebel.com/5918797/people-with-down-syndrome-can-be-jerks-too

I'm sure this is applicable to other disabilities as well!

Mobile Hairdresser - discounts for HCC holders

Missy's Magic Styles - Mobile Hairdresser
I have been in the hairdressing industry for 20 years. Have decided to go out on my own due to the demand of mobile hairdresses in ACT. I am also a mum and understand that some times after hours can be the best time. Happy also to travel out side of the A.C.T.

I Specialise in: -

* Weddings - Packages avaliable
* Cutting - 3 or more cuts booked at same time get a discount
* People with Disabilities or Special needs - Discounted prices (Card holders)
* Hair ups / Formals
* Special Events / Photo Shoots
* Colour Specialist

I give seniors big discounts, knowing how hard times can be.

By Appointment only. Melissa 0477 668 360

Disabled couple thrilled they’ll be able to keep their baby

WONDERFUL news for this couple!!!
but..... WHY did they have to prove they were fit to care for their baby? and why was it assumed they couldn't because of their disabilities????

http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1173602--disabled-couple-thrilled-they-ll-be-able-to-keep-their-baby

The proud parents of a 3-week-old baby boy learned Friday that they won’t lose their child to the Peel Children’s Aid Society after all.
“Yay!” Maricyl Palisoc, 34, yelled as she carried 9-pound William into her assisted living apartment unit in Mississauga with her fiancé, Charlie Wilton, 28. Both parents have cerebral palsy.
They had feared they would lose the baby, but a family conference meeting was held Friday with Peel CAS and the parents showed that they can address the safety and well-being of their child.
They have a personal care worker with them 24 hours a day and grandparents willing to help.
It’s been an emotional three weeks after their son was born by C-section at Mount Sinai Hospital.

Disability Housing Projects here in the ACT

Getting a life

http://gettingalife.com.au/index.php?section=1

Getting a Life is a family-governed group which is committed to building a strong community for Jackson, Daniel and Ben and for the other residents. We can call this an intentional community of attachment, an inclusive community, a neighbourly community or a friendly warm and inviting community where people care about, greet and help one another.

ACT Community Living Project

https://communitylivingproject.org.au/

The ACT Community Living Project Inc (CLP) is a not-for-profit community organisation seeking services for people with disability, particularly those with a moderate to severe intellectual disability, many of whom have physical and/or health challenges.

This group also includes people with Autism.

CLP represents over 350 families in Canberra and the surrounding region who are seeking quality life choices for a family member with an intellectual disability. CLP also represents families from interstate.

Over 94% of the group CLP represents still live at home, many with ageing parents. Families are deeply concerned about what will happen to their much loved family member when they are no longer able to be cared for in their family home.

Playgroups for children with disabilities / developmental delays

Playing Together ACT Playgroups are currently running three Playgroups for
families whose child/ren have a disability, chronic illness or developmental
delay in conjunction with the Child and Family Centres. This is made
possible through funding from the ACT and Federal Governments. Please
contact us for further information. 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

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

Positive Partnerships to continue!!!!

fabulous news!!!!  positive partnerships to continue!!! I highly recommend this FREE course to all parents of children on the autism spectrum.

A new consortium will train more than 450 teachers and 1,450 parents every year in how best to help students with autism, Minister Assisting for School Education Brendan O’Connor announced today.
The Gillard Government is continuing its commitment to give all children the best opportunity to learn and lead productive lives by commencing the second phase of its successful $40.5 million Positive Partnerships initiative.
“I’m pleased that the Gillard Government is continuing this program as part of our $220 million Helping Children with Autism package,” Mr O’Connor said.

http://ministers.deewr.gov.au/oconnor/more-teachers-parents-be-trained-autism-support

Hello

I’m the new(ish) Community Development Officer with Disability ACT, and in these few months with DACT I’ve had several enquiries about Citizen Advocacy - a program that seeks social justice and inclusion of people with disability. it used to operate in the ACT but ended a number of years ago, and some folk have requested the program be re-introduced. In order to restart a conversation about the theory of Citizen Advocacy (CA) we decided the best thing to do was invite CA coordinators from other areas to come and talk to us about the program, and how it can impact positively on the lives of people with a disability.

So, I would like to invite you to an information session here at the new Disability Information and Support Hub (DISH) on Wednesday 29February – see details below.

For those who aren’t familiar with CA, it can be summarised as follows:

Citizen Advocacy seeks to support people with a disability - who are isolated and have limited networks or community supports - by matching them with a volunteer who represents their interests. Some of these matches become friendships and may last for life. Volunteers are recruited, trained and supported by a coordinator who manages the work of the Citizen Advocacy agency.

A good website to visit for more information ishttp://www.citizenadvocacysa.com.au

Guest speakers include:

Bob Lee – CA coordinator at the sunshine coast for the last 15 years

Jenny Smith – board member of the Capricorn CA, and CA representative on the DANA board.

The evening will be facilitated by Graham Hambleton, the new Director for Disability ACT.

People with a disability, family members and organisations interested in Citizen Advocacy are very welcome to attend.

I’m sorry about the late notice, but I hope you can still make it. A light meal will be provided.

WHEN: 6pm – 8:30pm, Wednesday 29th February

WHERE: DISH (Disability Information and Support Hub), 60-62 Oatley Court, Belconnen

RSVP: required by Friday 24th February to Maureen on 6205 9365 or atMaureen.Howe@act.gov.au.

Please advise of any participation requirements.

Maureen Howe | Community Development Officer

Strategic Policy and Community Development| Disability ACT

Phone: 6205 9365 | Fax: 6207 1371

Email: maureen.howe@act.gov.au

FREE Assistive Technology Workshop - Hartley Lifecare

Hartley Lifecare is proud to launch the first of a series of workshops in
2012 on Assistive Technology. See attached flyer.
1st workshop topic: TALKING ABOUT TABLETS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
(iPad, Android and Windows tablets compared)
When: Wednesday March 7th, 2 - 4pm
Venue: NEW Hartley Lifecare Assistive Technology training facility (and
offices): 6 Hodgson Place, Pearce
Cost: Free
Who should attend?: People with disabilities, therapists, families, support
workers and anyone interested in the latest Assistive Technology for people
with disabilities.
RSVP: Essential - fill out attached form and fax to 6282-544 or email
HelenFalla@Hartley.org.au<mailto:HelenFalla@Hartley.org.au>
For more information: Contact Helen Falla or Eric Thauvette on 6282-4411