2 positions at Branch Out Cafe - Carers ACT

http://www.carersact.org.au/employment/current-vacancies

Café Coordinator
Temporary and part time at 15-20 hours per week
Help people with a disability and/or mental illness to build work ready skills
Free Parking

Branch Out Café is a Social Enterprise that is designed to build the skills and confidence of young adults with a disability and/or mental illness in a real world setting and prepare them for future employment in the hospitality industry. The Café is a funded program until June 30 2013 and the Café Coordinator plays an integral role of building business capacity for the program with the view to becoming a self funded program.

Café Trainer
Temporary part time at 20-30 hours per week
Help people with a disability and/or mental illness to build work ready skills
Free Parking

Branch Out Café is a Social Enterprise that is designed to build the skills and confidence of young adults with a disability and/or mental illness in a real world setting and prepare them for future employment in the hospitality industry. The Café is a funded program until June 30 2013 and the Café Trainer plays an integral role in training the trainees to achieve the competencies against the training program.

Cafe helps disabled school leavers into workforce

A new cafe has been launched in Canberra's north to help young adults with disabilities transition into the workforce.

 The Branch Out Cafe in Holt was set up by Carers ACT and provides hospitality training to school leavers.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-12-04/cafe-provides-skills-for-workforce-transition/4408200

So you just got an ASD diagnosis, what next?

I'm hoping to  make this a series of tips and information for parents of children with autism - however I'm sure a lot of the information would apply to children with other disabilities! Please feel free to post comments or share your tips, or ideas for further parts to the series. If your child has another disability and you're interested in writing a similar post or series please contact me!

___________________________

Part 1

the best starting point would be to look at AAACT's fantastic info book (that's Autism Asperger ACT) http://www.autismaspergeract.com.au/whatdowedonow

If your child is under 7 you should be entitled to the Helping Children With Autism package
http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/our-responsibilities/disability-and-carers/program-services/for-people-with-disability/helping-children-with-autism#2
the best way to find out more about this is to contact AAACT and speak with an Autism Advisor.

 If your child is over 7 unfortunately there is no funding available, however you can attend the free (and highly recommended) Positive Partnerships courses, or work through the modules online.
http://www.autismtraining.com.au/public/index.cfm

If you have a diagnosis of Autism or Asperger Syndrome you should be able to apply for and be eligible for Carer's Allowance (just over $100 per fortnight), if the diagnosis is PDD-NOS you will have to prove your need for it.  when you do this application you should be sent out a Health Care Card - if not contact Centrelink for further information.
http://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/carer-allowance

Various  types of therapy can be useful for your child, your family and yourself. A starting point can be to contact Therapy ACT (TACT) for a multi-disciplinary assessment and to access therapists including social workers, psychologists, speech therapists and occupational therapists.
I believe before you can access their services you will need to attend a series of workshops as an introduction to Autism. unfortunately the days and times for these are very limited and as a working parent I was unable to attend - however my mother was able to attend on my behalf.
http://www.dhcs.act.gov.au/therapyact/about_us/TAS

AAACT also run support groups of various kinds including for parents of young children and school age children, as well as a number of activities for kids and families.  If you become a member of AAACT (free) you will have access to their extensive and free library, member newsletters and updates and any workshops etc they run.
http://www.autismaspergeract.com.au/

Online support groups are common to and one of the best ACT region groups is CASPAR (Canberra Autism Spectrum Parents and Relatives)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/casparcanberra/

this newsletter by Anna Tullemans might help with who to tell, how to tell and what to do yourself
http://www.annatullemans.com/assets/documents/newsletters/meeting_the_needs_newsletter_no14.pdf

Carers abuse their charges

 TONY JONES, PRESENTER: Disabled rights advocates are calling for a public inquiry into widespread allegations of abuse of disabled people living in care.

Disability groups say physical and sexual abuse is rampant in the system and blame poor staff training and a culture of cover-up.

http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2012/s3589045.htm

Disability advocates allege epidemic of abuse in care

Disability rights advocates are calling for a royal commission into widespread allegations of abuse of disabled people living in care.
Disability groups say physical and sexual abuse is rampant in the system, and blame poor staff training and a culture of cover-up.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/14837998/disability-advocates-allege-epidemic-of-abuse-in-care/

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

Autism Links

Nothing wrong with humble pi

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/entertainment/books/nothing-wrong-with-humble-pi-20120811-240n2.html


Temple Grandin reveals her advice for educating autistic kids

http://www.takepart.com/article/2012/08/15/temple-grandin-reveals-advice-educating-autistic-kids


Amaze Autism Accreditation

http://www.amaze.org.au/discover/how-we-can-help-you/amaze-accreditation/


My son has Aspergers - a letter to Classmate's parents

http://www.autismspot.com/blog/My-Son-has-Asperger%E2%80%99s-Syndrome-%E2%80%93-Letter-Classmates%E2%80%99-Parents


How girls and boys differ when it comes to Autism

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/04/04/health/mental-health/autism-sex-differences/index.html

Know Before You Go

Know Before You Go is a new resource developed by Nican packed with information - presented in an easy to read, step-by-step way - which helps providers and people with disability alike to increase skills, confidence and discover their passions. 

The project includes tools for people with disabilities and providers.  For people with disabilities it includes support to: 

·         Become inspired

·         Build confidence

·         Stay fit & healthy

·         Make friends

·         Overcome fear

·         Overcome the inner critic

·         Develop assertiveness

·         Using mind mapping as a tool

·         Plan for the future or simply ask – what will I do today?   

For providers the kit provides support to:

·         Undertake a self-audit, with tips, tools, checklists and examples  

·         Develop an action plan including a shell action plan with project owners, timeframes, deliverables and commitments 

·         Develop a checklist for inclusive events covering issues ranging from accessible parking to inclusive communications
http://www.nican.com.au/node/15103

Special Needs on Vacation

Special Needs on Vacation

Vacations for Adults and Families living with Autism, Down Syndrome and other Related Disabilities Featuring Cruise and Land Resort Options

http://www.autismontheseas.com/

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

The Scarlet Road

http://www.scarletroad.com.au/trailer/

Scarlet Road follows the extraordinary work of Australian sex worker, Rachel Wotton. Impassioned about freedom of sexual expression and the rights of sex workers, she specializes in a long over-looked clientele – people with disability.

SA disabled get new funding model

Changes to disability funding will give more than 2000 South Australians more control of how they live their lives, the state government says.

Changes to funding methods have been introduced to allow people with a disability to access the services they prefer rather tham simply accept what is chosen for them by the government or a service provider.


http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8432614/sa-disabled-get-new-funding-model

Training - Certificate II - Community Services

Train4Life still have 5 places left in their latest Certificate II in
Community Services. This qualification is suitable for people aged 15-25
years who have left school, are looking for employment, and may be
interested in working with people in the community sector.
Training will involve a number of short 4 hour workshops spread over a 5
week period and include opportunities to gain industry work experience.
Explore the potential for your future in any of a variety of Community
Sectors including Disability, Aged Care, Children Services, Youth Work,
Mental Health Work, and more.
Cost is only $100 per person.
For more information, or to enrol contact Kris on 6258 0008 or email at
admin@train4life.com.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.

ContACT Newsletter

The Citizens Advice Bureau's new edition of our newsletter, Community
ContACT is now online at
http://www.citizensadvice.org.au/images//newsletterfeb12.pdf
This edition has all the latest news, events, opportunities and programs
that people in community and government sectors send to us.
Community ContACT will be available quarterly don't forget to send us
your news articles for future newsletters.
Enjoy reading Community ContACT.
If you would like a hard copy posted to you, or the PDF sent to you via
e-mail please let me know.
aimee@citizensadvice.org.au
www.citizensadvice.org.au

After School Care/Vacation Programs

More options for After School Care/Vacation Programs
For those who may not know, families now have more options for after school and holiday programs for children and young people with disability, including autism.

The new services are funded by the ACT Government following a study last year commissioned by Disability ACT to identify where there was unmet demand and what sort of options were needed.

Details for each of the new services are below and you can contact the program directly.

•Black Mountain School (run by Northcott Disability Service)
After school and vacation programs for teens with high and complex needs – operating now.

Contact: Taryn Bankier, Area Manager, Northcott Disability Services on Phone: (02) 6297 6899 or Email : taryn.bankier@northcott.com.au

•Belconnen Community Centre (run by Belconnen Community Service)
After school and vacation programs for teens. Operating now.

Contact: Sonya Roelofse on Phone: 6264 0252 or Email: sonya.roelofse@bcsact.com.au

•Cranleigh School (run by Belconnen Community Service)
Vacation program for children under 12 years – with and without disability. From April 2012.

Contact: Lee Pederick on Phone: (02) 6278 8106 or Email: lee.pederick@bcsact.com.au

•Malkara School (run by Communities@work)
Vacation program for children under 12 years – with and without disability. From April 2012.

Contact: Lee Maiden, Executive Director, Children’s Services on Phone: (02) 62936514

The DISH: New Information Hub - UPDATE

Since late last year, a small group of skilled and enthusiastic workers in Oatley Court have been quietly fine tuning a new way of delivering services and supports for people with disability.
The formal opening of the Disability Information and Support Hub (or The DISH@oatley as it is known), took place on 7 February 2012, by Minister for Community Services Joy Burch.

This unique partnership between Belconnen Community Services, House with No Steps, Woden Community Services and Disability ACT, promotes and supports leadership and innovation in service provision.

At the opening of The DISH, Minister Burch said that while the new venture was not about being a ‘one stop shop’, it was much more than a sharing of resources.

“This is about drawing together collective experience and expertise and a common philosophy to provide greater opportunities for people with disability to plan for, and to achieve good lives.”

The principles behind The DISH align with key strategies outlined in Future Directions, the ACT Government’s blueprint for responding to people with disability.

The team at The DISH can assist with:

• Information about services and supports that are available in the ACT
• Linking and referral to services and programs
• Finding opportunities for participation in the community
• Planning for the future
• Identifying and developing housing and tenancy options.

For further information, please contact The DISH@oatley on Phone: (02) 6205 9331 or Email: info@thedishoatley.com.au

SUPPORTING SOMEONE WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS - A COURSE FOR FAMILY CARERS

SUPPORTING SOMEONE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS - A COURSE FOR FAMILY CARERS
These 6 sessions are designed to provide information about mental health
conditions and available supports as well as an opportunity to better
understand and deal with the issues and challenges that arise when someone
you know is unwell. It is also a chance to meet other people in similar
situations and explore ways to strengthen your sense of wellbeing.
Topics covered:
* Understanding mental health and mental illness
* Communicating and connecting effectively
* Responding to difficult symptoms and behaviours, handling emergencies
* Services and supports
* Strength for the journey - managing your own stress and balancing
everyone's needs.

Facilitator: Jenny Thompson has a background in psychology and has worked
in the Canberra community for over 25 years. She has a special interest in
mental health, trauma and grief, and how families find resilience in the
face of adversity.

Dates: 6 sessions (Wednesdays) - 7, 14, 21, 28 March, 4, 11
April
Time: 6 - 8pm
Venue: CIT Southside campus, Woden
Cost: free
To Register: 6207 3628 or
CarerSkills@cit.edu.au<mailto:CarerSkills@cit.edu.au>
Note: CIT Skills for Carers provides training for family and unpaid carers
in the ACT. Paid support/care workers are not eligible for CIT Skills for
Carers courses. Call 6207 3628 or email
CarerSkills@cit.edu.au<mailto:CarerSkills@cit.edu.au<mailto:CarerSkills@cit.
edu.au%3cmailto:CarerSkills@cit.edu.au>> for more information.

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

Citizens Advocacy program - information session

A new program run from Disability ACT – An information session to be held about a Citizen Advocacy program 6pm on 29 Feb 2012. More information and a flyer to follow.

Similar programsin other states:

http://citizenadvocacy.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8&Itemid=12