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International Day of People with a Disability
19 11 2009
More than 100 events will be held throughout NSW as part the month-long Don’t DIS my ABILITY campaign, with International Day of People with a Disability held on 3 December.
NSW Minister for Disability Services Paul Lynch said Don’t DIS my ABILITY was an important forum to celebrate the achievements of people with a disability. Sixteen ambassadors have been appointed for the campaign, including marathon swimmer Susie Maroney, Paralympian Kurt Fearnley and singer-songwriter Krystal Keller. The campaign also features a new website and the Made Your Look publication.
More information about the Don’t DIS my ABILITY ambassadors, events and activities is available at www.DontDISmyABILITY.com.au.
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Australia's Welfare 2009 released
17 11 2009
This biennial report published by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare provides comprehensive and authoritative national information on welfare services in Australia, including informal care and carers, children, youth and families, ageing and aged care, disability and disability services, housing and housing assistance and homelessness. See the media release, read the report.
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Have your say on Human Rights
12 11 2009
The Australian Human Rights Group is calling for interested people to write a letter to their local MP, as well as Ministers or Senators, strongly recommending they implement the Brennan Report recommendations. Click here for more information on the Brennan Report and to see a sample letter.
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Government response to the Who Cares…? Report
04 11 2009
Click here to read this report.
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Carers Australia's reaction on Government response to Who Cares...?
04 11 2009
Click here to read this response.
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New beyond blue resources for GLBTI community
04 11 2009
Beyond blue has released new resources and fact sheets on depression and anxiety in gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or intersex people.
The resources include fact sheets for GLBTI adults and young people and Feeling Queer and Blue: A review of the literature on depression and related issues among gat, lesbian, bisexual and other homosexually active people.
These resources are available in hard copy and can be ordered or downloaded from the ‘Get Information’ section of the beyond blue website. Feeling Queer and Blue is available through the ‘GLBTI’ page of the site. Go to www.beyondblue.org.au.
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Minister announces National Carer Recognition Framework in Carers Week
19 10 2009
Click here to read this media release.
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Contribute to the Senate Inquiry into Suicide in Australia
16 10 2009
The Australian Commonwealth Government has recently announced a Senate Inquiry into Suicide in Australia.
As Australia’s leading advocate for suicide and self-harm prevention, Suicide Prevention Australia (SPA) intends to make a comprehensive submission to the Senate Inquiry. As part of SPA’s submission, individual stories from those affected by suicide are being sought.
To find out more or contribute your personal stories, go to www.suicidepreventionaust.org.Personal stories can be submitted on the website until Wednesday 28 October 2009. Any questions about SPA’s Senate Inquiry submission, can be directed to Jo Riley, Senior Project Officer, on 02 9568 3111 or email senateinquiry@suicidepreventionaust.org.
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Cancer and Intimacy Study
09 10 2009
A new University of Western Sydney research project funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) will examine the changes in sexuality and intimacy post-cancer.
Professor Jane Ussher, from the UWS School of Psychology, says the diagnosis and treatment of cancer can often result in the complete cessation of sex and intimate physical contact.
People with cancer, or people who have had cancer, and their intimate partners are invited to take part in the study, which aims to develop new programs that will help people communicate their sexual desires and needs with their partners and allow them to re-negotiate their sexual lives.
The UWS research project will be conducted in association with Westmead Hospital, Nepean Hospital, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and the Cancer Council New South Wales. For more information, or to take part in the study, contact Caroline Joyce, Project Coordinator, toll free on 1800 19 20 02, or email cancerandsexuality@uws.edu.au.
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New beyondblue guide for carers of people with depression
beyondblue have launched a new resource for carers of people with depression, anxiety or a related disorder. The Guide for Carers is divided into two parts – ‘Caring for others’ and ‘Caring for yourself’, and provides practical strategies, advice and guidance for carers on a range of situations they may face in the caring role.
The book was compiled in response to the issues and difficulties carers identified through beyondblue consultations and research. It was written with substantial input by carers, and includes anecdotes and experiences from carers across the country.
The guide is now available to order or download free of charge at www.beyondblue.org.au or by calling 1300 224 636.
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‘What Carers Want?’ Carers NSW Survey 2008 Report
28 10 2009
Click here to read this report.
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Resource for parents of children with disabilities starting school
10 09 2009
The NSW Government and Lady Gowrie Child Centre have joined forces to assist
families who have a child with a disability starting school through a DVD – Starting School: Stories from parents of children with a disability – which identifies strategies to ease the transition to school.
The DVD features the stories of six families who tell of their experiences as they
prepared for their child to go to school for the first time.
The information kit, produced in Arabic, Cantonese, Dari, Dinka,
English, Korean, Mandarin and Vietnamese, is available on request through the Early
Childhood Intervention Infoline 1300 65 68 65.
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Lifeline launches new best practice resource
10 09 2009
Lifeline has launched a best practice Standards and Guidelines and Practice Handbook to assist people to facilitate safe and appropriate suicide bereavement support groups.
The handbook sets out how to structure and undertake suicide bereavement support group activity, allowing a safe setting to support people in a time of tragic loss.
Click here for more information.
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AIHW report on frequency of multiple disabilities
10 09 2009
In its latest report on disability in Australia, The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, examines the frequency of multiple disabilities and their impact on the care needs of Australians.
The report, Disability in Australia: multiple disabilities and need for assistance shows that in 2003, half of all Australians with disability, or about two million people, had a combination of two or more disabilities.
These disabilities can include intellectual, psychiatric, sensory/speech, disability from acquired brain injury (ABI) and physical disabilities.
More than half of people aged 15 to 44 with ABI (more than 85,000 people) or intellectual disability (over 95,000 people) had three or more disabilities.
Significantly, the report also shows a substantial proportion of care for people with multiple disabilities is provided by their family members and friends.
Dr Xingyan Wen of the Institute’s Functioning and Disability Unit said: ‘The more disabilities people had, the more likely they were to need help with 'core' daily activities such as self care, mobility and communication.’
Click here to read the report.
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Carers Australia acknowledges pharmacists in Ask Your Pharmacist Week
04 09 2009
One of the most common contacts that carers have with health professionals is with their community pharmacist, even more often than their local GP. Ask Your Pharmacist Week, this week, is a timely reminder that pharmacists and carers are partners in responsible care delivery. Read the media release.
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The National 2009 Carers Week website is now live!.
03 09 2009
This year’s theme is Anyone, Anytime. Order Carers Week posters or kits here so you or your organisation can promote Carers Week in your community. Closing date for orders is 21 September 2009. You can also find out about Carers Week events in NSW and across Australia, and you can include your own events here.
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Keeping dementia front of mind report
01 09 2009
A new Alzheimer’s Australia report indicates the prevalence of dementia will increase from 245,400 people in 2009 to around 1.13 million people by 2050. NSW specific data is included, and there is a focus on CALD and ATSI populations and the need for appropriate research and support for people with dementia, their families and their carers. Click here for more information, or read the report.
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NSW Companion Card reaches 2000 mark
28 08 2009
The Companion Card allows people with a profound or severe disability to take their carers on public transport and to events for free from participating organisations. Call the NSW Companion Card line on 1800 893 044 or go to website for more information. Click here to read the media release.
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New Dementia Resources
20 08 2009
The Department of Health and Ageing, under the Australian Government Dementia Initiative, have funded the development of a suite of training resources about “how the environment, technology and you” can help a person living with dementia.
Resources available include:
- 33 help sheets
- a DVD with facilitator’s guide
- a home safety checklist
- a poster book
- a promotional brochure and poster
- this website with virtual tour and on-line resources
These resources are available for people with dementia, carers, dementia care workers, health professionals and service providers including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living in rural and remote communities and younger people with dementia.
Copies of these free resources can be ordered by emailing dementia@health.gov.au.
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New centre for Community Participation Programs
13 08 2009
A new centre to deliver programs that help people with a disability has been opened at Jamisontown by the Australian Foundation for Disability (AFFORD).
The Centre will be used mainly to deliver the Community Participation Program and also provide support for other programs such as Post School Options, Life Choices and Active Ageing.
AFFORD provides skills development programs for people with disability to extend their capabilities to improve their day-to-day communication and community activity and, where suitable, prepares individuals for employment through training with computers, TAFE courses, or taking on work experience within AFFORD.
The addition of the new service will extend the organisation’s response to carers of people with disability in the Penrith and lower Blue Mountains Local Government Areas.
AFFORD is funded to run its programs through the Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care (DADHC).
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2009 Carers Week grants program
13 08 2009
Applications for the 2009 Carers Week grants program are now closed.
Applicants will be notified whether their application has been successful or not by 18 September 2009. Click here to see the Calendar of Events. For further Carers Week events, go to www.carersweek.com.au.
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NDS NSW launches new Disability Safe website
12 08 2009
NDS has launched a new website for its Disability Safe project, an initiative funded by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC). Developed specifically for the disability services sector, www.disabilitysafe.org.au provides valuable information on occupational health and safety, workers compensation and injury management, as well as training and development opportunities. The issue of protecting and maintaining the health, wellbeing and safety of workers and service users in the disability sector continues to be of critical importance.
Designed as an evolving and growing resource, NDS invites organisations to provide relevant content for the website to facilitate the sharing of best practice within the sector.
For further information regarding the Disability Safe project and website or to make suggestions for content, please contact Sue Smith, Disability Safe Project Manager on 02 9256 3121 or susan.smith@nds.org.au
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New report on barriers faced by people with disabilities and their families in Australia
11 08 2009
The National People with Disabilities and Carer Council have released a report examining the barriers faced by people with disability.
Shut Out: The Experience of People with Disabilities and their Families in Australia is the culmination of thousands of views expressed through submissions, forums and focus groups across Australia, and was commissioned by the Australian Government to inform the National Disability Strategy.
Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Bill Shorten said that more than 2,500 people attended the public consultations and over 750 submissions were received.
The Australian Government is providing more than $5 billion to the states and territories over the next five years through the National Disability Agreement to provide specialist disability services, including respite, supported accommodation and early intervention.
Click here to find out more information on the report or to obtain a copy.
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2010 NSW SENIORS WEEK GRANT PROGRAM OPENS
10 08 2009
The 2010 NSW Seniors Week Grants Program is now open. The grants enable local community organizations to create activities to celebrate NSW Seniors Week in 2010.
The Grants Program provides seed funding for local and community organisations – up to $500 for those who do not have funds to match; and up to $1,000 if the amount is matched in cash or in-kind contribution.
Applications close 5pm on Friday 18 September 2009, with all applicants will be informed of a decision in December 2009.
Seniors Week 2010 will be held 21-28 March 2010.
For more information go to www.nswseniorsweek.com.au or call the Seniors Information Service on 13 12 44.
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Continence Carer of the Year Award
05 08 2009
The 2009 Continence Carer of the Year Award, sponsored by Intouch, acknowledges the challenging and rewarding role of carers; particularly those caring for someone with high-level continence needs.
The winner will receive a prize of $1000 which will be presented at the National Conference on Incontinence in Adelaide, held from 4-7 November 2009. All costs for attending the conference for the award presentation are covered.
To nominate a carer visit the Continence Foundation of Australia website www.continence.org.au and fill out the online submission under ‘events’. Nominations close 31 August 2009.
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Centrelink’s ‘Talking’ website to make access to information easier
04 08 2009
Centrelink will be the first Australian Government agency to introduce a “talking website”.
The ReadSpeakerä technology will allow the Centrelink customers to listen to information on the agency’s website.
“The new text-to-speech technology will allow customers with low vision, lower levels of literacy or those for whom English is a second language, to access Centrelink information,” The Minister for Human Services, Chris Bowen said.
To see - and hear - the new feature in action visit www.centrelink.gov.au and select the ‘Listen’ feature.
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National Human Rights Consultation update
04 08 2009
Presentations that took place as part of the National Human Rights Consultation public hearings are now available for viewing.
Copies of some of the presentations delivered by key speakers at the public hearings held at Parliament House in July are now available to view online at www.humanrightsconsultation.gov.au/www/nhrcc/nhrcc.nsf/Page/Public_Hearings
The public hearings will contribute to the report to the Federal Government on the consultation, which is due to be submitted on 30 September 2009.
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New commitment to accountability for human rights of people with disabilities
30 07 2009
The Australian Government has announced that Australia will become a party to the Optional Protocol to the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (the Disability Convention).
If an effective remedy is not available at home for rights which countries have recognised under the Disability Convention, the Optional Protocol provides for disability rights issues to be taken to the International Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
All sides of politics and Federal, State and Territory Governments contributed to Australia joining up with the Disability Convention, and work has started on a National Disability Strategy to deliver on that commitment.
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Pensioner energy rebate for Carer Allowance (child under 16) recipients
From July 1 2009 the NSW Government pensioner energy rebate will be increased from $112 to $130 per annum, and be extended to include recipients of Carer Allowance (child under 16), Sickness Allowance and Special Benefits. This amount will be indexed annually for inflation.
Click here for details about the pensioner energy rebate.
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Carers of people with Parkinson’s Disease Survey
Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne is undertaking parallel research projects involving a population of Parkinson’s disease patients and caregivers.
The projects aim to explore the relationship between symptom severity, illness representations and coping strategies on quality of life and psychological distress for patients with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers respectively.
English-speaking Parkinson’s disease patients or caregivers over the age of 18 are invited to complete an online questionnaire, which will take approximately 30 minutes.
The questionnaires can be accessed directly via follwing links:
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Change to NSW Health’s Transport for Health Program
In response to the recommendations outlined in the Inquiry into Acute Care Services in NSW Public Hospitals, NSW Health has announced it will abolish the co-contribution for pensioners and health care card holders and their carers that were a feature of the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS). From July 1, the prior travel and accommodation co-contribution costs no longer apply.
For more information, please contact Fred Foster at the Primary Health and Community Partnerships Branch on 02 9391 9837.
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Aboriginal carer relaxation CD order form
Carers NSW launched this resource for Aboriginal carers at its 2009 Carers in Action in NSW Conference. The soundtrack features didgeridoo music and singing by Aboriginal artist/musician Kevin (Gabby) Duncan from the Central Coast, NSW. It’s free for Aboriginal carers living in NSW and there is a small charge for service providers. Click here to download Aboriginal carer relaxation CD order form (pdf file).
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