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Women with Disabilities Victoria eNewsletter
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In this issue...




 

Image of Keran HoweIntroduction from Executive Director Keran Howe



 
Hello and welcome to our second eNewsletter for April. You may have noticed we've had some changes to the frequency of our eNews recently. We aim to send out our eNews fortnightly on a Thursday, but as we are a small organisation and all of our staff (including our Communications Officer) are part time we sometimes run out of time and our eNews is occasionally sent out late. We appreciate your patience with this and welcome your feedback via our Communications Survey.

I'd like to issue a personal congratulations from myself and all at WDV to two members who have had recent successes.

Congratulations to Stella Young who was recently nominated for the Golden Gibbo Award for Best Independent Production at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival for her show "Tales from the Crip." 

Also congratulations to WDV Board Member Trudy Ryall who was recently appointed as the Access Coordinator for the Human Rights Arts and Film Festival. Trudy is also a graduate of our Enabling Women Program. 

Are you a WDV member who would like to share your success story with us? Email simone.flanagan@wdv.org.au and you could be featured in an upcoming segment of our eNews focusing on member's stories.

From all at WDV we wish you a happy and safe Easter break, we hope the holidays leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.

WDV Updates

The Voices Against Violence Research Project was a cross-sectoral partnership, between Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV), the Office of the Public Advocate (OPA) and the Domestic Violence Resource centre Victoria (DVRCV).

The project investigated the circumstances of women with disabilities who had experienced violence. 

There was a need for this research to be undertaken as no evidence based data existed about the nature and extent of violence against women with disabilities in Victoria, nor what an appropriate response should look like.

 The project involved:

  • Engaging with the disability, mental health, family violence, sexual assault, legal and other service sectors regarding their current practices
  • Carrying out a review of OPA files
  • Interviewing OPA staff and volunteers
  • Reviewing legislation here and overseas
  • Interviewing women with disabilities who had been victims of violence and were willing to share their stories.
  • Developing evidence-based recommendations for legal, policy and service sector reform.                     

The project was funded by Gandel Philanthropy and a research grant from the Legal Services Board Grants Program. We are grateful to these organisations for their generous support of the project.

This journey has taken us 2 years.

There are 7 individual papers in the suite, including an Easy English version and a Summary Report and Recommendations

 A launch is being held on May 15th for organisations to hear from the authors of the papers. Natasha Stott Despoja, Chairperson of the Foundation to Prevent Violence Against Women and their Children and Australia's Ambassador for Women and Girls will be launching the research papers.

Watch this space to find out how you can purchase hard copies of the suite or individual papers orto download from our website.

For media enquiries please email simone.flanagan@wdv.org.au

For more information about the launch contact the Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria on 9486 9866 or email dvrcv@dvrcv.org.au 

 
We were pleased to be invited to present at the 2014 South West Disability Network Conference. 70 people chose to attend our panel discussion which explored ways for the disability sector to prevent, recognise and respond to violence against women with disabilities.
 
A theme in the discussion was the value of working with specialist agencies to recognise, prevent and respond to violence. The panel itself demonstrated the strengths of working together with panellists coming from a range of services; Barwon CASA, Victoria Police, Zena Women’s Services and the Barwon Family Violence Regional Integration Committee.
 
Two panellists were women with disabilities, and the discussion highlighted the importance of including women with disabilities in all discussions about violence against women with disabilities – both at a service level and at a policy making level.

Panel members being introduced at the Great South West Disability Conference - Left to Right: Fofi Christou (WDV), Peter Miller (Victoria Police), Jess Boccia (Barwon CASA), Claire Yeatman (Zena Women’s Services), Jen Hargrave (WDV), Fiona Guthrie (WDV) and Russelle Beardon (Barwon Family Violence Regional Integration Coordinator).Panel members being introduced at the Great South West Disability Conference - Left to Right: Fofi Christou (WDV), Peter Miller (Victoria Police), Jess Boccia (Barwon CASA), Claire Yeatman (Zena Women’s Services), Jen Hargrave (WDV), Fiona Guthrie (WDV) and Russelle Beardon (Barwon Family Violence Regional Integration Coordinator).
 
The Australian Intercultural Society’s (AIS) is a not for profit organisation promoting multiculturalism and fostering intercultural and interfaith dialogue.  As they are looking to build stronger ties with organisations like ours we were invited to attend one of their regular lunch forums. 

Image of Sharon Granek attending Australian Inter-cultural Society Meeting
 
Sharon Granek was lucky enough to attend and hear about the current status of human rights in Australia from Professor Gillian Triggs, the President of the Australian Human Rights Commission – AHRC. What Professor Triggs talked about left Sharon  and many others in the room speechless.
 
·         There are 5,000 children in mandatory detention.
·         Over 33,000 people in Australia are currently claiming refugee status.
·         Many of these people have bridging visas but no work rights. We are condemning them to live in extreme poverty, constantly relying on handouts or worse still, having to turn to petty crime, just to survive.
 
While the U.N. has condemned Australia for its cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of asylum seekers, there is little the AHRC can do. The AHRC point of reference is to keep the Australian government accountable but this is based on international not domestic law. This results in the AHRC having very little ’real’ power.  
 
While Professor Triggs presented a very sobering overview of what is happening, it was a unique great opportunity for WDV to network with some of our CALD friends. 

Enabling Women Leadership Program

 
A leadership program for women with disabilities.

Image of graduates from 2013 Enabling Women Program

















Women with Disabilities Victoria (WDV) is offering a 4 day leadership program to women who wish to lead in their own communities.
The leadership program is offered in easy English for those who have difficulty reading or remembering written information.  



Topics covered include:
  • Getting to know you
  • The Social Model of Disability
  • Self-Identity                                   
  • Human Rights
  • Communication
  • Advocacy (speaking up for your rights)
  • Leadership                                           
The program provides opportunity for women from diverse backgrounds with disabilities to come together. Woman will share their mutual experience of disability and find solutions together to the problems of social disadvantage.  

Join the program and rise to your true leadership potential!
                                                          
Where: City of Greater Dandenong Council Offices,
              225 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong
 
When:   Friday 13, 20, 27 June and Friday 4 July 2014
Time:    10:00am -3:00pm
Your contribution: Just your time and your commitment.
To know more attend our information session Friday 9th May 11.30-12.30
City of Greater Dandenong, Council Office 225 Lonsdale St Dandenong
Enquiries:  Jane Oldfield | Ph. 9286 7807 | Email jane.oldfield@wdv.org.au
Partnerships and Leadership Development Officer, WDV

Final days: eNews Survey


Have you completed our enews survey yet? Don't miss your chance to have your say in how we communicate with you, and have the chance to win a great prize!

We're currently reviewing our communications strategy and would welcome your input.

We've created a short survey that should only take a few minutes to complete.

All respondents will go in the draw to win a 60 minute one on one digital media training session.

Please click here to take the survey!

Get involved, become a member!


“I'm on this path but I've been a bit lost. I felt like I was a solo singer but now I feel like I've got a choir.”  WDV member

What does it mean to become a member of WDV?

Members can contribute to Women with Disabilities Victoria in the following ways:
  • Become involved in one of our leadership programs designed to promote sharing leadership skills.
  • Sharing information with other women through our e-newsletter and email bulletins.
  • Representing women with disabilities on Boards, Committees and forums. These opportunities are circulated to members who have an interest in a particular field.
  • Contributing to government submissions, representations to government and organisations and presentation of conference papers.

There are two types of membership:

Full membership is available to women with disabilities in Victoria. Full membership is free.

Associate membership is open to individuals and/or organisations supportive of the aims of Women with Disabilities Victoria and enables exchange of knowledge, and participation with Women with Disabilities Victoria and its members. Associate membership is $20 for individuals and $50 for organisations (this includes GST).
 
For more information about membership, visit our website or email wdv@wdv.org.au

Violence

MEDIA RELEASE: Increased funding to prevent violence against women and children

Friday 11 April 2014

  • Coalition Government to provide an additional $3 million to fund the work of the Foundation to Prevent Violence Against Women and their Children

  • The commitment extends Victoria’s strong leadership role in the prevention of violence against women and children

  • Coalition Government is building a safer Victoria for women and children

Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge has announced funding of $3 million to further support the valuable work of the Foundation to Prevent Violence Against Women and their Children. 
The Foundation was established by the Federal and Victorian Governments in 2013, through an initial $6.5 million co-investment over two years, to raise awareness and enlist community support in the prevention of violence against women and their children. 

“We were delighted to take a leading role, in conjunction with the Commonwealth, in establishing and funding this coordinated national voice in our efforts to stop violence against women and children,” Ms Wooldridge said. 

“Victoria is a recognised leader in efforts to prevent violence against women across a range of settings, including schools, workplaces and in local government – working to effect community-wide cultural change. 

“The Coalition Government has long demonstrated its commitment to addressing the personal and financial costs of family violence and the Foundation is critical to furthering this work.” 

The Foundation is chaired by the Australian Ambassador for Women and Girls, Natasha Stott Despoja AM, and the funding announced will extend the Victorian Government’s core support through to 2017. 

Ms Wooldridge also launched a partnership between the Foundation and VicHealth. 

“Together the two organisations will continue to demonstrate leadership in the prevention of violence against women and their children, prioritising the development of a national Primary Prevention Framework,” Ms Wooldridge said. 

“The Victorian Coalition Government is committed to preventing violence before it occurs and ensuring women and children can live safely in their homes and communities.” 
 
 

Disability & Family Violence Crisis Response Initiative

 
The Disability Family Violence Crisis Initiative provides support in the form of brokerage funding to women with disabilities or women with children with disabilities who are fleeing violence.
 
In 2013 this Initiative was recurrently funded and these funds were utilised to employ a project officer and for individual brokerage funds.
 
For the current financial year it is anticipated that these brokerage funds will be under expended and the DFVRCI Working group have determined that the residual funds be made available to the Family Violence sector as modest grants.
The purpose of these Grants is to invest in the Family Violence sector to build sustainable sector capacity in the provision of support to people with disabilities experiencing family violence.
 
Type 1: Small Grants:
-to fund initiatives that build organisational capacity to support people with disabilities
-maximum $2,000
-possible examples,
- support the implementation of a Disability Action Plan,
- organisational training (Organisations to identify the particular need. Some examples: Understanding Autism, Communication difficulties, How to address behaviours of concern for clients with disabilities, what are the various types of disabilities).
- disability equipment purchases for refuges.
 
Type 2: Capital Grants*:
-to be accessed for improving physical access to refuge and crisis accommodation.
-up to $10,000
-possible examples,
- modification of refuge by:
- installation of ramp
- renovation to bathroom for wheelchair access
- installation of ceiling hoist.
 
Timelines:
All applications need to be submitted by 30 April 2014. Late applications will not be considered.
 
How to apply for the DFVCRI Grants:
All DFVCRI Grants request will need to be completed on the DFVCRI Grants application form and then submitted to the DFVCRI Panel for decision. Applications will require sufficient information for Panel to reach a decision. If there is insufficient information, contact can be made to the Disability & Family Violence Liaison Officer to assist in gathering enough information for the Panel to reach their decision.
 
Enquiries and application forms can be submitted to:
Disability & Family Violence Liaison Officer : - Leonie Cleary
p. 9843 6304| m. 0437 741 920| e. leonie.cleary@dhs.vic.gov.au
 

Health and Access to Health Services

Neuromuscular social support group for young adults


The GSNV in collaboration with Genetic Counsellors and Clinicians from the Royal Melbourne Hospital, are currently working on establishing an informal social and connect group for people in their 20s/30s with conditions affecting walking, balance, coordination and speech - a chance to meet up and chat with people with similar experiences.

The aim of this group is to connect people with neuromuscular conditions for informal peer support. We will also hold webinars facilitated by health professionals every few months on topics suggested by group members. Stay tuned for the first webinar in late July!

Topics can include issues such as: How or when do I tell others about my condition? Will my symptoms get worse? Living with uncertainty about the future. Coping with physical dependence on other people including parents.

This group is open to anyone with a condition affecting the muscles and nerves, such as ataxia, hereditary spastic paraplegia, spinal muscular atrophy, Charcot Marie Tooth syndrome, muscular dystrophy, mitochondrial conditions and other rare conditions of the nerves and muscles.

For more information please click here

 

Participate in Online Research! Win a Tablet!


Megan Jackson is a PhD student from the University of Canberra who doing some research into ways that schools could work better with adolescents living with critical or chronic illness. She is looking for young people with chronic illness, their parents, teachers and medical specialists to complete an online questionnaire (scroll to link at the bottom of the page to the section titled “Current Postgraduate Research Projects”).

All survey responses are confidential, though there is an option for providing your contact details if you would be willing to be interviewed later, and so that Megan can get the tablet computer to you if you win.

If you have any questions about the research, please feel free to contact Megan at: megan.jackson@canberra.edu.au or her PhD supervisor, Dr Chris Kilham, at: chris.kilham@canberra.edu.au.

 

NDIS

Disability Support Organisations - Capacity Building Strategy Grants

 
 
Eligible organisations across Australia can apply for $335,000 funding to operate as a facilitating Disability Support Organisation (DSO). Each DSO will maintain up to 20 Local Support Groups. This funding will establish 50 DSOs across Australia and up to 1000 Local Support Groups.

This grants program will build the capacity of organisations to provide and promote local mutual support activities for people with disability. This will lead to increased capacity of people with disability and their families to exercise choice and control, engage with the NDIS and other community supports as well as actively participate economically and socially.

The standard funding agreement that will be used for this grant program is available for download on the right side of this page.

Closing date: Wednesday 23 April 2014

Further information

The NDIA provides information about grants programs through email exchanges during grant application periods. To ensure all applicants are provided with the same information questions received via email will be made generic and placed, along with the answer, on the Disability Support Organisation Capacity Building – Questions and Answers page.

Further information concerning this grants program may be obtained by emailing your request to SectorDevelopmentFund@ndis.gov.au.

If you cannot use this email facility, please contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 (8am to 8pm Monday to Friday).

Human Rights 

Reminder: Nominations for Disability Reference Group now open!


The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission is calling for expressions of interest for people to join our Disability Reference Group (DRG) for 2014 – 2016.
The DRG is the key advisory mechanism for the Commission to identify priority human rights and discrimination issues relating to people with disabilities. The DRG provides:
  • advice and assistance on the development of policies and procedures for delivery of appropriate and effective services
  • guidance on the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act, and
  • a user perspective on the ongoing implementation of the Commission’s Strategic Plan.
For further information about the role of the DRG, how it works, who should be involved and how to apply please visit: humanrightscommission.vic.gov.au

The closing date for applications is 30 April 2014.

Disability Discrimination Legal Service Outreach Project

Until 30 June 2014
The Disability Discrimination Legal Service Inc (DDLS) is conducting an intensive outreach program to provide targeted community legal education, advice and casework services to people with disabilities, their associates, carers and advocates across Victoria on issues around disability discrimination. The project focuses on
  • People with disabilities in rural and regional communities,
  • People with mental illness, and
  • People with moderate-severe disabilities and communication impairments. 
Community legal education sessions and workshops will look at what the law is, how to identify possibly discrimination and how and where to access support/refer people with a disability in relation to a complaint of disability discrimination. Sessions and workshops can be tailored to suit particular issues and needs. The program will also take place in rural communities to provide face-to-face advice to individuals and organisations. 

For more information contact  

Mental Health Survey 


Seclusion and Restraint: The National Mental Health Commission and Melbourne Social Equity Institute are conducting an anonymous online survey on experiences of seclusion and restraint, which is open to anyone over 18.
  
People with a lived experience of mental health issues, their families and support people as well as practitioners and other service providers working in mental health or other areas are encouraged to participate.

REMINDER: New Funding Opportunity for Emerging Young Leaders


Closing soon: Applications close COB Wednesday April 30, 2014.

Grants are now open for emerging young leaders in the disability sector to attend the 7th session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in New York from 10 – 12 June 2014. This is a unique professional opportunity and young delegates will be provided with training and mentoring to build their capacity to participate at the UN. These grants will provide an important opportunity for the next generation of young disability rights advocates to represent the Australian disability sector at the UN.

About the program:

1. Begins with a training workshop in Sydney on 22 May 2014. The workshop topics include: 
* What is the COSP? What is the role of civil society at the COSP? 
* What will I do at the COSP? 
* What will I need to prepare for the COSP?

2. The delegates will fly to New York where they will network with some of the key players in the international disability movement, learn about strategic advocacy and its application to domestic advocacy and visit important UN organisations.

3. Go on to attend the civil society forum (date TBC) and the Conference of States Parties from 10 – 12 June 2014 at the UN.

4. When the delegates come back there will be a post-event debrief in late June to help incorporate learnings into disability advocacy at the national level.

The theme of the COSP will be advised as soon as it becomes available.

Who are they looking for?

Young emerging leaders in the disability sector. Preferably, the young applicant will be between 18 – 30 years of age. DPOs and DAOs are strongly encouraged to nominate young persons with a disability.

How much funding is provided?

The Commission will provide grants for the young delegates to attend the training workshop, the COSP and the post-event debrief. Applicants are required to submit a budget including a breakdown of costs such as food, accommodation and flights.

Successful delegates are encouraged to raise some funds from sponsorship.

Any questions?

If you have further questions about this program, please send an email to:disability@humanrights.gov.au 

Or via the Human Rights website: https://www.humanrights.gov.au/disability-international-participation-funding-program-faq 

Applications close COB Wednesday April 30, 2014.

Disability & Family Violence Crisis Response Initiative

 
The Disability Family Violence Crisis Initiative provides support in the form of brokerage funding to women with disabilities or women with children with disabilities who are fleeing violence.
 
In 2013 this Initiative was recurrently funded and these funds were utilised to employ a project officer and for individual brokerage funds.
 
For the current financial year it is anticipated that these brokerage funds will be under expended and the DFVRCI Working group have determined that the residual funds be made available to the Family Violence sector as modest grants.
The purpose of these Grants is to invest in the Family Violence sector to build sustainable sector capacity in the provision of support to people with disabilities experiencing family violence.
 
Type 1: Small Grants: 
-to fund initiatives that build organisational capacity to support people with disabilities
-maximum $2,000
-possible examples,
- support the implementation of a Disability Action Plan,
- organisational training (Organisations to identify the particular need. Some examples: Understanding Autism, Communication difficulties, How to address behaviours of concern for clients with disabilities, what are the various types of disabilities).
- disability equipment purchases for refuges.
 
Type 2: Capital Grants*: 
-to be accessed for improving physical access to refuge and crisis accommodation.
-up to $10,000
-possible examples,
- modification of refuge by:
- installation of ramp
- renovation to bathroom for wheelchair access
- installation of ceiling hoist.
 
Timelines:
All applications need to be submitted by 30 April 2014. Late applications will not be considered.
 
How to apply for the DFVCRI Grants:
All DFVCRI Grants request will need to be completed on the DFVCRI Grants application form and then submitted to the DFVCRI Panel for decision. Applications will require sufficient information for Panel to reach a decision. If there is insufficient information, contact can be made to the Disability & Family Violence Liaison Officer to assist in gathering enough information for the Panel to reach their decision.
 
Enquiries and application forms can be submitted to: 
Disability & Family Violence Liaison Officer : - Leonie Cleary
p. 9843 6304| m. 0437 741 920| e. leonie.cleary@dhs.vic.gov.au
 

Employment and Training 

Deaf Women’s Circus Training


Ever dreamed of running away to the circus? Come and join a 12-week introductory circus course designed specifically for deaf women.

Training Sessions: Tuesdays each week from Tuesday 29 April to Tuesday 1 July at 7:30pm - 9:30pm

Showings: Saturdays 28 June and Saturday 5 July (time TBC) 
Price: $120 in total for the course ($10 per class) 
Trainers: Jenny McLeod and Sal Frances 
Location: The Drill Hall - Home of the Women’s Circus 395 Barkly Street, West Footscray

The circus workshops are for deaf women and all the sessions will be Auslan interpreted. You don't have to have any experience in circus just a willingness to give it a go!

The New Women Program at the Women's Circus has been an introductory circus course provided to women of all ages since 1991.

Classes will be led by expert Women's Circus Trainers and supported by Auslan interpreters for the duration of the program.

The Deaf New Women Program is suitable for newcomers to circus as well as those with some experience in circus or the arts.

Over 12 weeks, participants will be introduced to the language of circus through a variety of circus arts, performance and ensemble training. Participants in the Deaf New Women Program will build an understanding of Acrobalance, Trapeze, Tissu, Tumbling, Handstands, Juggling and Manipulation in the Women's Circus purpose-built training facility in West Footscray.

This is a a great chance to develop fitness and body awareness in a fun and supportive environment while learning a few party tricks to share with friends and family at the end of the program!

The Women's Circus is committed to supported, inclusive practice and has been working with a wide range of community groups for over 20 years. Places are limited - sign up today!

To enrol click here for the on-line enrolment form.

Enrolments close Thursday 24 April

If you need more information or assistance with enrolling please email Harriet or Mija.

Women's Circus 
Harriet Devlin 
harriet@womenscircus.org.au
Deaf Arts Network 
Mija Gwyn 
mgwyn@artsaccess.com.au
To find out more about Women’s Circus visit www.womenscircus.org.au

Orientation for WIRE Phone worker training program

2 sessions in May
  • Are you at least 21 years old with good English communication skills?
  • Are you open to diversity and others’ values, and willing to be challenged & to learn?
  • Are you willing and able to commit to volunteering with WIRE for at least 12 months?
More than 12000 women of all ages and backgrounds contact  WIRE every year for support, information and referrals about many issues. WIRE’s large team of 60 Telephone Support Volunteers answer hundreds of calls from individual women on issues including family relationships and legal issues, domestic violence, housing and homelessness, emotional well-being and mental health.
WIRE is a registered training organisation (RTO 4197) and runs an accredited and nationally recognised 6-month Telephone Support Worker Training Program for women who want to volunteer with us as telephone support workers. Ther telephone support workers are trained to give women callers the space to explore their issues and form plans of action. This ensures that they continue to provide women with high quality support, information and referrals. Download Volunteer Training Flyer (June2014) for more information.

If you’ve answered YES to all the above, then call 1300 134 130 to register your interest in WIRE's Telephone Support Worker Training Program and have an information pack mailed out to you. All interested trainees must attend an orientation session as well as a group interview.

Our next orientation sessions are in May 2014 with the next Telephone Support Worker Training Program commencing in June 2014. WIRE also offers an indigenous scholarship for the program as well as professional placements.

Advocacy, Leadership and Representation

Reminder: Onwards and Upwards Crowd Funding Campaign


Image of Eva Sifis, photograph by Paul DunnEva Sifis currently has a crowd funding campaign to support the creative development of her one woman show and professional speaker portfolio.

Eva was recently the MC for Real Women, our International Women’s Day event.

Eva has journeyed through head injury, recovery and then cancer. She stands on the other side ready to share with others her story, strategies and tools for coping. She has lived an eventful life marked by extreme challenge. Eva offers her experiences as an artist/advocate/survivor to share the lessons she has learnt.
 
For more information about Eva’s crowd funding campaign, please visit her  Indie GoGo page.

Social Inclusion and Accessibility

Darebin Disability Action Plan Focus Groups 

Darebin Council wants to hear from people with disabilities, carers, advocates and service providers who live, work, visit, play or operate in the City of Darebin.

 
This is your opportunity to have your say in work they will do in 2014-2018 so that Darebin is a Council and a community where people with disabilities have good access, are included and can be active citizens.
 
You will be provided with a voucher for your contribution and time. You will also have a chance to win an iPad Mini.
 
When: Thursday, 24th April.
Time: 10:45- 1:00pm OR 5:45 – 8:00pm.
Where: Council Chambers, 350, High Street, Preston
RSVP:  Call Bec on 98470 8528 or email: Rebecca.Feldman@darebin.vic.gov.au by Wednesday, 23rd April.
 
Support: Attendant support/ Hearing Loop/AUSLAN/other language interpreting on request. Please call to discuss this or other support you need including travel. The consultation venue is near Preston Station (South Morang line).
 
If you can’t make it please email, call or fill out the survey at http://disabilityaccess.qmurl.com to have your say.

All-terrain wheelchairs now available to hire for FREE!

A variety of accessible wheelchairs are now available for hire across the Mornington Peninsula for use by people with a disability. The availability of these chairs will make it easier for people to explore the great outdoors.

 
People using wheelchairs will be able to enjoy many of the stunning trails and beaches on the peninsula.
Accessible devices such as: Hippocampe, Sandcruiser, and All-terrain beach wheelchairs are able to travel over sandy and semi-rough tracks, traditionally inaccessible to people in a wheelchair.
 
Chairs can be booked free of charge.
 
To book or for more information visit Mornington Peninsula Shire website or contact:
Disabled Surfers Association on 0409 945 064
Point Nepean National Park Information Centre on 5984 6014
Rosebud Anglicare on 5986 9900
Dromana Bay Lifesaving Club on 5981 4982
Mornington OzChild on 5975 7644
Mt Eliza Camp Manyung on 9788 1100
Somers Coolart on 5931 4000

Community meeting for women and girls with disability


Women’s Health West is writing a Client and Community Participation Strategy to plan for their future. They want to make it easier for women to get involved at Women’s Health West to learn, make friends, have their say and influence outcomes.
 
TELL THEM WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU!
 
When: Tuesday 29 April 2014
Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Where: CD Meeting Rooms 1 & 2 Community Services Building (Hyde Street entrance)
Maribyrnong City Council Corner of Hyde and Napier Streets, Footscray
 
What to expect: A group conversation and a light meal
To RSVP and for more information contact:
Liz Wright, MetroAccess Officer
Phone: 9688 0313        Email: liz.wright@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
or Kate Hauser, Women’s Health West
Phone: 9689 9588        Email: kate@whwest.org.au

Please advise of any dietary or access requirements when you RSVP.
 

Victorian State Disability Plan Survey


The Victorian Government wants to know whether the Victorian state disability plan 2013-16 is making a difference to the lives of people with a disability.

They have created an online survey to find out.

The survey is open to 16 May 2014, and everyone who completes the survey will be eligible to win two gold class movie tickets.

WDV is aware that this survey doesn’t currently cover all areas of the State Plan, particularly Outcome 5 Improved responses to violence and sexual assault and we are talking with government regarding measures to address how the plan improves access to violence response services for people with disabilities

If you have any questions about this survey contact the Office for Disability on 1300 880 043.

The survey will ask for your views on things like:
  • Whether public transport is accessible
  • How easy it is for you to pursue your personal goals, such as education or employment   goals
  • How easy it is for you to access services and supports.
The survey will take approximately ten to fifteen minutes to complete and will close on 16 May 2014.

To start the survey simply click on the link below, or copy and paste the entire URL into your browser:
http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/1487885/Victorian-state-disability-plan-2013-2016-survey

Everyone who completes the survey will be eligible to win two gold class movie tickets.
 

She Speaks YWCA’s annual survey of young women and girls aged 15-30.

 

YWCA Australia is a women-led organisation that achieves positive change by providing advocacy, programs and services for women, families and communities. They are part of the World YWCA, a global membership movement of women and young women who have been leading social and economic change in 125 countries, for over 150 years.


YWCAs undertake advocacy and deliver programs and services that develop the leadership and collective power of women and girls; support individuals, their families and communities at critical times; and promote gender equality and community strengthening.


YWCA Australia’s advocacy is grounded in the knowledge arising from their work in the local community, their practice of consultation with people in their programs and individual members, and a collaborative research ethic.


At the moment, many indicators suggest that young women in Australia don’t reach their full potential. YWCA want to better understand why this is the case and most importantly, what you think can be done to assist young women to achieve their aspirations.


They  really want to hear your thoughts. The input you have in this survey will contribute to developing YWCA’s current and future advocacy and service delivery agendas, and will also be a significant reference point for the women’s and youth sectors, policy makers and the media on the priorities, aspirations and needs of young women and girls in Australia.

Click here to take the survey 

 

Out and About - Accessible Events

 

Chezchez la Femme: Feminism and Disability

 
Cherchez la Femme is Melbourne's monthly feminist talkshow in the pub, covering current affairs and popular culture from a feminist perspective.
 
Held on the first Tuesday of every month at the Duke of Wellington Level One on the corner of Russell and Flinders Streets, Melbourne. Featuring new perspectives, guests and topics every month. Created and hosted by Karen Pickering.
 
Chezchez la Femme: Feminism and Disability
 
What it's like to identify as a woman with disability and a feminist?
Are there particular antagonisms between disability as a political category and feminism as a political project?
What is the social model of disability and what can feminists learn from it?

Just some of the areas feminists and disability theorists and activists share space in are: body autonomy, positive difference, reproductive rights, street harassment, sexual assault, sex positivity, sex work and media portrayals of women and disability. There's a lot to talk about!

And just as with feminism, we're seeing more and more public conversations about disability but they're not always positive or helpful. Let's have a look at them together - where they overlap, intersect and sometimes, flat out contradict one another, causing tension, misunderstandings, and sometimes, harm. Disability is certainly a subject that mainstream feminism needs to get a lot more literate around, so this will hopefully make a contribution.

Panellists include:

Dr Shakira Hussein - writer, researcher, academic, feminist

Jax Jacki Brown - perfomer, writer, educator, feminist

Jessica Knight - poet, arts writer, artist, feminist

When:Tuesday 6 May
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Where: The Duke Level One (upstairs via elevator) Cnr Russell & Flinders Sts Melbourne
Tickets: $15 online & $20 on the door*
Book online
 
Venue is wheelchair accessible.
 
For more information, visit the Cherchez la Femme Facebook event page

*Really want to come but low on cash? Enquire about the Girl Gang ticket club, where you might be assigned a ticket that's been donated by a generous CLF supporter. More info at www.cherchezlafemme.com.au under Tickets.

 HRAFF Accessibile Events

 
The 7th Human Rights Arts & Film Festival (HRAFF) has announced its 2014 program of films, art and forums. Presenting the best films and artwork from around the world, HRAFF will challenge, touch and inspire audiences from all walks of life.
 
HRAFF is a Melbourne based not-for-profit incorporated association committed to making human rights accessible, relevant and significant to all Australians through an annual film and arts festival and an on-going schools and community program. HRAFF selects its arts and film to engage and inform people on human rights issues. The festival’s innovative and entertaining program resonates with audiences, encouraging them to talk about their experience.
 
HRAFF 2014 will be held in Melbourne from 8 – 22 of May before heading around the country on tour.
 
HRAFF is committed to improving access for all festivalgoers, ensuring HRAFF is an inclusive event for all. Thanks to the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission and other community partners, HRAFF continues to improve accessibility of film, art and forum events.
 
All HRAFF art and film venues are accessible by wheelchair with accessible toilets available at ACMI and The Dax Centre. Wheelchair access is available at Bella Union however we advise contacting them beforehand to arrange entry (03) 9650 5699.

Accessible screening: Sons and Mothers

Still image from film Sons and Mothers, a man in a green t shirt holding an electric guitar
 
Film presented with open captioning and audio description
Date: Sat 17 May 3:30 PM
Location: ACMI Cinemas
 
Filmed with the Men’s Ensemble of the No Strings Attached Theatre of Disability in Adelaide, Sons and Mothers is a behind-the-scenes portrait of male performers as they create a theatrical love letter to their mothers. Avoiding a simple documentation of the creative process, this film is a powerful and intimate portrait of a group of men trying to express the importance of that instinctual, lifelong, maternal bond. Director Christopher Houghton uses a refreshingly simple style moulding liveliness, candour, and impromptu humour into a heart-warming tale that “will leave you rethinking what it means to be disabled, a parent and a son” (Quentin Kenihan, ABC Radio Adelaide).
 
Post-film Q&A with AUSLAN interpretation
A panel discussion about representations of disability through creative media with director Christopher Houghton and protagonists, Alirio Zavarce and Kym Mackenzie facilitated by Stella Young, writer, comedian, broadcaster, disability activist and editor of ABC’s Ramp Up website.
 
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILMS WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES
* all films are also wheelchair accessible
 
Ticketing
 
All tickets are available through www.hraff.org.au.
 
Tickets to all films and events held at ACMI can be purchased in person or on the phone. Visit the Tickets & Information Desk, accessible from the Main Square, Federation Square, or phone (03) 8663 2583 to book film screenings at ACMI.

Access information
 
HRAFF is committed to improving the accessibility of the festival for all festivalgoers. HRAFF's accessible services have been made possible thanks to the support of the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission. We make every effort to ensure our accessibility information is correct; please contact us if you find any errors so we can update our information.
 
For more information visit: http://hraff.org.au/access
 
Or email:
Kristina Arnott   access@hraff.org.au
Trudy Ryall        trudy.ryall@bigpond.com
The purpose of this e-News is to inform our members, staff and associates about opportunities to advance Women with Disabilities Victoria’s goals. Women with Disabilities Victoria works to address priority issues for women with disabilities in Victoria. These issues include violence; access to health services; reproductive rights and parenting, and; access to employment. We welcome and encourage your feedback and contributions to simone.flanagan@wdv.org.au.
 
Copyright © 2014 Women with Disabilities Victoria, All rights reserved.


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