Survey - Effective career development for young people with disability

The Careers Industry Council of Australia (CICA) has engaged Miles Morgan to develop guidelines for effective career development services for young people (15-24) with disability.

As part of their research, they are conducting a targeted survey of stakeholders operating in the disability services sector. The survey aims to identify common career challenges and barriers faced by young people with disability and to discover effective practices to support their career development.

The survey is located at the following link https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XBJ592Q

The feedback will be used to assist in developing guidelines that provide practical support for service providers. The survey will be closing on Friday the 6th of January, 2012.

If you would like more information about this survey, or the project in general, please contact RobAllen, Research Associate, Miles Morgan, by phone on (08) 9228 8089or email at robert@milesmorgan.com.au.

Holiday Season specials on refurbished computers

Available to community users** until the 22nd of December 2011 but only whilst stocks last!
Package 1: $209 Our quality refurbished computer includes Windows 7, Microsoft Office and a New 18.5” Monitor Keyboard & Mouse.
Call now and save $51 normally $260.

Package 2: $89 Computer box run out sale includes Windows XP. Add a refurbished monitor for the low price of $35.00 and we’ll also include a free keyboard and mouse!
Call for more information.

To compliment these great holiday specials, we can install a host of affordable upgrades and provide great deals on new products. We can also match a package to suit your specific needs.

Asiptech offer more than just quality refurbished computers. We also offer great prices on new computers, laptops, software printers and parts through a comprehensive network of wholesale companies. Keeping prices low by buying direct from the wholesaler to you.

So if you know what you're looking for, contact us for a quotation you'll be surprised by what you save.

**Community users include: Seniors, people receiving a pension, non-profit community groups and other community users, including all school students, Australian Apprentices, Austudy or Youth Allowance are eligible if unsure please call.

How a Professor Gave a Blind Student a New Outlook on Science

Professor Baldwin believed that students who are blind should not be excluded from physics courses because of inaccessible textbooks, so he created modules for many physics concepts in a format that blind students can read using accessibility tools such as an audio screen reader and an electronic line-by-line Braille display.
From ADCET News
View Article

New Website: Spinal Hub

SpinalHub is now live and ready for your use!

This website brings together useful resources about acute spinal cord injury, rehabilitation, community resources along with user generated content and social networking features to connect people and share ideas and experiences.

SpinalHub covers a wide range of subjects related to spinal cord injury including:

• What is a Spinal Cord Injury? (introduces you to your spinal cord and what it does. It will also help you to understand how your body functions differently now that your spinal cord is damaged);
• How to Keep Healthy (provides practical information to help you maximise your health and wellbeing. It will also help to problem solve what to do if you have issues or questions);
• Transport and Travel (provides information about public and private transport options, equipment and vehicle modifications, travel ideas and useful things to know when out and about)
• Work and Leisure (provides information on employment services, education and training, sports, exercise and leisure pursuits);
• Support, Equipment and Funding (provides information about funding or allowances, equipment and environmental modifications, and/or services that can help you do what you need to do and want to do);

The SpinalHub website can be found at http://www.spinalhub.com.au/

FREE Workshop for Women with Disabilities

Women With Disabilities South Australia [WWDSA] is presenting a workshop

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES

to coincide with White Ribbon Day - International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gendered Violence.

Date:      Friday 25 November

Time:      10am - 4pm

Venue:    Julia Farr Association: 104 Greenhill Rd, Unley

Facilitated by –

SUE SALTHOUSE - President, Women With Disabilities Australia

Presenters Include:

• MARGIE CHARLESWORTH - Convenor, & Project Coordinator for Women With Disabilities South Australia
• MEGAN HUGHES - Executive Officer, Southern Domestic Violence Service
• CHELSEA LEWIS - Communications Manager, YWCA Adelaide

Plus:  A workshop creative Section after lunch that will demonstrate how to turn a negative situation into a positive learning experience!

RSVP November 17
eigram1@optusnet.com.au

Sponsored by the Office for Women’s “Don’t Cross the Line” Ant-Violence Campaign

NEWS: Medical Heating and Cooling Concession

The Medical Heating and Cooling Concession is a new energy concession that will be introduced by the South Australian Government, commencing on 1 January 2012.

It will provide additional financial assistance to people on low or fixed incomes who require medical heating and cooling in their home to prevent or reduce the symptoms and impact of multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinsons disease or a number of other qualifying medical conditions.

The concession will assist people who incur high electricity costs because of their medical need to use air conditioners or heaters on a frequent and/or prolonged basis to prevent the worsening of their symptoms.

To receive the concession applicants will need to provide certification from their regular medical practitioner or a specialist confirming they require frequent and prolonged use of heating and/or cooling appliances in their home to maintain their health.

The concession amount will be $158 per year (ie the same amount as the current energy concession) and will increase to $165 on 1 July 2012.

Who is eligible?

Like the energy concession, the Medical Heating and Cooling Concession will be available to assist with energy bills for the principal place of residence of people who:

• Hold a pensioner concession card or DVA Gold Card (marked TPI, EDA or War Widow);
• Receive an eligible Centrelink allowance;
• Low Income Health Care Card holders;
• Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card holders.

Applicants will be assessed for eligibility based on their income type as confirmed by Centrelink.
Further details of the Medical Heating and Cooling Concession will be available in due course.

This information is from the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion website.

NEWS: Depression is not the only mental illness we should be talking about...

From the ABC Ramp Up website  http://www.abc.net.au/rampup/
"Thanks to swags of celebrities and politicians speaking out about their experiences with depression, the issue is high on the public agenda. Louise Pascale wonders why other mental illnesses that often carry far greater stigma aren't being discussed as openly..."

View article...

What are your thoughts?

WANTED: Leaders for Tomorrow

The Australian Government is encouraging people with disability to apply for a leadership program:  Leaders for Tomorrow

that will help people with disability become leaders in business, the community and government.

 “Leaders for Tomorrow is an innovative program that supports people with disability to develop their leadership skills, overcome barriers into work and education and reach their full potential... By linking participants with appropriate training, support and mentoring, Leaders for Tomorrow will develop participants' skills and confidence to become leaders in business, the community and government."

The Leaders for Tomorrow program is an individual leadership program which is committed to developing 200 people with disability to be more skilled, confident and active in leadership roles in business, community, government or their chosen area of interest.  Through mentoring and leadership development opportunities, Leaders for Tomorrow participants will become better equipped to contribute as leaders in Australia’s future.


Applications close Friday 25 November 2011

See the website for more information and application forms:
www.leadersfortomorrow.com.au 

Disability meets popular culture; the myth of triumph over adversity...

Disability is finding its way into our lounge rooms via one reality television contestant at a time, but are they really helping our cause? Leela Rottman doubts it.

View article...

What do you think about this article bloggers?

Are you ready for exams???

The SP5 exam timetable is now online, have a look at the exam website for more information.

If you require any accommodations or adjustments for your exams on the basis of your disability, you need a current access plan. If you don't have an access plan or you need to update your access plan, please do this before 7th October. After this date, we may not be able to assist you with accommodations for your exams in November.
Exam Resources:

• Online information about planning and studying for exam success can be accessed here.
• Exam anxiety is felt by many students, and you can find strategies to minimise its impact on your exams here.
• You may like to attend a workshop on 'Taking a Uni Exam'. This workshop will provide students with strategies to build confidence in taking university exams.

Contact a Disability Adviser for more information: http://www.unisa.edu.au/disabilityservices/contact/whoweare.asp

Want to be part of a research project about living with Asperger's Syndrome?

Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) is seeking to investigate, the life experiences, aspirations and support needs of adults (aged 18 and over) with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) and high functioning autism (HFA). We intend to use the findings of this research to raise awareness and present information to governments and service providers that will enable them to better understand and respond to the needs of this client group.



Data will be collected in three ways:
1) From adults with AS and HFA, via a questionnaire (available online or as a paper document).
2) From parents of adults with AS and HFA, via a questionnaire (available online or as a paper document).
3) From service providers across a range of sectors (e.g. health, higher education, employment), via telephone interviews.


If you would like to be involved, there are two ways:
1. Complete the questionnaire by following the link at the top of the Aspect home page: www.autismspectrum.org.au, OR
2. Contact Susanna Baldwin on sbaldwin@autismspectrum.org.au or (02) 8868 8510 for more information.

ATTENTION Final Year Students

Opportunities exist over the Summer 2011-2012 semester break for the
Stepping into... program

- Stepping into… is a minimum four week paid internship for university students with disability. - For students in the following disciplines: Law, Accounting, Human Resources, Policy, Finance,Marketing,Communications & IT.

- The program is designed to provide university students with practical skills and experience which will assist them to obtain long term employment within their chosen profession.


If you are studying in your final year in one of these areas, check out the website for more information and how to apply:
http://www.and.org.au/content/view/448/23/

iPhone apps

There are so many iPhone apps out there, but which ones are useful for students with a disability?? Spectronics Australia has put together some lists of apps, their features and their cost.
Here are some links to some apps you may find useful:

• Apps for literacy support
• Apps for low vision (eg magnifiers)
• Optical Character Recognition (reads from a photo, eg take a photo of a menu and the app will 'read' it to you).
• Apps for Organisation
• Apps which convert text to speech
• Apps which convert speech to text (eg like Dragon Naturally Speaking)
• An app to help manage diabetes, GlucoseBuddy

Have you tried any of these apps? Did you find them useful?
Do you know any other useful apps for students?
Please Share your apps on this blog!!

Thanks,
Disability Services Team

Students with mental illness often don’t ask for help...

From an article in the Campus Review:
"One of the big issues is making students aware that there is support on campus.
"Do you have a disability?" This is one of the first things a student is asked at enrolment. Tick yes and a world of help opens, from special consideration and exam aids to assistance with building access. But students with mental illnesses rarely think to tick that box, a conference in Melbourne heard last week... "


See the rest of the article here: http://www.campusreview.com.au/pages/section/article.php?s=News&idArticle=21808

UniSA has a range of services to support students with a mental health issue through the Counselling Service and Disability Services.  Check out some of the websites below for more information:

• The counselling services website has a lot of useful online resources.
• Disability Services lists the kinds of supports it can provide to eligible students here.
• The University of Melbourne has a great online resource for students: 'Towards Success in Tertiary Study Mental Health Conditions'.

Other Resources:

• Beyond Blue - http://www.beyondblue.org.au
• Black Dog Institute - http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/
• Headspace - http://www.headspace.org.au/is-it-just-me/getting-help?gclid=CLiLzOzM1aoCFYpMpgodqzNC7w
• Moodgym - http://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome  

Remember: If you are experiencing a mental health condition and it is impacting on your studies, you are welcome to have a confidential chat with a counsellor or disability adviser. Just book a time through the Learning and Teaching Unit on your campus.

  

Want to be a volunteer buddy???

The Brain Injury Network (BINSA) is setting up a program to connect buddies with people who have had a brain injury and who have limited social/community/professional networks.

The role of the buddies is to re-connect the person with their commnunity, help to increase their confidence in social interactions and help independence with day to day activities, hobbies and interests.
If you would like more information, or to express interest in being a buddy, please contact Lauren Moulds at BINSA: lauren@binsa.org. Or phone (08) 8217 7605.
www.binsa.org

Call for all visual artists

Seeking Artists for The Big Circle’s Mental Health Week Exhibition Trail (Oct 9-15)
Art Competition and Exhibition Trail for Emerging and Established Artists.


“The Big Circle” is there for artists who may be disadvantaged in some way or form, who might consider they have a disability or for anyone who may have experienced a mental health problem in their lives.
The Big Circle organises The Mental Health Week Exhibition Trail, which is open to visual artists from all walks of life.
Entries close August 19 2011.

For more about this exhibition visit http://www.mhcsa.net/?catID=105
or contact The Big Circle Arts Collective at: bigcircle@mhcsa.org.au,
1/408 King William St, Adelaide 5000
Phone:  8212 8873

Welcome to SP5

Welcome back to study!
Here are some tips and resources available as you get back into study...

• Whether you are a new or continuing student, you will be developing new skills and strategies as you adjust to uni life. See the adapting to uni life website for more information.
• Having trouble getting started? Take a look at this resource on motivation vs procrastination.
• To get off to a flying start check out the strategies for students with disabilities.
• Regularly check the student workshops.
• Not happy with your progress? This is a great time to make contact with one of our Disability Advisers to review your adjustments and Access Plan for SP5. Check out the Unsatisfactory academic progress webpage which has a number of useful online study resources available for all students, including time management and academic writing.

Disability Services wishes you every success this study period. Please contact us if you have any questions related to studying at university with a disability, mental health or medical condition.

Email: disability@unisa.edu.au
Web: http://www.unisa.edu.au/disabilityservices/contact/whoweare.asp

SASA Gallery Event - Margin to Centre: Visionary Art

CELEBRATING DIFFERENCE - PROVIDING ACCESS

This free event at the SASA Gallery celebrates artists and musicians with a wide range of profound physical and mental disabilities who have followed their dreams and achieved extraordinary things.
Rudely Interrupted United Nations NY promo: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZeFaZTt3nE

Wednesday 27 July @ the SASA GALLERY, UniSA - free entry

-5pm Gallery Floor Talk (Curators)
-6pm Exhibition Launch
-7.30pm Anthony Mannix and the Loop Orchestra
-8.00pm Rudely Interrupted


EXHIBITION OPEN
11am - 5pm Monday - Friday
5 July - 5 August 2011

Location:Kaurna Building, City West Campus, Uni SA

Cnr Fenn Place & Hindley Street, Adelaide

Want software that can help 'read' your readings and review assignments?

to help you get ready for SP5, we are running this workshop:
Read and Write GOLD Workshop
Friday 22nd July 2011
12-1pm
GK3-19, City West

Read and Write Gold is on all the University computer pools and has a lot of features to assist students with reading and writing...


• Find out how to have your readings and assignments ‘read’ to you
• Save readings as MP3 files and listen to them on the train home
• Use ‘word prediction’ to help you find the right word when writing
• Don’t know which witch is which?? Use the synonym checker.
• Have trouble spelling words? Do you spell words how they sound? Use an in-depth spell checker that gives definitions
• Try out the editing tools for writing assignments


For more information about the software:

 http://www.texthelp.com/page.asp?pg_id=1263

For more information about this workshop email disability@unisa.edu.au 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the D-Blog survey. We love to hear your feedback!

So, what were the results?
Most popular posts: study skills, events within and outside uni, disability rights info and articles of interest from the media.
People want more: motivational stories, resources for postgrad students, info about disability organisations and groups, depression & anxiety help.

Disability Services is thinking of starting up a group for UniSA students with disabilities ... stay tuned for more information...

Thank you once again for sharing your thoughts... we will endeavour to reflect your feedback in future posts.

PS - we have now added two tick boxes at the bottom of each online post, please tick 'more of this content' or 'less of this content'  to give us an idea of whether we are hitting the mark or not!!!

Australasian Network of Students With Disabilities June Newsletter

Australasian Network of Students With Disabilities (ANSWD) June 2011 newsletter is now available:
http://www.news.answd.org/2011.html

Exam info for students sitting exams in the Alternative Venue SP2

Information for students who have a Disability Access Plan and are scheduled to sit exams at the ‘Alternative Venue’ (as indicated on their Disability Access Plan):


Alternative Venue for Study Period 2, 2011: Arena Sports Bar, Royal Adelaide Showground
The Arena Sports Bar, which is adjacent to the Royal Banquet Room, at the Royal Adelaide Showground, has been booked for the exam fortnight and will be used for all exams for students who have negotiated to sit exams at the Alternative Venue as per their Access Plan. Toilets are located in the room and accessible toilet facilities close by.
** Don’t forget your Access Plan **
Students are required to bring a copy of their Access Plan to their exam. If you need a copy of your Access Plan please email disability@unisa.edu.au and a copy will be emailed to you within 2 working days.

Exam Timetable
The exams will be held from Saturday 18th June to Saturday 2nd July, 2011. Students should refer to the Examination Timetable for details of the date, time and location of their exam/s. The information can also be found on the course homepages and in myUniSA. Disability Advisers are not able to check the timetable for students. For some students who have exams that finish late, SAS Exams Office may make some time changes to the start of your exam. Students in this situation will be contacted directly by SAS via email.
Map for the Alternative Venue
Please refer to the Exams Location Information on the Examination website for a map of the Royal Adelaide Showground. On this page you will also find more information about the location, maps and parking.


Bags
Please note that students are not to bring their bags into the Alternative Exam Venue Room unless this is indicated on their Access Plan due to health reasons. Bags are to be taken to the Baggage Store Room.

Designated Accessible Parking for exams
Students who are eligible for designated Accessible Parking for exams will be sent a parking permit shortly.


Any Queries?
If you have any queries or concerns please email disability@unisa.edu.au as soon as possible or contact a Disability Adviser at your campus.
All the best for your exams,
Disability Service Team

Disabled People Don't Drive Sports Cars...

What's the first thing that goes through your mind when you see a shiny red sports car in a disabled parking bay? Be honest.
View Article on ABC RampUp website

What do you think about this Blog???

We appreciate all of our D-Blog followers and we would like to hear what you think about the D-Blog...

...this way we can include more of the things you are interested in and less of the things you don't like.

Could you please complete a short survey to tell us what you like or don't like about this Blog???
Click here to access the survey.

Thanks!!
Disability Services Team

University of South Australia

Mountain Climbing:

This is a great resource for those of you who have experience with a mental illness and are exploring your transition into employment.
The link below will bring you to a web page where you can download the booklet.

http://www.ndcotas.com.au/resource-spotlights/new-resource-to-assist-graduates-who-have-experienced-mental-illness

This resource has been developed by the National Disability Coordination Program (NDCO).

More Scholarships for Students with Disabilities...

Alison Watson Memorial Award provides educational assistance for young people with arthritis. Applications close around 1 October each year.

The Australian Disability & Indigenous Peoples' Education Fund (ADIPEF) has been established to assist people with disabilities from both indigenous and non-indigenous backgrounds. Small quarterly grants of up to $2,500 to assist people with disabilities to continue their learning will be awarded.


Deafness Forum Post-Secondary Educational Scholarship is a scholarships to facilitate the participation of people who are Deaf or people who have a hearing impairment in post secondary education. Applications close around 18 February each year.


Golden Stave Educational Fellowship is for people with spinal injury to be used for mobility, speech, computer equipment, fees, books etc. Applications close around February each year..

NRMA Insurance Scholarship is for people with spinal injury and to be used for tertiary education expenses for a year. Applications close around November each year.

The Sir Charles Bright Scholarships ($1000) are awarded annually to people with disability undertaking post secondary education, whether at University, TAFE or other recognised educational institutions. Applicants must be residents of South Australia. Applications close around 24 December each year.

The June Opie Fellowship is available to citizens and permanent residents of Australia, New Zealand and Canada who have a severe disability. Intended for those who plan to undertake postgraduate study with a view to entering the professions, particularly university teaching and research. Applications close around October each year.


The Redkite Scholarship supports and encourages young patients and survivors of cancer aged 16 – 21 years to reach their full potential and achieve their personal best in their chosen area. For example; academic study, dance, drama, art or sport. Scholarships to be awarded are 1 x $3,000 National Scholarship given in addition to one of the $2,000 State or Regional Scholarship recipients, 6 x $2,000 State & Regional Scholarships in NSW/ACT, Hunter Region, QLD, SA/NT, WA, VIC/TAS, 12 x $1,000 High Commendation Awards and 12 x $500 Encouragement Awards.For Non-SA Residents:The Justice Disability Scholarship Scheme has three scholarships for justice-related courses for students with disability residing in Vicoria. These two-year scholarships will assist the successful applicants to gain tertiary qualifications in a justice-related field and to enhance their employment opportunities either within the Victorian public service or any other area of interest to them.


Gregory and Dolores Farrell Scholarship is to assist undergraduate and postgraduate students in NSW who are wheelchair users with the costs entailed in tertiary education, including textbooks, equipment to assist study, scribes and tutors etc. Further information and application forms can be obtained by contacting Elizabeth Mead at SpineCare Foundation on (02) 9890 0135 or spinecare@northcott.com.au Applications close around 13 February each year.

Kenneth W. Tribe Scholarship The Deaf Society of NSW awards this scholarship to people who are deaf or hearing impaired, for study that will lead to improved employment outcomes. The scholarships are awarded twice yearly and can be up to $5000. Closing dates are the 30 June and the 31 December each year.


Further Education Bursary awarded by Vision Australia will financial assist tertiary students from NSW, ACT or Victoria who are blind or vision impaired for the purchase of adaptive technology. Applications close around October each year.

2011 Print Disability Scholarship Program and Seniors Grant

2011 Applications Now Open

The inability to read affects people from all walks of life. From young children in school to older people at home, having a print disability impacts on the daily lives of individuals in unique and fundamental ways.


Accessibility is critical for people with a print disability and to build awareness of the ways in which alternative information needs can be met, Quantum introduces the new Print Disability Scholarship Program and Seniors Grant.


This Program will feature a range of new prizes, including electronic magnifiers, text-to-speech devices and portable DAISY players. We invite applicants to tell us how having a print disability has impacted your life.

Applications close Friday 25th November 2011.Click here to read more about the Program and to download an application form>>

100 Leaders: Stories from People Living with a Disability

Research Project: '100 Leaders: Stories from people living with disability'

• The 100 Leaders project aims to collect a hundred stories from people living with disability who have achieved personalised support arrangements and active citizenhood.
• It is intended that these stories will be placed on the In Control Australia website so that other people living with disability can access them. Stories can be inspiring for others in similar situations to read.
• Participants are able to choose the form in which they tell their story. For example it may be videotaped, audiotaped, may be in written words or presented as a PowerPoint file. Alternatively participants can choose to tell the story in an interview.
• You may have other ideas about the way which will make it easy to participate and you are encouraged to discuss these ideas with one of the researchers.  

For more information:
Kerry Telford and Alicia Fidock, Research Officers
Julia Farr Group, PO box 701, Unley Business Centre SA 5061

Telephone: (08) 8373 8333

e-mail: kerryt@juliafarr.org.au, or aliciaf@juliafarr.org.au 

  

Australasian Network of Students with Disabilities (ANSWD)

Who is ANSWD?
ANSWD is a student organisation facilitating communication and information exchange between students with a disability or medical condition, studying at Universities, TAFEs or Colleges across Australia and New Zealand.
ANSWD also advocates, promotes and campaigns on disability related issues.

Why might students get involed?
By joining ANSWD, students can learn from many other students with disabilities, as well as build a sense of community, develop friendships and have stronger peer support while studying.

For More Information:

• Try the website: www.answd.org
• Follow on Twitter: www.twitter.com/answd
• Find ANSWD on Facebook: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=184215559061
• Or join the list-serv: To subscribe, send an email to majordomo@postoffice.utas.edu.au with 'subscribe answd-list' somewhere in the message (without quotes).

CLUB COOL is back on Sunday 15 May

12pm this Sunday
@ The GOVERNOR HINDMARSH with THE BEATLES THEMED EVENT!


Come and listen to the greatest tunes in history! Weekend Warriors Band will entertain you with the latest Beatles music!
DJ Frost and DJ Dubarama will be keeping the grooves flowing so come and listen to their tunes!
GOLD COIN ENTRY FOR ALL

Come to CLUB COOL this Sunday for a fun filled social and recreational event for people with a disability!
Contact claudia@dircsa.org.au for more information or 8236 0555


To view the CLub Cool program and Beatles themed event visit
http://www.dircsa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/MayFlyer.pdf

Low Cost Computers

$149 for a computer???!!!

So what do you get?

- All computers refurbished are reliable, tested and cleaned

- 6 months replacement warranty (returned to point of purchase)

- P4 2.8Ghz or better with 512mb Ram (+$30 to upgrade to 1Gb)

- Genuine Microsoft Licences including Microsoft XP Professional and Office 2007

- 17" colour LCD Monitor (+$90 to upgrade to a new 18")

- DVDROM and Floppy Drive

- Keyboard and Mouse (+$20 to upgrade to new keyboard)

- Gigabit Ethernet

- New upgrades are also available including Hard-Drives, Ram and other accessories at very low prices.

- Shipping available anywhere in Australia ask for a quote

The primary goal of the Community Microsoft Refurbisher Program is twofold

One: Increase the number of low-cost computers available in the community for students and those on low-incomes.
Two: To save a precious resource: the environment. The US EPA recently estimated that reusing five desktop computers has the same environmental impact as taking one car off the road for a year. (Techsoup International)


Office Located:
1393 Main South Road
Bedford Park SA 5042
email: info@aspitech.com.au
phone: 08 8464 0766 (messages any-time)

Positive Futures Expo 2011

IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY, LEARNING DIFFICULTY MEDICAL or MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION… …COME ALONG & JOIN IN


4 May 2011: 10am – 3.30pm
The Playford Civic Centre
10 Playford Boulevard, Elizabeth


The day will include:
*Information stalls on Education, Employment and Training Opportunities
*Entertainment
*Free BBQ Lunch and Morning Tea
*Information Sessions to assist people access further Education & Employment opportunities, and what you need to know about future prospects.


*Bring along your resume to show stall holders.
RSVP: Friday April 29th 2011
Jenny - (08) 8302 5444 or jenny.watts-sampson@unisa.edu.au

Club Cool this Sunday

CLUB COOL is back this Sunday 17 April
12pm @ The GOVERNOR HINDMARSH
with a HOLLYWOOD STAR THEMED EVENT!

• Lights, Camera, Action! 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes for the best dressed Hollywood Star!
• Listen to the Weekend Warriors Band entertain you with the latest music!
• DJ Frost and DJ Dubarama will be keeping the grooves flowing so come and listen to their tunes!

GOLD COIN ENTRY FOR ALL

For more information: claudia@dircsa.org.au or 8236 0555
(A social and recreational event for people with a disability)

 

Census Date - Last chance to change enrolment

Don't forget that the 31st March is the last day to change your enrolment (Census Date)...  If you are considering changing or withdrawing from a course, you need to do this before 31st March.
You may be interested in looking at the following resources:

Thinking about withdrawing?
Managing Stress
Time & workload management

Want to become more competitive in the challenging transition from study to career?

Here is your Opportunity!!!
UniSA Disability Services will fund 15 places in the Willing and Able Mentoring (WAM) Program in 2011.


WAM is a career mentoring program for tertiary students who have a disability.
WAM was started in response to many people with a disability being overlooked for career opportunities, despite being as talented as their peers.


The (WAM) Program matches tertiary students who have a disability with Mentors in leading organisations in the students' field of interest.


Applicants must be available for a training workshop, then six to eight mentor sessions at the mentor's workplace, and a debriefing and certificate presentation event at the end of the program.


Meetings with the Mentor are focussed on:
• Gathering information about the career environment you are heading towards
• Refining interview skills
• Experiencing the workplace culture (eg. staff meetings)
• Developing better skills in presenting a professional profile
• Disclosure and demistifying disability and related workplace issues (eg. workplace modifications)

How Do I apply??
To apply, simply write a statement in 100 words or less why it would be useful for you to join the WAM program. Email your statement or any queries to disability@unisa.edu.au  before Monday 11th April 2011.
If you are accepted, you will be asked to fill out a WAM application form.

More Information about WAM

Week Two

It's week two and uni can feel overwhelming when you are given so much information at once...


Do you know what is expected of you?
There are no stupid questions at university and it's better to ask now rather than wait until you have an assignment due and don't understand the work! Talk to your lecturer, tutor or someone at the LTU.

Are you attending classes?
Going to classes can be a great way of meeting other students. Consider starting a study group where 4 or 5 of you meet regularly to discuss your readings and lecture material.
If you are not attending classes, you may miss out on important information about your assignments, or opportunities to ask questions. 


Lifestyle balance:
A key to being a successful student is to have clear goals and a well-balanced lifestyle that provides the opportunity for you to achieve your goals. Try this online guide which provides you with some strategies and practical ideas to achieve this balance.



Thinking about withdrawing?
Consider your options, talk it over and make an informed decision... for more information, try this link.
Regards,
Disability Services team
disability@unisa.edu.au

Apply for Grants from now until March 25th

There are two grants you may be interested in. Both are open from now until March 25th 2011.

Cowan Ability Grant - $2000
Grants are available to assist students who have disabilities to manage the additional expenses associated with studying with disabilities. Many students with disabilities require additional equipment, have travel expenses and limited ability to earn additional income whilst studying.


The Cowan Ability Grants target recent school leavers who have completed high school within two years of commencing their current university program and who have successfully completed a year of study (equivalent to 36 units). This has been identified as a time when students are often struggling with the financial cost associated with continuing their study.



Equipment Grant - up to $1000
The Disability Equipment Grant scheme will assist UniSA students, with disabilities, to purchase equipment and/or software which will assist them with their studies.

Apply online through 'My Scholarships'
For more information contact disability@unisa.edu.au

Also available for Rural Students:
Rural Tertiary Hardship Fund opened on 22 February 2011 and closes on 22 March 2011. This fund aims to reduce barriers faced by rural and regional students in attending university; assist people under 25 years of age, who reside in a rural or regional area and would experience financial hardship in undertaking higher education without the assistance from the Fund.
For more information: http://www.deewr.gov.au/HigherEducation/Programs/Funding/RTHF/Pages/ApplyNow.aspx 

Expressions of Interest - Mental Health Consumer Reference Group

The Mental Health Unit (MHU) is looking for people with lived experienced of mental illness to be involved in providing feedback, advice and ideas about how mental health services can be improved by becoming members of the Mental Health Unit’s Consumer Reference Group (MHU CRG).


The MHU CRG’s role is to: provide the MHU and the Statewide Mental Health Executive with consumer knowledge, experience and expertise in order to inform and shape strategic service planning and policy development to ensure improvement in the quality of services, the service experience of consumers and ultimately consumers’ quality of life.
The group meets monthly and is chaired by the MHU’s Consumer Consultant.

If you think this could be you and are able to commit to a 3 hour monthly meeting, please contact Emma Willoughby for more information:
emma.willoughby@health.sa.gov or 8204 9787.

Expressions of Interest close Friday March 18th 2011

Welcome to Week One

It's Week One, and Disability Services would like to welcome back continuing students, as well as congratulate all new students.

• For new students, try out the checklist for 2011, for a succinct list of what you need to do before you start.
• Check out the Learning and Teaching Unit's website for links to information, services, events and more.

If you have any questions about Disability Services, you can visit our website, or email us on disability@unisa.edu.au. 

We wish you every success in your studies this year,
Disability Services