Report Launch: Improving Access to Services for Women from non-English Speaking Background with Disability Experiencing Violence Project Report’.
MDAA and the NSW Network of Women with Disability invite you to the launch of this project report which details the experiences and barriers faced by women from NESB with disability when accessing services after experiencing violence. The report suggests a range of strategies to enhance service provision. Please refer to the attached flyer for more information.
The launch is part of our International Women’s Day 2010 celebrations:
When: Wednesday 10 March 2010
Time: 10 am - 12 pm
Where: Riverside Theatres, Parramatta.
Bus: Parramatta Council’s free City Loop departs from Parramatta Station, Darcy Street Exit. Get off at Lennox Bridge (stop 8) for Riverside Theatres. See www.parramattaloop.com.au
Parking: Limited street parking is available. Casual parking available at The Sebel Hotel Paramatta ( 350 Church St ) located directly across from Riverside Theatres.
RSVP: by 5 March 2010 if you can attend.
Contact Adama Kamara on 9891 6400 or email adama.kamara@mdaa.org.au. if you have any questions.
Individual Advocacy Team Leader
MDAA welcomes our new Individual Advocacy Team Leader, Joan Gennery, who joined MDAA in December 2009. Joan will be working with the Individual Advocacy Team to continue to develop the professional services provided by the team across NSW.
Joan has worked in non-government and government roles at service provision, management, policy development and research levels. She hopes to use her skills and knowledge to make a positive contribution to MDAA and the communities we represent and looks forward to getting to know consumers, colleagues and communities over time.
Thank You
A few weeks ago we sent an email to our e-news subscribers seeking help for a suitable office space for our new South East Sydney Advocacy Service. We received heaps of emails and phone calls with good ideas and useful contacts. Some of you also helped by circulating our call for help to your networks. We are in the process of following up a number of possibilities and hopefully we can announce our new location in the next edition. We were really heartened by the level of response and would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you for your support.
State News
NSW Health: Culturally & Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Carer Framework: Strategies to meet the needs of carers
In mid December 2009 NSW Health published a guideline for NSW Health staff which supplements the NSW Carers Action Plan 2007-2012 (PD2007_018). The guideline, called 'Culturally & Linguistically Diverse (CALD ) Framework', is based on research MDAA conducted with carers from NESB and reported to NSW Health in early 2008. Here are some edited extracts:
The NSW Carers Action Plan 2007 – 2012 was released in March 2007 as a whole of NSW Government commitment to contributing to improving the lives of carers. The plan contains specific strategies to ensure all carers are recognised, respected and valued and included as partners in care, and that “hidden” carers, such as Aboriginal and CALD carers, are identified and supported. Crossing over numerous policy areas, the NSW Carers Action Plan also contains strategies to ensure that services for carers and the people they care for are improved and that carers are supported to combine caring and work.
Under Priority for Action 2 of the NSW Carers Action Plan, the NSW Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care (DADHC) and NSW Health hosted a roundtable discussion on 10 September 2007 about the needs of CALD carers, with experts from government and non-government organisations across NSW, to provide direction on identified areas of need.
MDAA organised focus groups with carers of people with disability, including mental illness, living in rural NSW and metropolitan Sydney, with carers from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including Afghan, Chinese, Fijian-Indian, Greek, Indian, Iranian, Italian, Philippine, Thai, Tongan, Turkish and Vietnamese.
The CALD Carer Framework contains the report produced by MDAA for NSW Health. The Framework brings together evidence from a literature review, the expert roundtable (above) and MDAA's consultations with CALD carers. It describes a whole range of strategies and evidence-based research to assist Government agencies to identify and support hidden carers.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the CALD Carers Framework is to provide additional guidance to the NSW Health Area Health Services, the Children’s Hospital Westmead and other NSW Government organisations in implementing the NSW Carers Action Plan 2007-2012.
Extensive consultation was carried out to ensure that the needs and capacities of all stakeholders involved in implementing the plan were represented, including NSW Health Area Health Services, NSW Department of Human Services; NSW Department of Commerce; NSW Department of Education and Training; NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet and a range of non-government stakeholder organisations.
KEY PRINCIPLES
CALD carers are one group of carers who, for various reasons, experience additional barriers and do not access services and support at a rate proportional to their numbers in the community. The CALD Carers Framework supports the five priority areas identified under the NSW Carers Action Plan 2007-2012:
1. Carers are recognised respected and valued: Strategies to increase the respect and recognition of carers to demonstrate their role is valued and to ensure they are not invisible or taken for granted.
2. Hidden carers are identified and supported: Strategies to identify and reach hidden carers so their needs can be assessed and they can be provided with timely information and linked to support.
3. Services for carers and the people they care for are improved: Strategies to improve services for carers and the people they care for that focus on affordability, accessibility, flexibility, cultural competence and quality.
4. Carers are partners in care: Strategies that improve the interaction between carers and public agencies and that focus on carers as partners in care.
5. Carers are supported to combine caring and work: Strategies that support carers to combine caring and work including mechanisms that promote family friendly practices in the workplace and the provision of flexible services to support working carers.
USE OF THE GUIDELINE
Within NSW Health the CALD Carers Framework can be used by the following areas.
Area Health Services and the Children’s Hospital Westmead
The Framework should be used by each Area Health Service to review their own Area Health Service Carer Action Plans and to consider implementing additional projects specifically directed towards supporting the specific carer needs of CALD groups. A range of possible initiatives are included in the Framework.
NSW Health Carer Support Services
The Carer Support Services can use the Framework as a resource for understanding the needs of CALD carers, as a resource detailing the kinds of projects which would be helpful to CALD carers in particular to justify expenditure on projects with a focus on CALD carers.
AHS Multicultural Health Services
The Framework should be used by Multicultural Health Services to provide policy support for the promotion of CALD carer initiatives and as a source for potential new initiatives and projects which have NSW Health support.
It is recommended that interventions by all implementing agencies and staff should specifically include
SUGGESTED ACTIONS
The Framework contains a wide range of suggested actions, based on the NSW Carers Action Plan 2007 – 2012, that can make a real difference to CALD carers. For each of the strategies identified in the Carers Action Plan, there are practical suggestions for implementing those strategies to improve outcomes for CALD carers. Agencies responsible are encouraged to include these suggested actions as part of their work to achieve the NSW Carers Action Plan.
You can download a copy of the CALD Carer Framework from http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/policies
Health of People with Intellectual Disability - Position Statement
MDAA is among more than 40 organisations and 50 individuals who have endorsed a position statement on the health of people with intellectual disability, prepared by the National and NSW Councils for Intellectual Disability and the Australian Association of Developmental Disability Medicine. The statement calls for all levels of government to work to improve the health of people with intellectual disability, as follows:
"We call for concerted action to redress the poor health status experienced by people with intellectual disabilities. We make this call to the Australian, and State and Territory, Governments.
There are over 300,000 people with intellectual disabilities in Australia . They have very high rates of health problems and these problems are often not diagnosed or appropriately treated. Life expectancy is reduced by up to 20 years.
There are many causes of this situation, ranging across communication barriers between patients and health professionals, complexity of diagnosis, lack of general and specialised skills in the health workforce, and health promotion campaigns and research not focusing on people with intellectual disabilities.
As well as the human and financial cost of poor health for people with intellectual disabilities and their families, there is considerable financial cost to the health, social security and disability service systems.
Governments need to take action to provide equity in health care for people with intellectual disabilities. All health care planning should include specific consideration of how it will meet the needs of people with intellectual disabilities.
There also needs to be a national network of health services specialising in the health care of people with intellectual disabilities. These services would be a consultancy and training resource to the mainstream health system so as to enhance its capacity to meet the needs of people with intellectual disabilities. The specialised services would facilitate collaboration between local health and disability services and undertake research.
We call on the Australian, and State and Territory, Governments to each and together work to redress the inequity in health care experienced by people with intellectual disabilities. In particular, we call on the Governments to establish a national network of intellectual disability health services."
A copy of the position statement, with a list of endorsements is attached to this newsletter.
NSW CID has met with the NSW Health Minister Carmel Tebbutt to discuss the Government funding three new specialised intellectual disability health teams in 2010, plus, if possible, specialised nurse positions in other Health regions. Some other organisations have met their local Labor MPs who have then pursued the matter with Ms Tebbutt.
NSW Health prepared a business case for these proposed services in collaboration with an advisory group of consumer and professional representatives. Ms Tebbutt said that the Government will consider the business case in developing the 2010 State budget.
It is important now to impress on the NSW Government how broad the community call is for specialised intellectual disability health services. What would help right now is:
- For Labor MPs to be saying to Ms Tebbutt that people in their electorate need intellectual disability health teams.
- For more organisations to endorse the position statement.
If you can help make either of these things happen, please contact Jim Simpson, NSW CID, on 02 93455504 or jcsimpson@optusnet.com.au
Forum: Building a Stronger Voice for Western Sydney
Western Sydney Community Forum (WSCF) invites you to attend this free one day forum.
When: 2 March 2010
Time: 9 am - 4.30 pm
Where: Nirmba Room, Blacktown Council, 5th Floor Civic Centre, Flushcombe Rd , Blacktown .
RSVP: Final date for registrations 19 February. To book your place early: www.wscf.org.au
Who should come?
Community service sector workers across Western Sydney and those who are interested in this issue…
Why should you come?
Advocacy skills are needed more than ever to make sure our communities and clients are able to participate fully in everyday life and decision-making. It is anticipated that this forum will be a catalyst to bring people together to identify ways on how we can be a stronger advocate for the community and to ensure the voice of Western Sydney is heard by governments, planners and decision-makers.
Three guest speakers have agreed to present:
Forum - Self Directed Planning, Funding and Support - Hosted by Family Advocacy & In Control
What does Self Directed Planning, Funding and Support mean for people with high and complex needs?
This ne day forum unpacks what is required by government, services, people with disability and families to turn rhetoric into practice. Speakers include Robert Manga of People with Disability Australia; Judith Ellis of Ellis McRae; Margaret Ward of Mamre Association Brisbane; Karen Fisher of the Social Policy Research Centre; Peter Shergold of the Centre for Social Impact, UNSW.
When: 22 March 2010
Time: 9.30am - 4.00 pm (Registration at 9.00am)
Where: Burwood RSL, 96 Shaftesbury Rd , Burwood
Cost: $30 for professionals $10 people with disability and families. (Inclusive of GST).
RSVP: by 12 March
In Control Australia is a group of individuals and organisations who aim to bring about systemic policy change in Australia to enable individuals with disability and their families to manage their support. The organisation is an affiliate of In Control UK and works to provide an avenue for information exchange, critical inquiry, dialogue, collaboration, leadership and influence.
For further details and to register online go to www.family– advocacy.com and click on the In-Control button on the home page.
Commonwealth News
UTS Research for the Australian Sports Commission: Sport and Active Recreation Disability Participation and Non-participation Study
Australians love sport and active recreation but research has shown that people with disabilities participate less than the rest of the community.
The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is conducting a research study for the Australian Sports Commission on the sport and active recreation of people with disabilities.
UTS would like to know whether or not you participate in sport and active recreation and the reasons for your participation. The findings will be used to review current approaches to sport and recreation and to improve access provisions.
The questionnaire can be completed at anytime, up to the end of March 2010. UTS would like to ensure 'all disability groups are represented' so please encourage people to complete the questionnaire and make use of the alternative formats available if needed.
To be part of this research study click on this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RVNQKWJ
Your participation in this study is highly valued whether you participate in sport or not. UTS are as interested in the reasons for non-participation and the constraints to participation that people with disabilities face.
Those fully completing the questionnaire have the opportunity to go into a guessing competition to win 1 of 5 $600 vouchers for Inclusive Sport & Recreation Equipment.
For further information on the equipment available, please visit www.teaching.com.au
ALTERNATIVE FORMATS or FURTHER INFORMATION
If you require an alternative format (large print, E-text, Easy English) or would like to complete this questionnaire by phone or want further information:
contact the project manager: Ryan Sherry on (02) 9514 5101 or by email ryan.sherry@uts.edu.au
ETHICS
All responses are anonymous and confidential. The project has been approved by the UTS Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref No. 2009-242P) and any ethical issues arising from the research can be discussed with the UTS Research Ethics Manager, Ms Susanna Gorman, on Ph: 02 9514-1279.
News from across the World: International
Malta
Sailing past disabilities
(Claudia Calleja 11.01.10) Every day for the past week, John Xuereb would wake up aboard a sailing boat and manoeuvre his wheelchair to the morning crew meeting where the daily tasks were assigned.
Whether it was watching out for other ships up on deck, assisting in the mess or helping with the cleaning, chores were rotated among the crew irrespective of the fact that some had disabilities.
"It was a great experience. When Inspire (the Eden and Razzett tal-Hbiberija foundation) asked me to join the crew aboard the Tenacious I accepted because I wanted to prove that disabled people can do whatever they put their mind to," Mr Xuereb said as he returned from his sailing adventure yesterday.
He was one of four Maltese crew members who joined the 40 - strong team on the sailing boat, Tenacious, for a week when it sailed from Malta to Sicily and back.
The 65-metre sailing boat is owned by the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST), a UK charity, whose mission is to promote the integration of people of all physical abilities through the challenge and adventure of sailing tall ships on the open sea.
Tenacious and her sister ship Lord Nelson are the only two square-rigged tall ships in the world that have been specifically designed and built to enable people with a whole range of different physical abilities to sail side by side as equal crew members.
"When I stepped onto the ship, all differences melted away," Josef Farrugia said adding that he too joined after being encouraged by Inspire that worked in collaboration with JST.
"No one asks you about your disability on the boat. You are just a crew member like any other," he said with a broad smile. He explained that the boat was fully equipped to ensure that disabled people, even if they were on wheelchairs, could make their way everywhere and feel safe.
That way, no distinction was made between people of different abilities. They all got to keep watch, help in the mess and even scrub the deck during what was misleadingly called "happy hour", he joked.
"The first time I was told to get ready for happy hour, I went to get showered and changed thinking it would be something fun. When I turned up I was told to start cleaning the windows," he giggled.
His expression beamed even further when he thought back to his favourite part of the voyage - when he got to climb a mast.
This was also a favourite for Claire Fullalove, from the UK , who also enjoyed making her way up the mast. "Being part of the Tenacious team was splendid, I'd say one of the best experiences ever... I also got to know many people from different countries," she said as she stressed that her disability melted away on board.
Mr Xuereb, one of her fellow crew mates, explained that he enjoyed the very fact of being out at sea.
"I particularly enjoyed one night when I was on night watch and the sky was something out of this world. I had never seen such a beautiful sky, free from the pollution that distorts the way we see it from land. I could understand how, in the past, people used the stars to navigate their way," he said. Mr Xuereb was accompanied by his father Alfred and by David Callaby who both enjoyed the adventure although they admitted they were glad to be home.
"It was great to be able to share this wonderful experience with my son," Mr Xuereb said.
Source: http://www.timesofmalta.com/
Uganda
At Elections Cater for People With Disabilities
(Crispy Kaheru, Kampala 29.12.09) I recently attended the launch of the human rights report by the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative (FHRI). The report specially focused on the abuse of the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Uganda .
Even though the Government has excelled in laying down disability friendly policy frameworks through the Persons with Disabilities Act 2006, the breadth and implementation of these policies remains defective.
The Act provides guidelines in terms of the rights of PWDs in relation to subjects like access to education, health and employment services.
Where the Act has provided specific guidelines, both the Government and private agencies have done a relatively commendable job to promote and protect the rights and needs of PWDs in respective fields.
However, the optimism of PWDs has continued to wither in certain key areas like participation in electoral matters and access to transport services, where the Disability Act does not shed light. In the wake of the 2011 elections, the key question remains, how effectively will PWDs participate in the electoral activities?
In order for the PWDs to effectively take part in electoral events, the Government has to consider availing sign language interpreters at each of the campaigning activities. Informational material has to be translated into diverse forms like braille, audio, tactile, or pictorial to ensure easy accessibility by all categories of people. Election related events such as candidates' rallies, polling activities or even voter registration exercises should be situated in places that can be easily accessed by PWDs
Prior to the 2006 general elections, members from the disability movement proposed the introduction of braille ballot papers for the blind voters.
However, the proposal seemed to have come at the last minute when the Electoral Commission (EC) had already finalised formalities of printing the ordinary ballot papers.
Therefore, as we embark on preparations for the 2011 election, the Government through the EC should endeavour to put in place special arrangements to accommodate PWDs in elections.
During the 2006 elections, at least 5% of the 10.5 million registered voters had a given form of disability - a significant fraction of these were visually impaired.
Out of these registered PWDs, a small percentage is thought to have participated in the polling exercises. Due to deficient conditions, other PWDs did not even get to the level of registering as voters.
Some countries have already taken special steps to elevate the position of the PWDs in this respect. Namibia was one of the first African countries to launch a crusade to guarantee the participation of PWDs in electoral matters in 2004.
It was recorded that out of Namibia 's 950,000 voters, who took part in the November 2004 general elections, 20,000 were blind and used braille ballots.
Therefore, in line with the current discourse on PWDs rights and electoral reforms in Uganda , there is an ardent need to focus on specific actions that will enhance full participation of PWDs in the electoral process.
Experiences from developed countries and some African countries can provide benchmarks for making disability friendly electoral systems.
One of the key tenets of democracy is participation. The wider the participating sample space, the more legitimate democratic processes are deemed to be. In a bid to ensure that PWDs enjoy their well-being, the Government has to ensure that they are part and parcel of all nation-building initiatives. Improving accessibility of PWDs to elections is inevitable if Uganda is to remain on a true democratic course.
The writer works with the Citizens' Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda
Source: http://allafrica.com/
India
Disabled Welfare of the state government has finally overcome its “disabilities”
( India 23.01.10) Nearly 15 years after it was formed, the Department of Disabled Welfare of the state government has finally overcome its “disabilities”, as it will have its own officers posted in the districts.
So far, the responsibility of district disabled welfare officer was discharged by officers from the social welfare department.
The first batch of 25 disabled welfare officers, who have been recruited by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC), will be posted in 25 districts. The department hopes that by the end of the year, all 71 districts will have their disabled welfare officers.
On Wednesday, the 25 officers attended a sensitisation workshop in Lucknow along with director disabled welfare and other senior officials. The workshop was jointly organised by the state department and Sense International ( India ), a Gujarat-based NGO working on multi-disabilities.
“The department was created in 1995 but the posts for the district-level welfare officers could not be created at that time. Later, we created the posts but due to lack of staff we were forced to work with borrowed staff and officers. Work suffered, as primarily we could only deal with disbursement of pensions and that too was not flawless,” said Shailesh Krishna, Principal Secretary to the chief minister and Principal Secretary (Disabled Welfare).
The state government then approached the UPPSC for direct entry of officers at the state level.
“Since the post and offices have been created, we will now start recruiting lower staff as well,” added Krishna .
The recruitment of officers has been hailed by organisations working for the disabled in the state. Amresh Chandra, the regional coordinator of Sense International which conducted the workshop, said that with its own officers, the department can now concentrate better on the welfare of disabled people in the state.
“The schemes were not being implemented properly and one could not even keep a tab on the existing works because of this. But with their own officials, the department will certainly have more hands to help the disabled,” said Chandra.
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/
